Abstract:
A method and a diagnostic device for a printing press are described, wherein data is automatically transmitted by a central data processor of the printing press to a locally distanced central data processor when a threshold value is upwardly transgressed, downwardly transgressed or reached. The data is preferably assessed prior to the evaluation and/or the transmission to the remote central data processor. In this way, a simple telediagnostic service of the printing press is possible.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The invention relates to a method for transmitting data of a printing press to a central data processor, whereby the data, particularly operating parameters of the printing press are acquired. The invention further relates to a diagnostic device for the printing press. The diagnostic device has a central data processor, a memory and a sensor that is allocated to the printing press. The sensor acquires the operating parameters and other data relating to the printing press.  
           [0003]    Printing presses are extremely complicated and technically highly complex devices whose monitoring and maintenance make great demands upon service staff. Since printing presses are used at different locations where highly specialized technicians often are not available, it is desirable to transmit data of the printing press to a central data processor.  
           [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,156 discloses a method for generating a service call for a printing press, wherein an operating person starts a calling procedure. Given the calling procedure, data of the printing press is automatically transmitted to a central data processor. The identity of the printing press and the type of error are thereby transmitted. The transmission system offers interactive communication methods by which additional bits of information can be received or by which bits of status information can be displayed at the printing press.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a method for transmitting data of a printing press and a diagnostic device which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art methods and devices of this general type, in which a simpler method for transmitting data of the printing press and an improved diagnostic device for the printing press are provided.  
           [0006]    With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a method for transmitting data. The method includes the steps of acquiring data relating to a printing press; comparing the data to at least one threshold value; and transmitting the data automatically to a central data processor when the threshold value is upwardly transgressed, downwardly transgressed or reached.  
           [0007]    If the data acquired at the printing press is compared to a threshold value and if the data is automatically transmitted to a preferably locally distanced central data processor when the threshold value has been upwardly transgressed, downwardly transgressed or reached. A great advantage is that an automatic initialization of a service call can thereby occur and that an operator is not necessary, so that an automatic monitoring of the printing press is given. Whether a service call is necessary and whether service staff is potentially required, therefore, is no longer dependent on the assessment of an operator but is automatic by an evaluation of the critical data prescribed in terms of a program or by competent service staff monitoring the locally distanced central data processor.  
           [0008]    The data is preferably evaluated before it is compared to a threshold value. Dependent on the result of the comparison, the evaluated data is automatically transmitted to the central data processor. For example, the operating parameters of the printing press thus can be evaluated before the data is transmitted to a central data processor. For example, a chronological average can also be calculated, so that the number of data transmissions to the central data processor can be reduced in this way.  
           [0009]    Furthermore, an advantage is that different types of data are transmitted to the central data processor and are displayed together at the display of the central data processor. An operator monitoring the display of the central data processor thereby has the advantage of having a number of data types displayed at a screen. The operator, therefore, has a better overview of the operating mode of the printing press.  
           [0010]    In a preferred embodiment, a chronological development of the data is calculated for future use and extrapolated for future requirements and the chronological development is transmitted to the central data processor. Therefore, an evaluation of the operating status of the printing press occurs and is extrapolated for future needs, which is automatically made available to the remotely disposed central data processor. As a result thereof, the central data processor and/or an operator can make a statement with respect to the further chronological development of the data and therefore can order corresponding measures such as maintenance services for the printing press.  
           [0011]    A recommendation for service, for example, is preferably transmitted to the central data processor due to the present data. In an advantageous embodiment, a defective component of the printing press is detected on the basis of the data and an order for a replacement component is automatically transmitted to the central data processor. Preferably, an identification key of the printing press is also transmitted in order to be able to allocate the data to the printing press.  
           [0012]    In another inventive embodiment, the data is compared to comparison data and the necessity of service needs is decided dependent on the comparison. This results in scheduled time between a central data processor of a customer and a central data processor of a service department being automatically coordinated. The appointment planning is thus automated.  
           [0013]    With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a diagnostic device for a printing press. The diagnostic device includes a first central data processor, a memory for storing a threshold value that is connected to the first central data processor; a second central data processor connected to the first central processor; and a sensor connected to the first central data processor. The sensor acquires data including operating parameters of the printing press and transmits the data to the first central data processor. The first central data processor compares the data to the threshold value saved in the memory. The first central data processor automatically transmits the data to the second central data processor when the threshold value is upwardly transgressed, downwardly transgressed or reached.  
           [0014]    In accordance with an added feature of the invention, the first central data processor calculates a chronological development of the data for future use. The first central data processor transmits the chronological development to the second central data processor.  
           [0015]    In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, the first central data processor evaluates the data, and on a basis of the evaluation, determines a service recommendation for the printing press. The first central data processor transmits the service recommendation to the second central data processor.  
           [0016]    In accordance with another feature of the invention, the first central data processor, on a basis of the data, detects a defective component of the printing press. The first central data processor automatically outputs an order for a replacement component to the second central data processor, and the first central data processor further transmits an identification of the printing press.  
           [0017]    In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the first central data processor compares the data to comparison data. The first central data processor decides about a necessity of a service requirement in dependence on a relation of the data to the comparison data, and the first central data processor automatically arranges an appointment between a data processor of a customer and a data processor of a service department to fulfill the service requirement.  
           [0018]    In accordance with a further added feature of the invention, the first central data processor evaluates the data, and automatically sends service data about the printing press to the second central data processor.  
           [0019]    In accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention, the second central data processor is a locally distanced central data processor.  
           [0020]    Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.  
           [0021]    Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a method for transmitting data of a printing press and a diagnostic device, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.  
           [0022]    The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration having a printing press and a remotely disposed second central data processor; and  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a program run for transmitting data. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0025]    Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 3 thereof, there is shown a first central data processor  1  that is allocated to a printing press  7 , whereby the first central data processor  1  is connected to a sensor  5  which acquires data such as operating parameters or settings of the printing press  7  and forwards them to the first central data processor  1 . The first central data processor  1  is coupled to the printing press  7  via a control line or, respectively, communication line  14  and thus is connected to the printing press  7 . The first central data processor  1  controls the printing press  7  according to prescribed methods and/or data and communicates with the printing press  7 .  
         [0026]    The first central data processor is in connection with a first display  2 , a first input  3 , a first memory  4  and a first interface  6 . The first interface  6 , in turn, is connected to a data connection  13  that is led to a second interface  8 . The second interface  8  is in connection with the second central data processor  9 , which is connected to a second display  12 , a second input  11  and a second memory  14 . Preferably, the second central data processor  9  is locally remotely disposed from the printing press  7 .  
         [0027]    The data connection  13  can be fashioned, for example, in the form of a point-to-point telephone connection, an internet connection or an arbitrary network connection via a public network. The first interface  6  and the second interface  8  are fashioned for setting up a corresponding data circuit, for exchanging data via the data connection  13  and for forwarding them to the respective first central data processor  1  or, respectively, second central data processor  9 .  
         [0028]    The first display  2  and the second display  12  are fashioned in the form of a screen or a display, for example. The first input  3  and the second input  11 , for example, represent a keyboard and/or screen with touch sensors, whereby the operation of a key is replaced by touching the touch sensors. The first central data processor  1  has diagnostic programs and monitoring programs, which are deposited in the first memory  4  and with which the first central data processor  1  preferably continuously monitors the functions of the printing press  7 .  
         [0029]    The first central data processor  1  having the first memory  4  and the sensor  5  represents a diagnostic device for the printing press  7 , with which data of the printing press are acquired, so that an evaluation of the function status of the printing press  7  is possible.  
         [0030]    The exact functioning of the configuration of FIG. 1 and the inventive method are subsequently explained in greater detail on the basis of the schematic program run of FIG. 2.  
         [0031]    At program point  10 , the first central data processor  1  acquires data, such as operating parameters and settings of the printing press  7 , which makes it possible to make a statement about the functioning and/or defects or errors of the printing press  7 .  
         [0032]    At the following program point  20 , the first central data processor  1  compares the acquired data with prescribed threshold values that are deposited in the first memory  4 . It is subsequently checked at program point  30  whether an acquired date is greater, smaller, or less than or equal to the corresponding threshold value. This depends on whether the upward transgression of a threshold value causes problems, whether the downward transgression of a threshold value is problematic or whether the reaching of a threshold value already represents a critical state. If a critical state is not present, it is branched back to program point  10 . If it derives from the inquiry at program point  30  that a critical state is reached, it is branched to program point  40 .  
         [0033]    At program point  40 , the first central data processor  1  automatically sets up the data connection  13 , via the first interface  6 , to the second interface  8  and to the second central data processor  9 . Corresponding methods for setting up a data connection are thereby processed. The data connection can be realized in the form of a telephone connection or also in the form of an e-mail message, for example.  
         [0034]    At the following program point  50 , the critical data is transmitted to the second central data processor  9 . At the following program point  60 , the second central data processor  9  represents the transmitted data at the second display  12  in a simple manner. Given this representation, the critical data is preferably emphasized in terms of color, so that it is promptly recognized by an operator.  
         [0035]    Besides, it is certainly possible to emphasize critical data in that different alarm signals ring. Thus, different sounding alarm signals can be allocated to particularly important data.  
         [0036]    In a special embodiment of the invention, the first central data processor  1  acquires the data at program point  10  and additionally evaluates it. For example, the data is evaluated according to prescribed functions, with which an importance of the date and/or the previous service life of the printing press are considered, for example. In this embodiment, the evaluated data is subsequently compared to corresponding threshold values at the program points  20  and  30 , and the evaluated data at program point  50  is transmitted to the second central data processor  9  when the threshold values have been exceeded, after the setup of a data circuit corresponding to program point  40 .  
         [0037]    Different types of data are preferably transmitted to the second central data processor  9  and the different types of data are represented at the second display  12 . Therefore, an operator has the different types of data available at first sight and therefore can better assess the overall condition of the printing press. For example, adjustment parameters of the printing press or measuring values acquired at the printing press are transmitted and displayed as the data. Adjustment parameters are the power distribution across a laser beam surface, the focusing of the laser beam and the reflection values of the printing plate, for example. Measuring values are the temperature and the service life of the printing press, for example.  
         [0038]    In a preferred embodiment, the data is evaluated in that a chronological development of the data is calculated for future use and extrapolated and the chronological development is transmitted to the second central data processor  9  when a corresponding threshold value is exceeded. The second central data processor  9  thus has a statement with respect to the further development of the data and therefore can more precisely evaluate the functioning of the printing press. On the basis of the transmitted chronological development, the second central data processor  9  can automatically set up a service and/or can order a component part group and/or can set a service date, for example.  
         [0039]    In another preferred embodiment, the first central data processor  1  evaluates the data to the effect whether service is necessary at the printing press. For this purpose, corresponding comparison values are deposited in the first memory  4 . If the result of the evaluation is that a service is necessary, corresponding information is transmitted to the second central data processor  2  at the program point  50 .  
         [0040]    The chronological development of the data is preferably calculated in the first central data processor  1  which is provided with a number of data, operating parameters and/or adjustment values of the printing press  7  and which therefore can calculate the chronological development in a fast manner. As a result thereof, it is not necessary to transmit the data required for calculating the chronological development to the second central data processor  9 .  
         [0041]    In a further advantageous embodiment, the first central data processor  1 , on the basis of the comparison at program point  30 , determines whether a component of the printing press is defective. If the result of the comparison is that a component of the printing press is defective, an automatic connection to the second central data processor  2  is set up at program point  40  and information that a component is defective is subsequently transmitted, at program point  50 , to the second central data processor  9 . Preferably, an identification number for the defective component and an identification number for the printing press, in which the defective component is installed, are transmitted to the central data processor  9 .  
         [0042]    In another preferred embodiment, the first central data processor  1 , at program point  20 , compares the acquired data with comparison data and decides, dependent on a prescribed relation between the acquired data and the comparison data, whether service is necessary. If it results from the comparison at program point  30  that service is required or will be required, a data connection to the second central data processor  9  is automatically set up at program point  40 .  
         [0043]    At program point  50 , an appointment for a service call is subsequently sent between a central data processor of a service department and a central data processor of a customer, which owns the printing press. A program such as Microsoft OUTLOOK® is used for entering a corresponding suggestion for an appointment into the appointment calendars of the customer and of the service department.  
         [0044]    In a special embodiment of the invention, service data is transmitted at program point  50 , via the printing press  7 , to the second central data processor. For example, an operator, therefore, has further data about the printing press  7  at the central data processor  9 . For example, a technician thus can promptly decide about further measures such as a repair of the printing press  7  without having to keep the corresponding records about the service data of the printing press  7  available at the location.  
         [0045]    In a further embodiment of the invention, the second central data processor  9  processes the supplied data and determines, for example, the chronological development of the data on the basis of the supplied data or decides, by comparing corresponding threshold values, whether a component is already defective or will become defective within a measurable time. Moreover, the second central data processor  9  also can automatically produce a replacement order for the corresponding component at a further central data processor. The order is transmitted via an e-mail message, for example. On the basis of the present data and/or records, the second central data processor  9  can also make a decision about the necessity of services by a corresponding comparisons with comparison values. Given a corresponding decision about the necessity of services, the second central data processor  9  preferably coordinates the corresponding appointment with the central data processor of the customer, which owns the printing press  7 , and with a central data processor of a corresponding service department. A program such as Microsoft OUTLOOK® is thereby used for entering the service utilization at the central data processor of the customer and the central data processor of the service department.  
         [0046]    Another preferred embodiment does not only use a comparison of data at the program point  30  for deciding whether a data connection and a corresponding transmission of the data is to be automatically carried out, but a corresponding data connection is not set up and a corresponding data transmission is not carried out before different data is situated in a critical range.