EP1207434A2 - Method of transferring data from a copying machine and diagostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

The printing machine is operated by a computer control unit that allows measured machine operational parameters to be compared with set threshold values. When the parameters have fallen below, exceeded or equalled the thresholds signals are transmitted to a main computer to initiate operations.

Description

Method for transferring data from a printing press and diagnostic device

The invention relates to a method for transmitting data from a printing press according to the preamble of claim 1 and a diagnostic device for a Printing machine according to the preamble of patent claim 10.

Printing machines are very complex and technically highly complicated devices, whose monitoring and maintenance places high demands on service personnel. There Printing presses are used in various locations, where often none highly specialized technicians are available is a data transfer of data Printing machine to a central processing unit desirable.

From US 5 325 156 is a method for generating a service call for a Printing machine known in which an operator starts a call process. In which Call procedures automatically turn data from the printing press into a central one Transfer computing unit. The identity of the printing press and the type of Error transmitted. The transmission system offers interactive communication methods, with which receive additional information or status information at the Printing machine can be displayed.

The object of the invention is to provide a simpler method for transmitting Data from a printing press and an improved diagnostic device for a To provide printing press.

The object of the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1 and Features of claim 10 solved.

The data that is captured on the printing press with a threshold compared and when exceeding, falling below or reaching the threshold the Automatically transfer data to a preferably locally remote computing unit, so The big advantage is that it automatically initializes a Service call can be made and an operator is not necessary, resulting in a automatic monitoring of the printing machine is given. Whether a service call is necessary and whether service personnel may have to be requested depends on thus no longer depends on the assessment of an operator, but takes place either automatically by a program-based evaluation of the critical data or by competent service personnel, who operate the remote computing unit supervised.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are in the dependent Claims specified. The data are preferably evaluated and only afterwards compared to a threshold. Depending on the result of the comparison, the evaluated data automatically transferred to the computing unit. In this way, a Evaluation, for example, of the operating parameters of the printing press before the data is transferred to a computing unit. For example a time average of the data can also be calculated and in this way the number of data transfers to the computing unit can be reduced.

It is also advantageous that data of different types to the computing unit are transmitted and shown together on a display of the computing unit become. In this way, an operator has the display on the computing unit monitors, the advantage of displaying multiple types of data on one screen to get. This quickly gives the operator a better overview of the Operating mode of the printing press.

In a preferred embodiment, a temporal development of the data for the Calculates the future and transfers the development over time to the computing unit. Consequently there is an assessment of the operating status of the printing press in the future, the is automatically made available to the remote computing unit. In order to the computing unit and / or an operator can make a statement about the further Develop the data over time and take appropriate measures, such as order a service on the printing press.

Based on the available data, a is preferably sent to the computing unit Transfer recommendation for a customer service, for example. In an advantageous Embodiment becomes a faulty component of the printing press due to the data determined and an order for the component is automatically transferred to the computing unit. In this case, an identifier of the printing press is preferably also transmitted in order to obtain a To be able to assign the data to the printing press.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the data with comparison data compared and depending on the comparison the need for a service call decided. In addition, an appointment between a computing unit is automatically Customers and a processing unit in a service department. In this way scheduling is automated.

Fig. 1

schematisch eine Anordnung mit einer Druckmaschine und einer entfernt angeordneten zweiten Recheneinheit, und

Fig. 2

einen Programmablauf zum Übertragen von Daten.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

schematically an arrangement with a printing press and a remotely located second computing unit, and

Fig. 2

a program flow for transferring data.

In Fig. 1, a printing unit 7 is assigned a first computing unit 1, the first Computing unit 1 is connected to a sensor 5 which transmits data such as Operating parameters or setting values of the printing press 7 are recorded and sent to the first Computing unit 1 passes on. The first computing unit 1 is over with the printing press 7 a control line or communication line 14 is coupled and is thus with the Printing machine 7 in connection. The first computing unit 1 controls the printing press 7 according to specified procedures and / or data and communicates with them.

The first arithmetic unit 1 has a first display 2, a first input 3, a first memory 4 and a first interface 6 in connection. The first interface 6 in turn is connected to a data connection 13 which leads to a second interface 8 is performed. The second interface 8 is connected to the second computing unit 9, to a second display 12, a second input 11 and a second Memory 10 is connected. The second computing unit 9 is preferably located locally arranged by the printing press 7.

The data connection 13 can be, for example, in the form of a point-to-point telephone connection, an Internet connection or any network connection via a public network should be formed. The first and second interfaces 6, 8 are in the Formed to establish a corresponding data connection and data about to exchange the data connections 13 and to the respective first or second computing unit 1, 9 to pass on.

The first and second display 2, 12 are, for example, in the form of a screen or Displays trained. The first and second inputs 3, 11 represent, for example Keyboard and / or a screen with touch sensors, the touch of which Pressing a button replaced. The first computing unit 1 has diagnosis and Monitoring programs that are stored in the first memory 4, with which the first Computing unit 1, the operation of the printing press 7 preferably continuously supervised.

The first computing unit 1 with the first memory 4 and the sensor 5 provides one Diagnostic device for the printing press 7, with the data of the printing press are detected and an assessment of the functional state of the printing press 7 is possible is.

The more precise functioning of the arrangement of Figure 1 and the inventive The method is described below using the schematic program flow in FIG. 2 explained in more detail.

At program point 10, the first computing unit 1 acquires data, such as operating parameters and setting values of the printing press 7, which provide information about the mode of operation and / or enable defects or errors in the printing press 7.

At the following program point 20, the first computing unit 1 compares the acquired ones Data with predetermined threshold values that are stored in the first memory 4. Then, at program point 30, a check is made as to whether a recorded date is greater, less than or equal to the corresponding threshold. This depends on each depending on whether crossing a threshold is problematic or whether falling below it of a threshold is problematic or whether reaching a threshold has already occurred is critical condition. If there is no critical condition, then program item 10 branches back. The query at program point 30 reveals that a critical condition is reached, the program branches to program point 40.

At program point 40, the first computing unit 1 builds automatically over the first Interface 6 a data connection 13 to the second interface 8 and the second Computing unit 9. Appropriate procedures for building a Data connection processed. The data connection can be, for example, in the form of a Telephone connection or in the form of an e-mail message can be realized.

In the following program item 50, the critical data are transferred to the second Transfer computing unit 9. The second arithmetic unit 9 provides a simple Embodiment at the following program point 60, the transmitted data on the second display 12. The critical data are preferably in this display highlighted in color so that they can be quickly recognized by an operator.

Of course, it is also possible to highlight critical data by: various alarm signals sound. This allows particularly important data to be saved different sounding alarm signals can be assigned.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the data from the first Computing unit 1 recorded at program point 10 and additionally evaluated. In doing so For example, the data is evaluated according to specified functions with which for example an importance of the date and / or the previous operating time of the Printing machine is taken into account. In this embodiment, the rated Data then at program points 20 and 30 with corresponding Threshold values compared and if the threshold values are exceeded, after the establishment of a data connection according to program point 40, the evaluated Transfer data at program point 50 to second arithmetic unit 9.

Data of different types are preferably transmitted to the second computing unit 9 and the data of the different types are shown on the second display 12. With that An operator can access data of different types at a glance and can thus better assess the overall condition of the printing press make. For example, setting parameters of the printing press or Measured values that are recorded on the printing press are transmitted and displayed. Setting parameters are, for example, the power distribution over a laser beam area, the focus of the laser beam and the reflection values of the printing plate. readings are, for example, the temperature and the operating time of the printing press.

In a preferred embodiment, the evaluation of the data is that a temporal development of the data for the future is calculated and when exceeded a corresponding threshold value shows the development over time to the second computing unit 9 is transmitted. The second computing unit 9 thus has a statement about the further one Development of the data and can therefore make a more precise assessment of how the Press. For example, the second computing unit 9 can be based on the transmitted time development a service call and / or an order for a Component group and / or making an appointment for a service call automatically.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first computing unit 1 evaluates the recorded data as to whether a service call is taking place on the printing press should. Corresponding comparison values are stored in the first memory 4 for this purpose. Returns the Evaluation that a service call is to take place, program point 50 becomes one Corresponding information is transmitted to the second computing unit 2.

The calculation of the temporal development of the data is preferably carried out in the first Computing unit 1 instead, which has a variety of data, operating parameters and / or Has setting values of the printing press 7 available and thus a quick calculation can make the temporal development. This is a transfer of the Calculation of the development over time required data for the second computing unit 9 unnecessary.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first computing unit 1 determines based on the comparison at program point 30 whether a component of the printing press is faulty. If the comparison shows that a component of the printing press is defective, then an automatic connection to the second arithmetic unit 2 is established at program point 40 built up and then at program item 50 information that a component is faulty, transferred to the second arithmetic unit 9. It is preferably a Identification number for the defective component and an identification number for the printing press, in which the defective component is installed, transmitted to the second computing unit 9.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first computing unit 1 compares Program item 20, the acquired data with comparison data and decides depending on a predetermined relationship between the recorded data and comparison data, whether a Service use is necessary. If the comparison at program point 30 shows that a Service use is required or is required, so will automatically Program point 40 established a data connection to the second computing unit 9.

Then, at program item 50, an appointment for the service call with a Computing unit of a service department and a computing unit of the customer to whom the Printing machine 7 belongs, tuned. For example, a program such as Microsoft Outlook® uses a corresponding appointment proposal in the diaries of the customer and the service department.

In a special embodiment of the invention, at program point 50 Transfer service data via the printing press 7 to the second computing unit. In order to For example, an operator has additional data on the printing press 7 on the second arithmetic unit 9 available. For example, a technician can do this quickly about further measures, e.g. a repair of the printing press 7 decide without the corresponding documents on the service data of the printing press 7 on site to have to keep in stock.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the second computing unit 9 processes the supplied data and determined on the basis of the supplied data, for example the temporal development of the data or decides by comparing with corresponding ones Threshold values as to whether a component is already defective or will become defective in the foreseeable future. In addition, the second computing unit 9 can also automatically order the corresponding one Order the component from another processing unit. The order will for example, transmitted via an email message. In addition, the second can Computing unit 9 based on the available data and / or documents corresponding comparisons with comparative values a decision on a make the necessary service call. The second computing unit 9 preferably coordinates with a corresponding decision about the need for a service call corresponding appointment with the computing unit of the customer to whom the printing press 7 belongs, and a computing unit of a corresponding service department. Doing so For example, the Microsoft program uses Outlook® to make an entry for the Service deployment at the customer's computing unit and the computing unit of the service department make.

Another preferred embodiment does not only use a comparison of one Date at program point 30 for the decision whether an automatic Data connection and a corresponding transfer of the data is to be carried out, it only becomes one when different data are in the critical area appropriate data connection established and the corresponding data transmission carried out.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

first arithmetic unit

2

first ad

3

first input

4

first store

5

sensor

6

first interface

7

press

8th

second interface

9

second arithmetic unit

10

second store

11

second input

12

second display

13

Data Connection

14

control line

Claims (15)

Method for transmitting data from a printing press (7) to a computing unit (9), the data, in particular operating parameters of the printing press, being recorded,
characterized in that the data are compared with one or more threshold values,
that if one or more threshold values are exceeded, undershot or reached, the data are automatically transmitted to a preferably spatially remote computing unit (9). Method according to claim 1,
characterized in that the data is evaluated,
that after an assessment, the data are compared with one or more threshold values, and
that after exceeding, falling below or reaching one or more threshold values, the evaluated data are automatically transmitted to the computing unit (9). Method according to one of claims 1 or 2,
characterized in that several data of different types are transmitted to the computing unit (9) and are displayed together on a display (12) of the computing unit (9). Method according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that a temporal development of the data for the future is calculated and that the temporal development is transmitted to the computing unit (9). Method according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that critical data is highlighted in the display. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that the data is evaluated,
that a recommendation for service on the printing press (7) is determined on the basis of the evaluation, and
that the recommendation is transmitted to the computing unit (9). Method according to one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized in that a faulty component of the printing press (7) is determined on the basis of the data,
that an order for the component is automatically submitted to the computing unit (9), an identifier for the printing press (7) preferably also being transmitted. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that the data are compared with comparison data,
that depending on the relationship of the data to the comparison data, the need for a service call is decided, and
that preferably an appointment between an arithmetic unit of the customer and an arithmetic unit of a service department is automatically coordinated. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized in that the data are evaluated, and
that, depending on the value of the data, service data are automatically sent to the computing unit (9) via the printing press (7). Diagnostic device for a printing press (7) with a computing unit (1), with a memory (4) and with a sensor (5) which is assigned to the printing press (7), with data, in particular operating parameters, of the printing press via the sensor (5) be recorded
characterized in that the computing unit (1) compares the data with a threshold value which is stored in the memory (4), and
that when the threshold value is exceeded, signed or reached, the data are automatically transmitted from the computing unit (1) to a computing unit (9) which is preferably located at a remote location. Diagnostic device according to claim 10,
characterized in that the computing unit (1) calculates a temporal development of the data for the future, and
that the computing unit (1) transmits the temporal development to the remote computing unit (9). Diagnostic device according to claim 10 or 11,
characterized in that the computing unit (1) evaluates the data,
that the computing unit (1) determines a recommendation for service on the printing press (7) based on the evaluation, and
that the computing unit (1) transmits the recommendation to the remote computing unit (9). Diagnostic device according to one of claims 10 to 12,
characterized in that the computing unit (1) determines a faulty component of the printing press (7) on the basis of the data, and
that the computing unit (1) automatically places an order for the component to the remote computing unit (9), the computing unit preferably also transmitting an identifier for the printing press (7). Diagnostic device according to one of claims 10 to 13,
characterized in that the computing unit (1) compares the data with comparison data,
that depending on the relationship of the data to the comparison data, the computing unit (1) decides whether a service call is necessary,
that the computing unit (1) preferably automatically coordinates an appointment between a computing unit of the customer and an computing unit of a service department. Diagnostic device according to one of claims 10 to 14,
characterized in that the computing unit (1) evaluates the data,
that, depending on the value of the data, the computing unit automatically sends service data to the remote computing unit (9) via the printing press (7).

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