Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a print management unit configured to allocate a plurality of print data sets to a plurality of image forming apparatuses, respectively, the plurality of print data sets being obtained by dividing one print data set; a separator data generation unit configured to generate, for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, print data for a separator, the print data for the separator including management information that includes information regarding a particular print data set among the plurality of print data sets and information regarding a particular image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses to which the particular print data set is allocated; and an output unit configured to output, for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the particular print data set and the print data for the separator to the particular image forming apparatus.

Abstract: There is a need to provide an image generator and an image generation method capable of avoiding wasting a normal printed matter if any in sheets of paper output after an occurrence of waste paper. When paper contains an abnormal image, the paper is detected as waste paper based on a read result from an image read sensor. Detection of the waste paper allows an image generator to perform reprint from a print job for the waste paper. Normal-image paper may be contained in sheets of paper output between detection of the waste paper and the reprint to be performed. In this case, the normal-image paper is used as a normal printed matter and is avoided from being consumed wastefully.

Abstract: The device includes a first conveyor 1 and a second conveyor 12. The first conveyor transports the book blocks B to the bookbinding apparatus and can accumulate the book blocks on a transport surface 4. A first stopper 23 is arranged at an entrance of the second conveyor and a second stopper 28 is arranged in the middle of a path of book block on the transport surface of the first conveyor. The first and second stoppers can take a block position and a retracted position. The second conveyor and the first stopper operate in synchronization with an operation of the bookbinding apparatus. The second stopper takes the block position when the number of book blocks accumulated on upstream side of the first stopper exceeds a predetermined limit value, or when a thickness difference between the book blocks transported side by side exceeds a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing a page set is presented. The method includes receiving multiple page sets. A first page or a last page of each page set marked with an identifier. The method also includes scanning a page of the multiple page sets. The method further includes determining whether the scanned page comprises the identifier and one or more of a false positive identifier or a color changed identifier. The method still further includes distinguishing the page set, corresponding to the scanned page, from other page sets of the multiple of page sets when the scanned page includes the identifier.

Abstract: A printing system includes a print station disposed at a sheet transport path, a feed section arranged to feed media sheets of different media types into the transport path so as to be fed sequentially to the print station, and a controller arranged to receive print instructions concerning images to be printed, to schedule a sequence of the media sheets, and to control the feed section and the print station such that each image is printed on a sheet of a media type that has been specified for that image in the print instructions. A sensor is arranged at the transport path for detecting a quality condition of the sheets being fed to the print station, and the controller is adapted to receive a quality signal from the sensor and, when the quality of a sheet is found to be insufficient, to skip that sheet and to reroute the corresponding image to another scheduled sheet that is compatible with the print instructions.

Abstract: Automated systems, methods for constructing card multipacks, and a card multipack constructing using the same are provided. An automated system for constructing card multipacks includes: a movable conveyor including a plurality of tooling plates, each configured to receive a height adjusting member; a first carrier placing station configured to place a first carrier portion of a carrier on a tooling plate of the plurality of tooling plates; a first card placing station configured to place a first stored value card on the first carrier portion; a first data capture station configured to read a first card bar code of the first stored value card in-line in the automated system; and a software system adapted to verify the first card bar code with a data file.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a stapling device, comprising an activation unit configured to sense at least one of a movement of the stapling device, a position of a switch or a signal from a timer. There is a detection unit that is activated based on a signal from the activation unit to generate an input data. The stapling device further comprises a processing unit to determine number of pins in the stapling device, by comparing the input data with a pre-configured data and a display unit interfaced with the processing unit, to indicate status of the pins in the stapling device, wherein the status is based on the determined number of pins in the stapling device. Thus the stapling device of the present disclosure identifies the exhaustion of pins and accordingly enables timely replenishment of the stapling device with pins.

Abstract: Automated systems, methods for constructing card multipacks, and a card multipack constructing using the same are provided. An automated system for constructing card multipacks includes: a movable conveyor including a plurality of tooling plates, each configured to receive a height adjusting member; a first carrier placing station configured to place a first carrier portion of a carrier on a tooling plate of the plurality of tooling plates; a first card placing station configured to place a first stored value card on the first carrier portion; a first data capture station configured to read a first card bar code of the first stored value card in-line in the automated system; and a software system adapted to verify the first card bar code with a data file.

Abstract: A post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes an adhesive binding unit that binds a plurality of sheets into a bundle. A controller sets an allowable binding number X of sheets capable of being subject to binding at one time in the adhesive binding apparatus. The controller sets a predetermined remaining number N of sheets. The controller receives a number A of the sheets instructed to be bound in the adhesive binding unit. The controller calculates a remaining number n of sheets, where n=A?X. The controller determines whether n>N or n?N. The adhesive binding unit binds the A number of the sheets into a single bundle when it is determined that n?N.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for constructing card multipacks. An automated system for constructing card multipacks includes: a movable conveyor; a first carrier placing station configured to place a first carrier portion of a carrier on the conveyor; at least one card placing station configured to place a plurality of stored value cards on the first carrier portion; a data capture station configured to read a card bar code of each of the plurality of stored value cards in-line in the automated system; and a software system adapted to create a data file including the card bar codes.

Abstract: Notebook comprising a plurality of pages (1) of paper bound together with a cover (2), in which a plurality of substantially vertical and/or substantially horizontal lines are printed on the pages (1) and are formed by a plurality of dots (5) aligned with each other, which have a maximum dimension, in particular diameter, comprised between 0.21 and 0.35 mm, the distance between two adjacent dots (5) of a same line being comprised between 0.43 and 0.7 mm and the color of the dots (5) being darker than the color of the page (1), in which the sum of the four quadrichrome CMYK values of the color of the page (1) is comprised between 0 and 20, in particular comprised between 10 and 20, with the K value less than 10, and the sum of the four CMYK values of the color of the dots (5) is comprised between 15 and 50, in particular between 25 and 40, with the value K less of 40. The present invention also relates to a method for digitizing notes by means of said notebook.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stuffing envelopes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of prime movers, a plurality of sensors disposed throughout the apparatus, and a central controller. The prime movers, the sensors and the central controller are operably interconnected such that the central controller directly receives signals from the sensors and from the plurality of prime movers for real-time control of at least one prime mover from the plurality of prime movers based upon determined movement of at least one of a discrete sheet of material, a stack of sheets of material or a stuffed envelope through at least a portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming system including: an image forming device to notify a downstream post-processing device of sheet information relating to a sheet on which an image is formed, before the sheet is discharged, and to notify the downstream post-processing device of set separation information indicating a final sheet of each set of document in synchronization with the sheet information relating to the final sheet of each set in case that a plurality of sets of document are printed, the image forming device being compliant with a first communication system; a post-processing device which is connected to a downstream of the image forming device and is compliant with a second communication system which is different from the first communication system; and the relay apparatus which is connected to the image forming device through the first communication system and is connected to the post-processing device through the second communication system.

Abstract: A supply device (10) for a machine for transversely cutting two strips (11 and 12) of a flexible material, in particular a strip of paper, moving continuously, to produce separate stacks of documents cut transversely according to predetermined formats. The device comprises lower and upper driving mechanisms (13, 14) associated with the two strips (11, 12) of flexible material respectively, which each include a mechanically rotated first roller (13a, 14a) and a freely rotatable second bearing roller (13b and 14b). The driving mechanism is mounted on a frame (15) supported by a movable platform (16) which is rigidly connected to a linear actuator (17) arranged to be moved transversely with respect to the direction of movement of the strips (11 and 12). Optical reading cells (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) define the operating modes of the driving servomotors (13b and 14b) and of the linear actuator (17).

Abstract: A method and device for the production of books, including: moving book blocks successively along a conveying section of a book production line; supplying a stack of book cases to the book production line; identifying a marking on each of the book blocks and the book cases; transmitting an identified marking on at least one book case to a machine control of the book production line; assigning a dataset stored in the machine control for a sequence of book cases to the supplied stack; determining a sequence in the machine control for book blocks positioned on the conveying section; comparing the dataset for the sequence of the book cases to the sequence of the book blocks; and removing and/or supplying at least one book block from or to the conveying section if the sequence of the book blocks deviates from the sequence of the book cases using the machine control.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a processor-readable medium stores code representing instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to receive sheet length data for two paper sheets of a same standard dimension passing consecutively through a printing device. The processor calculates a length difference between the two paper sheets, and when the length difference exceeds a two-sheet threshold, it initiates an alignment correction cycle in a paper finishing device.

Abstract: To achieve both of highly reliable detection of a mark and suppression of a sheet consumption amount when a continuous sheet is cut on an image basis after a plurality of images has been printed on the continuous sheet. For this purpose, at the time of a first surface printing operation, by accumulating correction factors obtained for a plurality of pages, a more highly reliable correction factor is obtained. Further, at the time of a second surface printing operation, by controlling a conveyance operation with the highly reliable correction factor, a cut mark is surely detected by the detecting operation of the cut mark sensor within a limited range.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image reading apparatus includes an illumination unit to irradiate a surface of a sheet with light from an oblique direction at a predetermined angle of incidence, a reading unit to receive light reflected from a reading range on the sheet and to acquire a sheet image, and a reflecting mirror that is disposed in a direction of an angle of emission that is equal to the angle of incidence, that has a specular surface that is parallel to the reading range, and that reflects light reflected from the sheet toward the reading range with the specular surface.

Abstract: The present application relates to a system and method for tracking individual pieces within a printing or mailing job, as well as tracking completed trays, skids, or containers of printed documents.

Abstract: A method and system for the automated generation of a unique code such as a two dimensional (2D) code such as a quick response (QR) code for each of a plurality of target users. An appearance of the code for each target user can be personalized based on information from a database which includes personalized information for each target user. The appearance of the code is personalized for each user so that, for example, the code is more likely to draw the target user's attention than a code which is not personalized for the target user.

Abstract: The present application relates to a system and related method for processing a mailpiece through the steps associated with its manufacture and post processing. The present system and method allow for mailpiece item tracking data collection at each step in the mailpiece manufacturing and processing. The present system and method allow for the integration of mailpiece item data from a postage device by utilizing information based barcode data included as part of the postage evidence, together with the production and sorting processes.

Abstract: A method for operating a sheet handling system including the steps of: determining a location of a next collation mark on select sheets of the stack of material, selecting an operating mode based upon the proximity of the next collation mark relative to a leading or trailing edge of each of the select sheets, processing the singulated sheets in a first operating mode when the next collation mark is proximal to the leading edge of each of the select sheets, and in a second operating mode, when the next collation mark is proximal to a trailing edge of each of the select sheets. Each of the select sheets is buffered to change the spatial relationship between each of the select sheet and each completed collation of sheets along the feed path. By selectively processing the sheets based upon the location of the next collation mark, the conveyance feed path is minimized.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disk barcode forming method wherein, as information to be barcoded, position information for piracy prevention, which is a form of ID, is coded as a barcode and is recorded by laser trimming on a reflective film in a PCA area of an optical disk. When playing back the thus manufactured optical disk on a reproduction apparatus, the barcode data can be played back using the same optical pickup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. Mail is placed into an input bin having a conveyor that conveys the mail towards a feeder. The feeder serially feeds the envelopes by engaging the lead envelope in the stack of mail and displacing the lead envelope transverse the stack of mail. The mail is then cut on a side edge and the top edge to cut open each envelope. A transport conveys the cut envelopes to an extractor. The extractor opens the edge-severed mail and presents the contents of the envelopes to an operator who manually extracts the contents. The operator drops the extracted contents onto a conveyor that conveys the contents to an imaging station. The contents are automatically separated and imaged to obtain image data for the contents. The contents are then sorted into a plurality of output bins.

Abstract: A method for job separation in a high volume document scanning is provided. The method includes monitoring a document receiver with a monitor device to determine when a batch of documents has been received by the document receiver and in response to the monitor device determining the batch of documents has been received by the document receiver, automatically inserting a job separation document with a separation document inserter at an end of the batch to separate the batch of documents from a successive batch of documents.

Abstract: The present application relates to a system and related method for processing a mailpiece through the steps associated with its manufacture and post processing. The present system and method allow for mailpiece item tracking data collection at each step in the mailpiece manufacturing and processing. The present system and method allow for the integration of mailpiece item data from a postage device by utilizing information based barcode data included as part of the postage evidence, together with the production and sorting processes.

Abstract: A method of preparing batches of mailpieces using an envelope-stuffing machine. The method includes printing documents with each page bearing a first marking for causing the related document to be inserted into an envelope, and printing separator sheets each bearing a second marking for causing it to be folded into a predetermined particular geometrical shape; folding the documents and inserting them into empty envelopes having a common format; folding the separator sheets; and ejecting closed envelopes and the separator sheets folded into the predetermined particular geometrical shape. On being ejected by the envelope-stuffing machine, the separator sheets are interposed automatically between the closed envelopes as a function of the batches to be prepared, and the predetermined particular geometrical shape resulting in the separator sheets projecting from the predetermined common format of the envelopes.

Abstract: The present application relates to a system and method for tracking individual pieces within a printing or mailing job, as well as tracking completed trays, skids, or containers of printed documents.

Abstract: Methods for forming a signature are provided. In one aspect an automatic z-folding system is used to cause a signature print to fold across a width proximate to z-fold locations spaced along a length of the signature print and to form a z-folded stack of sheets of the signature print and the z-folded stack is bound across a width of the stack proximate to a saddle fold location between the z-folds; saddle folding the z-folded stack at the saddle fold location to dispose the z-folds along a common face of the saddle folded stack, and, separating the signature print at at least one of the z-folds.

Abstract: Z-fold signature finishing systems are provided. One z-fold finishing system has a receiver system to receive a signature print; an automatic z-fold system configured to make a z-folded stack of sheets formed from separate portions of a length of a signature print with each sheet being joined to at least one other sheet in the z-folded stack by at least one of the z-folds; a binding system that can bind the z-folded stack proximate to a saddle fold location between the z-folds; a saddle folder having at least two surfaces arranged so that the at least two surfaces and the z-folded stack can move relative to each other to cause the z-folded stack to fold proximate to the saddle fold location to dispose the z-folds along a common face of the saddle folded stack, and, a separation system separating the signature print proximate to at least one of the z-folds.

Abstract: Sorting machine for sorting mail items according to destination codes, each mail item being provided with a destination address, includes: first and second sorting routes for sorting mail items of first and second format ranges, respectively, and an output station. The output station includes first output positions for the first sorting route for receipt of sorted mail items from the first format range, and a same number of second output positions for the second sorting route. Each first output position is arranged each time at one second output position to form a combined output position. Each combined output position is associated each time with one of the number of destination codes. Each destination code is associated with one or more destination addresses. Each combined output position is associated each time with one of the number of destination codes. Each destination code is associated with one or more destination addresses.

Abstract: When handling paper sheets, the paper sheet present at the uppermost or lowest part of each batch of the paper sheets is assigned as a designated paper sheet, and then intrinsic information on this designated paper sheet is associated with transaction information corresponding to the batch of the paper sheets. Thereafter, a plurality of batches of the paper sheets are stacked, one on another, in a certain number corresponding to transactions, while the intrinsic information on each designated paper sheet is already associated with the corresponding transaction information. Then, such stacked batches of the paper sheets are handled, collectively, by a paper sheet handling system. Thereafter, each recognition result on the plurality of batches of the paper sheets, respectively handled by the paper sheet handling system, is separated by utilizing each designated paper sheet.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus is presented that includes a first module arranged along a sheet conveyance route from the upstream to the downstream thereof, and a second module arranged adjacent to the first module. The first module includes a first control part to transmit destination information and category information of discriminated sheets and to execute conveyance control to the sheet residing along the first conveyance route. The second module includes a second control part to execute conveyance control to the sheets residing along the second conveyance route, and to transmit information of the number of sheets in each category stacked in the first stacking device. The first control part is configured to execute a cross-check to determine whether the information of the number of sheets in each category received from the second control part matches the information of the number of sheets transmitted to the second control part.

Abstract: A system and method for producing printed sheet material for use in a mailpiece inserter. The system comprises an input module for supplying the printed sheet material associated with a mailpiece fabrication job of the mailpiece inserter and a transfer module adapted to receive the printed sheet material from the input module and dispense the printed sheet material. An output module is adapted to receive the printed sheet material from the transfer module and convey the printed sheet material along the transport deck. A processor is operatively coupled to a mail run data file of the mailpiece fabrication job for controlling the input, transfer and output modules to stack the printed sheet material in accordance with the mail run data file. In the method, the output module includes at least two transport decks which may be repositioned such that one of the transport decks receives/stacks the printed sheet material in a manner which is best suited for subsequent use by the mailpiece inserter.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of an embodiment of the invention includes a first storage unit to store, based on stored information stored in wireless tags attached to a plurality of consumable items, an application to manage the stock number of the plurality of consumable items, a second storage unit to store replacement information to indicate replacement from a first consumable item installed in the image forming apparatus to a second consumable item included in the plurality of consumable items, a notification unit to notify the replacement information stored in the second storage unit, and a read unit to read, based on the replacement from the first consumable item to the second consumable item, the first stored information stored in a first wireless tag attached to the second consumable item.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. Mail is placed into an input bin having a conveyor that conveys the mail towards a feeder. The feeder serially feeds the envelopes by engaging the lead envelope in the stack of mail and displacing the lead envelope transverse the stack of mail. The mail is then cut on a side edge and the top edge to cut open each envelope. A transport conveys the cut envelopes to an extractor. The extractor opens the edge-severed mail and presents the contents of the envelopes to an operator who manually extracts the contents. The operator drops the extracted contents onto a conveyor that conveys the contents to an imaging station. The contents are automatically separated and imaged to obtain image data for the contents. The contents are then sorted into a plurality of output bins.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pro label book includes printing static indicia on a web of label material, applying an adhesive to each portion of the web of label material that will become a label page in a pro label book that is not the portion of the web of label material that will become a top page of a label book to be formed if the adhesive is applied to a top surface of the web of label material or a bottom page of a label book to be formed if the adhesive is applied to the bottom surface of the web of label material, printing variable information on the web of label material, sheeting the web of label material to form label pages, and batching the label pages together utilizing the applied adhesive. Certain embodiments include attaching one of a backer or a cover to the web of label material following the printing static indicia step.

Abstract: A method and system for validating the completeness of a document collation includes obtaining information concerning a document having a first page and a last page, and processing the obtained information. The processed information is employed to apply a marking on the document that may be readable through an enclosure that visually obscures the marking. The marking may provide information regarding the completeness of the document collation within the enclosure. The processed information may be employed in a manner such that the applied marking includes a first page mark on the first page of the document collation and a last page mark in the last page of the document collation. The marks may be applied in respective predetermined zones on the first page and the last page. The first page zone and the last page zone may have a predetermined relationship for a document collation.

Abstract: A document discarding apparatus includes: a metal detector that detects presence or absence of a metal embedded in a document; a code reader that reads a code; an instruction accept portion that accepts an instruction to discard the document; a document discarding portion that discards the document; a first determining unit that, according to the presence or absence of the metal, determines whether the document may be discarded in the document discarding portion; a second determining unit that, according to the code, determines whether the document may be discarded in the document discarding portion; and a document discarding control unit that, when the instruction accept portion accepts an instruction to discard the document, on condition that the first determining unit and the second determining unit both determine that the document can be discarded in the document discarding portion, controls the document discarding portion to discard the document.

Abstract: A method for producing printed products with an arrangement including at least one printing press to produce book blocks, at least one conveying device to convey the book blocks, at least one processing device to provide each respective book block with a respective cover, and a control unit to control the production of the book blocks. The method includes producing each respective cover in advance of each respective book block production, supplying each cover to at least one storage unit, and following the supplying of each cover to the storage unit, triggering at least one printing press by the control unit to produce the respective book block on the at least one printing press.

Abstract: A method of conveying a printed product on a conveying device toward a printer for printing. The thickness of the printed product is monitored, and the height of the printer is adjusted based on the thickness of the printed product. Indicia is printed on the printed product with the printer.

Abstract: A system for printing a list on a print medium includes a device and a server. The device which has a sensor module for sensing a print media identifier coded on a surface of the print medium, and a printer module for printing the list on the print medium. The server stores the list in association with the print medium identifier in a database. The list is retrievable from the database using the print media identifier.

Abstract: A sheet guiding apparatus with a sheet diverter function, a production system with a printer and a folding machine for printed products, in which such a sheet guiding apparatus is used, and a method for producing printed products with the production system, permit productivity to be raised without increasing the operating speed of the folding machine.

Abstract: A book product apparatus includes a gathering line and a plurality of feeding devices adapted to dispense at least one signature onto the gathering line. The apparatus further includes a controller operatively connected to the plurality of feeding devices for controlling the operation of the feeding devices, wherein a comparison of two customer data sources generates instructions for the feeding devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing documents is provided. Documents having a selected characteristic are placed into a first area, whereas documents not having the selected characteristic are placed into a second area. A sensor in the first area detects the presence of documents in the first area. The documents are conveyed to a scanner that scans the documents to obtain information regarding the documents. The processing of the documents is controlled by a processor. A document is electronically tagged as having the selected characteristic and processed accordingly in response to the detection of the document in the first area and in response to whether the document arrived at the scanner during a pre-determined time frame.

Abstract: When handling paper sheets, the paper sheet present at the uppermost or lowest part of each batch of the paper sheets is assigned as a designated paper sheet, and then intrinsic information on this designated paper sheet is associated with transaction information corresponding to the batch of the paper sheets. Thereafter, a plurality of batches of the paper sheets are stacked, one on another, in a certain number corresponding to transactions, while the intrinsic information on each designated paper sheet is already associated with the corresponding transaction information. Then, such stacked batches of the paper sheets are handled, collectively, by a paper sheet handling system. Thereafter, each recognition result on the plurality of batches of the paper sheets, respectively handled by the paper sheet handling system, is separated by utilizing each designated paper sheet.

Abstract: A stitcher for binding variable thickness collations including a means for determining the thickness of a multi-sheet collation, a stitch head operative to drive a stitch through the multi-sheet collation, an anvil operative to clinch the stitch to bind the sheets of the collation and a plurality of actuators operative to displace forming elements of the stitch head to form the stitch, position the stitch head and anvil against opposite surfaces of the multi-sheet collation, drive the stitch through the collation and clinch the ends of the stitch. A processor, responsive to the thickness value signal, controls the actuators to form the stitch and bind the collation.

Abstract: A method and system for validating the completeness of a document collation includes obtaining information concerning a document having a first page and a last page, and processing the obtained information. The processed information is employed to apply a marking on the document that may be readable through an enclosure that visually obscures the marking. The marking may provide information regarding the completeness of the document collation within the enclosure. The processed information may be employed in a manner such that the applied marking includes a first page mark on the first page of the document collation and a last page mark in the last page of the document collation. The marks may be applied in respective predetermined zones on the first page and the last page. The first page zone and the last page zone may have a predetermined relationship for a document collation.

Abstract: A method of printing content is disclosed. The method starts by a server receiving a request for content. The server renders the content into a pre-rendered format before transferring the content in the pre-rendered format to a mobile telecommunications device. The content is then printed on a print medium in a media feed path of a printer module of the mobile telecommunications device. During the printing step, coded data disposed on the print medium is sensed using a sensor module in the media feed path of the printer module. The coded data encodes a print medium identifier which uniquely identifies the print medium. Finally, the content is associated with the print medium identifier for later retrieval using the print medium identifier.

Abstract: A method of printing content on a print medium is disclosed. The method starts by receiving the print medium in a media feed path. The media feed path includes a sensor module and a printer module. A print media identifier is read from a surface of the print medium using the sensor module. The print medium identifier uniquely identifies the print medium. The content is then on the print medium using the printer module and the content is stored in association with the print medium identifier in a database. The content is retrievable from the database using the print media identifier.