Web-to-Print Invoice Generation via Digital Offset Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing print jobs in multi-unit printing presses, such as those with digitally controllable units, fail to ensure accurate and automated delivery and accounting of print jobs, particularly in web-to-print processes where small runs are combined and separated, leading to inefficiencies in invoicing and job separation.
Innovation Solution
A method and control software that utilize process data and commercial data to create an accompanying print product, which includes invoices, printed simultaneously with the main print job, using digital printing units, allowing for automatic generation and separation of invoices with the print jobs, even in mixed printing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple print jobs are collected and produced on a single large printing plate in a large-format offset printing press, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but separation and delivery of individual print jobs becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by inserting separation elements (such as colored strips or markers) between different print jobs on the printing plate. These elements divide the continuous print output into distinct, identifiable segments, allowing easy separation and correct delivery of individual print jobs while maintaining the efficiency of producing multiple jobs on a single plate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If print jobs are processed manually with separate invoicing, then flexibility is maintained, but automation and accuracy of delivery and billing are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by embedding identification elements and process data within the print output during the printing process itself. This preliminary inclusion of tracking and identification information enables automatic recognition and routing of print jobs downstream, allowing manual flexibility to be combined with automated delivery and billing processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If digital printing units are used for personalization, then customization capability is improved, but integration with offset printing and automated processing becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating digital printing units directly into the offset printing press system. The digital units are combined with the conventional offset units to form a hybrid system that can produce both personalized and standard content on the same printing plate, enabling customization while maintaining the efficiency and low cost of offset printing for bulk production.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for processing print jobs in a printing press (1) with at least one digitally controlled printing unit (8) and a computer (5), wherein a print job comprises at least the data for at least one print image as well as process data or commercial data. The invention is characterized in that the computer (5) generates the image content for an accompanying printed product (6) from the process data or commercial data for the print job and that this image content is applied to a substrate (7) during the processing of the print job on the printing press (1).