WO1995026527A1

WO1995026527A1 - Touch screen control system and method for controlling auxiliary devices of a printing press

Info

Publication number: WO1995026527A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/003301
Authority: WO
Inventors: Diego Uribe
Original assignee: Oxy-Dry Corporation
Priority date: 1994-03-25
Filing date: 1994-03-25
Publication date: 1995-10-05

Abstract

A control system for controlling auxiliary devices (20) of a printing press (22). Auxiliary devices (20) are connected to a centralized system controller (24) for operation thereof. The system controller (24) provides an image of control panels for controlling each of the auxiliary devices (20) on a single display screen (46). A touch screen controller (52) is combined with the display screen (46) and the system controller (24), allowing a press operator to set and control the operating parameters of the devices from control panel images on the display. The parameters for the auxiliary devices (20) may be saved as a set and recalled for later use on similar job runs.

Description

TOUCH SCREEN CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AUXILIARY DEVICES OF A PRINTING PRESS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to printing presses, and> more particularly to a control system for controlling auxiliary devices of a sheetfed printing press.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Auxiliary devices are often attached to printing presses, such as sheetfed printing presses, to enhance the quality of the printing by eliminating problems that are inherent in printing operations. For example, to decrease printing offset, i.e., the blurring of ink caused by subsequently stacked sheets, it has been found useful to coat a printed sheet with powder after inking the sheet. Accordingly, one such auxiliary device comprises a roller-type powder sprayer. In these devices, a roller is rotated to discharge a metered amount of the powder onto the sheet. Electrostatic means may be employed to facilitate complete removal of powder from the roller at the zone of the discharge. The powder deposited on each sheet further acts to maintain sheet separation, which aids in the ink drying process.

Such powder sprayers may be further combined with another auxiliary device that automatically supplies powder to the sprayer. Two such auxiliary powder sprayers with supply systems are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,083,710 and 5,213,271, assigned to the same assignee as the present application.

Another common auxiliary device that is installed on presses consists of a blanket washer for cleaning accumulated foreign matter off of blanket cylinders and plate cylinders. Such accumulated foreign matter typically includes dried ink, ink build-up, paper, lint and the like, and must be removed in order to maintain high-quality printing. To remove the foreign matter, printing presses are often outfitted with auxiliary cleaning systems such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,010,819, 5,109,770, 5,277,111 and 4,015,307, assigned to the same assignee as the present application.

In addition to blanket washers, other auxiliary devices can include one or more dryers, an air knife, and/or an air evacuator. These devices generally are installed on printing presses to speed the chemical bonding process (i.e., the drying and curing) of inks deposited on a sheet, which allows faster printing speeds to be run and produces with consistent inking. While the many auxiliaries thus enhance the printing operation, each of the devices have individual parameters which must be set according to the specific job being run. In addition, once set, the parameters must occasionally be adjusted to "fine-tune" their performance, such as to compensate for variations in temperature and humidity, to optimize the printing operation.

By way of example, certain types of inks and types of paper require more powder to prevent offset than do other types of inks and types of paper. However, it is desirable to use only the minimum amount of powder on each sheet that acceptably prevents offset, since excess powder tends to spread to undesirable areas. Moreover, powder that does remain on the sheet must ultimately be removed from the sheet at a later time, so again it is desirable to discharge only the necessary amount to make removal less burdensome. Thus, each time a different job is run, the press operator must set the operating parameters of the auxiliary devices at appropriate values for the particular paper and ink combination being run. For the sprayer, the press operator typically enters an appropriate value for the powder discharge, which typically is entered as a percentage of maximum sprayer output capacity. Of course, depending on current conditions such as temperature and humidity, the discharge of powder may be further modified from a known starting value for that ink and paper combination. Accordingly, the press operator must make adjustments to occasionally compensate for these and other varying conditions based on periodic examinations of the printed product.

Similar parameters must be entered and subsequently adjusted for each auxiliary device every time a different job is being run. However, printing presses are physically large mechanisms. As a result, in order to adjust the parameters of the several auxiliary devices, an operator must walk to the control panel of each device and make the adjustment. Similarly, the operator must periodically inspect the control panels to obtain certain information as to the status of the devices.

Moreover, each new printing run typically requires the operator to adjust several of the auxiliary device parameters. The operator individually sets the values at the approximate settings required for a particular job based on prior experience, or by consulting a reference manual or the like where the values for similar jobs on the same press have previously been recorded.

In short, the present way of setting operating parameters is time-consuming, depends on the reliability of the press operator, and results in inconsistent quality over several jobs.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to substantially reduce the setup time for auxiliary devices of a printing press.

It is a related object to provide a system and method for setting up the parameters of auxiliary devices that improves the quality of the printing from run to run by enabling more consistent settings of the auxiliary device parameters.

In accomplishing these objects, it is another object to provide a visualization of all settings to ease the operator's ability to assess relative device settings.

It is a related object to provide a visualization of all settings that an operator may monitor in real¬ time during press operation. Yet another object is to provide a system and method of the above kind that is inherently simple for operators to learn.

Still another object is to reduce the amount of space occupied by auxiliary devices and their control panels.

Briefly, the invention provides a system and method for controlling the individual operating parameters of auxiliary devices associated with a printing press from a common location. The system includes a controller having a processor and a memory therein for storing values of the operating parameters, and an input device operatively connected to the processor and disposed at the common location for obtaining commands and providing signals to the processor corresponding thereto. The system further includes an interface for connecting auxiliary devices to the processor such that signals from the processor control the operating parameters of the auxiliary devices, and a display operatively connected to the processor and disposed at the common location. The display includes images representing a control panel for each auxiliary device, and the processor operates the display and provides signals to the interface to control the auxiliary devices in accordance with commands from the input device.

The system may further include a storage device, and the input device may include means for entering an identifying label to the controller. The controller may then command the storage of the operating parameters of the auxiliaries from the memory of the controller to the storage device in conjunction with the identifying label. Stored parameters may be retrieved from the storage device to the memory of the controller in conjunction with the identifying label. The method includes the steps of displaying an image representing the control panels corresponding to each auxiliary device on a display screen at a common location and selecting one of the control panels from the image. The selected control panel on the display screen is actuated for inputting values of the operating parameters, and values are selected for the operating parameters of the auxiliary device corresponding to the selected control panel. A signal corresponding to the selected operating parameter is output to control the operating parameter of the auxiliary device.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a block diagram illustrating auxiliary devices installed on a printing press and connected to a centralized system controller and touch screen controller in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the system controller for interfacing with the auxiliary devices; FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the interfaces for connecting the system controller to the auxiliary devices for control thereof;

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of the interface box of FIG. 2B, in particular illustrating the connections for control of the sprayer;

FIG. 2D is a schematic of the electronic drive circuitry for operating the sprayer motor and tube; FIGs. 2E-2F is a schematic of the ARCnet board installed in the interfaces for communication with the system controller;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing how the devices are controlled by the touch screen controller;

FIG. 4 is a memory map generally illustrating the various divisions of memory allocated for implementing the invention;

FIGs. 5A-5D are flowcharts representing general program steps for implementing the invention;

FIG. 6 is a representation of a screen that appears during the startup of the program;

FIG. 7 is a representation of an access code entry screen that appears after the entry of a Setup command;

FIG. 8 is a representation of an input screen that appears after the entry of a Setup command to prompt for setup information; FIGs. 9A-9C are representations of various screens that appear when the sprayer is selected and modified;

FIG. 10 is a representation of a filename input screen that appears after the entry of a Save command; and

FIG. 11 is a representation of a filename input screen that appears after the entry of a Recall command. All of the references cited herein, including U.S. Patent Nos. 4,015,307, 5,010,819, 5,083,710, 5,109,770, 5,213,271 and 5,277,111 are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Turning now to the drawings and referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of a plurality of auxiliary devices generally designated 20 installed on a press 22, and constructed with a centralized system controller 24 in accordance with the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the auxiliary devices 20 may comprise a blanket washer 26, dryers 28, 29, an air knife 30, an air evacuator 32, an auto- filler 34 and a sprayer 36. The auto-filler 34 and sprayer 36 might be incorporated into a single device, as described previously, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,083,710 and 5,213,271, but for purposes of this illustrated embodiment are treated separately. Similarly, the air knife 30 and air evacuator 32, while physically separate devices, may be arranged to work as a single unit, i.e., when one is actively operating, so is the other. It can be appreciated that other such auxiliary devices may be combined, added or deleted from a particular press and auxiliary device configuration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, as described in more detail below, it is common to include multiple washers and dryers 28 on a single press.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the several control panels ordinarily present on the individual auxiliary devices 20 are consolidated into images thereof and displayed in a minimized profile on the left side of a display screen 46. These control panel images 152 are shown in more detail in FIG. 6. The system controller 24 in communication with the auxiliary devices 20 updates the control panel images 152 in real-time to reflect the status of the individual auxiliary devices 20. This enables the press operator to view the images 152 of all of the control panels simultaneously at a common location. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an input device 48, preferably a touch screen controller 52 attached to the display 46, is also connected to the system controller 24 so that icons present in selected ones of the displayed images may be touched to enter device control commands as if the icons themselves were pushbutton switches on conventional control panels. While the minimized control panel images are large enough to display auxiliary device status information, in general they are too small to allow entry of commands. Accordingly, instead of entering the commands in the minimized profile, the system is arranged such that pointing to a control panel selects that panel and presents it to the operator in an enlarged format for command entry. More specifically, the right side of the screen is reserved to expand an image of a selected panel to a size that accommodates manual manipulation with a feel similar to that of a standard mechanical panel to which the operator is accustomed. In other words, the selected control panel is maximized on the right side of the display 46, for example as shown in FIG. 9A, and enabled for command entry. In this manner, the display 46 and associated touch screen controller 52 together with the system controller 24 enable the emulation of conventional control panels, but effectively integrate all the control panels into a common location.

In general, the system functions to emulate the switches on selected ones of the control panels as the touch screen controller 52 provides data to the system controller 24 indicative of the display coordinates that are being pointed at. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, the touch screen controller 52 can conceptually be considered as including X-Y matrix 37 that resolves X- Y coordinates when touched and provides them to a processor 40 in the system controller 24. The processor 40 acts as a translator 38 to translate the X-Y matrix coordinate into an input command by referencing an appropriate matrix map from among a set of matrix maps 39 defined in a system controller memory 44 (FIG. 2A) . The appropriate matrix map corresponds to the displayed image at the time the coordinates were resolved, i.e, the appropriate map has commands or the like stored therein which correspond to the screen coordinates of the icons that are presently displayed.

By way of example, assuming the operator desires to enter a command, the operator points at (i.e., physically touches or comes into sufficiently close proximity to trigger) the touch screen controller 52 where the icon corresponding to the desired command is displayed. As this icon is pointed at, the processor 40 receives at least one pair of X-Y coordinates indicative of to the pointed-to screen location. Since the processor 40 is aware of what image is currently being displayed, the processor 40 translates these coordinates into an appropriate command, for example by accessing a look-up table, i.e., the matrix map that corresponds to the currently displayed image. Based on that command, the processor 40 will take appropriate action, for example modifying the operation of an auxiliary device, as described in more detail below.

Of course, not all possible screen coordinates necessarily correspond to entered commands since only certain areas of the screen may be displaying images or icons representing commands at any given time. Moreover, it should be understood that many pairs of coordinates may correspond to the same command, since the icons representing the commands may cover large areas. Accordingly, the size of the memory location allocated for the matrix maps 39 will ordinarily depend on the resolution of the touch screen controller 52. As shown in FIG. 2A, the system controller 24 executes a real-time software program to enable control of the auxiliary devices 20 from a common location in accordance with the invention. The system controller 24 includes the processor 40 operatively connected through a conventional input-output means 42 to the memory 44, a display 46 and the input device 48. In addition, a storage device (memory) 50 is provided to enable substantially permanent data storage. The memory 44 may be generally allocated as shown in FIG. 4, with program code 44a_1# screen displays 44a₂ and corresponding memory maps 44a₃ grouped in one memory section 44a, and parameter data 44b₁-44b₉ grouped in another memory section 44b. The preferred system controller 24 comprises a 40 megahertz 386SX-based personal computer with one megabyte of DRAM memory. The display 46 is preferably a fourteen inch VGA display including 256 kilobytes of video RAM, and may be a Zenith Model No. ZCM1492 or ZCM1495, selected for being relatively flat. The storage device 50 is a solid-state data drive comprising up to 768 kilobytes EPROM and up to 256 kilobytes of battery backed-up static RAM. Of course, it can be readily appreciated that other types of processors, displays, random access memory, data storage devices and the like may be alternatively employed.

Preferably the input device 48 comprises touch¬ screen sensors incorporated in a touch screen controller 52 disposed so as to be coordinated with the display 46 such that physical proximity to the display 46 provides a signal from the input device 48 to the processor 40 indicative of the screen coordinates being pointed at as described above. As used herein, the terms "physical proximity," "pointed at" and "touch" with respect to the touch screen controller 52 are intended to mean close enough to be detected by the sensors therein, whether or not actual contact with the display screen 46 is made. Although other input devices 48 such as a keyboard or a mouse may be used to control the auxiliary device parameters, the touch screen arrangement has been found particularly useful in the printing environment. Moreover, one advantage of the touch screen controller 52 is that the image on the display 46 is interchangeable to reflect the configuration of the auxiliary devices 20. Thus, unlike a fixed keyboard on a conventional control panel, the image can be adapted to a particular setup that occasionally changes without requiring any different hardware. The touch screen controller 52 is preferably based on infrared sensing, although ultrasonic or capacitive touch-panel sensing may alternatively be used. The preferred touch screen controller 52 has a minimum resolution of one-eighth of an inch (83 points per x-axis by 63 points per y-axis) and communicates with the processor 40 through an RS-232C interface at a 1200, 9600 or 19,200 baud rate. Accordingly, the touch screen controller 52 (as the preferred input device 48) includes circuitry for 1) sensing physical proximity to the display screen 46, 2) converting the sensed physical proximity to data (i.e., coordinates) indicative of the screen area sensed, and 3) transmitting the data to the processor 40 in the proper RS-232 serial data format. In addition, the chosen touch screen controller 52 should mate reasonably well with the selected display 46. One such touch screen device having these features is commercially available from Transvision Ltd., Bensenville, Illinois, Part No. TSM-010. To interface the system controller 24 with the auxiliary devices 20 for communication therewith, an ARCnet communications board 54 is further provided as shown in FIG. 2A. As is well known, such ARCnet boards allow various electronic devices to be connected in a networked fashion by providing the necessary circuitry for transmitting and receiving data via a coaxial cable according to the ARCnet standard. One such ARCnet board suitable for installing in a 386-based personal computer is commercially available from Standard Microsystems Corporation, Hauppauge, New York, Model No. ARCNET- PC130. Of course, while such ARCnet-based communication is preferred, it can be readily appreciated that the system controller 24 may communicate with the auxiliary devices 20 in a number of ways. These include other networking arrangements, hard-wiring, infrared or RF transmission and reception, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2B, a plurality of interfaces 56-59 having similar ARCnet boards 60 therein are provided for controlling each of the auxiliary devices 20 based on signals from the system controller 24. In addition, the interfaces 56-59 return signals (such as signals representing device status) from the auxiliary devices 20 to the system controller 24 via the ARCnet boards when appropriate. ARCnet boards used in the interfaces 56-59 were obtained from Transvision Ltd. , Bensenville, Illinois, Part No. INTF-008. A schematic of one such board is provided in FIGs. 2E-2F.

The ARCnet boards 60 convert the coaxial-based data transmissions from the system controller ARCnet board 54 back to control signals for operating the auxiliary devices 20. Of course, since the auxiliary devices 20 typically require high voltage and/or current levels to operate, the converted control signals from the ARCnet board, which are typically at logic levels such as 5 volts DC, are not directly applied to the auxiliary devices 20. For example, the air knife 30 motor requires 115 volts AC to operate. Conversely, the ARCnet boards 60 also convert logic signals (for example, signals indicative of auxiliary device status) to properly formatted serial data for coaxial transmission back to the system controller 24. Ordinarily dependent on the AC voltages required for operating the auxiliary devices 20, the status signals are not initially at logic levels. For example, the press interlock status coming back from the press 22 is ordinarily at 115 volts AC, and thus must be converted to a logic level before it can be safely sent to the ARCnet board 60.

Accordingly, there is provided input-output circuitry 61 which includes devices for converting logic level signals from the ARCnet boards 60 to required output levels required by the auxiliary devices 20 (which may include logic gates and/or buffers 62 and the like) , and for converting high voltage input levels from the auxiliary devices 20 to logic levels required by the ARCnet boards 60. One preferred family of devices that accomplishes the appropriate conversions while providing acceptable electrical isolation comprises standard output and input modules, such as AC output module model number G40AC5 (5 VDC logic voltage, 12-140 VAC line voltage) and AC input module model no. G41AC5 (115 volts input, 5 VDC output) commercially available from OPTO-22, Temecula, California. Of course, relays, solenoids and the like may be alternately or concurrently employed as desired. For simplicity herein, the term "driver" is intended to include all such devices that convert between logic level voltages and device operating voltages.

By way of example, the circuitry within the interface 59 for controlling the sprayer 36 is illustrated in more detail in FIGs. 2C and 2D. As described above, the interface box 59, includes an internal ARCnet board 60 along with the necessary electronic circuitry for controlling the auxiliary devices 20. The electronic circuitry includes an electrostatic tube driver 66 that upon receipt of an appropriate control signal from the ARCnet board 60, supplies an appropriate voltage to a high voltage transformer associated with the sprayer 36, which is arranged to cause the electrostatic tube to discharge. The signal or a separate signal may also be employed to drive an air valve for drawing powder to the sprayer 36 such as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,083,710 and 5,213,271. The electronic circuitry, as shown in FIG. 2D, also includes a driver 67 for operating the sprayer motor to rotate the roller for applying the powder.

Two signals are received from the sprayer 36 indicative of the fuse/motor status and the tube status, respectively. As described above, these signals are not at logic levels and thus must be converted by appropriate drivers before interfacing to the ARCnet board 60. These status conditions are updated in real-time on the display 46 in either the minimized image of the sprayer control panel, or if currently selected, on the maximized image thereof.

The display of these status conditions is described in more detail below.

Although not necessary to the invention, the interface box 59 also provides circuitry 71 for manual back-up control of the sprayer 36. To this end, an electromechanical control panel (not shown) is provided for enabling the back-up operation and for setting the powder output level in the event of a computer failure. In addition to interfacing the system controller 24 to the sprayer 36, the interface box 59 also interfaces the system controller 24 to the air knife 30, air evacuator 32 and auto-filler 34. Since the operation of these devices is well known, their particular operation will not be described in detail herein. Suffice it to say that drivers 65 within input-output circuitry 64 provide the proper voltage signals necessary for operating the air knife 30, air evacuator 32 and auto-filler 34 in accordance with commands from the system controller 24, and also return appropriate status signals to the system controller 24.

Turning now to an explanation of the operation of the invention with reference to the flowchart of FIGs. 5A-5D and the various screens in FIGs. 6-11, the operator first enables the system at step 200 of FIG 5A. For example, the system controller 24 may automatically enable the system and allow an operator to perform certain operations on power-up. Alternatively, the operator may have to first enter a valid alphanumeric code, i.e., password, before the system controller 24 will authorize access to the system, or at least access to certain operating levels. In the illustrated embodiment, the screen of FIG.

6 appears on the display 46 once the system is enabled. Of course, the particular screen that appears depends on certain default values previously entered into the system. Regardless of the actual screen displayed, as represented in the flowchart of FIG. 5A and the screen of FIG. 6, the operator is generally provided with four initial choices, which are:

1) Set up the operating parameters for the devices (including informing the system as to which auxiliary devices are installed) . This choice, shown as step 202 (FIG. 5A) , is accomplished by pointing at the displayed Setup button 150 (FIG. 6) .

2) Select one of the devices for modifying its current settings, i.e., change the operating parameters thereof. This choice, shown as step 204 (FIG. 5A) , is accomplished by pointing at one of the images 152 of the auxiliary device control panels (FIG. 6) .

3) Save the set of operating parameters for all devices by providing a job name therefor. This choice, shown as step 206 (FIG. 5A) , is accomplished by pointing at the displayed Save button 154 (FIG. 6) .

4) Recall a previously entered set of operating parameters by providing a job name corresponding thereto (step 208) . This choice, shown as step 208 (FIG. 5A) , is accomplished by pointing at the displayed Recall button 156 (FIG. 6) .

As described above with reference to FIGs. 1-4, the touch screen controller 52 provides the processor 40 with the coordinates of any area pointed at, which the processor 40 then translates into a command by looking up the corresponding command in the memory map reserved for that particular screen. Thus, when the screen appears as shown in FIG. 6, the system controller 24 is able to translate certain coordinates received from the touch screen controller 52 into a selection that corresponds to one of the four choices described above.

Assuming that the operator points to the setup key 150, the screen illustrated in FIG. 7 appears, requesting an operator access code on the prompt line 157. As described previously, the system may be configured so that certain levels of access require the entry of a password. The system controller 24 receives the operator identification (step 210 of FIG. 5C) as the operator points to the appropriate keys on the displayed keyboard (shown in this example as 6666), and then the Enter key 158. To assist with the code entry process, entered characters appear at display window 159, and a Backspace key 160 is provided in case a character is erroneously entered. As an additional feature, pointing to the small key 162 enables lowercase letters to be entered.

As shown at step 212 of FIG. 5C, once a valid code is entered and recognized by the system controller 24, the screens are modified on the display 46 to present the operator with a number of inquiries regarding the particular starting parameters for the auxiliary devices 20. As used herein, the term "parameters" is intended to include not only the settings that the installed auxiliary devices 20 operate at, but also an identification of which of the auxiliary devices 20 are installed in a particular configuration, and any other such device information. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 and at step 214 of FIG. 5C, an initial prompt appears at prompt line 157 inquiring as to the number of blanket washers 26 installed in the current configuration. Up to ten washers may be installed, and the number is entered in the same manner as described above, i.e., by first pointing to the appropriate digit or digits followed by the Enter key 158. If at least one blanket washer 26 is installed, as determined at step 216 the program branches to step 218 in order to obtain general blanket washer information, e.g., whether the last washer is operating as a coater. Next, as shown at steps 220-226, initial settings for the blanket washers 26 are entered, shown herein as the times and number of shots for applying washing solvents.

Similar parameters are entered into the system controller data memory 44b (FIG. 4) for other auxiliary devices 20 which may be installed in a particular configuration. Although additional Setup screens are not shown herein for reasons of simplicity, the general program flow may be understood by following the remainder of the steps 228 through

246 in the Setup flowchart of FIGs. 5C and 5D. It can be readily appreciated that the appropriate parameters are similarly entered by modifying the prompt line 157 and receiving an appropriate entry for each device. After the parameters for a particular job are set up, the screen is constructed and displayed in accordance therewith, for example as shown in FIG. 6. In general, the screen display 46 provides an image corresponding to each installed auxiliary device. Although not necessary to the invention, in the preferred system the images corresponding to the auxiliary devices 20 are displayed on the left side of the screen in a manner that generally represents the control panels that are present on conventional auxiliary devices. This allows an operator to obtain status information from the auxiliary devices 20 by merely looking at the screen display 46. Nevertheless, it is feasible to alternatively provide a simple image such as a labeled box corresponding to each device for operator selection.

Once the available devices are displayed, for example as shown on the left side of the screen depicted in FIG. 6, the operator can select one of the auxiliary devices 20 in order to modify its parameters. This is accomplished by pointing at the displayed image corresponding thereto, and corresponds to step 204 in the flowchart of FIG. 5A.

As soon as an auxiliary device is selected, an enlarged, or maximized image of the control panel corresponding thereto appears on the right side of the screen as indicated by step 250 of FIG. 5B. By way of example, when the sprayer 36 is first selected by pointing at its minimized image, or icon 153, such as for the purpose of turning it on and adjusting its spraying level, the screen is altered to appear as shown in FIG. 9A. Although not necessary to the invention, when maximized the selected device image (such as icon 153) no longer appears in the minimized window on the left side of the screen; instead it appears only as the enlarged image on the right. In the preferred embodiment, any control panel switches that appear on the images displayed on the left side (minimized format) are not enabled until the device is first selected and presented in the enlarged format. However, the state of the switches, indicators and readouts remain visible in the minimized window and are updated in real-time. For example, if the motor fuse blows in the sprayer 36, the image representing the motor fuse status indicator 174 is altered to visually indicate the condition, for example by changing color, increasing in intensity, flashing or otherwise changing.

While the preferred program attempts to generally replicate the control panel of each device while in the minimized state, thus providing an operator the ability to simultaneously assess the operating states of multiple control panels, any other symbol would be adequate for the purposes of selecting an image of a control panel. Indeed, a simple labeled box corresponding to the active control panels would be sufficient. However, in addition to the advantages provided by allowing simultaneous viewing of multiple control panels, by making the images of the control panels reasonable replicas of the actual panels on conventional auxiliary devices, operators familiar with the actual panels quickly recognize the corresponding box. As a result, operators adapt quickly to the touch screen system.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, once selected and maximized, the icons representing push-button switches become enabled, i.e., pointing at the switches affects the settings on the auxiliary device as if the switches were actuated on a control panel ordinarily present on a conventional auxiliary device. As described previously, in the preferred embodiment this is performed upon detecting a touch to the screen as the processor 40 translates received screen coordinates into commands by referencing the appropriate data matrix corresponding to the current display. The touch screen controller 52 in conjunction with the displayed image thus enables the system to emulate a conventional control panel that an operator is familiar with, allowing the operator to select and control the auxiliary devices 20 from a common, centralized location. For example, the maximized sprayer panel 163 shown in FIG. 9A has images of an increment, or "+" switch 164, a decrement, or "-" switch 166, an "ON" switch 168 and a "BYPASS" switch 170. In addition, the panel image includes status indicator lights 172- 175 representing "OPERATE," "INTERLOCK," "MOTOR FUSE" and "TUBE," respectively. In general, the OPERATE indicator 172 is visually enhanced (preferably by changing color on the display) when the sprayer 36 is operating, the INTERLOCK indicator is visually enhanced when the press 22 is operating and properly connected to the sprayer 36, the MOTOR FUSE indicator image is visually altered (e.g. darkened) if the fuse is blown and the TUBE indicator is visually altered if the electrostatic tube is blown. As previously described, the status signals that ultimately regulate these indicators are fed back to the system controller 24 from the sprayer 36 via the ARCnet board so that the display more completely replicates a conventional sprayer control panel. Finally, the enlarged image includes a three digit readout 176 representing the setting of the operating level of the sprayer from 0 to 100 percent.

To turn on the sprayer 36, the operator points at the ON switch 168 (as represented by step 252 of FIG. 5B) , causing the touch screen controller 52 to transmit the screen coordinates to the system controller 24, which the processor 40 translates to a "Sprayer On" command to turn the sprayer 36 on at steps 254 and 256. Of course, the ON switch toggles the sprayer 36 off when the sprayer 36 is already on, and thus step 254 is really a toggle step.

Nevertheless, assuming the sprayer 36 was previously off, as shown in FIG. 9B, the on state is indicated on the display screen 46 (step 256) and the image of the three digit readout 176 provides the current sprayer 36 operating level, presently set to zero percent. Although not readily apparent from FIG. 9, at this time the image of the ON switch is also visually enhanced, preferably by changing in color from white to yellow.

Even when displayed in the maximized image 163, the ON switch may also be disabled at certain times, for example, when the sprayer 36 is not connected to an operating press 22 as indicated by the interlock function. As can be appreciated, disabling of the ON switch in this instance may be accomplished in the processor 40 by a simple logical comparison with the interlock status. As is known to press operators, the BYPASS switch 170 is provided to override such conditions in order to operate the sprayer 36 as desired as shown in step 257.

Assuming the ON switch 168 is properly enabled and the sprayer 36 is turned on as in FIG. 9B, adjustments to the sprayer 36 output level are made with the increment key 164 and the decrement key 166 (steps 258 and 260 respectively) . As shown in FIG. 9C, pointing to these keys adjusts the output level of the sprayer 36 in one percent increments as indicated by steps 262 and 264. The level is reflected in the three digit display 176, shown in FIG. 9C as sixteen percent.

Although not necessary to the invention, for convenience, the increment and decrement keys 164, 166 may be arranged to repeatedly change the output level if continuously touched, may increment or decrement the output level in an accelerated manner after being continuously touched for a period of time. The keys may further be arranged to turn-over the output level from one-hundred percent to zero percent when incrementing or from zero percent to one-hundred percent when decrementing. Other well-known tactics such as resetting the level to a predetermined setting upon simultaneous activation of the increment and decrement keys are also feasible, such as with capacitive touch-screen sensing.

It can readily be appreciated that the system allows for the similar emulation of the control panels of other auxiliary devices 20, which are selected and enlarged by pointing to their minimized images in a similar manner. By pointing to a new minimized control panel image, the previously maximized control panel is returned to its minimized image while the newly selected panel is enlarged, in essence swapping the newly selected control panel images for the previously selected image. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5A at step 266, entering a non-sprayer command terminates control over the sprayer 36 until it is re-selected. Since the operation of various conventional auxiliary devices through use of their individual control panels is well known, it is unnecessary to further describe herein the individual functions and displays for each auxiliary device 20 in the present system. Suffice it to say that the parameter entry system described herein allows selection and control of the several auxiliary devices 20 from a centralized location by emulating the control panels thereof in a manner substantially like that of the described sprayer control panel. As an additional feature of the system, once the parameters have been set up for a particular job and device configuration, the parameters may be saved as a set. By providing a unique identifying label (job name or filename) with each set of parameters, complete parameters for jobs may be later retrieved. thus saving the operator substantial parameter entry time and eliminating the need for memorizing or otherwise looking-up all of the parameters for a specific job. To save a set of parameters, as represented by step 206 of FIG. 5A, an image of a Save key 150 is provided, for example as shown on FIG. 6. Touching the Save key to request a save operation alters the screen display to that shown in FIG. 10, i.e, enables a display of a keyboard as shown in step 271 of FIG. 5A. Prompt line 157 provides a message prompting the user to enter a Job Name to Save of up to 20 alphanumeric characters, (step 272 of FIG. 5A) , which may be accomplished by inputting the individual characters, or by scrolling through a list of jobs by use of the Prev (previous) and Next keys 180, 182, and then touching the Enter key 158. To assist with the job name entry process, entered characters appear at display window 159, and a Backspace key 160 is provided in case a character is erroneously entered. As an additional feature, pointing to the small key 162 enables lowercase letters to be entered. An Exit key 184 is also provided to enable the operator to return to the previous screen without performing the save operation.

Upon receipt of an entered job name, as shown in step 273 of FIG. 5A, the system controller 24 records the parameters from the data memory 44b to the storage device 50 in correlation with the entered job name (identifying label) for later recall. Of course, the system may first check to ensure that the job name is valid (at least one character) and may require confirmation or even authorization before overwriting an existing job. Similarly, a Recall key 156 as shown in FIG. 6 is provided to load the data memory 44b with a previously saved set of job parameters. To recall (i.e., retrieve) a previously saved set of parameters, as represented by step 208 of FIG. 5A, an image of a Recall key 152 is provided, for example as shown on FIG. 6. Touching the Recall key to request a retrieve operation alters the screen display to that shown in FIG. 11, i.e, enables a display of a keyboard as shown in step 274 of FIG. 5A. Prompt line 157 provides a message prompting the user to enter a Job Name to Recall of up to 20 alphanumeric characters, (step 272 of FIG. 5A) , which may be accomplished by inputting the individual characters, or by scrolling through a list of existing jobs by use of the Prev (previous) and Next keys 180, 182, and then touching the Enter key 158. To assist with the job name entry process, entered characters appear at display window 159, and a Backspace key 160 is provided in case a character is erroneously entered. An Exit key 184 is also provided to enable the operator to return to the previous screen without performing the Recall operation.

Upon entry of an existing job name, as shown in step 277 of FIG. 5A, the system controller 24 accesses a location of the storage device memory correlated with the job name (identifying label) to recall the parameters from the storage device 50 to the data memory 44b (FIGs. 2A, 4).

As can be seen, by emulating the control panels of active auxiliary devices 20 on the display screen 46, a level of flexibility is achieved that cannot be matched with dedicated electronic or mechanical control panels. By way of example, as auxiliary devices are added to a system, control panels are automatically displayed therefor in response to a simple Setup inquiry. If in the future new auxiliary devices are developed, a simple addition to the software will allow its corresponding new control panel to be emulated in a like manner. As can be seen from the foregoing detailed description, there is provided a system and method that substantially reduces the amount of time required to setup the auxiliary devices of a printing press. The system and method improves the quality of the printing from run to run by enabling more consistent settings of the auxiliary device parameters. At the same time, a visualization of all settings is provided to ease the operator's ability to assess relative device settings.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for controlling a plurality of auxiliary devices associated with a printing press from a common location, each auxiliary device having individual operating parameters, the system comprising, a controller including a processor and a memory for storing values of the operating parameters, an input device operatively connected to the processor and disposed at the common location for obtaining commands and providing signals to the processor corresponding thereto, an interface for connecting auxiliary devices to the processor such that signals from the processor control the operating parameters of the auxiliary devices, and a display operatively connected to the processor and disposed at the common location, the display including an image thereon representing a control panel for each auxiliary device, the processor operating the display and providing signals to the interface to control the auxiliary devices in accordance with commands from the input device.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the input device comprises a touch screen controller coordinated with the display for obtaining commands from an operator by detecting physical proximity to an area of the display screen representing the control panels.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the display has reserved thereon a first area for representing each of the control panels and a second area for representing a selected one of the control panels, the processor controlling the display to enlarge the image of the selected one of the control panels in the second area upon receiving a selection command from the input device.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a storage device, wherein the input device includes means for entering an identifying label to the controller and for commanding the storage of the operating parameters of the auxiliaries from the memory of the controller to the storage device in conjunction with the identifying label.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the means for entering an identifying label and for commanding the storage of values comprises a touch screen controller coordinated with the display for obtaining commands by detecting physical proximity to an area of the display screen, the means further including a first image on the display screen corresponding to alphanumeric characters and a second image on the display screen corresponding to a store command, such that at least one alphanumeric character is entered upon detection of physical proximity thereto for storing as an identifying label upon subsequent detection of the store command.

6. The system of claim 4 wherein the input device includes means for entering an identifying label and for commanding retrieval of the operating parameters of the auxiliaries from the storage device to the memory of the controller in conjunction with the identifying label.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the means for entering an identifying label and for retrieving the storage of values comprises a touch screen controller coordinated with the display for obtaining commands by detecting physical proximity to an area of the display screen, the means further including a first image on the display screen corresponding to alphanumeric characters, and a second image on the display screen corresponding to a recall command, such that at least one alphanumeric character is entered upon detection of physical proximity thereto for referencing as an identifying label upon detection of the recall command to access the set of data values for recalling to the memory of the controller.

8. The system of claim 2 wherein one of the auxiliaries comprises a sprayer, and wherein the input device includes means for increasing and decreasing the output level of the sprayer.

9. A system for controlling a plurality of auxiliary devices associated with a printing press from a common location, each auxiliary device having individual operating parameters, the system comprising, in combination, a controller including a processor and a memory for storing values of the operating parameters, a display screen operatively connected to the processor and disposed at the common location, the display providing images representing a control panel for each auxiliary device thereon, a touch screen controller disposed adjacent the display and operatively connected to the processor for detecting physical proximity to the displayed control panels and providing signals to the processor corresponding thereto, and an interface for connecting auxiliary devices to the processor, the processor including a translator for translating signals from the touch screen controller to commands for 1) changing the image on the display screen, 2) updating the contents of the memory and 3) controlling the operating parameters of the auxiliary devices in accordance with the commands.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the display has reserved thereon a first area for images representing each of the control panels of the auxiliary devices and a second area for an image representing a selected one of the control panels, the translator controlling the display to enlarge the image of the selected one of the control panels in the second area upon translating a signal received from the touch screen controller indicative of the selection of one of the control panels.

11. The system of claim 9 further comprising memory maps each having commands stored therein corresponding to coordinates on the display screen, wherein the translator receives signals from the touch screen controller representing coordinates on the display screen, and the translator references one of the memory maps to translate the received coordinates into a command.

12. The system of claim 11 further comprising a storage device, wherein the images on the display screen include an icon for selecting a request to save a set of values for the operating parameters and the touch screen controller provides coordinates to the translator indicative thereof, the translator modifying the images on the display screen and accessing one of the memory maps associated with the modified images to translate coordinates received from the touch screen controller into an identifying label after receipt of the save request, the translator commanding the storage of the set of values for the operating parameters from the memory to the storage device in correlation with the identifying label such that the label can be used to later recall the set of values.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the display screen includes an icon for selecting a request to recall the set of values of the operating parameters and the touch screen controller provides coordinates to the translator indicative thereof, the translator modifying the images on the display and accessing one of the memory maps associated therewith to translate coordinates received from the touch screen controller into the identifying label upon receiving the recall request, the translator commanding the retrieval of the set of values of the operating parameters of the auxiliaries from the storage device to the memory in correlation with the identifying label in response to recognition of the label.

14. A method of controlling operating parameters of auxiliary devices connected to a printing press, comprising the steps of: displaying an image representing the control panels corresponding to each auxiliary device on a display screen at a common location; selecting from the image one of the control panels; actuating the selected control panel on the display screen for inputting values of the operating parameters; selecting values for the operating parameters of the selected control panel of the auxiliary device; and outputting a signal corresponding to the selected operating parameter to control the operating parameter of the auxiliary device.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the image of the control panels is displayed on one portion of the screen, and the step of actuating the control panels includes enlarging the selected control panel on a different portion of the screen.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of selecting one of the control panels includes resolving an X-Y coordinate of a touch to the display.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps of entering an identifying label corresponding to the values of the operating parameters for the auxiliary device, and storing data the values in correlation with the identifying label for later recall.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the steps of entering the identifying label corresponding to the values of the operating parameters stored for the auxiliary device, retrieving the values correlated with the identifying label, and outputting signals corresponding to the values of the operating parameters for controlling the auxiliary device.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the display provides visual prompts for commanding the storage and retrieval of the values of the operating parameters, and the step of storing the values includes the steps of a) sensing a request to store the values, altering the image on the display to provide a prompt for entering the identifying label, and c) sensing the entry of the label; and the step of retrieving the values of the operating parameters includes the steps of a) sensing the request to retrieve the values, b) altering the image on the display to provide a prompt for entering the identifying label, and c) sensing the entry of the label.

20. A method of controlling an operating parameter of an auxiliary device connected to a printing press, comprising the steps of: displaying at one area of a display screen an image of the control panels for each auxiliary device connected tot he printing press; selecting one of the control panels; actuating a user input icon on the selected one of the control panels and providing a visual confirmation indicative of the actuation; entering by way of the user input icon a value for the operating parameter of the selected auxiliary device; and outputting a signal corresponding to the entered value of the operating parameter for controlling the auxiliary device.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the steps of selecting, actuating, and entering include resolving a value of an X-Y coordinate on a touch screen of the display.

22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the steps of correlating an identifying label with the values of the parameter for the auxiliary device, and storing the value and identifying label in a memory.

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising the steps of retrieving the stored value by first presenting the identifying label corresponding to the value stored in the memory, presenting a retrieve command, and displaying the value in the memory on the display.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein the display provides icons for prompting the storing and retrieving of the values of the operating parameter, and the step of storing the values includes the steps of a) requesting storage of the value by touching one of the icons, b) altering the image of the display to provide a prompt for entering the identifying label, and c) storing the identifying label in correlation with the value; and the step of retrieving the value includes the steps of a) requesting retrieval of the stored value, b) altering the image of the display to provide a prompt for entering the identifying label; and c) retrieving the stored value by accessing a location of the memory correlated with the identifying label.

25. The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of inputting a plurality of values for a plurality of operating parameters and outputting a plurality of signals corresponding to the values to control the operating parameters of a plurality of auxiliary devices.