JP7054889B2 - Collating device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a collating device.

Some collating devices are provided with an incorrect pagination detection device that detects incorrect pagination in the paper feed device. As shown in Patent Document 1, for example, the incorrect pagination detection device is provided in each of a plurality of paper feed shelves. The misregistration detection device is a camera that captures a paper image showing the printed surface of the paper in the paper feed rack, a camera control unit that controls the operation of the camera, and a paper feed device that controls the entire paper feed device of each paper feed rack. The main elements are a CPU for printing and a miscellaneous pagination detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of misplaced pagination by comparing a part of the paper image of the paper arranged on each paper feed shelf obtained from the camera with the reference image. Has been done. In such a configuration, in the random pagination detection, after the collating device is started and before the paper feeding operation is started, the paper surface image of the uppermost paper surface of the paper bundle is captured by the camera, and the obtained image and the reference image are combined. , The comparison is made according to the similarity degree suitability determination method, and if the correlation value is a certain value or more, it is determined that the page is not incorrect. As a result, one sheet of paper is taken out by the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding device. On the other hand, if the correlation value never exceeds a certain value in a predetermined search range in the paper image, an error occurs as an incorrect pagination and the collating device is stopped.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-292088

As described above, in a collating device provided with a plurality of paper feed shelves, when incorrect pagination detection is performed, when it is determined that the paper image on the upper surface of the paper at the top of the paper bundle is not irregular pagination, in each paper feed rack. One sheet of paper is ejected by the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding device.

However, when it is determined that the paper surface image of the uppermost paper surface of the paper bundle is incorrect in at least one paper feed tray among the plurality of paper feed shelves, the collating device is stopped as described above. Therefore, each paper that has been fed and taken out from another paper feed tray needs to be complicated work for the operator to return to the other paper feed tray, and the start operation of the collating device is also necessary again. Will be.

In consideration of the above problems, the present invention is a collating device, and when it is determined that the image on the upper surface of the sheet is incorrect in at least one paper feeding device among a plurality of paper feeding devices, the present invention is used. It is an object of the present invention to provide a collating device that can prohibit the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding device and can avoid complicated work for the operator.

In order to achieve the above object, the collating device according to the present invention includes a plurality of paper feeding devices each having a sheet accommodating portion for stacking and accommodating a plurality of sheets and feeding the sheets , and the plurality of paper feeding devices. By comparing the image data representing the image of the surface of the sheet and the reference image data representing the reference image, it is determined whether or not the images match each other and the comparison result is output. The operation of the comparison determination unit, the transport path for transporting a plurality of sheets supplied from the plurality of paper feed devices together, and the paper feed drive unit of the plurality of paper feed devices based on the comparison results from the comparison determination unit. The control unit is provided with a control unit for controlling the above, and the control unit is determined by all the comparison determination units before starting the operation of the paper feed drive unit of the plurality of paper feed devices when the start signal is supplied. When the comparison results from all the comparison and determination units indicate that the images match each other, the operation of the paper feed drive units of the plurality of paper feed devices is started, and the comparison results from the comparison and determination units are described as described above. When an image indicating that the images do not match each other is included, the operation of the paper feed drive unit of the plurality of paper feed devices is not started.

According to the collating device according to the present invention, when the control unit indicates that the comparison results from all the comparison determination units match the images, the operation of the paper feed drive unit of the plurality of paper feed devices is performed. Therefore, if it is determined that the image on the upper surface of the sheet is incorrect in at least one paper feeding device among the plurality of paper feeding devices, the feeding operation of the other paper feeding devices can be prohibited, and the worker can do so. You can avoid complicated work.

It is a block diagram which shows the control part provided in an example of the image determination apparatus which concerns on this invention. (A) is a block diagram showing an example of an image pickup unit / image processing unit of the irregular pagination detection module in the example shown in FIG. 1 together with other components in the control unit, and (B) is shown in (A). It is a figure which shows roughly the main part of the structure in the LED light source substrate. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the 1st Embodiment of the bookbinding system which includes the paper feed device which includes an example of the image determination device which concerns on this invention. (A) and (B) are plan views showing a sheet bundle, respectively, and (C) is a plan view showing a booklet formed by folding the sheet bundle. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the paper feed cassette used in the example shown in FIG. (A) is a plan view of the paper feed cassette shown in FIG. 5 as viewed from the sheet side, and (B) is a side view of the incorrect pagination detection unit shown in (A). (A) and (B) are diagrams provided for explaining the operation of the paper cassette shown in FIG. 5, respectively. It is a figure provided for the operation description of the paper feed cassette shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows a part of the operation screen displayed on the screen of a display part. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the 2nd Embodiment of the bookbinding system which includes the paper feed device which includes an example of the image determination device which concerns on this invention.

FIG. 3 schematically shows the configuration of a first embodiment of a bookbinding system including a paper feed cassette including an example of the image determination device according to the present invention.

In FIG. 3, the bookbinding system provides a collating machine 10 for manufacturing a sheet bundle and a transport path for sequentially transporting each bundle of sheets 26 discharged from the collating machine 10 to a saddle stitch folding device 14 described later. The lift-up conveyor 12 to be formed, the saddle-stitching folding device 14 that binds and folds the sheet bundle 26 supplied from the downstream end of the lift-up conveyor 12 at the center position, and the traveling direction in the booklet 30 from the saddle-stitching folding device 14. Is composed of a cutting device 16 that cuts the end portion in the opposite direction into small pieces, and a stacker 16D that stores and discharges a predetermined number of booklets 30'sequentially supplied from the cutting device 16 as main elements.

As shown in FIG. 3, the collating machine 10 has a plurality of paper cassettes 18Ki (i = 1 to n, n are positive integers) each having a paper feeding mechanism, and printed matter from each paper cassette 18Ki. A plurality of transport rollers arranged along a transport path 10PA in which each sheet is transported in a collated state, and a discharge path 10DA for discharging the collated sheets toward the inlet of the lift-up conveyor 12. And are included as the main elements.

Each of the plurality of paper cassettes 18Ki (i = 1 to 10) forms a hierarchy along the transport path 10PA formed inside the collating machine 10 along the Z coordinate axis at the orthogonal coordinates shown in FIG. In addition, it is detachably provided on the chassis of the collating machine 10. The X coordinate axis orthogonal to the Z coordinate axis in Cartesian coordinates in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, which will be described later, is set along the discharge direction of the sheet bundle 26, which will be described later. A plurality of sheets BSi, which are printed matter on which the same image is printed, are stacked and accommodated in each of the paper feed cassettes 18Ki. Further, between the paper feed cassettes 18Ki in each stage, a plurality of sheets BSi, which are printed matter on which different images are printed, are stacked and accommodated. For example, a plurality of sheets BSi, which are printed matter serving as a cover of the booklet 30, are stacked and accommodated in the first-stage paper cassette 18Ki, which is the uppermost stage.

The paper feed cassette 18Ki forms the upper part of the elevating tray 18BP for raising and lowering a plurality of stacked sheet BSi along the Z coordinate axis shown in FIG. 5 and the plurality of sheet BSi loaded on the elevating tray 18BP. A blower (not shown) that raises the sheet BSi so as to be separated from each other by the discharged air through the blower duct 74, and an end portion of the uppermost sheet BSi that is lifted by the blower in the traveling direction are passed through a suction chamber 66. Detects the surface or printed surface of the sheet BSi with the fan 70 (see FIG. 6 (A)) that holds or releases the suction and transport belt 68Bi (i = 1 to 8) (see FIG. 6 (A)). It is configured to include an incorrect pagination detection unit 60 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) and a pair of paper feed rollers 76A and 76B for feeding sheet BSi one by one from the elevating tray 18BP to the transport path 10PA. There is.

Further, in the paper feed cassette 18Ki, the sheet detection unit 64 for detecting the end portion of the uppermost sheet BSi lifted by the blower is supported on the inner peripheral surface of the side plate 18SPB as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A. Has been done.

The sheet accommodating portion for accommodating the sheet BSi in the paper cassette 18Ki includes the elevating tray 18BP forming the bottom, the side plates 18SPA and 18SPB forming a pair of side portions facing each other, and one end of the elevating tray 18BP and the side plates 18SPA and 18SPB. It is formed by being surrounded by a front plate 18FP orthogonal to one end. The elevating tray 18BP is connected to an elevating drive device (not shown), and is elevated between the side plates 18SPA and 18SPB along the Z coordinate axis shown in FIG.

The discharge portion of the blower (not shown) is connected to one end of the blower duct 74 shown in FIG. The ventilation duct 74 is supported by the side plates 18SPA and 18SPB. The ventilation duct 74 has a discharge port 74EX facing the uppermost end of the front plate 18FP. As a result, the air blowing means is formed by the blower duct 74 and the blower.

As shown in FIG. 6, the suction chamber 66 connected to the outlet of the fan 70 is supported by the side plate 18SPB and extends toward the side plate 18SPA to substantially the center of the seat accommodating portion. A plurality of transport belts 68Bi are arranged along the Y coordinate axis at predetermined intervals on the outer peripheral portion of the suction chamber 66. The suction chamber 66 has suction ports 66Hi (i = 1 to 7) communicating with the internal space between the transport belts 68Bi. The suction port 66Hi is open toward the seat accommodating portion.

Each transport belt 68Bi is wound around a pair of belt pulleys 72PA and 72PB. The plurality of belt pulleys 72PA are fixed to a common rotating shaft 72SA. The plurality of belt pulleys 72PB are fixed to a common rotating shaft 72SB. The rotation shaft 72SA is supported by the side plates 18SPA and 18SPB so as to be parallel to the rotation shaft 72SB. One end of the rotary shaft 72SA is connected to an output shaft of a drive motor (not shown). The drive motor is controlled by a drive control unit of a shelf board, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the seat detection unit 64 is arranged adjacent to the belt pulley 72PB and is supported by the side plate 18SPB. The sheet detection unit 64 includes an optical proximity sensor 64S, a lever member 64L having a reflecting surface that reflects an optical beam emitted from the optical proximity sensor 64S, and a support shaft 64B that rotatably supports the lever member 64L. It is composed of the main elements. The lowermost end portion of the lever member 64L projects toward the surface of the seat BSi accommodated in the seat accommodating portion. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 7 (B) and 8, when the lowermost end portion of the lever member 64L is rotated clockwise by the sheet BSi at the uppermost end, the reflective surface of the lever member 64L is optical. The optical beam emitted from the optical proximity sensor 64S is reflected and detected by the optical proximity sensor 64S. The optical proximity sensor 64S supplies a detection output St, which indicates that the sheet BSi at the uppermost end has risen to a predetermined position, to a drive control unit of a shelf board, which will be described later. When the optical proximity sensor 64S is replaced with the optical transmission sensor and the lever member 64L is rotated in the clockwise direction, it may be configured to block the optical axis of the optical transmission sensor.

As shown in FIG. 6, the joint portion 60J of the incorrect pagination detection unit 60 is supported by the stay 18ST3 so as to be movable and adjustable along the Y coordinate axis. The joint portion 60J is fixed to the stay 18ST3 by the machine screw BS2. The joint portion 18J provided at one end of the stay 18ST3 is provided on the stay 18ST2 provided in parallel with the side plate 18SPA so as to be movable and adjustable along the X coordinate axis. The joint portion 18J is fixed to the stay 18ST2 with a machine screw BS1. The stay 18ST2 is supported by the side plate 18SPA via the stay 18ST1. As a result, the position of the image pickup unit in the incorrect pagination detection unit 60, which will be described later, can be adjusted along the X coordinate axis and the Y coordinate axis above the sheet BSi.

The incorrect pagination detection unit 60 has a sheet pressing member 62 that abuts on the surface of the sheet BSi and suppresses the fluttering of the sheet BSi at one end of the outer peripheral portion of the housing. The position of the seat pressing member 62 can be adjusted along the Z coordinate axis with respect to the outer peripheral portion of the housing. The seat pressing member 62 is preferably provided at a position that does not enter the angle of view of the CMOS camera module when the surface of the sheet BSi is pressed.

The incorrect pagination detection unit 60 includes an image pickup unit / image processing unit 110Mb, which will be described later, and an incorrect pagination detection module 110Mi as main elements.

The pair of paper feed rollers 76A and 76B are provided at a position above the ventilation duct 74 facing the discharge passage formed between the plurality of transport belts 68Bi described above and the vicinity of the upper end portion of the front plate 18FP. There is. The pair of paper feed rollers 76A and 76B are provided with thickness detecting units 78S1 and 78S2 for measuring the thickness of one sheet BSi to be sent out (see FIG. 8).

At positions adjacent to the pair of paper feed rollers 76A and 76B, a transport roller 20Rbi that guides the sheet BSi taken out by the paper feed rollers 76A and 76B one by one into the above-mentioned transport path 10PA is provided. The transport path 10PA is formed between the transport belt 20BE and the transport roller 20Rbi. The transport belt 20BE is wound around a pair of belt pulleys 20Rc along the Z coordinate axis in FIG. Further, inside the transport belt 20BE, the transport rollers 20Rai (i = 1 to 9) are rotatably arranged so as to face the transport rollers 20Rbi in each paper feed cassette 18Ki.

Further, on the downstream side of the passage where the transport roller 20Rbi of the lowermost paper cassette 18Ki is provided, a discharge path 10DA for discharging a plurality of collated sheet BSi toward the inlet of the lift-up conveyor 12 is integrally formed. Has been done. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4A, a sheet bundle 26 in which a plurality of sheets BSi collected from each paper cassette 18Ki are sequentially stacked is formed in the discharge path 10DA. The sheet bundle 26 is assumed to have a predetermined thickness and a predetermined length along the transport direction. For example, a predetermined character string 26CA is printed on the uppermost sheet BSi in the sheet bundle 26 which is the cover of the booklet 30. The sheet bundle 26 is conveyed, for example, from the advancing end 26FE side in the direction indicated by the arrow F. The sheet bundles 26 are sequentially and sequentially supplied to the lift-up conveyor 12 one by one via the discharge path 10DA.

An operation panel (not shown) for setting the quantity of the sheet BSi, the sheet bundle 26, and the like is provided on the side surface portion of the collating machine 10. The number of stages of the paper feed cassette 18Ki is not limited to such an example, and may be 11 or more stages, or two 10-stage paper feed cassettes 18Ki may be configured to be connected to each other. ..

As shown in FIG. 3, the lift-up conveyor 12 has an inclined transport portion in its housing facing the discharge path 10DA of the collating machine 10 described above.

The inclined transport unit includes a transport belt 12B for collaboratingly sandwiching and transporting a sheet bundle 26 from the discharge path 10DA, a plurality of transport rollers 20Rd, a drive belt pulley 12Bra for driving the transport belt 12B, and the like. It is configured to include 12Brb as a main element.

The transport belt 12B is arranged so that the end portion on the downstream side is positioned diagonally upward to the left. As a result, the upstream end of the transport belt 12B is close to the discharge path 10DA, and the downstream end is close to the introduction port of the saddle stitch folding device 14. The transport belt 12B is wound around the drive belt pulleys 12Br and 12Brb arranged at predetermined intervals. The drive belt pulley 12Br faces one pinch roller 20Rd via the transport belt 12B, and the drive belt pulley 12Brb faces the other transport roller 20Rd via the transport belt 12B. The drive motor connected to the drive belt pulleys 12Br and 12Brb is controlled by a drive control board (not shown) controlled based on a drive control signal from a shelf board described later. A plurality of idler CR1s are provided at predetermined intervals along the transport belt 12B between the transport rollers 20Rd. As a result, when the drive belt pulleys 12Br and 12Brb are operated, the seat bundle 26 is held after the advancing end 26FE of the seat bundle 26 from the discharge path 10DA is sandwiched between one of the transport rollers 20Rd and the transport belt 12B. , While being pressed by the plurality of idlers CR1, is transported to the other pinch roller 20Rd by the transport belt 12B, is discharged to the outside from the lift-up conveyor 12, and is introduced into the introduction port of the adjacent saddle stitch folding device 14. ..

The saddle stitch folding device 14 is stopped by a sheet bundle receiving stand 14NP that receives the sheet bundle 26 introduced through the introduction port, a pair of pinch rollers 22Ra and 22Rb, and a transport belt 32 that conveys the sheet bundle 26 to a predetermined position. A conveyor 14STI that binds the sheet bundle 26 on the conveyor belt 32 with a binding needle, and a conveyor belt that sends the bound sheet bundle 28 (see FIG. 4B) to a folding knife mechanism arranged on the downstream side thereof, which will be described later. 34, a folding knife mechanism that folds the sheet bundle 28 at its central position, and a discharge mechanism that discharges the folded sheet bundle 28 through the discharge port are built in the housing as main elements.

A pair of pinch rollers 22Ra and 22Rb are rotatably provided at the downstream end of the sheet bundle cradle 14NP formed along the X coordinate axis in FIG. The pinch rollers 22Ra and 22Rb are supposed to sandwich the seat bundle 26 received by the seat bundle receiving table 14NP and send it out to the transport belt 32 on the downstream side. The pinch rollers 22Ra and 22Rb are driven and controlled by a transport control unit (not shown). Further, a comb-shaped eject lever EJL is provided at the downstream end of the seat bundle cradle 14NP. The ejector lever EJL is supposed to abut on the end of the incoming incomplete sheet bundle 26'and guide it to the eject tray 14ET below the sheet bundle cradle 14NP. The incomplete sheet bundle 26'refers to, for example, a sheet having a shortage due to the fact that a specific sheet that should be sent out from the paper cassette is not sent out. The ejector lever EJL is counterclockwise from a position (standby position) on the surface of the sheet bundle cradle 14NP based on an error signal indicating the idle rotation of the paper feed roller, for example, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. It is assumed that it takes an eject position that abuts on the end of the incomplete sheet bundle 26'that has arrived.

The conveyor belt 32 is wound around the drive belt pulley 32BRb and the belt pulley 32BRa. Further, a transport belt 34 is wound around the drive belt pulley 32BRb and the belt pulley 34R. The transport belt 34 is supposed to transport the bound sheet bundle 28 toward the folding knife mechanism. The drive belt pulley 32BRb is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor (not shown).

The configuration of the stitcher 14STI for binding the sheet bundle 26 with a binding needle has the same configuration as that of the needle binding mechanism as shown in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-161821. The stitcher 14 STI provides a sheet bundle 28 bound with the binding needle STI, as shown in FIG. 4 (B). The binding needle STI is driven into two places at a predetermined interval in the substantially central portion of the sheet bundle. The binding needle STI is driven so as to be on the broken line representing the folded position in FIG. 4 (B).

Further, a stopper 14F, a back jogger 14BJ, and a side jogger 14SJ are movably provided adjacent to the transport belt 32. The base end of the stopper 14F is rotatably supported around the transport belt 32, and the bent end connected to the base end of the stopper 14F is the advancing end of the sheet bundle 26 abutted in response to the operation of the transport belt 32. It is rotated between the protruding position where the 26FE is stopped and aligned, and the standby position where the bound sheet bundle 28 passes and is separated from the transport belt 32 so as to reach the transport belt 34. When the bent end of the stopper 14F is in the protruding position, the bent end of the stopper 14F is projected upward from the position of the transport surface of the transport belt 32. As a result, the sheet bundle 26 abutted against the bent end of the stopper 14F is positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the stitcher 14STI so that the binding needle STI is driven.

In the back jogger 14BJ, when the advancing end 26FE of the seat bundle 26 is stopped at the bent end of the stopper 14F, the back jogger 14BJ is assumed to repeatedly strike the ends facing the advancing end 26FE of the sheet bundle 26. Further, by the operation of the side jogger 14SJ, the side surfaces of the sheet bundle 26 orthogonal to the advancing end 26FE are aligned. The stopper 14F, the back jogger 14BJ, and the side jogger 14SJ are driven and controlled by a transport control unit (not shown).

The folding knife mechanism adjacent to the downstream end of the transport belt 34 cooperates with the transport belt 36, which receives the sheet bundle 28 conveyed by the transfer belt 34 and conveys it to a predetermined position, and the transfer belt 38 and the sheet bundle 28. It is configured to include a folding knife 40 for folding, and a pair of folding rollers 42Ra and folding rollers 42Rb.

The transfer belt 34, the transfer belt 36, and the transfer belt 38 extend diagonally downward to the left so as to intersect the transfer surface of the transfer belt 32 at a predetermined angle. The conveyor belt 36 is wound around a drive belt pulley 36BRa and a belt pulley 36BRb. The conveyor belt 38 is wound around a drive belt pulley 38BRa and a belt pulley 38BRb.

The folding knife 40 is arranged so as to be able to reciprocate between the pair of folding rollers 42Ra and the folding rollers 42Rb through the gap between the transport belt 36 and the transport belt 38. The folding knife 40 is movably supported so as to intersect the transport surface of the transport belt 36 and the transport belt 38 by a drive control mechanism (not shown). That is, the folding knife 40 can reciprocate in a direction orthogonal to a common plane between the transport surface of the transport belt 36 and the transport surface of the transport belt 38. The pair of folding rollers 42Ra and the folding rollers 42Rb are rotatably supported and can be brought close to or separated from each other.

In such a configuration, the sheet bundle 28 is conveyed by the transfer belt 34, the transfer belt 36, and the transfer belt 38, and the advancing end of the sheet bundle 28 abuts against the stopper 50 protruding from the transfer surface of the transfer belt 38. When the conveyor belt 34, the conveyor belt 36, and the conveyor belt 38 are temporarily stopped, the tip of the folding knife 40 corresponds to the gap between the conveyor belt 36 and the conveyor belt 38. While being pressed toward the binding needle STI on the back side of the sheet bundle 28, the crease of the sheet bundle 28 is pushed between the rotating folding roller 42Ra and the folding roller 42Rb, and then between the transport belt 44 and the transport belt 46, which will be described later. Will be pushed out to. At that time, the tip of the folding knife 40 is returned to the initial position shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4C, a booklet 30 folded along a predetermined crease is obtained.

The conveyor belt 46 is wound between the drive belt pulley 46BRb and the belt pulley 46BRa. Further, two idler PR1s are provided between the drive belt pulley 46BRb and the belt pulley 46BRa at predetermined intervals. The transport belt 44 is wound between the drive belt pulley 44BRb facing the drive belt pulley 46BRb and the belt pulley 44BRa. Two idler PR1s are provided between the drive belt pulley 44BRb and the belt pulley 44BRa at predetermined intervals. A part of the conveyor belt 44 is overlapped with a portion of the conveyor belt 46 extending from the two idlers PR1 to the drive belt pulley 46BRb. As a result, when the drive belt pulley 46BRb and the drive belt pulley 44BRb are operated, the booklet 30 is conveyed to the pair of pinch rollers 48Ra and 48Rb while being sandwiched between the transfer belt 44 and the transfer belt 46. , Is discharged through the discharge port of the saddle stitch folding device 14.

Around the transport path formed inside communicating with the introduction port of the housing of the cutting device 16 adjacent to the discharge port of the saddle stitch folding device 14, the end portion in the direction opposite to the traveling direction in the booklet 30 cooperates. The fixed blade 54B, the movable blade 54A, the plurality of transport belts 52 for transporting the booklet 30, and the booklet 30 mounted on the plurality of transport belts 52 are directed toward the transport surface of the transport belt 52 from above. A booklet pressing member 56 for pressing is provided.

The fixed blade 54B is supposed to receive the booklet 30 introduced in the above-mentioned transport path from below.

The movable blade 54A uses a drive mechanism (not shown) to approach the fixed blade 54B so as to be substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the booklet 30 indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3, or cut the edge of the booklet 30. , It is movably supported so as to be separable from the fixed blade 54B.

The plurality of transport belts 52 are provided adjacent to the fixed blade 54B at predetermined intervals along the Y coordinate axis in FIG. 3, and the booklet 30 received by the fixed blade 54B is conveyed in the cutting device 16 and cut into small pieces. It is assumed that the printed booklet 30'is discharged to the stacker 16D through the discharge port of the housing of the cutting device 16. The transport belt 52 is intermittently driven and controlled by a drive control unit (not shown).

The stopper 58 is selectively projected in the gap between the plurality of transport belts 52. The stopper 58 is supported so as to be vertically movable with respect to the transport surface of the transport belt 52 by an elevating mechanism (not shown). The stopper 58 is positioned with respect to the fixed blade 54B of the booklet 30 by abutting the crease of the conveyed booklet 30.

When the booklet 30 is cut into small pieces by the movable blade 54A and the fixed blade 54B, the booklet 30 positioned by the stopper 58 is selectively pressed against the transport surface of the transport belt 52 at a position above the plurality of transport belts 52. The booklet holding member 56 is provided so as to be able to move up and down.

In such a configuration, first, the booklet 30 received by the fixed blade 54B in a state where the movable blade 54A in the cutting device 16 is separated from the fixed blade 54B is placed on the transport surface of the transport belt 52 and abutted against the stopper 58. Will be transported until Next, when the crease of the booklet 30 is abutted against the stopper 58 and the transport belt 52 is temporarily stopped, the booklet 30 is pressed against the transport surface of the transport belt 52 by the booklet holding member 56. Subsequently, the booklet 30 is cut into small pieces by the movable blade 54A and the fixed blade 54B. Then, the booklet holding member 56 and the movable blade 54A are separated from the booklet 30', the stopper 58 is lowered with respect to the transport surface of the transport belt 52, and then the transport belt 52 is operated. As a result, the booklet 30'cut into small pieces is discharged to the stacker 16D through the discharge port of the cutting device 16.

In addition to the above configuration, in the bookbinding system including an example of the image determination device of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, operation control of a plurality of paper feed cassettes 18Ki in the collating machine 10 is performed. It has a control block.

The control blocks are a shelf board 108Ci (i = 1 to 5) that controls the operation of the random page detection module 110Mi (i = 1 to 10), two random page detection modules 110Mi, and a main board that controls the operation of the shelf board 108Ci. It is configured to include 106 as a main element. Further, the main board 106 is connected to the input / output unit of the personal computer 100, and the incorrect pagination detection module 110Mi is connected to the input / output unit of the personal computer 100 via the USB-HUB 112. Further, the USB-HUB 112 is connected to the power supply line via the AC adapter 114 (see FIG. 2A).

Since each of the incorrect pagination detection units 60 has the same configuration as each other, the incorrect pagination detection unit 60 in the lowermost first-stage paper feed cassette 18Ki will be described, and the description of the other incorrect pagination detection units 60 will be omitted.

The personal computer 100 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage unit 100M. Further, the personal computer 100 includes, for example, an input unit 102 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and, for example, a display unit 104 having a liquid crystal screen.

The incorrect pagination detection module 110Mi is provided in each of the incorrect pagination detection units 60 in the above-mentioned paper feed cassette 18Ki, and forms image data of an image printed on the surface of each sheet BSi. The incorrect page detection module 110Mi includes a reference image data RMD that is a reference for determining incorrect page from the personal computer 100 via USB-HUB 112, and a comparison determination method selected according to the image printed on the surface of the sheet BSi, for example. , The pattern comparison determination method, or the determination method data DJM representing the color tone comparison determination method, the reference image retake command signal DR, and the like are supplied. Further, the image pickup start command signal SHC from the shelf board 108Ci, which will be described later, and the LED drive control signal LEC are supplied.

The incorrect pagination detection module 110Mi stores a determination method storage unit for storing data of a pattern comparison determination method program read out based on the determination method data DJM or a color tone comparison determination method program, and a reference image data RMD. It includes a data storage unit 110Mc having a reference image storage unit and an image pickup image storage unit for storing image data captured by the image pickup unit.

Further, the incorrect pagination detection module 110Mi includes an image pickup unit / image processing unit 110Mb and a comparison determination unit 110Ma. Since the plurality of incorrect pagination detection modules 110Mi and the plurality of shelf boards 108Ci each have the same structure as each other, one irregular pagination detection module 110Mi in the lowermost first-stage paper feed cassette 18Ki is represented. Further, one shelf board 108Ci will be described, and the description of the other irregular page detection module 110Mi and the shelf board 108Ci will be omitted.

The imaging unit / image processing unit 110Mb captures an image printed on the surface of the sheet BSi to form imaging data, a CMOS camera module 110ma, an LED light source substrate 110mb, and images captured from the CMOS camera module 110ma, which will be described later. Predetermined image processing for imaging data based on the relay board 110mc supplied to the processing board 110md and the pattern comparison judgment method program read out based on the above-mentioned selected judgment method data DJM, or the color tone comparison judgment method program. It is configured to include an image processing substrate 110 md for performing the above.

The CMOS camera module 110ma is supposed to photograph a predetermined region on the surface of the sheet located at the uppermost end based on the image pickup start command signal SHC from the shelf board 108Ci.

The LED light source substrate 110 mb includes an optical system element including a lens 110LE, a plurality of LED elements LEDs 1 and 2, and polarizing sheets 110 mg1 and 110 mg2. The LED light source substrate 110 mb operates a plurality of LED elements LEDs 1 and 2 based on the LED drive control signal LEC from the shelf substrate 108Ci, and irradiates the surface of the sheet with a light beam.

As shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. 2B, the LED light source substrate 110 mb has a plurality of LED elements LED1 and LED2 around an optical system element including a lens 110LE provided in the center of the substrate. .. In addition, in FIG. 2B, two LED elements LED1 and LED2 are shown as a representative. A polarizing sheet 110 mg1 and 110 mg2 combined with each other are provided between the LED light source substrate 110 mb and the uppermost sheet PA in the stacked sheets BSi. The polarizing sheets 110 mg1 and 110 mg2 have the property of transmitting light in specific polarization directions different from each other. As a result, after the surface of the sheet PA is irradiated from the LED elements LED1 and LED2, the reflected specular light beam LIA is blocked by the polarizing sheet 110 mg2. On the other hand, only the reflected diffused light beam LIB passes through the polarizing sheet 110 mg2 and is incident on the lens 110LE. Therefore, for example, even when the sheet PA is an art paper or laminated paper having high reflectance, the reflected light beam is polarized after the light beam emitted from the LED elements LED1 and LED2 is reflected on the surface of the sheet PA. Since the sheet 110 mg2 is prevented from directly incident on the lens 110LE, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon that characters and the like are not captured.

In the image processing substrate 110 md, when the determination method represented by the determination method data DJM is the pattern comparison determination method, for example, based on the reference image data and the obtained imaging data, for example, by a known zero average normalization cross-correlation matching calculation formula. , The correlation value is calculated from the brightness value of the dots (pixels) in the predetermined template. The pattern comparison determination method is selected, for example, when the printed surface of the imaged sheet is a printed surface on which characters and figures are suitable for pattern comparison determination.

Further, in the image processing substrate 110 md, when the determination method represented by the determination method data DJM is hue comparison determination, the range of the brightness value of the RGB color space is set to the HSV color space based on the reference image data and the obtained imaging data. After the conversion, the hue (H) is calculated by a known calculation formula, and a histogram for the hue (H) is created for each of the reference image data and the obtained imaging data. Then, the histograms of the reference image data and the obtained image pickup data are superposed on each other, and the value of the area of the different portion is calculated as the hue difference. The color tone comparison determination is selected, for example, when the printed surface of the imaged sheet is a plain printed surface of a single color.

When the determination method represented by the determination method data DJM is the pattern comparison determination method, the comparison determination unit 110Ma performs imaging and a reference image when the correlation value is a predetermined value or more based on the data representing the correlation value from the image processing board 110 md. If it is judged that the above is the same, and if the correlation value is less than the predetermined value, it is judged that the image and the reference image do not match, and the judgment data RJ showing the judgment result is stored on the shelf board. Supply to 108Ci. Further, when the determination method represented by the determination method data DJM is the color tone comparison determination method, the comparison determination unit 110Ma performs imaging when the hue difference is equal to or less than a predetermined value based on the data representing the hue difference from the image processing substrate 110 md. If it is determined that the image matches the reference image and the hue difference exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that the captured image and the reference image do not match, and the determination data RJ representing the determination result is obtained. It is supplied to the shelf board 108Ci.

In the shelf board 108Ci, after the data RMD representing the reference image is stored in the reference image storage unit by the reference image acquisition procedure described later, the image taken from the comparison determination unit 110Ma and the reference image first match. When the determination data RJ indicating that is supplied, the determination data RJ is supplied to the main board 106. The main board 106 is connected to all the shelf boards 108Ci. The main board 106 includes a paper feed control storage unit 106M for storing paper feed control data from the personal computer 100.

If the determination data RJ indicating that the image taken from the comparison determination unit 110Ma and the reference image do not match is supplied, the shelf board 108Ci supplies the determination data RJ to the main board 106 and commands the start of imaging. The supply of the signal SHC and the LED drive control signal LEC to the irregular page detection module 110Mi, and the supply of other drive control signal group DC described later are stopped.

Next, when the paper feed start command signal FSC from the main board 106 is supplied based on the determination data RJ indicating that the images taken from all the shelf boards 108Ci and the reference image match, the shelf board 108Ci , Imaging start command signal SHC, LED drive control signal LEC are supplied to the irregular page detection module 110Mi, and other drive control signal group DCs are used to raise and lower the above-mentioned fan 70, blower, and elevating tray 18BP, and a paper feed roller 76A. And 76B, supply to the control board that controls each transport belt 68Bi and the like. As a result, the paper cassette 18Ki starts the paper feeding operation. At that time, the paper feed start command signal FSC arrives so that the paper feed cassette 18Ki starts the paper feed operation at a timing later than that of the paper feed cassette 18Ki arranged above the paper feed cassette 18Ki. From that time, the paper feeding operation is started with a delay of a predetermined time different for each paper cassette 18Ki. For example, the second-stage paper cassette 18Ki performs the paper feed operation at a timing delayed by a predetermined time from the time when the paper feed start command signal FSC arrives, that is, at a timing earlier than the first-stage paper cassette 18Ki. It will start. Therefore, in the collating machine 10, the upper paper feed cassette 18Ki starts the paper feed operation earlier than the lower paper feed cassette 18Ki.

Subsequently, after the paper feeding of each paper cassette 18Ki is started, the shelf board 108Ci is fed with the judgment data RJ indicating that the image taken from the comparison judgment unit 110Ma and the reference image match. On the other hand, when the judgment data RJ indicating that the image taken from the comparison judgment unit 110Ma and the reference image do not match is supplied, the shelf board 108Ci supplies the judgment data RJ to the main board 106. , The supply of the image pickup start command signal SHC and the LED drive control signal LEC to the irregular pagination detection module 110Mi is stopped, and the other drive control signal group DC is not supplied. As a result, the paper feeding operation is temporarily stopped.

Procedure for importing a reference image When the CPU in the personal computer 100 supplies the reference image data RMD corresponding to the printed surface of the sheet BSi in each paper feed cassette 18Ki to the incorrect pagination detection module 110Mi, all the sheets BSi are placed on the sheet BSi. The same procedure is performed sequentially for the paper feed cassette 18Ki.

When the reference image acquisition command signal from the input unit 102 is supplied, the CPU in the personal computer 100 supplies a control signal to the main board 106 so that the shelf board 108Ci raises the elevating tray 18BP. As shown in FIG. 5, the main board 106 supplies a control signal to the predetermined shelf board 108Ci to perform the ascending operation of the elevating tray 18BP at a predetermined speed based on the control signal from the CPU. The shelf board 108Ci controls the elevating mechanism so as to raise and stop the elevating tray 18BP until the detection output St from the seat detection unit 64 is supplied. At that time, the sheet pressing member 62 is slightly pushed up by the uppermost sheet BSi. After that, as shown in FIG. 7A, the shelf board 108Ci controls its elevating mechanism so as to lower it by a predetermined amount. Next, as shown in FIG. 7A, the shelf board 108Ci operates a blower so as to blow air toward a plurality of sheet BSi near the uppermost end through the discharge port 74EX of the blower duct 74. However, the elevating tray 18BP is raised at a relatively low speed. At that time, as shown in FIG. 7B, the elevating trays 18BP are raised while the ends of the plurality of sheet BSi are separated from each other. Then, the shelf board 108Ci stops the elevating tray 18BP when the detection output St from the seat detection unit 64 is supplied. That is, the state is the same as the state immediately before the sheet BSi, which will be described later, is fed. At this timing, the shelf board 108Ci supplies the image pickup start command signal SHC and the LED drive control signal LEC to the incorrect pagination detection module 110Mi. As a result, the printed surface of the sheet BSi at the uppermost end is imaged by the CMOS camera module 110ma, and a reference target image is obtained. At that time, the sheet pressing member 62 abuts on the uppermost sheet BSi and pushes down the sheet BSi. Since the sheet pressing member 62 presses the sheet BSi in this way, the fluttering of the sheet BSi due to air is suppressed, and a high-quality reference target image can be obtained. After the imaging is completed, the elevating tray 18BP is lowered to a predetermined position.

As will be described later, the obtained reference target image is displayed on the screen of the display unit 104, for example, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a main part of an operation screen operated for capturing a reference image. In FIG. 9, the captured reference target image 104M6 displayed on the screen of the display unit 104 is displayed in the reference area 104M3 on the left side. After the position adjustment button 104M8 is clicked by the mouse, an image captured by, for example, the CMOS camera module 110ma is displayed in real time in the position adjustment image area 104M4 on the right side that functions as an electronic viewfinder. The image can be switched to an image for each paper cassette 18Ki.

Below the position adjustment video area 104M4, a reference image retake button 104M5 is provided.

After the position adjustment button 104M8 is clicked by the mouse, the image displayed in the position adjustment image area 104M4 at the time when the reference image retake button 104M5 is clicked by the mouse, for example, is displayed. It is newly retaken, moved to the reference area 104M3 on the left side as a reference target image, displayed, and the reference target image is updated.

A paper feed device selection area 104M2 is provided adjacent to the reference area 104M3 on the left side. The paper feed device selection area 104M2 is provided with a plurality of radio buttons (option buttons) with numbers (1 to 10) corresponding to the paper feed cassettes in each stage, and check boxes. When a predetermined radio button (the part of the number for the paper cassette 18Ki to be selected adjacent to the check box) is clicked with the mouse, the image captured in the paper cassette is displayed in the reference area 104M3 and the position adjustment. It is displayed in the video area 104M4.

The check box sets whether or not to perform image comparison determination in each paper feed device.
For example, when the check box is clicked to turn it on, the paper feed device is set to ON. If the check box is OFF, the paper feed device is set to OFF. In the case of the ON setting, the image comparison judgment is performed (or enabled), and in the case of the OFF setting, the image comparison judgment is not performed (or disabled). In the operation screen shown in FIG. 9, when two collating machines are connected, that is, a number and a check box are displayed for each of the 20 feeding devices. If you check the check box displayed as "All" at the top, all paper feed devices will be set to ON.

In the reference target image 104M6, a rectangular reference image selection frame 104M7 for designating and selecting a reference image from the images in the reference image selection area RIA, which will be described later, is formed. The reference image selection frame 104M7 is movable in the area inside the reference image selection area RIA by the mouse, and when the pattern comparison determination is selected, the size of the frame of the reference image selection frame 104M7 is also enlarged or reduced. Can be changed as follows. Further, when the color tone comparison determination is selected, the size of the frame of the reference image selection frame 104M7 is initially set larger than that when the pattern comparison determination is selected.

Further, the reference image selection frame 104M7 is set at an appropriate position as a reference image in the reference image selection area RIA of the reference target image 104M6 by the mouse. As a result, the image of the area selected by the reference image selection frame 104M7 in the reference image selection area RIA of the reference target image 104M6 is set as the reference image. Therefore, the reference image data RMD representing the image of the area selected by the reference image selection frame 104M7 is supplied to the reference image storage unit of the incorrect pagination detection module 110Mi.

In the reference target image 104M6, the size of the reference image selection area RIA is, for example, a length separated from both ends of the reference target image 104M6 along the paper feed direction by a predetermined distance WA, for example, about 5 mm inward. The WB is set within a range surrounded by, for example, a short side of about 20 mm and a long side of the reference target image 104M6.

Therefore, the reference image selection frame 104M7 is set at an appropriate position as the reference image in the reference image selection area RIA in the reference target image 104M6 by the mouse, so that the captured image is in the width direction orthogonal to the paper feed direction. Even if the image is deviated to the maximum, the captured image will not be erroneously determined to be inconsistent with the reference image. This is because the setting range of the reference image selection area RIA is set to the maximum in consideration of the possibility that the sheet having a predetermined material is displaced to the maximum in the direction orthogonal to the paper feeding direction, for example.

Further, the deviation of the paper feed direction of the sheet differs depending on the material of the sheet. If the sheet is a paper such as coated paper in which overlapping papers tend to adhere to each other, the lower paper may be displaced in the paper feeding direction by being dragged by the ejected paper. When the sheet is thin paper, it may be displaced in the blowing direction (upstream side in the feeding direction) by being blown off by the blown air. These deviation amounts tend to be larger than the deviation amount in the width direction of the sheet.

Therefore, by setting the size (area) of the reference image selection area RIA to a rectangle having a long side along the paper feed direction as described above, the captured image is supplied to the reference target image 104M6. An area that matches the reference image can be included in the reference target image 104M6 as long as the paper has the same print content even if the size is relatively large in the paper direction. When the sheet is a paper that tends to shift to the downstream side of the paper feed direction, for example, the reference image selection frame 104M7 is set closer to the upstream side of the paper feed direction in the reference image selection area RIA, and the paper tends to shift to the upstream side of the paper feed direction. By setting the reference image selection frame 104M7 closer to the downstream side of the paper feed direction in the reference image selection area RIA, the next sheet to be fed is located downstream of the paper feed direction or fed. Even if the image is taken at a position shifted to the upstream side in the paper direction, if the sheet has the same print content as the sheet from which the reference image was acquired, an captured image including a portion matching the acquired reference image can be obtained. This prevents the captured image from being erroneously determined to be inconsistent with the reference image. By setting the reference image selection frame 104M7 at an appropriate position corresponding to various types of paper, it is possible to appropriately determine the captured image according to the deviation of the next sheet to be fed at the time of feeding.

Further, since the CMOS camera module 110ma has, for example, a rectangular image pickup surface along the paper feed direction of the sheet, the shape of the reference target image 104M6 becomes a rectangle long in the paper feed direction. Therefore, as described above, by setting the size of the reference image selection area RIA, the length of the long side of the reference image selection area RIA extending in the paper feed direction becomes a length that matches the actual displacement amount of the sheet. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately cope with the deviation of the sheet in the paper feed direction, which tends to be larger than the width direction orthogonal to the paper feed direction.

Above the reference area 104M3 and the position adjustment video area 104M4, a radio button (pattern comparison) for selecting the above-mentioned pattern comparison judgment method or a radio button (color comparison) for selecting the color tone comparison judgment method is provided. .. For example, if the printed surface of the imaged sheet is a printed surface with a description of characters or figures suitable for the pattern comparison determination, the pattern comparison determination is selected, while the printed surface of the imaged sheet is. If it is a plain print surface of a single color, the color tone comparison determination will be selected. The radio buttons described above may be set differently for each paper cassette 18Ki. Further, when the above-mentioned position adjustment button 104M8 is clicked with a mouse, it is possible to change the selection of the pattern comparison determination method or the color tone comparison determination method.

As a result, when any one of these buttons is clicked with the mouse, the determination method data DJM representing the pattern comparison determination method or the color tone comparison determination method is supplied to the incorrect page detection module 110Mi. In FIG. 9, the image when the pattern comparison and determination method is selected is displayed, but the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, even when the color tone comparison and determination method is selected, the reference area is displayed. The reference target image is displayed in the 104M3 and the position adjustment video area 104M4.

As described above, after the position adjustment button 104M8 is clicked with the mouse and the image captured by the CMOS camera module 110ma is displayed in the position adjustment video area 104M4, the reference image retake button 104M5 is clicked with the mouse, for example. By doing so, the reference target image is updated. Therefore, since the image in the position-adjusted image area 104M4 is displayed only when the image is retaken, the imaging time of the camera can be shortened, the durability of the camera can be improved, and the memory for display can be reduced. Can be done.

Further, the shooting position of the incorrect pagination detection unit 60 can be adjusted prior to reshooting the reference image. That is, the position of the incorrect pagination detection unit 60 can be adjusted by moving the joint portion 60J. At that time, if the above-mentioned position adjustment button 104M8 is clicked with the mouse and the captured image is displayed in the position adjustment video area 104M4, the image in the position adjustment video area 104M4 is captured by the moved misplacement detection unit 60. Since the image is displayed in real time, the position of the incorrect pagination detection unit 60 can be adjusted while viewing the image.

Then, when the stop button 104M9 is clicked with the mouse, the acquisition of the reference image is forcibly terminated.

About paper feed operation control When controlling the operation of a plurality of paper feed cassettes 18Ki in the collating machine 10 by the CPU, the shelf board 108Ci and the main board 106 in the personal computer 100, first, as described above, each paper feed cassette 18Ki is supported. The main board 106 is shown in FIG. 5 when a predetermined start signal is supplied from the input unit 102 after the data RMD representing the reference image is stored in the reference image storage unit of each irregular pagination detection module 110Mi. As described above, a control signal is supplied to the predetermined shelf board 108Ci based on the control signal from the CPU so that the elevating tray 18BP can be raised at a predetermined speed. The shelf board 108Ci controls the elevating mechanism so as to raise and stop the elevating tray 18BP until the detection output St from the sheet detection unit 64 is supplied based on the paper feed start command signal FSC. After that, as shown in FIG. 7A, the shelf board 108Ci controls its elevating mechanism so as to lower it by a predetermined amount. Next, as shown in FIG. 7A, the shelf board 108Ci operates a blower so as to blow air toward a plurality of sheet BSi near the uppermost end through the discharge port 74EX of the blower duct 74. However, the elevating tray 18BP is raised at a relatively low speed. At that time, as shown in FIG. 7B, the elevating trays 18BP are raised while the ends of the plurality of sheet BSi are separated from each other. Then, the shelf board 108Ci stops the elevating tray 18BP when the detection output St from the seat detection unit 64 is supplied. At this timing, the shelf board 108Ci supplies the image pickup start command signal SHC and the LED drive control signal LEC to the incorrect pagination detection module 110Mi. As a result, the printed surface of the sheet BSi at the uppermost end is photographed by the CMOS camera module 110ma, and the captured image is obtained. The obtained captured image data is stored in the captured image storage unit of the irregular page detection module 110Mi. Subsequently, the comparison determination unit 110Ma of the incorrect page detection module 110Mi reads the data of the pattern comparison determination method program or the color tone comparison determination method program based on the determination method data DJM, and follows the selected comparison determination method program. The obtained captured image data and the reference image data are compared to determine whether or not they match, a comparison result output RJ is formed, and the comparison result output RJ is supplied to the shelf substrate 108Ci.

When the determination data RJ indicating that the image of the uppermost sheet BSi taken by the CMOS camera module 110ma from each comparison determination unit 110Ma and the reference image match is supplied to each shelf board 108Ci, each shelf It is assumed that the substrate 108Ci supplies the determination data RJ to the main substrate 106. When the determination data RJ indicating that the images taken from all the shelf boards 108Ci and the reference image match is supplied, the main board 106 simultaneously supplies the paper feed start command signal FSC to all the shelf boards 108Ci. .. As a result, it is confirmed that an appropriate predetermined sheet BSi is loaded in each paper cassette 18Ki.

Subsequently, when the determination data RJ indicating that the images taken from all the shelf boards 108Ci and the reference image match is supplied to the main board 106 and the paper feed start command signal FSC is supplied to the shelf board 108Ci. The shelf board 108Ci supplies a control signal to a predetermined control board to operate the transport belt 68Bi while operating the fan 70 and sucking the sheet BSi one by one through the suction chamber 66. do. As a result, when the end of the conveyed sheet BSi is sandwiched by the operation of the pair of paper feed rollers 76A and 76B, the relief valve (relief hole) provided in the suction chamber 66 is opened. As a result, the suction force in the suction chamber 66 is reduced, so that the sheet BSi is smoothly transported to the transport path 10PA on the downstream side by the pair of paper feed rollers 76A and 76B.
In this way, one sheet is conveyed from each paper cassette 18Ki, and the sheets are stacked to form a sheet bundle 26. The shelf board 108Ci operates the paper feed drive unit after a predetermined time has elapsed after the paper feed start command signal FSC is supplied to the shelf board 108Ci. The predetermined time is set to be as short as the upper paper cassette 18Ki and longer as the lower paper cassette 18Ki, and to be increased by a fixed time toward the lower side, so that the paper feed start command signal is set. When the FSC is supplied, the paper feed drive unit operates sequentially from the upper paper feed cassette 18Ki toward the lower paper feed cassette 18Ki. As a result, the tips of the sheets BSi are almost aligned and overlapped in the transport path 10PA.

The main board 106 supplies an error signal to the CPU of the personal computer 100 when the determination data RJ indicating that the image of the uppermost sheet BSi and the reference image do not match arrives. As a result, for example, an error message is displayed on the display unit 104, and the paper feeding operation is not started. Therefore, the sheet bundle 26 is not formed either.

Subsequently, the shelf board 108Ci supplies the LED drive control signal LEC to the incorrect pagination detection module 110Mi after the uppermost sheet BSi is conveyed. As a result, the printed surface of the sheet BSi to be conveyed next is photographed by the CMOS camera module 110ma, and the captured image is obtained. The obtained captured image data is stored in the captured image storage unit of the irregular page detection module 110Mi. The comparison determination unit 110Ma of the irregular page detection module 110Mi reads the data of the pattern comparison determination method program or the color tone comparison determination method program based on the determination method data DJM, and is obtained according to the selected comparison determination method program. The data of the captured image and the data of the reference image are compared to determine whether or not they match, a comparison result output RJ is formed, and the comparison result output RJ is supplied to the shelf substrate 108Ci. The printed surface of the sheet BSi after that is also photographed by the CMOS camera module 110ma in the same manner, and the comparison result output RJ is supplied to the shelf board 108Ci.

If the determination data RJ indicating that the image of the sheet BSi and the reference image do not match arrives, the sheet bundle 26 containing the defective sheet BSi is ejected without stopping the paper feeding operation. The operation of the ejector lever EJL is controlled so as to be supplied to the tray 14ET. However, when the determination data RJ indicating that the image of the sheet BSi from the same paper feed cassette 18Ki and the reference image do not match arrives twice in succession, the paper feed operation is stopped.

In the collating machine 10, for example, the paper is fed sequentially from the upper (10th stage) paper feed cassette 18Ki to the lower (9th stage) paper feed cassette 18Ki. Since the current paper feeding is started from the 10th stage paper cassette 18Ki without waiting for the completion of the paper feeding to the lowest stage (first stage) in the paper feeding, a predetermined start signal is supplied by the input unit 102. Immediately after the first paper feed, that is, in the second and subsequent paper feeds, the entire paper feed cassette 18Ki is imaged for the first time when the paper feed of the lowermost paper cassette 18Ki is completed. Since the images are aligned, it is possible to determine at that point whether or not there is a sheet BSi that is subsequently fed and does not match the reference image. That is, at the time when paper feeding is started from the paper feed cassette 18Ki of the uppermost stage (10th stage) of this time, the paper feeding of the paper feed cassette 18Ki of the lowermost stage of the previous time is not completed, so that it is used. For at least a part of the sheet BSi in all the paper cassettes 18Ki, it cannot be confirmed whether or not any of the sheet BSi fed this time does not match the reference image. If a defective sheet BSi that does not match the reference image is included, it is naturally necessary to remove or correct the sheet, but when it is confirmed that the defective sheet BSi was included. Then, since the paper feeding has already started from the uppermost stage (10th stage) paper feeding cassette 18Ki, as described above, the sheet bundle 26 containing the defective sheet BSi is formed and sent to the eject tray 14ET for correction. In that case, the defective sheet BSi is later taken out from the eject tray 14ET and corrected.

However, not limited to such control, in the second and subsequent paper feeding, the paper feeding up to the previous lowest stage (first stage) paper cassette 18Ki is waited for, and the current paper feeding is performed in the uppermost stage (10 stages). You may start from the paper cassette 18Ki of the eye).

Further, in such a case, since the processing speed of the paper feed is lowered, only when the quantity of the paper feed cassette 18Ki between the uppermost paper feed cassette 18Ki and the lowermost paper feed cassette 18Ki is small is the previous maximum. It may be possible to control the current paper feeding operation to start from the uppermost (10th) paper cassette 18Ki after waiting for the completion of paper feeding up to the lower paper cassette 18Ki.

By doing so, it is possible to determine whether or not some of the sheets fed this time do not match the reference image before starting feeding from the uppermost paper cassette cassette 18Ki. can. If the result of the determination does not match the reference image, an error signal is supplied to the CPU of the personal computer 100. As a result, for example, an error message is displayed on the display unit 104, and the paper feeding operation is not started. Therefore, the sheet bundle 26 containing the defective sheet BSi is not formed either. The operator can accurately reload the type and orientation of the paper loaded on the paper cassette 18Ki in which the error has occurred, the front and back sides, and restart the process. Therefore, the defective sheet BSi can be corrected without creating the sheet bundle 26 containing the defective sheet BSi.

On the other hand, for the first time immediately after the predetermined start signal is supplied by the input unit 102, since the "previous paper feed" does not exist, the "paper feed up to the previous bottom paper feed cassette 18Ki is completed". Waiting for this, regardless of whether or not the control to start the current paper feed operation from the top (10th) paper cassette 18Ki is performed, the sheet to be fed does not match the reference image. Whether or not there is a paper can be determined before starting paper feeding from the uppermost paper feed cassette 18Ki this time. If the image of the uppermost sheet BSi and the reference image do not match, the paper feeding operation is not started and the sheet bundle 26 containing the defective sheet BSi is not formed, so that the operator causes an error in feeding. The type and orientation of the paper loaded on the cassette 18Ki, the front and back sides, etc. can be accurately reloaded and restarted. Therefore, for example, when the device is stopped once when the paper loaded in the paper cassette 18Ki runs out, a new paper is loaded, and then a start signal is sent to restart the paper, the first time immediately after that. Before starting paper feeding, it is determined whether or not the image of the top sheet and the reference image of all the paper cassettes 18Ki match. As a result, it is possible to detect a loading error when loading new paper without forming a sheet bundle 26 containing a defective sheet BSi, so that it is possible to avoid complicated work for the operator.

FIG. 10 schematically shows the configuration of a second embodiment of a bookbinding system including an example of the image determination device according to the present invention.

In FIG. 10, in the bookbinding system, a sheet bundle group BS3 formed by stacking a plurality of sheet bundles constituting the contents of one book, or a sheet feeder 11 for sending a plurality of sheet BS2, and a sheet feeder 11 discharged from the sheet feeder 11 and overlapping with each other. What is the direction of travel in the saddle stitch folding device 14 and the folded booklet 30S from the saddle stitch folding device 14 that sequentially binds and folds one bundle of sheets 26S and one sheet BS2 one by one at the center position? It is configured to include a cutting device 16 for cutting the end portion in the opposite direction into small pieces, and a stacker 16D for accumulating and discharging a predetermined number of booklets 30S sequentially supplied from the cutting device 16 as main elements.

Further, in addition to the above-described configuration, in the bookbinding system including an example of the image determination device according to the present invention, a control block similar to the control block shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for controlling the operation of the seat feeder 11 is provided. I have. At that time, the control block is configured to include, for example, two irregular pagination detection modules 110Mi, one shelf board 108Ci and a main board 106, and a personal computer 100 as main elements.

In FIG. 10, the same components as those in the example shown in FIG. 3 are shown with the same reference numerals, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

The sheet feeder 11 is sequentially one from a paper feed device 11L that feeds out the sheet BS2 that is the cover of the booklet 30S one by one, and a sheet bundle group BS3 in which a predetermined number of sheet bundles constituting the contents of the booklet 30S are stacked. It is composed of a paper feed device 11U that feeds out sheets one by one. Each sheet bundle constituting the sheet bundle group BS3 is preliminarily stacked with a predetermined number of sheets in the order of page numbers.

Since the paper feed device 11L and the paper feed device 11U have the same structure as each other, the paper feed device 11L will be described, and the description of the paper feed device 11U will be omitted.

The paper feed device 11L forms an upper portion of the elevating tray 11BP for raising and lowering the stacked sheet BS2 along the Z coordinate axis shown in FIG. 10 and the plurality of sheet BS2 loaded on the elevating tray 11BP. A blower (not shown) that floats the sheet BS2 so as to be separated from each other by the discharged air through the blower duct, and the end portion of the uppermost sheet BS2 that is lifted by the blower in the traveling direction are sucked through the suction chamber. A fan (not shown) that holds or releases the transport belt 11Bi, an irregular pagination detection unit 60 that detects the surface or printed surface of the sheet BS2, a sheet detection unit (not shown), and a sheet BS2 from the elevating tray 11BP. It is configured to include a pair of paper feed rollers (not shown), which feed the paper one by one to the transport path 11PA. The paper feeding device 11U is not limited to such an example, and for example, a sheet bundle including a sheet as a cover may be loaded without using the paper feeding device 11L.

In such a configuration, first, the sheets fed one by one from the paper feeding device 11U to the transport path 11PA are transported to the stitcher 14STI by the pair of pinch rollers 22Ra and 22Rb and the transport belt 32, and then the stopper 14F. The sheet abutted against the bent end is positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the stitcher 14 STI so that the binding needle STI is driven. All the sheets constituting the contents of the sheet bundle 26S for one book are sent out from the paper feed device 11U, are sequentially abutted against the stopper 14F, and are stacked at a predetermined position with respect to the stitcher 14ST (the sheet bundle group BS3 is: It is pre-stacked in the reverse order of the order in which it was sent out from the paper feed device 11U, abutted against the stopper 14F, and stacked).

Next, one sheet BS2 sent out to the transport path 11PA with a predetermined delay is abutted against the bent end of the stopper 14F, thereby being overlapped with the uppermost end of the sheet bundle 26S, and then bound by the stitcher 14STI. The needle STI is driven into one sheet BS2 and a sheet bundle 26S. As a result, the sheet bundle 28S is obtained.

The sheet bundle 28S is conveyed by the transfer belt 34, the transfer belt 36, and the transfer belt 38, and when the advancing end of the sheet bundle 28S is abutted against the stopper 50 protruding from the transfer surface of the transfer belt 38, the sheet bundle 28S is conveyed. After the belt 34, the conveyor belt 36, and the conveyor belt 38 are temporarily stopped, the tip of the folding knife 40 binds the back side of the sheet bundle 28S corresponding to the gap between the conveyor belt 36 and the conveyor belt 38. While being pressed toward the needle STI, the crease of the sheet bundle 28S is pushed between the rotating folding roller 42Ra and the folding roller 42Rb, and then pushed out between the transport belt 44 and the transport belt 46. As a result, the booklet 30S folded along the predetermined crease can be obtained.

Then, the booklet 30S received by the fixed blade 54B in a state where the movable blade 54A in the cutting device 16 is separated from the fixed blade 54B is placed on the transport surface of the transport belt 52 and transported until it is abutted against the stopper 58. .. Next, when the crease of the booklet 30S is abutted against the stopper 58 and the transport belt 52 is temporarily stopped, the booklet 30S is pressed against the transport surface of the transport belt 52 by the booklet holding member 56. Subsequently, the booklet 30S is cut into small pieces by the movable blade 54A and the fixed blade 54B. Then, the booklet holding member 56 and the movable blade 54A are separated from the booklet 30'S cut into small pieces, the stopper 58 is lowered with respect to the transport surface of the transport belt 52, and then the transport belt 52 is operated. As a result, the booklet 30'S cut into small pieces is discharged to the stacker 16D through the discharge port of the cutting device 16.

The CPU in the personal computer 100 sequentially supplies the paper feed devices 11U and 11L with reference image data RMD corresponding to the print surfaces of the sheet bundle group BS3 and the sheet BS2 in the paper feed devices 11U and 11L to the incorrect pagination detection module 110Mi. , The reference image is captured by the same procedure as described above. Regarding the paper feed device 11U, after the reference image of the top sheet is taken in, the paper feed drive unit is driven to send out the top sheet, and then the reference image of the next sheet is taken in. This work is repeated for all the sheets constituting the contents of the sheet bundle 26S for one book, and the reference image for each sheet is captured. The sheet sent out at this time is not sent to the stitcher 14STI, but is sent to the eject tray 14ET.

Next, a predetermined start operation is performed by the input unit 102, and bookbinding is performed by the bookbinding system. At this time, the CPU, the shelf board 108Ci, and the main board 106 in the personal computer 100 control the operation of the incorrect pagination detection modules 110Mi of the paper feed devices 11U and 11L in the sheet feeder 11, and the input unit 102 supplies a predetermined start signal. At this time, the main board 106 supplies a control signal to the shelf board 108Ci based on the control signal from the CPU so as to perform the ascending operation of the elevating tray 11BP in the paper feeding devices 11U and 11L at a predetermined speed. The shelf board 108Ci controls the elevating mechanism so as to raise and stop each elevating tray 11BP until the detection output from the sheet detection unit is supplied based on the paper feed start command signal FSC. After that, the shelf board 108Ci controls its elevating mechanism so as to lower it by a predetermined amount. Next, the shelf board 108Ci compares each elevating tray 11BP while operating a plurality of seats BS2 near the uppermost end through the discharge port of the blower duct and a blower so as to blow air toward the sheet bundle. Raise at a low speed. At that time, while each elevating tray 18BP rises, the plurality of seat BS2 and the end portions of the seat bundle are separated from each other. Then, the shelf board 108Ci stops each elevating tray 11BP when the detection output from the seat detection unit is supplied. At this timing, the shelf board 108Ci supplies the image pickup start command signal SHC and the LED drive control signal LEC to each irregular pagination detection module 110Mi. As a result, the sheet BS2 at the uppermost end and the printed surface of the sheet bundle are photographed by the CMOS camera module 110ma, so that an captured image is obtained. The obtained captured image data is stored in the captured image storage unit of the irregular page detection module 110Mi. Regarding the paper feed device 11U, when all the sheets constituting the contents of the sheet bundle 26S for one book are fed from the paper feed device 11U to the stitcher 14STI, for all the sheets, the sheets to be fed each time the sheets are fed. Take an image. That is, the captured images of all the sheets constituting the contents of the sheet bundle 26S for one book are acquired.

Subsequently, the comparison determination unit 110Ma of the incorrect page detection module 110Mi reads the data of the pattern comparison determination method program or the color tone comparison determination method program based on the determination method data DJM, and follows the selected comparison determination method program. The obtained captured image data and the reference image data are compared to determine whether or not they match, a comparison result output RJ is formed, and the comparison result output RJ is supplied to the shelf substrate 108Ci. For the sheets sent from the paper feed device 11U, the captured image data and the reference image data are compared for each sheet according to the program of the selected comparison determination method, and the comparison result output RJ is supplied to the shelf board 108Ci.

When the determination data RJ indicating that the image of the uppermost sheet of the sheet bundle group BS3 taken by the CMOS camera module 110ma of the paper feed device 11U and the reference image match is supplied to the shelf board 108Ci. It is assumed that the shelf board 108Ci supplies the determination data RJ to the main board 106. When the determination data RJ indicating that the image taken from the shelf board 108Ci and the reference image match is supplied, the main board 106 supplies the paper feed start command signal FSC to the shelf board 108Ci. When the determination data RJ indicating that the image of the uppermost sheet of the sheet bundle group RS3 and the reference image do not match arrives, an error signal is supplied to the CPU of the personal computer 100. In that case, for example, an error message is displayed on the display unit 104, and the paper feeding operation is not started.

When the paper feed start command signal FSC is supplied to the shelf board 108Ci, the shelf board 108Ci operates a fan in the paper feed device 11U and sucks the sheets of the sheet bundle group BS3 one by one through the suction chamber. At the same time, a control signal is supplied to a predetermined control board in order to operate the transport belt 11Bi. As a result, when the end of the conveyed sheet is sandwiched by the operation of the pair of paper feed rollers 76A and 76B, the relief valve (relief hole) provided in the suction chamber is opened. As a result, the suction force in the suction chamber is reduced, so that the sheets in the sheet bundle are smoothly transported to the transport path 11PA on the downstream side by the pair of paper feed rollers.

Subsequently, the shelf board 108Ci supplies the LED drive control signal LEC to the incorrect pagination detection module 110Mi after the uppermost sheet is conveyed. As a result, the sheet to be conveyed next and the printed surface of the sheet bundle are photographed by the CMOS camera module 110ma, and the captured image is obtained. The obtained captured image data is stored in the captured image storage unit of the irregular page detection module 110Mi. The comparison determination unit 110Ma of the irregular page detection module 110Mi reads the data of the pattern comparison determination method program or the color tone comparison determination method program based on the determination method data DJM, and is obtained according to the selected comparison determination method program. The data of the captured image and the data of the reference image are compared to determine whether or not they match, a comparison result output RJ is formed, and the comparison result output RJ is supplied to the shelf substrate 108Ci. Subsequent printed surfaces of the sheet and the sheet bundle are also sequentially photographed by the CMOS camera module 110ma, and the comparison result output RJ is supplied to the shelf substrate 108Ci.

By repeating this, all the sheets constituting the contents of the sheet bundle 26S for one book are sent out, and among the sheets, the ones having an appropriate print content and type, the ones having an appropriate order, the orientation, etc. are loaded. If there is nothing in it, an error message will be displayed without starting the paper feed operation for that sheet. If no error message is displayed and the paper feed operation is not interrupted, each sheet constituting the contents of the sent out sheet bundle 26S has an appropriate print content and type, and is loaded in an appropriate order, orientation, etc. That is confirmed.

When all the sheets constituting the contents of the sheet bundle 26S for one book are sent out from the paper feed device 11U, next, the captured image of the uppermost sheet of the sheet bundle RS2 is obtained by the CMOS camera module 110ma of the paper feed device 11L. To be acquired. When the determination data RJ indicating that the captured image and the reference image match is supplied to the shelf board 108Ci, the shelf board 108Ci supplies the determination data RJ to the main board 106. When the determination data RJ indicating that the image taken from the shelf board 108Ci and the reference image match is supplied, the main board 106 supplies the paper feed start command signal FSC to the shelf board 108Ci. As a result, it is confirmed that the sheet bundle BS2 loaded in the paper feed device 11L has an appropriate print content and type, and is loaded in an appropriate order, orientation, and the like. The main board 106 supplies an error signal to the CPU of the personal computer 100 when the determination data RJ indicating that the image of the uppermost sheet BSi and the reference image do not match arrives. As a result, for example, an error message is displayed on the display unit 104 and the paper feeding operation is not started. Therefore, the sheet bundle BS2 loaded in the paper feeding device 11L has an appropriate printing content and type, and an appropriate order. If the sheet is not loaded in the orientation or the like, an error message is displayed without starting the paper feeding operation of the sheet.

When the paper feed start command signal FSC is supplied to the shelf board 108Ci, the shelf board 108Ci sucks the sheet at the uppermost end of the sheet bundle BS in the paper feed device 11L, and operates the transport belt 11Bi to suck the sucked sheet. send out. The details of the operation are the same as when the paper feed device 11U feeds out the sheet.

Subsequently, after a predetermined period of time elapses, the shelf board 108Ci includes each sheet constituting the contents of one sheet bundle 26S from the sheet bundle group BS3 in the paper feed device 11U, and the paper feed device. The operation control of transporting the sheet BS2 in 11L to the transport path 11PA is performed.

In the above example, the comparison judgment method in the comparison judgment unit of the paper feed device 11U is set to either the pattern comparison judgment or the color tone comparison judgment for each sheet constituting the contents of the sheet bundle 26S for one book. You may. For example, when the paper feed device 11U sends out one volume prior to the acquisition of the reference image, acquires the setting image of each sheet, and then selects an arbitrary sheet and specifies the reference image, the paper is fed. The sheet specified in the device 11U may be configured to be specified by a page number. In such a case, a reference image may be specified for each page number, and either pattern comparison determination or color tone comparison determination may be set. For example, when a plain colored paper is used for the cover, only the cover is used, or when a plain colored paper is used as a play paper inside the cover, the corresponding sheet may be used for color tone comparison determination.

Further, in the sheet feeder 11, after all the sheets of the sheet bundle (for one book) in the paper feed device 11U are fed, the time required for the binding process by the stitcher, the time required for feeding from the binding portion, and the feeding Only the time required for the sheet BS2 from the device 11L to arrive, and the subsequent delivery of the sheet bundle of sheets must wait. This is because it is necessary to prevent the sheets in the sheet bundle from colliding with the sheets in the sheet bundle sent out one bundle before. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether or not the sent out sheet is the last sheet in a bundle of sheets.

Whether or not the sheet to be sent out is the last sheet in a bundle of sheets may be determined by comparing the reference image and the captured image by the comparison determination unit. As the determination method, for example, either a pattern comparison determination or a color tone comparison determination may be selected. When the last page of a bundle of sheets is often solid printed on the cover or the like, it is preferable to use the color tone comparison determination for the last page.

The buffer device may be arranged between the sheet feeder 11 and the saddle stitch folding device 14 so that the sheets to be sequentially fed can be stacked and accumulated. In such a case, it is not necessary to wait for the feeding from the sheet feeder 11, and it is sufficient to stack the feeding from the buffer device only for the binding process and the time required for the feeding. Therefore, when the sheet having the last page number of one sheet bundle is detected, a plurality of sheets including the subsequent sheets may be controlled to be stacked by the buffer device. In the control of the buffer device, the information as to whether or not it is the last sheet of the sheet bundle for one referenced book may be acquired, for example, by comparing the reference image and the captured image by the comparison determination unit. As the determination method, for example, either a pattern comparison determination or a color tone comparison determination may be selected.

Further, the paper feed cassette 18Ki of the collating machine 10 described above is configured to load a sheet bundle group in which sheet bundles stacked in the order of page numbers are repeatedly loaded, similarly to the paper feed device of the sheet feeder 11 described above. May be good. In such a case, the paper cassette 18Ki may be operated so that the sheets are sequentially sent out in the order of page numbers.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned example of the image determination device according to the present invention, a button for selecting a pattern comparison determination method (pattern comparison) or a button for selecting a color tone comparison determination method (color comparison) is provided on the operation screen. By selecting a button by the user, a pattern comparison judgment method or a color tone comparison judgment method is set, but instead, for example, the judgment method may be automatically set. ..

When the above-mentioned judgment method is automatically set, the setting image is analyzed, the image in the range surrounded by the reference image selection frame at that time is analyzed, and the appropriate judgment method is judged. It is supposed to be done.

In such a case, the judgment method selection area may not be displayed and the judgment method may be set automatically. In addition to the check boxes for pattern comparison judgment and color tone comparison judgment, a check box called automatic judgment may be provided. May be good. Further, as a result of the automatic determination, a check may be automatically entered in the determination method determined to be appropriate so that the user can change the determination method. The result of the automatic determination may be displayed separately from the check box to prompt the user to make a selection.

For example, the reference image selection frame may be displayed larger by default in the case of the color tone comparison determination than in the case of the pattern comparison determination. Even if the color of the paper surface is uniform in both the setting image and the captured image, the brightness may be uneven depending on how the light enters and the angle of view of the camera. If the reference image has only a bright portion or only a dark portion, the brightness may differ from that of the reference image depending on the imaging conditions of the captured image, and it may be erroneously determined as a mismatch. Therefore, by making the reference image selection frame as wide as possible, it is possible to average these unevennesses and prevent erroneous determination.

For example, when the position setting of the reference image selection frame is completed and the operation screen is closed in all the paper feed devices that are checked in the paper feed device selection area, the reference image among the setting images of each paper feed device is displayed. The portion specified by the selection frame may be configured to be stored in the reference image storage unit as the reference image.

As is clear from the above description, in the example of the image determination device according to the present invention, in addition to the pattern comparison determination performed based on the degree of matching when the patterns of the captured image and the stored image are compared, the captured image and the stored image are stored. It is possible to select a color tone comparison determination to be determined based on the degree of matching when comparing the color tone with the image. Therefore, even if the paper that composes the booklet does not have a printed part or a paper that does not have a part where a specific color is printed in a wide range and has a characteristic contrast shape, the color tone is compared. By selecting the judgment, the comparison judgment is possible. When binding paper fed from multiple paper feed units, each paper feed unit is used. When multiple pages constituting the booklet to be created are sequentially fed from the same paper feed unit and bound, each page is used. If the pattern comparison determination and the color tone comparison determination can be selected, the determination method suitable for each page of the booklet to be bound can be selected. If the color tone comparison committee judgment can also be selected as a comparison judgment method for judging whether or not it is the final page, the final page may be unprinted colored paper, or a wide range of solid printed covers or play paper. Even in the case of such cases, it can be determined whether or not the page is the final page by selecting the color tone comparison determination. Therefore, it is possible to prevent incorrect pagination and jam.
<Aspect 1>
The paper feed control device according to the first aspect has a sheet storage unit for stacking and accommodating a plurality of sheets, and is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of paper feed devices for delivering the sheets, and an image of the surface of the sheets. Based on the comparison judgment unit that determines whether or not the images match each other and outputs the comparison result by comparing the image data representing the image and the reference image data representing the reference image, and the comparison result from the comparison determination unit. The control unit includes a control unit that controls the operation of the paper feed drive unit of the plurality of paper feed devices, and the control unit indicates that the comparison results from all the comparison determination units match the images. In this case, the paper feed drive unit of the plurality of paper feed devices is operated.
<Aspect 2>
The paper feed control device of the second aspect is the paper feed control device according to the first aspect, and the control unit is described when the comparison results from all the comparison determination units indicate that the images match each other. It is characterized in that the operation of the paper feed drive unit of a plurality of paper feed devices is started.
<Aspect 3>
The paper feed control device of the third aspect is the paper feed control device according to the first aspect, and the image data representing the image of the surface of the sheet is an image taken from an image pickup unit that images the surface of the sheet and sends out the image pickup data. It is formed based on data, and the image pickup unit is arranged in a sheet accommodating unit of each paper feed device, and is characterized in that an image is taken based on a paper feed command signal from the control unit.
<Aspect 4>
The collating device of the fourth aspect is a plurality of paper feeding devices each having a sheet accommodating portion for stacking and accommodating a plurality of sheets and delivering the sheets, and a paper feeding control device according to any one of the first to third aspects. It is characterized in that it is provided with a transport path for transporting a plurality of sheets supplied from the plurality of paper feed devices together.

10 Collating machine 14 Saddle stitch folding device 16 Cutting device 18Ki Paper cassette 26, 26S Sheet bundle 30, 30', 30S, 30'S Booklet 100 Personal computer 102 Input unit 104 Display unit 104M6 Reference target image 104M7 Reference image selection frame 106 Main board 108Ci Shelf board 110Mi Saddle stitch detection module 110Ma Comparison judgment unit 110Mb Image pickup unit / image processing unit 110ma CMOS camera module

Claims (4)

A plurality of paper feeding devices each having a sheet accommodating portion for accumulating and accommodating a plurality of sheets and sending out the sheets ,
Each of the plurality of paper feed devices is provided correspondingly, and by comparing the image data representing the image of the surface of the sheet and the reference image data representing the reference image, whether or not the images match each other can be determined. A comparison judgment unit that makes a judgment and outputs the comparison result,
A transport path for transporting a plurality of sheets supplied from the plurality of paper feed devices together, and a transport path.
A control unit that controls the operation of the paper feed drive unit of the plurality of paper feed devices based on the comparison result from the comparison determination unit is provided.
When the start signal is supplied, the control unit makes a determination by all the comparison determination units before starting the operation of the paper feed drive unit of the plurality of paper feed devices, and all the comparison determination units. When the comparison result from the above indicates that the images match each other, the operation of the paper feed drive unit of the plurality of paper feed devices is started, and the images do not match each other with the comparison result from the comparison determination unit. A collating device, characterized in that the operation of the paper feeding drive unit of the plurality of paper feeding devices is not started when the thing representing the above is included. A plurality of paper feeding devices each having a sheet accommodating portion for accumulating and accommodating a plurality of sheets and sending out the sheets,
Each of the plurality of paper feed devices is provided correspondingly, and by comparing the image data representing the image of the surface of the sheet and the reference image data representing the reference image, whether or not the images match each other can be determined. A comparison judgment unit that makes a judgment and outputs the comparison result,
A transport path for transporting a plurality of sheets supplied from the plurality of paper feed devices together, and a transport path.
A control unit that controls the operation of the paper feed drive unit of the plurality of paper feed devices based on the comparison result from the comparison determination unit is provided.
When the control unit is supplied with a start signal, when the comparison results from all the comparison determination units indicate that the images match each other, the operation of the paper feed drive unit of the plurality of paper feed devices. Is provided, and when the comparison result from the comparison determination unit includes an image indicating that the images do not match each other, the operation of the paper feed drive unit of the plurality of paper feed devices is not started.
When the mismatch comparison result indicating that the images do not match each other arrives only once for the sheet to be fed by the second and subsequent paper feeding from each paper feeding device after the start signal is supplied. The control unit does not stop the paper feeding operation, but controls to transport the sheet bundle containing the sheet that caused the mismatch comparison result to a transfer destination different from the other sheet bundles.
A collating device, characterized in that, when the disagreement comparison result arrives from the same paper feed device a plurality of times in succession, the control unit controls to stop the paper feed operation. A plurality of paper feeding devices each having a sheet accommodating portion for accumulating and accommodating a plurality of sheets and sending out the sheets,
Each of the plurality of paper feed devices is provided correspondingly, and by comparing the image data representing the image on the surface of the sheet and the reference image data representing the reference image, whether or not the images match each other can be determined. A comparison judgment unit that makes a judgment and outputs the comparison result,
A transport path for transporting a plurality of sheets supplied from the plurality of paper feed devices together, and a transport path.
A control unit that controls the operation of the paper feed drive unit of the plurality of paper feed devices based on the comparison result from the comparison determination unit is provided.
When the disagreement comparison result indicating that the images do not match each other arrives only once for the sheet to be fed by the second and subsequent paper feeding from each paper feeding device after the start signal is supplied, the above-mentioned The control unit does not stop the paper feeding operation, but controls to transport the sheet bundle containing the sheet that caused the mismatch comparison result to a transfer destination different from the other sheet bundles.
A collating device, characterized in that, when the disagreement comparison result arrives from the same paper feed device a plurality of times in succession, the control unit controls to stop the paper feed operation. In the collating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The image data representing the image of the surface of the sheet is formed based on the image pickup data from the image pickup unit that captures the surface of the sheet and sends out the image pickup data, and the image pickup unit is formed in the sheet accommodating section of each paper feeding device. A collating device that is arranged and captures images based on a paper feed command signal from the control unit.

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