Method and apparatus for operating printing presses

• US 20070272106A1
• Filed: 05/24/2007
• Published: 11/29/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen GmbH
• Original Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag
• Inventors: Hauck, Dieter, Maier, Till, Rottloff, Mario
• Granted Patent: US 8,213,688 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 101/484
• CPC Class Codes: B41F 33/0036 Devices for scanning or checking the printed matter for quality control
• CPC Class Codes: B41F 33/0045 for automatically regulating the ink supply

Abstract

A method for controlling operating processes or measuring processes in connection with a printed image applied to a printing material, includes acquiring image information from the printed image on the printing material with a camera device. The data acquired by the camera is compared in a computer with digital image data of the printed image. Operating processes or measuring processes are triggered by the computer on the basis of the identified printed image on the printing material. The printing material is displayed on a desk, the camera device detects objects or persons covering the printing material and specific operating, processes or measuring processes are triggered on the basis thereof. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Claims

1. A method for controlling operating processes or measuring processes associated with a printed image applied to a printing material, the method comprising the following steps:

positioning the printing material on a desk;

capturing, with a camera device, image information from the printed image on the printing material;

comparing, in a computer, data captured by the camera device with digital image data of the printed image;

triggering operating processes or measuring processes with the computer on a basis of an identified printed image on the printing material;

detecting, with the camera device, objects or persons covering the printing material; and

carrying out specific operating processes or measuring processes on a basis of the detected objects or persons covering the printing material.

2. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises:

carrying out automatic recognition of a front or reverse side of a printing material with the camera device and the digital image data of the printed image; and

triggering operating processes or measuring processes as a function of the side of the printing material lying on top.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the digital image data is prepress stage data of the printed image.

4. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises:

providing operating elements on a control station of a machine processing printing material; and

selecting a function of the operating elements in dependence on an identification of the printed image of a printing material lying on a desk area.

5. The method according to claim 4, which further comprises matching a display of the operating elements to a respective side of the printing material lying on top, when the printing material lying on the desk area is turned.

6. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises registering, with the camera device, a relative orientation of the printing material displayed on the desk, in relation to the desk area.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of triggering specific operating processes or measuring processes also includes at least temporarily blocking specific operating processes or measuring processes.

8. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises:

storing, in the computer, any measurements carried out on the printing material by a measuring instrument; and

outputting a warning signal or failing to carry out a double measurement in the event that double measurements are carried out.

9. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises:

registering gestures of an operator with the camera device; and

selecting, with the gestures, measuring points on the printing material for registration by a measuring instrument.

10. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises carrying out communication between the computer and at least one of a printing press or a prepress stage device.

11. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises:

providing the desk area with operating elements for setting inking zones in inking units of a printing press;

registering, with the camera device, whether the operating elements are touched by fingers of an operator or by other objects; and

enabling or blocking the operating elements depending on a contact detected.

12. An apparatus for controlling operating processes or measuring processes associated with a printed image applied to a printing material, the apparatus comprising:

a desk for positioning the printing material;

a camera device for capturing image information from the printed image on the printing material, said camera device being removable and configured for use as a video magnifier;

a computer connected to said camera device for comparing data captured by said camera device with digital image data of the printed image, said computer triggering operating processes or measuring processes on a basis of an identified printed image on the printing material; and

said camera device detecting objects or persons covering the printing material for carrying out specific operating processes or measuring processes on a basis of the detected objects or persons covering the printing material.

13. An apparatus for controlling operating processes or measuring processes associated with a printed image applied to a printing material, the apparatus comprising:

a desk having a desk area for positioning the printing material;

operating elements for inking zone control;

a camera device for capturing image information from the printed image on the printing material;

a computer connected to said camera device for comparing data captured by said camera device with digital image data of the printed image, said computer triggering operating processes or measuring processes on a basis of an identified printed image on the printing material;

said camera device detecting objects or persons covering the printing material for carrying out specific operating processes or measuring processes on a basis of the detected objects or persons covering the printing material; and

light sources disposed at said desk area or at an area around said operating elements.

14. An apparatus for controlling operating processes or measuring processes associated with a printed image applied to a printing material, the apparatus comprising:

a desk for positioning the printing material;

a camera device for capturing image information from the printed image on the printing material, said camera device being removable and configured for use as a video magnifier; and

a computer connected to said camera device for comparing data captured by said camera device with digital image data of the printed image.