Abstract: The method and the arrangement according to the invention for monitoring and controlling processes in the field of the further processing of products of a printing machine into finished printed products such as newspapers, magazines, and similar items is based on a functional cross-linking of a plurality of image processing modules. In each of the image processing modules clocked comparing steps are carried out in which actual images recorded by at least one image recording device are compared with reference images stored in the image processing modules and control signals are generated according to the result of the comparison and according to the momentary operating state of the image processing module. Each image processing module comprises inputs and outputs for images and inputs and outputs for control signals.

Abstract: The control process according to the invention is usable with high performance production processes for producing printed products by collecting, inserting and/or collating, e.g. with the aid of a drum (10). It comprises recording an image of the products being formed following each addition of a further component with a camera (K), comparison of the recorded image with a corresponding, stored calibration image, and using the results of the comparison for generating control signals, e.g. for discharging faulty products or activating alarm means. Instead of stationary image recording means such as cameras, movable reading heads can be used in the inventive process also.