Photo album with fold-out and non-fold-out photo album leaves

Abstract

The invention relates to a photo album (100) having photo album leaves that comprise a fold-out photo album leaf (110, 110') and non-fold-out photo album leaves (120, 120'). The fold-out photo album leaf has a first leaf section (111, 111') and a second leaf section (112, 112') with a fold line (113, 113') arranged therebetween. The second leaf section (112, 112') can be folded away from the first leaf section (111, 111') about the fold line (113, 113') in order to fold out the photo album leaf. The second leaf section (112, 112') can be folded onto the first leaf section (111, 111') about the fold line (113, 113') in order to fold in the photo album leaf. The fold-out photo album leaf (110, 110') comprises a sheet of paper printed with a photo and having a first thickness, and a laminating film on the sheet of paper. The non-fold-out photo album leaves (120, 120') are sheets of paper printed with photos and having a second thickness and no laminating film. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

Description

[0001] Photo book with fold-out photo book page

[0002] The invention relates to a photobook with photobook pages and to a method and a system for producing the photobook.

[0003] Personalized photo books are typically produced in very small quantities or even as single copies. However, modern production methods make it possible to produce a large number of personalized photo books simultaneously and largely automatically.

[0004] For displaying photos, it can be advantageous if individual photobook pages can be unfolded, allowing for the attractive and large-format presentation of, for example, skyline, landscape, or group photos. However, incorporating individual fold-out photobook pages into personalized photobooks is currently only possible using largely non-automated production methods and is therefore relatively complex.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a personalized photobook with a fold-out photobook page that can be produced with relatively little additional effort in a largely automated production process and to a high standard, even if predominantly photobooks without fold-out photobook pages are produced in parallel using the same production process. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and a system for producing photobooks with a fold-out photobook page.

[0006] The problem is solved by a photobook with photobook sheets, wherein the photobook sheets are printed with photos and comprise a foldable photobook sheet and non-foldable photobook sheets, wherein a) the foldable photobook sheet has a first sheet section and a second sheet section with a fold line arranged between them, wherein the first sheet section is arranged between the center of the book and the fold line and the second sheet section is arranged on the side of the fold line facing away from the center of the book, wherein the second sheet section can be folded away from the first sheet section around the fold line, i.e., is foldable, to unfold the photobook sheet, and wherein the second sheet section can be folded onto the first sheet section around the fold line, i.e., is foldable, to fold the photobook sheet closed, wherein the foldable photobook sheet is a sheet of paper printed with a photo, having a first thickness,and includes a laminating film on the paper sheet, b) the non-folding photobook sheets are paper sheets printed with photos that have a second thickness and do not have a laminating film, and c) the second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

[0007] The use of a laminating film on the paper of the foldable photobook page reduces the risk of crease damage, i.e., unwanted cracking of the ink or paper at the fold line, and thus enables a high-quality photobook with a foldable page. Furthermore, by using a paper of the first thickness for the foldable photobook page and paper of the second thickness for the non-foldable photobook pages, any potential difference between the overall thickness of the foldable photobook page and the thickness of the non-foldable photobook pages, which could otherwise be caused by the laminating film, is reduced or even eliminated, since the second thickness is greater than the first. The reduction or...Eliminating the thickness difference between the overall thickness of the fold-out photobook page and the thickness of the non-fold-out photobook pages also leads to a reduction or elimination of the thickness difference between the overall thickness of a book block containing a fold-out photobook page and the overall thickness of book blocks without fold-out photobook pages. Regardless of whether a book block includes a fold-out photobook page or not, the book blocks can have very similar or even identical overall thicknesses. This allows for the production of a customized photobook with a fold-out photobook page with no, or only very minor, changes to tool settings or adjustments to other components of the photobook, such as the binding of a book cover, compared to the production of photobooks without a fold-out photobook page.In particular, it is therefore possible to produce an individualized photo book with a fold-out photo book sheet with relatively little additional effort in a largely automated production process, even if photo books without fold-out photo book sheets are predominantly produced in parallel in the same production process.

[0008] The total thickness of the foldable photobook page is preferably equal to the thickness of the respective non-foldable photobook page. This makes it even easier to integrate the production of a personalized photobook with a foldable page into a largely automated production process for photobooks without foldable pages. Preferably, the thicknesses of two photobook pages are still considered "equal" even if they differ slightly, provided the thickness difference is equal to or less than 15%, and more preferably equal to or less than 10% of the smaller thickness.

[0009] A photo book comprises several photo book pages printed with photographs. These photographs can be any type of image and can be arranged in any order and configuration across the pages. However, in conventional photo books without fold-out pages, the maximum dimensions of a single photograph or group of photographs are limited to approximately twice the dimensions of the book block. To achieve these maximum dimensions, the photograph or group of photographs must be spread across two pages of two photo book pages, one on top of the other when the book is closed. A fold-out photo book page offers the advantage that the page available for displaying photographs when unfolded can be larger than the page available for displaying photographs on a non-fold-out photo book page.Therefore, a photo book with a fold-out page is particularly suitable for displaying photos of skylines, landscapes, or group photos. The pages of the photo book can also be printed or designed with additional content, such as text, page numbers, markings, drawings, non-photographic images, and so on.

[0010] The non-folding photobook pages are sheets of paper printed with photographs. These paper sheets can be made of various types, such as coated paper, particularly suitable for digital printing. They can be matte or glossy coated paper. Preferably, the paper sheets have high opacity and a high degree of whiteness without any color cast. The photographs can be printed onto the paper sheets using various printing methods, such as electrophotography, toner printing, or inkjet printing. Different types of printer ink can be used. Cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks are preferred for printing the paper sheets. However, other colors can also be used, either additionally or as an alternative.Preferably, the non-folding pages of a photobook are produced using the same type of paper and the same printing process. However, it is also possible that some or even individual non-folding pages are produced using a different type of paper and / or a different printing process than the other non-folding pages.

[0011] The fold-out photobook page comprises a sheet of paper printed with a photograph and a laminating film on the paper. The paper can be made of various types of paper, such as coated paper, particularly coated paper suitable for digital printing. The paper can be matte or glossy coated paper. Preferably, the paper has high opacity and a high degree of whiteness without any color cast. Preferably, a first type of paper is used for the fold-out photobook page, and a second type of paper is used for the non-fold-out photobook pages, wherein the first and second types of paper differ in thickness, and wherein the other properties of the two types of paper are similar or identical.For example, the first type of paper and the second type of paper can have a similar or identical material composition, density, surface texture, and / or color. One advantage of using two types of paper that differ in thickness and have other similar or identical properties is that the foldable and non-foldable photobook pages will be visually and tactilely similar, resulting in a more homogeneous overall impression of the photobook. The photograph can be printed onto the paper of the foldable photobook page using various printing methods, such as electrophotography, toner printing, or inkjet printing. Different types of printer ink can be used in these processes.Preferably, printing inks in the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black are used for printing the paper sheet. However, printing inks in other colors can also be used additionally or alternatively. Preferably, the paper sheet of the foldable photobook page is printed with the same type of printing process and / or the same type of printing ink as the paper sheets of the non-foldable photobook pages. Using the same type of printing process and / or printing ink for printing the foldable and non-foldable photobook pages has the advantage that the foldable and non-foldable photobook pages are visually similar or identical, thus creating an even more homogeneous overall impression of the photobook. However, different types of printing processes can also be used for the non-foldable photobook pages and the foldable photobook page.In general, the printed paper sheet of the foldable photo book sheet can also be printed with an arrangement of several photos or other content.

[0012] Laminating film is a transparent film that can be applied, especially glued, to the front and / or back of a sheet of paper. The laminating film of the photobook could therefore also simply be described as a transparent film that has been applied, especially glued, to the front and / or back of the paper sheet of the foldable photobook.

[0013] Applying a laminating film can alter the color reproduction of the previously printed paper sheet. For example, colors may appear more intense after laminating than before. It can therefore be advantageous to adjust the color management or color profile for printing the paper sheet of the fold-out photobook page in such a way as to reduce differences in color reproduction between the fold-out photobook page after laminating and the non-fold-out photobook pages, thus achieving a more homogeneous overall impression of the photobook. In one embodiment, therefore, different color profiles are used a) for printing the paper sheets for the non-fold-out photobook pages and b) for printing the paper sheets for the fold-out photobook pages.For example, different ICC color profiles (ICC stands for International Color Consortium) can be used, each tailored to a specific printing device, type of ink, and type of paper, particularly taking into account surface treatments such as laminating. These profiles are calibrated for the respective combination of printing device, ink, and paper, both with and without laminating. Therefore, different ICC color profiles can be used in the color management process before printing for the fold-out photobook pages and the non-fold-out photobook pages. These profiles consider the respective color reproduction characteristics of paper sheets with and without laminating and compensate for differences in color reproduction.

[0014] Various types of laminating films can be used, differing in their material composition, thickness, and application method. For example, the laminating film can have a matte or glossy surface. Preferably, the laminating film is a polypropylene film with a hot-melt adhesive coating. When the laminating film is a polypropylene film with a hot-melt adhesive coating, it is preferably applied to the paper sheet under elevated temperature and pressure, for example, using a suitable machine.It has been shown that machine-applied laminating films made of polypropylene with a hot-melt adhesive coating are well-suited, especially when the photo book is produced using digital printing, as they offer high transparency and good adhesion to the paper and printer ink, and no color variations occur due to the elevated temperature during application. This allows for an even higher quality photo book.

[0015] The foldable photobook sheet further comprises a first sheet section and a second sheet section with a fold line positioned between them. The fold line can also be referred to as a crease, particularly a sharp crease. The fold line can be designed in various ways, preferably such that the risk of breakage at the fold is minimized for the selected combination of paper type, printing process, and laminating film type and application. Additionally, the paper can be scored at the point where the fold line is created before folding to prepare it for folding. The foldable photobook sheet can be folded around the fold line. The foldable photobook sheet is folded when the first and second sheet sections lie predominantly on top of each other.In this case, the front of the first sheet section and the front of the second sheet section, or the back of the first sheet section and the back of the second sheet section, are opposite each other. When the fold-out photobook sheet is folded, part of one side of the first sheet section and part of one side of the second sheet section are covered by the other. The fold-out photobook sheet is unfolded when the first and second sheet sections are mostly adjacent. When the fold-out photobook sheet is unfolded, no part of one sheet section is covered by the other. When the fold-out photobook sheet is folded, the second sheet section can be folded away from the first sheet section along the crease line to unfold the sheet.Once the foldable photo book sheet is unfolded, the second sheet section can be folded around the fold line onto the first sheet section to close the foldable photo book sheet.

[0016] The first section of the fold-out photobook page is positioned between the center of the book and the fold line, and the second section is positioned on the side of the fold line furthest from the center. The center of the book, in this context, refers to the point where two adjacent photobook pages still touch when the photobook is opened between them. This point coincides with the bound side of the book block, which can also be called the spine.One could also say that the first section of the unfolding photobook page is positioned between the spine and the fold line, and the second section is positioned on the side of the fold line furthest from the spine. It should be understood here that the center of the book does not necessarily refer to the point in the photobook where the book block can be divided into two equally thick or nearly equally thick stacks. However, the center of the book can coincide with the point where two adjacent photobook pages touch, if the photobook is opened in such a way that the book block is divided into two equally thick or nearly equally thick stacks between the two adjacent pages.

[0017] Preferably, the dimensions of the first and second page sections are chosen such that the foldable photobook page does not protrude beyond the book block when folded. Furthermore, preferably, the dimensions of the first and second page sections are chosen such that the foldable photobook page protrudes beyond the book block when unfolded.

[0018] The photobook comprises a foldable photobook sheet, which is a printed sheet of paper with a first thickness, and non-foldable photobook sheets, which are printed sheets of paper with a second thickness. A sheet of paper is a flat material, meaning that two of its dimensions, referred to here and in the following as width and height, are significantly greater than the third dimension, referred to here and in the following as thickness. The thickness of a sheet of paper refers to its thickness in the sense of a measurement of length. For example, the first thickness could be 180 pm and the second thickness 240 pm, so that the second thickness is greater than the first. In another example, the first thickness could be 120 pm and the second thickness 150 pm, so that in this second example, too, the second thickness is greater than the first.The thickness of paper can also be specified indirectly, for example as its weight per square meter, expressed in grams per square meter. For instance, the paper sheet of a foldable photobook might have a weight of 150 g / m² per square meter. 2 and the paper sheets of the non-folding photobook pages each have a weight of 200 g / m² per square meter. 2 exhibiting this. In this example, assuming a similar or identical density for both types of paper, the second thickness would be greater than the first. In another example, the paper sheet of the foldable photobook could have a weight of 100 g / m² per square meter. 2 and the paper sheets of the non-folding photobook pages each have a weight of 140 g / m² per square meter. 2In this example, assuming the two types of paper have a similar or identical density, the second thickness would be greater than the first. Furthermore, if the density of one type of paper is known, its thickness can be determined from its weight per square meter. If two types of paper are known to have the same density, their weights per square meter can also be used to determine which of the two types has the greater thickness. Such a relative thickness specification is also possible if the density of the two types of paper is not precisely known, meaning the thicknesses cannot be calculated as specific lengths. Preferably, the paper sheet of the foldable photobook sheet has a thickness of 120 µm, for example, with a weight per square meter of 150 g / m². 2Furthermore, the paper sheets of the non-folding photobook sheets preferably have a thickness of 160 µm, for example at a weight of 200 g / m². 2 , on.

[0019] Preferably, the fold-out photobook page can be bound into the book block at any point. Therefore, any proportion of the non-fold-out photobook pages can be bound into the book block before the fold-out photobook page, and the remaining proportion of the non-fold-out photobook pages can be bound into the book block after the fold-out photobook page. Preferably, the fold-out photobook page is not bound into the book block first. Binding it first would mean that no non-fold-out photobook pages would be bound into the book block before the fold-out photobook page. Preferably, the fold-out photobook page is also not bound into the book block last. Binding it last would mean that no non-fold-out photobook pages would be bound into the book block after the fold-out photobook page.

[0020] It is preferred that the sum of the first thickness and the thickness of the laminating film equals the second thickness. In this case, the total thickness of the foldable photobook page, which can also be described as the sum of the first thickness and the thickness of the laminating film, corresponds to the thickness of the non-foldable photobook pages. Therefore, it is preferred that the total thickness of the foldable photobook page is equal to the thickness of the non-foldable photobook pages. This makes it even easier to integrate the production of a personalized photobook with a foldable photobook page into a largely automated production process for photobooks without foldable photobook pages. Furthermore, by compensating for thickness differences, the tactile properties of the foldable photobook page are aligned with those of the non-foldable photobook pages, giving the photobook an even higher-quality feel.

[0021] Laminating film is also a sheet material where two of its dimensions, referred to here and in the following as width and height, are significantly larger than the third dimension, referred to here and in the following as thickness. The thickness of the laminating film refers to a measurement of its length. For example, the thickness of the laminating film could be 30 µm. Here, the thickness of the laminating film also refers to the thickness of the laminating film as part of the foldable photobook sheet, i.e., the thickness of the laminating film after it has been applied to the paper sheet of the foldable photobook sheet. Furthermore, the thickness of the laminating film as part of the foldable photobook sheet refers to the total thickness of the laminating film, including the thickness of any adhesive layer, after application.Laminating film can generally consist of one or more layers, with the individual layers being made of the same and / or different materials. However, when determining the overall thickness of the laminating film, all layers are taken into account, regardless of whether the individual layers are made of the same and / or different materials, including any adhesive layer.

[0022] For example, the first thickness could be 120 pm, the second thickness 150 pm, and the laminating film thickness 30 pm. In this example, the sum of the first thickness and the laminating film thickness would therefore equal the second thickness. The laminating film thickness is preferably in the range of 20 pm to 30 pm.

[0023] The sum of the first thickness and the thickness of the laminating film is preferably considered equal to the second thickness if the difference between this sum and the second thickness is equal to or less than 15%, and more preferably equal to or less than 10% of the smaller of the two, i.e., the sum and the second thickness. It has been shown that total thicknesses of the foldable photobook sheet within such ranges are sufficiently similar to the corresponding thicknesses of the non-foldable photobook sheets to allow the foldable photobook sheet to be incorporated into a photobook in a largely automated production process for photobooks without foldable sheets.

[0024] The laminating film can be applied to only one side, i.e., the front or the back, of the paper sheet of the foldable photo book sheet, or the laminating film can be applied to both sides.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the printed paper sheet of the foldable photobook page therefore has the laminating film on both the front and back of the paper sheet. It is further preferred that the sum of the first thickness, the thickness of the laminating film on the front, and the thickness of the laminating film on the back is equal to the second thickness. Applying the laminating film to both sides further reduces the risk of breakage at the fold, thus ensuring even higher photobook quality. Moreover, in this embodiment, the total thickness of the foldable photobook page also corresponds to the thickness of the non-foldable photobook pages. This makes it even easier to integrate the production of a personalized photobook with a foldable photobook page into a largely automated production process for photobooks without foldable photobook pages, with minimal additional effort.The sum of the first thickness, the thickness of the laminating film on the front, and the thickness of the laminating film on the back is preferably considered equal to the second thickness if the difference between this sum and the second thickness is equal to or less than 15%, and more preferably equal to or less than 10% of the smaller of the two, i.e., the sum and the second thickness. As mentioned above, it has been shown that total thicknesses of the foldable photobook sheet within such ranges are sufficiently similar to the corresponding thicknesses of the non-foldable photobook sheets to allow the foldable photobook sheet to be bound into a photobook in a largely automated production process for photobooks without foldable photobook sheets.

[0026] In one example, the first thickness could be 180 pm, the second thickness 240 pm, the thickness of the laminating film on the front of the paper sheet 30 pm, and the thickness of the laminating film on the back of the paper sheet 30 pm. In this example, the sum of the first thickness, the thickness of the laminating film on the front of the paper sheet, and the thickness of the laminating film on the back of the paper sheet would therefore equal the second thickness. Generally, the thickness of the laminating film on the front and back of the paper sheet is preferably each in the range of 20 pm to 30 pm.

[0027] The dimension of the first sheet section perpendicular to the spine of the photobook is preferably between 95% and 100% of the dimension of the non-folding photobook sheets perpendicular to the spine. It is further preferred that the dimension of the first sheet section perpendicular to the spine of the photobook is between 96% and 99% of the dimension of the non-folding photobook sheets perpendicular to the spine. It is even more preferred that the dimension of the first sheet section perpendicular to the spine of the photobook is 98.3% of the dimension of the non-folding photobook sheets perpendicular to the spine. When producing a book block, the stack of photobook sheets is trimmed on the three sides that do not form the spine, either before or after binding. This trimming is also known as three-sided trimming.It has proven advantageous to choose a smaller dimension for the first page section perpendicular to the fold than for the non-folding photobook pages perpendicular to the fold, in order to reduce the risk of unintentionally cutting off the fold line during three-sided trimming. Furthermore, it has been shown that the fold line is reliably not cut off, and at the same time the area of ​​the first page section designed for displaying photos is sufficiently large, when the dimension of the first page section perpendicular to the photobook's fold lies within the ranges mentioned above. These ranges have proven to be a very good compromise between a) reliably preventing unintentional cutting of the fold line and b) maximizing the display of the photo(s).

[0028] Furthermore, the dimension of the second sheet section perpendicular to the edge of the photobook is preferably in a range of 85% to 98% of the dimension of the first sheet section perpendicular to the edge. It is further preferred that the dimension of the second sheet section perpendicular to the edge of the photobook is in a range of 89% to 96% of the dimension of the first sheet section perpendicular to the edge. It is even more preferred that the dimension of the second sheet section perpendicular to the edge of the photobook is 94.7% of the dimension of the first sheet section perpendicular to the edge. It has proven advantageous to choose the dimension of the second sheet section perpendicular to the edge of the photobook to be smaller than the dimension of the first sheet section perpendicular to the edge in order to avoid the second sheet section becoming jammed near the center of the book.Otherwise, such pinching could occur when closing the photo book, leading to rippling and creasing of the second page section. Furthermore, it has been shown that the second page section is reliably not pinched, and at the same time the area designated for displaying photos is sufficiently large, when the dimensions of the second page section perpendicular to the edge of the photo book are within the areas mentioned above. These areas have thus proven to be a very good compromise between a) preventing rippling or creasing of the second page section in the center of the book and b) maximizing the display of the photo(s).

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the photobook comprises two adjacent foldable photobook sheets, configured such that one of these photobook sheets can be folded to one side and the other can be folded to the opposite side. Binding two adjacent foldable photobook sheets that can be folded to opposite sides has the advantage that the continuous area for displaying photos or an arrangement of photos is even larger and therefore even better suited for large-format photo presentations. At the same time, binding two adjacent foldable photobook sheets has the advantage that, during the production of the photobook, the insertion of the foldable photobook sheets into the non-foldable photobook sheets, for example, into a stack of non-foldable photobook sheets, only needs to be performed at one point.This further reduces the additional effort required to produce a personalized photo book with a fold-out photo book page in a largely automated production process.

[0030] Furthermore, the above-mentioned task is solved by a method for producing photo books, the method comprising the following steps:

[0031] Providing a foldable photobook sheet, wherein the foldable photobook sheet has a first sheet section and a second sheet section with a fold line arranged between them, wherein the second sheet section can be folded away from the first sheet section around the fold line to unfold the photobook sheet, and wherein the second sheet section can be folded onto the first sheet section around the fold line to fold the photobook sheet, wherein the foldable photobook sheet comprises a paper sheet printed with a photograph, having a first thickness, and a laminating film on the paper sheet.

[0032] Providing non-folding photobook sheets, which are paper sheets printed with photographs, which have a second thickness and no laminating film, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness,

[0033] Inserting the foldable photobook page into the non-foldable photobook pages to create a stack of non-foldable photobook pages with one foldable photobook page inserted.

[0034] Binding the stack into a book block, and

[0035] Connecting the book block to a book cover to create the photobook. Preferably, providing the non-folding photobook sheets includes providing a stack of the non-folding photobook sheets, and inserting the foldable photobook sheet into the non-folding photobook sheets includes inserting the foldable photobook sheet into the stack of non-folding photobook sheets to create the stack of non-folding photobook sheets with an inserted foldable photobook sheet. If providing the non-folding photobook sheets includes providing a stack of non-folding photobook sheets, this stack can, for example, be divided into two stacks at one point to insert the foldable photobook sheet between the two stacks.In some embodiments, however, the foldable photobook page can also be inserted into the non-foldable photobook pages, while the non-foldable photobook pages are stacked together. For example, a first set of non-foldable photobook pages can be stacked together, the foldable photobook page placed on top of the first stack, and then the second set of non-foldable photobook pages placed on top of the first stack and the foldable photobook page.

[0036] Providing the foldable photobook page preferably includes producing the foldable photobook page from a sheet of paper. In a preferred embodiment, providing a foldable photobook page comprises the following:

[0037] Providing print data for printing photos on a sheet of paper,

[0038] Printing photos on a sheet of paper that has the first thickness,

[0039] Applying a laminating film to the sheet of paper,

[0040] Trim the sheet of paper with laminating film, and

[0041] Folding the trimmed sheet of paper with laminating film to create the foldable photo book page.

[0042] By trimming the paper sheet after applying a laminating film, the trimmed paper sheet has sharply defined edges, particularly without uneven overhangs of the laminating film, which can occur especially when laminating on both sides, and without areas not covered by the laminating film, which can occur especially when laminating on one side. This offers two advantages. Firstly, the format of the trimmed paper sheet can be chosen so that the resulting foldable photobook page has precisely the dimensions required for the subsequent processing steps. This makes it even easier to integrate the production of a personalized photobook with a foldable photobook page into a largely automated production process for photobooks without foldable photobook pages.Secondly, in preferred embodiments of the photobook, the dimension of the second sheet section perpendicular to the photobook's border is smaller than the dimension of the first sheet section perpendicular to the border. This means that, after insertion into the non-folding photobook sheets, an outer edge of the second sheet section of the foldable photobook sheet lies within the stack of photobook sheets as long as the foldable photobook sheet is folded. Therefore, after inserting the foldable photobook sheet into the non-folding photobook sheets, it is no longer readily possible to trim this outer edge of the second sheet section. It is thus advantageous to define this outer edge of the second sheet section of the foldable photobook sheet by trimming after applying the laminating film, but before inserting the foldable photobook sheet into the non-folding photobook sheets.

[0043] A sheet of paper is a sheet of paper with a predetermined size. For example, the sheet of paper could be DIN B2 format, measuring 500 mm by 700 mm. In another example, the sheet of paper could be DIN A3+ format, measuring 329 mm by 483 mm. In the embodiment described here, at least one dimension of the sheet of paper is larger than the corresponding dimension of the resulting foldable photobook page, since a portion of the sheet is removed during trimming. Preferably, both the width and height of the sheet of paper are larger than the corresponding width and height of the resulting foldable photobook page.

[0044] The provided print data can include, in particular, data that can be processed by a printing device to print photos onto the paper sheet. The provision of print data can be carried out, for example, by a computer unit or by a user using a computer unit. The print data comprises a variety of, preferably all, information that a printing device needs to print photos onto the paper sheet. For example, the print data can include information about the photos or other content to be printed, as well as information about the printing method itself or the type of paper to be printed on. The print data can be adapted to the specific circumstances before being provided, or it can be adapted after being provided, for example, by the printing device.Preferably, the print data is adjusted to achieve the desired color appearance after the laminating film is applied. Such an adjustment can be advantageous if the color appearance is expected to change after laminating compared to before. For example, the provided print data can be adjusted so that the color appearance of the photos printed on the fold-out photobook page after laminating closely matches the color appearance of the photos printed on the non-fold-out photobook pages. For this purpose, ICC color profiles can be used, which are tailored to a specific printing device, type of ink, and type of paper, particularly taking into account surface treatments such as laminating film, and are calibrated for the respective combination of printing device, ink, and paper.To reduce differences in color reproduction between the foldable photobook page after laminating and the non-foldable photobook pages, a separate ICC color profile can be created, taking into account the laminating film used. Different ICC color profiles can then be applied in the color management process before printing for the foldable photobook page and the non-foldable photobook pages. These profiles consider the respective color reproduction properties of paper sheets with and without laminating film and compensate for differences in color reproduction. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the laminating film is first applied to one side by heating the film on a heated printing roller and then pressing it onto the paper using a counter-pressure roller.Preferably, the laminating film is a polypropylene film with a hot melt adhesive coating, which is applied to the paper sheet under elevated temperature and pressure. Preferably, the polypropylene film is heated to a temperature between 105 °C and 115 °C before application. More preferably, the polypropylene film is heated to a temperature of 105 °C before application. The heated polypropylene film is then preferably pressed onto the paper sheet at a pressure between 4 bar and 5 bar. More preferably, the heated polypropylene film is pressed onto the paper sheet at a pressure of 4 bar. The polypropylene film and the paper sheet are preferably fed between the pressure roller and the counter roller at a speed between 10 m / min and 30 m / min.Preferably, the polypropylene film and the paper sheet are guided between the printing roller and the counter-pressure roller at a speed of 10 m / min. In this embodiment as well, laminating film can be applied to both sides of the paper sheet, for example by first applying the laminating film to one side of the paper sheet and then applying the laminating film to the other side of the paper sheet.

[0045] To create the foldable photobook page, the printed sheet of paper with laminating film is folded in the embodiment described here. Folding refers to creating a fold line, i.e., forming a crease. Folding is preferably carried out using a folding device, in particular a folding machine. The folding is preferably performed in such a way that the paper and the ink coating are deformed as gently as possible at the fold line. In particular, a crease, i.e., a break in the paper or the ink coating, should not occur at the fold line. In one embodiment, providing a foldable photobook page also includes scoring the sheet of paper with laminating film in preparation for folding.Scoring, for example using a scoring machine, refers to the mechanical creation of a crease, also called a notch, in the paper, thereby weakening the paper in the area of ​​the notch. This has the advantage that the paper can be folded more easily along the scored line, especially by machine, and the risk of breakage during folding is reduced.

[0046] In one embodiment, providing a foldable photobook sheet further includes the following:

[0047] Providing print data for printing a fold mark on the sheet of paper, and

[0048] Printing a fold mark on a sheet of paper having a first thickness, wherein folding the sheet of paper with laminating film further comprises:

[0049] Reading the fold mark and aligning the sheet of paper with laminating film according to the fold mark in such a way that a fold line created by folding is arranged according to the provided print data.

[0050] When printing on sheets of paper, it can happen in practice that the printed content is not aligned or arranged exactly as specified in the print data. This inaccurate alignment or arrangement can be caused, for example, by variations in the dimensions of the paper sheets used or by misalignment during the paper feed through the printing unit. By printing a fold mark on the paper sheet, reading the fold mark, and aligning the paper sheet accordingly, the fold line is created at precisely the intended location relative to the printed photos. This results in an even higher quality photo book.

[0051] Preferably, the provision of non-folding photobook pages includes the following:

[0052] Providing print data for printing photos on sheets of paper,

[0053] Printing photos on sheets of paper of the second thickness, and

[0054] Trimming the sheets of paper to create the non-folding photobook pages.

[0055] It is also preferred that the non-folding photobook sheets be provided as a stack, so that the provision further includes folding the non-folding photobook sheets into a stack of non-folding photobook sheets.

[0056] Printing and then trimming sheets of paper to create non-folding photobook pages has the advantage that the same, or even identical, printing equipment can be used as for printing the foldable photobook page. Furthermore, similar consumables, especially sheets of paper of the same format, can be used as for the foldable photobook page. This results in an even more homogeneous overall appearance for the photobook.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, providing a foldable photobook sheet further comprises providing print data for printing the sheet of paper with an insertion mark, and printing the sheet of paper having the first thickness with an insertion mark.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, providing non-folding photobook sheets further comprises providing print data for printing paper sheets with insertion marks, and printing the paper sheets, which have the second thickness, with insertion marks.

[0059] An insertion mark refers to a printed marker that facilitates the insertion of a fold-out photobook page into a stack of fold-out photobook pages, for example, into a stack of non-fold-out photobook pages. The use of one or more insertion marks thus further reduces the additional effort required to produce a personalized photobook with a fold-out page in a largely automated production process for photobooks without fold-out pages.

[0060] The insertion marker can encode a variety of information. In particular, the insertion marker can encode where the fold-out photobook page is to be inserted. This location can also be referred to as the insertion point. Furthermore, the insertion marker can encode the orientation in which the fold-out photobook page is to be inserted at the insertion point and / or whether further fold-out photobook pages are to be inserted at the insertion point. An insertion marker applied to a non-fold-out photobook page can also encode the position of the non-fold-out photobook page relative to the insertion point. The insertion marker can comprise a colored marker, text, a number, a pictogram (e.g., an arrow), a barcode, and / or a pixel-based code. Preferably, the insertion marker comprises at least one colored marker.

[0061] The insertion mark is primarily intended to facilitate the insertion of the foldable photobook page at the insertion point. In preferred embodiments, the insertion mark is printed on the paper sheet in an edge area, so that it can be removed by trimming the stack after insertion. In these embodiments, the insertion mark is therefore no longer part of the finished photobook. In other embodiments, however, the insertion mark can also be printed at a different location on the paper sheet. In particular, the insertion mark can be part of the finished photobook.

[0062] Preferably, inserting the foldable photobook sheet into the non-foldable photobook sheets, for example into a stack of non-foldable photobook sheets, includes finding an insertion point in the non-foldable photobook sheets, for example in the stack of non-foldable photobook sheets, using respective insertion marks on the non-foldable photobook sheets, and inserting the foldable photobook sheet into the non-foldable photobook sheets, for example into the stack of non-foldable photobook sheets, at the insertion point according to the insertion mark printed on the foldable photobook sheet.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, providing a foldable photobook sheet comprises the following:

[0064] Providing print data for printing an identification code on the sheet of paper, and

[0065] Printing an identification code onto a sheet of paper that has a certain thickness.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the provision of non-folding photobook pages further comprises the following:

[0067] Providing print data for printing paper sheets with identification codes, and printing the paper sheets which have the second thickness with identification codes.

[0068] An identification code refers to a printed code that can be linked to a variety of information about the individual photobook page and the photobook being produced. Printing the identification code onto a sheet of paper permanently affixes it to the paper. After printing, the associated information can be accessed at any time, for example, to monitor and / or control the process described here. The use of identification codes thus further facilitates the production of personalized photobooks with fold-out pages in a largely automated production process for photobooks without fold-out pages.

[0069] The identification code can be linked to a variety of information. The identification code itself can contain information, for example, in the form of text, a number, and / or a machine-readable code. Alternatively or additionally, the identification code can also contain a reference to information, such as a reference in the form of text, a number, and / or a machine-readable code, particularly a barcode or a pixel-based code. Thus, the identification code can, for example, refer to information stored in a database.

[0070] The identification code is intended, in particular, to support the monitoring and control of the process described herein. In one embodiment, the identification code is printed on the paper sheets in a marginal area. The paper sheets can refer to both the sheet from which the foldable photobook page is formed and the sheets from which the non-foldable photobook pages are formed. In such embodiments, the identification codes printed in the marginal area are preferably removed by trimming the stack after the foldable photobook page has been inserted, so that the identification codes printed in the marginal area are no longer part of the finished photobook. In other embodiments, however, the identification code can also be printed at a different location on the paper sheet.In a preferred embodiment, several identification codes are printed on the sheets of paper, wherein at least one identification code is printed on at least one non-foldable photobook sheet in such a way that the identification code is later part of the finished photobook.

[0071] In embodiments of the method in which both the foldable photobook sheet and the non-foldable photobook sheets have been printed with identification codes, the insertion of the foldable photobook sheet into the non-foldable photobook sheets, for example into the stack of non-foldable photobook sheets, preferably further comprises:

[0072] Reading the identification code on the fold-out photobook page,

[0073] Reading one or more of the identification codes on the non-folding photobook pages, comparing the read identification codes, and

[0074] Depending on the result of the comparison: Insert the foldable photobook sheet into the non-foldable photobook sheets, for example into the stack of non-foldable photobook sheets, at the insertion point.

[0075] In the photobook production process described here, it may be necessary to handle the foldable photobook sheet and the non-foldable photobook sheets, for example, the stack of non-foldable photobook sheets, separately, at least for some process steps. At the latest when inserting the foldable photobook sheet into the non-foldable photobook sheets, it must be reassigned to the corresponding non-foldable photobook sheets, for example, to the respective stack of non-foldable photobook sheets. By reading and comparing the identification codes of the foldable photobook sheet and the non-foldable photobook sheets, it can be ensured that the foldable photobook sheet is assigned to the correct non-foldable photobook sheets, for example, the correct stack of non-foldable photobook sheets.Such an assignment of the foldable photobook page and the non-foldable photobook pages does not occur in a production process for photobooks without foldable photobook pages. The use of identification codes as described here therefore makes it even easier to integrate the production of a personalized photobook with a foldable photobook page into a largely automated production process for photobooks without foldable photobook pages.

[0076] The reading of the identification code can be done manually by a user, for example, by typing information into an input form on a computer unit, or machine-assisted. Examples of devices for machine-assisted reading include data acquisition devices specifically designed for reading barcodes or pixel-based codes, particularly laser scanners, and cameras. Machine-assisted reading preferably involves making the read information available for further processing by a dedicated computer unit. The computer unit designed to process the read information can, for example, store the read information on a data carrier and / or retrieve further information linked to the read identification code from a database.

[0077] The comparison of the read identification codes is preferably performed by a dedicated computer unit. This comparison can be a direct comparison of the read identification codes. For example, the read identification codes might contain a number. In this example, a direct comparison of a first read identification code with a second read identification code could be performed to check if the number of the first read identification code and the number of the second read identification code are equal. However, the comparison of the read identification codes can also be an indirect comparison. For example, the read identification codes might contain a reference to a specific entry in a database.In one example, a first imported identification code could refer to a first entry in a database, and a second imported identification code could refer to a second entry in a database, where the first and second entries in the database could each contain a reference code that is uniquely linked to a photo book to be produced. Comparing the first imported identification code and the second imported identification code in this example could refer to comparing their respective reference codes.

[0078] Depending on the result of the comparison, the foldable photobook page is inserted into the non-foldable photobook pages, for example, into the stack of non-foldable photobook pages, at the insertion point. Preferably, the foldable photobook page is only inserted if the respective foldable photobook page belongs to the corresponding stack of non-foldable photobook pages.

[0079] It is preferred that binding the stack into a book block includes the following:

[0080] Binding the stack into a book block, and

[0081] Trimming the book block.

[0082] Binding the stack into a book block can refer specifically to gluing the photobook pages together along one side to form a spine, i.e., creating an adhesive binding. Binding the stack into a book block can also refer to joining the photobook pages to form a spine using other binding methods.

[0083] Trimming the book block offers two main advantages. First, the partially separate processing of the foldable and non-foldable photobook sheets generally results in minor variations in their format. Trimming the book block allows for the production of a book block with a uniform outer edge, thus contributing to the high quality of the finished photobook. Second, in preferred embodiments of the described method, additional information relevant to the manufacturing process is printed onto the paper sheets in a marginal area. As described above, such information can include, for example, insertion marks, identification codes, and / or folding marks.In particular, such information is advantageous for producing a personalized photo book with a fold-out page in a largely automated production process for photo books without fold-out pages. Cropping allows some of this information to be removed so that it is no longer included in the finished photo book.

[0084] After binding the stack into a book block, the book block is attached to a book cover to produce the photobook. The book cover provided for this purpose is preferably manufactured individually for each photobook and can also be provided with an identification code. For example, an identification code can be printed on the book cover. In a preferred embodiment, attaching the book block to a book cover to produce the photobook comprises the following: reading one or more of the identification codes on the non-folding photobook pages,

[0085] Reading an identification code on the book cover,

[0086] Comparing the read identification codes, and

[0087] Depending on the result of the comparison: joining the book block to the book cover to produce the photo book.

[0088] To attach the book block to the book cover, each book block must be matched to its corresponding book cover. Reading and comparing identification codes ensures that the book block is correctly assigned to the book cover.

[0089] The book block can be attached to the book cover using an adhesive layer, for example. However, the book block can also be attached to the book cover in another known way.

[0090] Furthermore, the above-mentioned task is solved by a system for producing a photobook, the system comprising: a first dispensing device for supplying a foldable photobook sheet, wherein the foldable photobook sheet has a first sheet section and a second sheet section with a fold line arranged between them, wherein the second sheet section can be folded away from the first sheet section about the fold line to unfold the photobook sheet, and wherein the second sheet section can be folded onto the first sheet section about the fold line to fold the photobook sheet, wherein the foldable photobook sheet comprises a photo-printed sheet of paper having a first thickness and a laminating film on the paper sheet; a second dispensing device for supplying non-foldable photobook sheets, which are photo-printed sheets of paper.which have a second thickness and do not have a laminating film, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness, a book block binding device for binding a stack produced by inserting the foldable photobook sheet into the non-foldable photobook sheets into a book block, and a book binding device for joining the book block to a book cover to produce the photobook.

[0091] The difference between the first thickness, i.e., the thickness of the first paper sheet, and the second thickness, i.e., the thickness of the second paper sheet, is preferably more than 15% and further preferably more than 20% of the first, i.e., the smaller, thickness. It has been shown that, particularly in this case, the foldable photobook sheet can be readily integrated into a photobook using a largely automated production process for photobooks without foldable photobook sheets. At the same time, it is possible to use paper thicknesses that can be easily processed during the production process. It should be understood that the photobook according to claim 1, the method for producing a photobook according to claim 8, and the system for producing a photobook according to claim 20 have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments, as defined in particular in the dependent claims.

[0092] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein

[0093] Fig. 1 schematically and exemplarily shows a photobook with photobook pages, which include foldable photobook pages and non-foldable photobook pages,

[0094] Fig. 2 schematically and exemplarily shows a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for producing a photobook,

[0095] Fig. 3 shows an example of a printed sheet of paper from which a foldable photobook page is to be formed through further processing.

[0096] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary stack of printed sheets of paper, from which, through further processing, two stacks of non-folding photobook pages are to be formed.

[0097] Fig. 5 shows, by way of example, two stacks of non-folding photobook sheets and two stacks of foldable photobook sheets.

[0098] Fig. 6 shows exemplary details of two foldable and two non-foldable photobook pages,

[0099] Fig. 7 shows an exemplary step of an embodiment of the method for producing a photobook, and

[0100] Fig. 8 schematically and exemplarily shows an embodiment of a system for producing photo books.

[0101] Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a photobook with fold-out and non-fold-out pages. It should be understood that Figure 1 shows a perspective projection of a photobook. In perspective projection, lines that should be parallel in reality may appear as non-parallel in the projection, and dimensions that should be equal in reality may appear as unequal in the projection. The content of Figure 1 should therefore be understood as a purely qualitative illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a photobook.

[0102] The photobook 100 comprises two foldable photobook sheets 110, 110' and several non-foldable photobook sheets, which are shown in Figure 1 as a stack of non-foldable photobook sheets 120, 120'. The foldable photobook sheets each have a first sheet section 111, 111' and a second sheet section 112, 112'. A fold line 113, 113' is arranged between the first sheet section 111, 111' and the second sheet section 112, 112'. The first sheet section 111, 111' is positioned between the center of the book 101 and the fold line 113, 113'. The second sheet section 112, 1 12' is located on the side of the fold line 113, 1 13' furthest from the center of the book 101. The second sheet section 112, 112' can be folded away from the first sheet section 1 11, 111' by the respective fold line 1 13, 1 13' to unfold the photobook sheet 110, 1 10'.Furthermore, the second sheet section 112, 112' can be folded around the respective fold line 113, 113" onto the first sheet section 111, 111' to fold the foldable photobook sheet 110, 110'.

[0103] The photobook 100 shown in Figure 1 is open between the two adjacent fold-out photobook pages 110, 110'. Furthermore, in this illustration, the two fold-out photobook pages 110, 110" are unfolded so that the first page section 111, 111' and the second page section 112, 112' lie next to each other. In the situation shown in Figure 1, no part of one page section 111, 111", 112, 112' is obscured by the other. Starting from the situation shown in Figure 1, the second page section 112, 112' could be folded around the fold line 113, 113' onto the first page section 111, 111" to close the fold-out photobook page 110, 110'.

[0104] The arrangement of the first sheet section 111, 111" and the second sheet section 112, 112" was described above relative to the book center 101. The book center 101 here refers to the point where the two adjacent foldable photobook sheets 110, 110" still touch when the photobook 100 is opened between the two adjacent foldable photobook sheets 110, 110", as shown in Figure 1. The stacks of non-foldable photobook sheets 120, 120" can be of the same thickness, i.e., the same number of non-foldable photobook sheets, or of different thicknesses, i.e., a different number of non-foldable photobook sheets.

[0105] The foldable photobook sheets 110, 110" each comprise a sheet of paper printed with a photograph, which has a first thickness, and a laminating film on the paper sheet. The non-foldable photobook sheets, shown in Figure 1 as a stack of non-foldable photobook sheets 120, 120", are sheets of paper printed with photographs, which have a second thickness and no laminating film. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness. The paper sheet is a planar material in which two side lengths, here referred to as width and height, are significantly greater than the third side length, here referred to as thickness. In Figure 1, the width 114, 1 14" and the height 115 of the paper sheet of the foldable photobook sheet 110, 1 10" are schematically indicated by arrows. The thickness of the paper sheet corresponds to the side length perpendicular to the width 114, 1 14" and height 115.The thickness of a sheet of paper refers to a thickness in the sense of a length measurement, unless otherwise specified.

[0106] Furthermore, in Figure 1, the width 116, 116" of the first sheet section 111, 111" and the width 117, 117" of the second sheet section 112, 112" are schematically indicated by arrows. In this embodiment, the height of the first sheet section 111, 111" and the height of the second sheet section 112, 112" correspond to the height 115 of the paper sheet. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the widths 116, 116" and 117, 117" are selected such that the foldable photobook sheet 110, 110" does not project beyond the book block when folded. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the widths 116, 116" and 117, 117" are selected such that the foldable photobook sheet 110, 110" projects beyond the book block when unfolded. In a preferred embodiment, the first thickness and one thickness of the laminating film are selected such that the sum of the first thickness and the thickness of the laminating film is equal to the second thickness.Laminating film is also a sheet material where two of its dimensions, referred to here as width and height, are significantly larger than the third dimension, referred to here as thickness. The thickness of the laminating film refers to its thickness in the sense of a length measurement. Furthermore, the thickness of the laminating film refers to the thickness of the laminating film as a component of the foldable photobook sheet 110, 110', i.e., the thickness of the laminating film after it has been applied to the paper sheet of the foldable photobook sheet 110, 110'. The thickness of the laminating film also refers to the total thickness of the laminating film, including any adhesive layer. If the laminating film consists of several layers, all layers are considered when determining the total thickness, regardless of whether the individual layers are made of the same or different materials.In one exemplary embodiment, the first thickness is 120 pm, the second thickness is 150 pm, and the thickness of the laminating film is 30 pm. In this embodiment, the sum of the first thickness and the thickness of the laminating film is therefore equal to the second thickness.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the printed paper sheet of the foldable photobook sheet 110, 110' has the laminating film on both the front and back of the paper sheet. It is further preferred that the sum of the first thickness, the thickness of the laminating film on the front, and the thickness of the laminating film on the back is equal to the second thickness. In an exemplary embodiment, the first thickness is 120 pm, the second thickness is 180 pm, the thickness of the laminating film on the front of the paper sheet is 30 pm, and the thickness of the laminating film on the back of the paper sheet is also 30 pm. In this embodiment, therefore, the sum of the first thickness, the thickness of the laminating film on the front of the paper sheet, and the thickness of the laminating film on the back of the paper sheet is equal to the second thickness.

[0108] In a preferred embodiment, the width 116, 116' of the first sheet section 111, 111', i.e., the dimension of the first sheet section 111, 111' perpendicular to the border 102 of the photobook 100, lies within a range of 95% and 100% of the dimension of the non-folding photobook sheets perpendicular to the border 102. As illustrated in Figure 1, the fold line 113, 113' is therefore located within the dimensions of the book block in this embodiment.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the width 117, 117' of the second sheet section 112, 112', i.e., the dimension of the second sheet section 112, 112' perpendicular to the border 102 of the photobook, preferably lies within a range of 85% to 98% of the width 116, 116' of the first sheet section 111, 111', i.e., the dimension of the first sheet section 111, 111' perpendicular to the border 102 of the photobook 100. Because, in this embodiment, the width 117, 117' of the second sheet section 112, 112' is smaller than the width 116, 116' of the first sheet section 111, 111', the second sheet section 112, 112' is not pinched by surrounding book block sections when the photobook 100 is closed. Otherwise, clamping the second sheet section 112, 112' could lead to rippling and creasing of the foldable photobook sheet 110, 110', and especially of the second sheet section 112, 112'.

[0110] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the photobook 100 comprises two adjacent foldable photobook sheets 110, 110'. This results in a particularly large area for displaying photos or an arrangement of photos when both foldable photobook sheets 110, 110' are unfolded. In this embodiment, the area for displaying photos or an arrangement of photos has a width 118, which is approximately the sum of the widths 116, 116', 117, 117'. Therefore, the two adjacent foldable photobook sheets 110, 110' are particularly suitable for the large-format presentation of photos such as skyline photos, landscape photographs, or group photos. In other embodiments, however, the photobook 100 can also comprise only one foldable photobook sheet or more than two foldable photobook sheets.

[0111] An embodiment of a method for producing photobooks is described below with reference to a flowchart shown in Figure 2. Method 200 produces photobooks comprising foldable and non-foldable photobook pages, such as the photobook 100 shown by way of example and schematically in Figure 1.

[0112] In step 201 of procedure 200, a foldable photobook sheet is provided. The provided foldable photobook sheet has a first sheet section and a second sheet section with a fold line between them. The second sheet section can be folded away from the first sheet section along the fold line to unfold the photobook sheet. The second sheet section can also be folded onto the first sheet section along the fold line to fold the photobook sheet closed. The provided foldable photobook sheet comprises a paper sheet printed with a photograph, which has a first thickness, and a laminating film on the paper sheet.

[0113] In one embodiment of method 200, the foldable photobook page is manufactured from a sheet of paper. For this purpose, print data is first provided and the sheet of paper is printed according to the provided print data.

[0114] Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the method 200, consisting of a pre-printed sheet of paper 300 (against a gray mottled background) from which a foldable photobook page is to be formed by further processing. The sheet of paper is preferably coated art paper suitable for digital printing. The coated art paper can be matte or glossy. Preferably, the sheets of paper have high opacity and a high degree of whiteness without any color cast. Preferably, the sheet of paper has a thickness of 120 µm and a weight of 150 g / m². 2In the embodiment shown here, the print data includes, in particular, data on the basis of which the photos 311, 312, 313, and 314 and a homogeneous background 315 can be printed. The photos 311, 312, 313, and 314, as well as the background 315, will be included in the finished photobook. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the method 200 shown here, the print data includes data required for printing the insertion marks 321, 321', 322, and 323. The insertion marks 321 and 321' comprise the letter "R". In the embodiment shown here, two adjacent foldable photobook sheets will be bound into the photobook, with the right-hand foldable photobook sheet being formed from the paper sheet 300. Furthermore, the insertion markers can include additional text or pictograms, as shown in the example of insertion marker 322, which includes the text "Panorama End" and an arrow.Insertion markers can also be indicated by colors, such as insertion marker 323, which includes a red bar (only the bar is visible in the grayscale image, not its color). The insertion markers 321, 321', 322, and 323 shown here as examples support the insertion of the foldable photobook sheet into a stack of non-foldable photobook sheets in the further course of method 200, as described in more detail below. Furthermore, the print data can include identification codes. In the exemplary embodiment shown, several identification codes 331, 331', and 332 are printed on the paper sheet 300, with identification codes 331 and 331' being implemented as pixel-based codes and identification code 332 as a number.Based on the exemplary identification codes 331, 331', and 332 shown, it is possible to determine at any time which individual photobook the paper sheet 300 is assigned to. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown here, the print data includes data required for printing fold marks 341 and 341'. In this embodiment, the fold marks 341 and 341' indicate where the fold line should later run. The paper sheet 300 can be aligned during folding using the fold marks 341 and 341'. In addition, the fold marks 341 and 341' can be used to check whether the fold line runs at the intended location. In the embodiment shown here, the print data also includes data for printing cutting marks 351, 352, 353, 354, and 354'. The cutting marks 351, 352, 353, 354 and 354' indicate where the paper sheet 300 should be cut after the laminating film has been applied.The paper sheet is preferably printed with printing inks in the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and printing processes based on electrophotography, toner printing, or inkjet printing are preferably used. In this embodiment, the print data can also contain information on ICC color profiles that are tailored to a printing device, a type of printing ink, and a type of paper with a specific surface treatment, and are calibrated for the respective combination of printing device, printing ink, and paper. In particular, the print data can include a separate ICC color profile that takes into account the laminating film used.

[0115] In the embodiment shown here, after printing on the paper sheet 300, a laminating film is applied to the paper sheet 300. Applying the laminating film permanently bonds the paper sheet 300 and the laminating film together. In one exemplary embodiment, the laminating film is a polypropylene film with a hot melt adhesive coating, which is heated to a temperature of 105 °C on a heated pressure roller and pressed onto the paper at a pressure of 4 bar using a counter-pressure roller.

[0116] After the laminating film is applied, in the embodiment of method 200 shown here, the paper sheet 300 is trimmed along the cutting marks 351, 352, 353, 354, and 354'. In this embodiment, trimming along the cutting marks 351, 352, and 353 leaves a margin containing information such as the insertion marks 321, 32T, 322, and 323, the identification codes 331, 331', and 332, and the fold marks 341 and 34T. This margin is cut off in a later step, as described below, because the information it contains is needed for further process steps. Trimming along the cutting marks 354 and 354', on the other hand, leaves no margin but directly creates the outer edge of the foldable photobook sheet, which will later be opposite the fold.

[0117] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the paper sheet 300 is folded according to the fold markings after trimming. A folding tool suitable for the type of paper and printer ink used, along with appropriate parameters, is employed to prevent cracking at the fold line, i.e., splitting of the paper or ink application. As preparation for folding, the paper sheet 300 can optionally be scored first. For some paper types and printer inks, this optional scoring can help prevent cracking at the fold line. Once the fold line is formed, the paper sheet 300 will also be referred to as a foldable photobook sheet 300.

[0118] In a further step 202 of procedure 200, a stack of non-folding photobook sheets is provided. The non-folding photobook sheets are paper sheets printed with photos, which have a second thickness and no laminating film. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

[0119] In one embodiment of method 200, the non-folding photobook pages are manufactured from sheets of paper. For this purpose, print data is first provided and the paper sheets are printed according to the provided print data.

[0120] Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of method 200: a stack of 400 pre-printed paper sheets (against a metallic background) from which two stacks of non-folding photobook sheets are to be formed by further processing. In this embodiment, each printed paper sheet comprises two non-folding photobook sheets. For example, the top sheet comprises the subsequent non-folding photobook sheets 401 and 401', which, in the example shown, display the same content. The paper sheets are preferably coated paper suitable for digital printing. The coated paper can be matte or glossy. Preferably, the paper sheets have high opacity and a high degree of whiteness without any color cast. Preferably, the paper sheet is 160 µm thick with a weight of 200 g / m². 2In the embodiment shown here, the print data includes photos 411, 412, 411', and 412'. Photos 411, 412, 411', and 412' will be included in the finished photobook. Furthermore, in the embodiment of method 200 shown here, the print data includes data for printing insertion marks 421, 421', 422, and 422'. The insertion marks 421, 421', 422, and 422' visible in Figure 4 each comprise a blue bar (only the bar is visible in the grayscale image, not its color). The insertion markers 421, 421', 422, and 422' shown here as examples support the insertion of the foldable photobook sheet into a stack of non-foldable photobook sheets in the further course of procedure 200, as described in more detail below. Furthermore, the print data can include identification codes.In the exemplary embodiment shown, the identification codes 431 and 431' are printed on the sheets of paper in the stack 400, with the identification codes 431 and 431' being designed as pixel-based codes. Based on the exemplary identification codes 431 and 431' shown, it is possible to determine at any time which individual photobook the sheets of paper in the stack 400 are assigned to. In the embodiment shown here, the print data also contains data based on which cutting marks 451, 452, 453, 454, and 455 can be printed. The cutting marks 451, 452, 453, 454, and 455 indicate where the sheets of paper in the stack 400 are to be cut after printing.The sheets of paper are preferably printed with printer inks in the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and black, and printing processes based on electrophotography, toner printing or inkjet printing are preferably used.

[0121] After printing, in the embodiment of method 200 shown here, the stack 400 is trimmed along the cutting marks 451, 452, 453, 454, and 455. In this embodiment, a margin remains after trimming along the cutting marks 451, 452, 453, 454, and 455, which contains information such as the insertion marks 421, 422, 42T, and 422' and the identification codes 431 and 43T. This margin is cut off in a later step, as described below, because the information it contains is needed for further process steps. Trimming along the cutting mark 455 divides the stack 400 into two stacks of non-folding photobook sheets.

[0122] Although in Figure 2 step 201 of method 200 is arranged before step 202 of method 200, step 202 of method 200 can also be performed first. Steps 201 and 202 can also be performed in parallel, or individual substeps of steps 201 and 202 can be performed in parallel or offset from each other in time. At the end of steps 201 and 202, the foldable photobook sheet and the stack of non-foldable photobook sheets are provided. In the embodiment shown here as an example, several photobooks are produced in parallel. Figure 5 shows, by way of example, two stacks 503 and 504 of non-foldable photobook sheets, with the non-foldable photobook sheets 401 and 401', already shown in Figure 4, lying on top. Figure 5 also shows, by way of example, two stacks 501 and 502 of foldable photobook sheets.Stack 501 comprises the foldable photobook sheet 300, which was already shown in Figure 3 in the form of the printed paper sheet. Stack 502 comprises another foldable photobook sheet 301. In the embodiment shown here, two adjacent foldable photobook sheets, namely the foldable photobook sheets 300 and 301, will be bound into each of the manufactured photobooks.

[0123] In a third step 203 of procedure 200, the foldable photobook sheet is inserted into the stack of non-foldable photobook sheets. In this step, the previously mentioned insertion marks can be used to quickly locate the position in the stack of non-foldable photobook sheets where the foldable photobook sheet is to be inserted. This position is also referred to as the insertion point.

[0124] In the exemplary embodiment of method 200 shown, two adjacent foldable photobook sheets 300 and 301 are inserted into the stack of non-foldable photobook sheets 503. The two foldable photobook sheets 300 and 301 are thus inserted at the same insertion point. In this embodiment, the insertion marks on the non-foldable photobook sheets, for example, the insertion marks 421 and 422 on the non-foldable photobook sheet 401, can be used to quickly locate the insertion point. For example, all insertion marks on the non-foldable photobook sheets before the insertion point can have a first color, here blue, and all insertion marks on the non-foldable photobook sheets after the insertion point can have a second color, here red. Figure 6 shows the stack 503 of non-foldable photobook sheets, which has already been opened at the insertion point.Stack 503 was thus divided into two stacks: stack 503a, containing the non-folding photobook sheets located before the insertion point, and stack 503b, containing the non-folding photobook sheets located after the insertion point. Figure 6 also shows the corresponding insertion marks 421" and 421. Similar insertion marks are present on all non-folding photobook sheets. In this embodiment, however, only the non-folding photobook sheets immediately before and after the insertion point also have the insertion marks 423 and 423'. The insertion marks 423 and 423' assist in inserting the two foldable photobook sheets 300 and 301 in the correct sequence and orientation. For example, the insertion mark 322 of the foldable photobook sheet 300 must align with the corresponding insertion mark 423' of the rightmost non-folding photobook sheet.This is consistent with the insertion mark 321 of the fold-out photobook sheet 300, which indicates that this is the right-hand fold-out photobook sheet. Similarly, the fold-out photobook sheet 301 is the left-hand fold-out photobook sheet, as can also be seen from the insertion mark 324. In the illustrated embodiment, the fold-out photobook sheet 301 also has an insertion mark corresponding to the insertion mark 423; however, this is not visible in Figure 6.

[0125] Figure 6 also clearly shows a detail of the foldable photobook pages of the embodiment shown here. Photobook page 301 is shown with the fold line running along the left side. On the right side of the foldable photobook page 301, it can be seen that the first page section, located at the bottom, has a larger dimension perpendicular to the fold line than the second page section, located at the top. In the finished photobook, the outer edge of the first page section at the bottom, located at the right, will therefore lie against the spine of the book block and be bound to the surrounding stack of non-foldable photobook pages. This provides the advantage, as described above, that the second page section, located at the top, cannot be pinched by the surrounding book block, which would lead to waviness and creases.Not shown in the figures is that in the present embodiment, the dimension of the first sheet section of the foldable photobook sheet perpendicular to the fold line is smaller than the dimension of the non-foldable photobook sheets perpendicular to the fold line. This results, as described above, in the advantage that the fold line is not cut off during the subsequent optional trimming of the book block.

[0126] The insertion of the foldable photobook sheet can optionally include reading and comparing identification codes on the foldable photobook sheet and the non-foldable photobook sheets. By comparing the read identification codes, it can be determined whether the provided foldable photobook sheet and the provided stack of non-foldable photobook sheets actually belong together. As shown in Figure 7, in the exemplary embodiment of the method 200, the identification codes are read using a portable laser scanner 704. Figure 7 also shows an exemplary stack of non-foldable photobook sheets that has already been divided into two stacks 703a and 703b at the insertion point. In this example, the non-foldable photobook sheets have identification codes in the form of pixel-based codes 723.In this example, the foldable photobook pages 701 and 702 have identification codes in the form of pixel-based codes 721 and 722. In the situation shown in Figure 7, the pixel-based code 721 is currently being read. Preferably, before inserting the foldable photobook pages, at least one identification code from a non-foldable photobook page and one identification code for each of the foldable photobook pages to be inserted are read. In the embodiment shown here, the read information is automatically forwarded by the laser scanner 704 to a computer unit, which compares the read information.If the check reveals that all the scanned identification codes—in this example, identification codes 721, 722, and 723—are linked to the same photobook, a success message appears on the display, and the fold-out photobook pages can be inserted. If the check reveals that the scanned identification codes are not linked to the same photobook, an error message appears on the display, and the fold-out photobook pages cannot be inserted. This effectively prevents the incorrect fold-out photobook pages from being inserted.

[0127] In a fourth step 204 of the process 200, the stack is bound into a book block. This step can optionally include trimming the book block to create uniform outer edges. Preferably, the book block is trimmed on three sides, with the fourth, untrimmed side being the spine and binding.

[0128] In a fifth step 205 of the procedure 200, the book block is joined to a book cover to produce the photobook.

[0129] The following schematically and exemplarily describes a system for producing photobooks with reference to Figure 8, wherein the photobook pages are printed with photos and comprise a foldable photobook page and non-foldable photobook pages. The system 800 comprises a first dispensing device 810 for dispensing a foldable photobook page. In this embodiment, the dispensing device 810 first prints sheets of paper with photos. Additional information about the photobook and the foldable page is also encoded and printed onto the sheets of paper. The dispensing device 810 then applies a laminating film to the printed sheets of paper. The dispensing device 810 subsequently folds the sheets of paper and makes them available for further processing. The system 800 further comprises a second dispensing device 820 for dispensing a stack of non-foldable photobook pages.In this embodiment, the supply unit 820 prints paper sheets with photos. Here, too, additional information about the photobook and the non-folding pages is encoded and printed onto the paper sheets. The printed paper sheets are stacked by the supply unit 820 and provided as a stack for further processing. Furthermore, the system 800 comprises a book block binding unit 830 for binding the stack into a book block after the foldable photobook sheet has been inserted into the stack, and a book binding unit 840 for attaching the book block to a book cover to produce the photobook. The units mentioned in the described embodiment of a system for producing photobooks can each consist of different sub-units, which are not shown separately in Figure 8.For example, the first dispensing unit 810 may include a printing unit for printing on sheets of paper, a film applicator for applying a laminating film to sheets of paper, and / or a folding unit for folding sheets of paper. The first dispensing unit may also include a creasing unit for creasing sheets of paper and / or a reading unit for reading fold marks. In particular, the creasing unit and / or the reading unit may be part of the folding unit. The second dispensing unit 820 may also include a printing unit for printing on sheets of paper. Although the first dispensing unit 810 and the second dispensing unit 820 are described separately above, the two dispensing units may include some identical sub-units.In a preferred embodiment, the printing unit of the first delivery unit 810 and the printing unit of the second delivery unit 820 are identical. Furthermore, the book block binding unit can include a binding unit for binding the trimmed stack of photobook pages into a book block after the foldable photobook sheet has been inserted into the stack, as well as a cutting unit for trimming the book block. The system 800 can also include a computer unit configured to control the system 800 or parts thereof. In particular, the computer unit can be configured to transmit print data for printing on paper sheets to the first delivery unit 810 and the second delivery unit 820.

[0130] In the claims, the words "show" and "comprise" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plurality.

[0131] A single unit or device can perform the functions of several elements listed in the claims. The fact that individual functions and elements are listed in different dependent claims does not preclude the possibility of advantageously using a combination of these functions or elements.

[0132] The control of, for example, the provisioning equipment or the entire system for producing photo books can be implemented as program code of a computer program or several computer programs and / or as corresponding hardware.

[0133] A computer program, or parts of a computer program such as the aforementioned control system, can be stored and / or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state storage medium, which is sold together with or as part of other hardware. However, the computer program can also be distributed in other forms, for example via the internet or other telecommunications systems.

[0134] The reference numerals in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the subject matter and scope of protection of the claims by these reference numerals.

Claims

Claims 1. Photobook with photobook sheets, wherein the photobook sheets are printed with photographs and comprise a foldable photobook sheet and non-foldable photobook sheets, wherein the foldable photobook sheet (110; 110') has a first sheet section (111; 111') and a second sheet section (112; 112') with a fold line (113; 113') arranged between them, wherein the first sheet section (111; 111') is located between the center of the book (101) and the fold line (113; 113') and the second sheet section (112; 112') is located on the side of the fold line (113; 113') facing away from the center of the book (101), wherein the second sheet section (112; 112') is folded around the fold line (113; 113') from the first sheet section (111 ; 111 ') can be folded away to unfold the photobook sheet (110; 1 10'), and wherein the second sheet section (112; 112') can be folded around the fold line (113; 113') onto the first sheet section (111 ; 11 1 ') to unfold the photobook sheet (110;110') to fold, wherein the foldable photobook sheet (110; 110') comprises a paper sheet printed with a photograph, having a first thickness, and a laminating film on the paper sheet, the non-foldable photobook sheets (120; 120') are paper sheets printed with photographs, having a second thickness and no laminating film, and the second thickness is greater than the first thickness.; 2. Photobook according to claim 1, characterized in that the sum of the first thickness and a thickness of the laminating film is equal to the second thickness.

3. Photobook according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the printed paper sheet of the foldable photobook sheet (110; 1 10') has the laminating film on the front and back of the paper sheet.

4. Photobook according to claim 3, characterized in that the sum of the first thickness, a thickness of the laminating film on the front and a thickness of the laminating film on the back is equal to the second thickness.

5. Photobook according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimension (116; 116') of the first sheet section (111 ; 111 ') lies perpendicular to the border (102) of the photobook (100) in a range of 95% and 100% of the dimension of the non-folding photobook sheets perpendicular to the border (102).

6. Photobook according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimension (117; 117') of the second sheet section (112; 112') lies perpendicular to the boundary (102) of the photobook (100) in a range of 85% and 98% of the dimension (116; 116') of the first sheet section (111; 111') perpendicular to the boundary (102).

7. Photobook according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the photobook (100) comprises two adjacent foldable photobook sheets (110, 110') which are designed such that one of these photobook sheets (110, 110') can be folded to one side and the other of these photobook sheets (110, 110') can be folded to the opposite side.

8. Method for producing a photobook according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method (200) comprises the following steps: Providing (201) a foldable photobook sheet (110; 110'), wherein the foldable photobook sheet (110; 110') has a first sheet section (111; 111') and a second sheet section (112; 112') with a fold line (113; 113') arranged between them, wherein the second sheet section (112; 112') can be folded away from the first sheet section (111; 111') about the fold line (113; 113') to unfold the photobook sheet (110; 110'), and wherein the second sheet section (112; 112') can be folded onto the first sheet section (111; 111') about the fold line (113; 113') to unfold the photobook sheet (110; 110'). 110') to fold, wherein the foldable photobook sheet (110; 110') comprises a paper sheet printed with a photograph, having a first thickness, and a laminating film on the paper sheet, Providing (202) non-folding photobook sheets (120; 120') which are paper sheets printed with photographs, which have a second thickness and do not have a laminating film, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness, Inserting (203) the foldable photobook sheet (110; 110') into the non-foldable photobook sheets (120; 120') to create a stack of non-foldable photobook sheets with one foldable photobook sheet inserted, Binding (204) the stack into a book block, and Connecting (205) the book block to a book cover to make the photo book (100).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that providing (201) a foldable photobook sheet comprises: Providing print data for printing photos on a sheet of paper, Printing photos on a sheet of paper (300) of the first thickness, Applying a laminating film to the sheet of paper (300), Trimming the sheet of paper (300) with laminating film, and Folding the trimmed sheet of paper (300) with laminating film to form the foldable photo book page.

10. Method according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that providing (201) a foldable photobook sheet comprises the following: Scoring the paper sheet (300) with laminating film in preparation for folding.

11. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that providing (201) a foldable photobook sheet comprises the following: Providing print data for printing on the paper sheet (300) with an insertion mark, and Printing the sheet of paper (300) that has the first thickness with an insertion mark (321 ; 321 322; 323).

12. Method according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that providing (201) a foldable photobook sheet comprises the following: Providing print data for printing the paper sheet (300) with an identification code, and Printing the sheet of paper (300), which has a first thickness, with an identification code (331 ; 331 ').

13. Method according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the provision (201) of a foldable photobook sheet further comprises the following: Providing print data for printing on the paper sheet (300) with a fold mark, and Printing the paper sheet (300) having a first thickness with a folding mark (341 ; 341 '), wherein folding the paper sheet (300) with laminating film comprises: Reading the fold mark (341 ; 341 '), and Align the sheet of paper (300) with laminating film according to the fold mark (341 ; 341 ') such that a fold line produced by folding is arranged according to the provided print data.

14. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the provision (202) of non-folding photobook sheets comprises the following: Providing print data for printing photos on sheets of paper, Printing on paper sheets (400) of the second thickness with photos, and Trimming the sheets of paper (400) to form the non-folding photobook pages.

15. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the provision (202) of non-folding photobook sheets further comprises the following: Providing print data for printing on sheets of paper (400) with insertion marks, and Printing the paper sheets (400) which have the second thickness with insertion marks (421 ; 421 422; 422').

16. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that the provision (202) of non-folding photobook sheets comprises the following: Providing print data for printing on paper sheets (400) with identification codes, and Printing the paper sheets (400) which have the second thickness with identification codes (431 ; 431 ').

17. Method according to claim 16, insofar as it relates back to claim 12, characterized in that the insertion (203) of the foldable photobook sheet into the non-foldable photobook sheets comprises the following: Reading the identification code (721; 722) on the fold-out photobook page, Reading one or more of the identification codes (723) on the non-folding photobook pages, Comparing the read identification codes (721; 722; 723), and Depending on the result of the comparison: Insert the foldable photobook page into the non-foldable photobook pages at the insertion point.

18. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 17, characterized in that the binding (204) of the stack to form a book block comprises the following: Binding the stack into a book block, and Trimming the book block.

19. Method according to one of claims 8 to 18, characterized in that the joining (205) of the book block with a book cover to produce the photobook comprises the following: Reading one or more of the identification codes on the non-folding photobook pages, Reading an identification code on the book cover, Comparing the read identification codes, and Depending on the result of the comparison: joining the book block to the book cover to produce the photo book (100).

20. System for producing a photo book according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the system comprises: A first dispensing device for dispensing a foldable photobook sheet (110; 110'), wherein the foldable photobook sheet (110; 110') has a first sheet section (111; 111') and a second sheet section (112; 112') with a fold line (113; 113') arranged between them, wherein the second sheet section (112; 112') can be folded away from the first sheet section (111; 111') about the fold line (113; 113') to unfold the photobook sheet (110; 110'), and wherein the second sheet section (112; 112') can be folded onto the first sheet section (111; 111') about the fold line (113; 113') to unfold the photobook sheet (110; 1 10') to fold, wherein the foldable photobook sheet (110; 110') comprises a paper sheet printed with a photograph having a first thickness and a laminating film on the paper sheet, a second dispensing device for dispensing non-foldable photobook sheets (120;120'), which are paper sheets printed with photographs, having a second thickness and no laminating film, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness, - a book block binding device for binding a stack produced by inserting the unfoldable photobook sheet (110; 110') into the non-foldable photobook sheets (120; 120') into a book block, and a book binding device for joining the book block to a book cover to produce the photobook.;

Images