Post-printer open architecture device

A post-printer open-architecture device includes a document input region for receiving documents from a document printing apparatus and a document output region for outputting post-processed documents. An open-architecture document post-processing region is located intermediate the document input and output regions and includes a transport surface for conveying documents from the document input region to the document output region. A module mounting assembly releasably receives and secures at least one document post-processing module in an operative position to perform one or more post-processing operations on a document conveyed on the transport surface. Suitable post-processing modules to be connected to the module mounting assembly include ink-jet printing modules, color application modules, magnetic ink character recognition conversion modules, magnetic ink character recognition verification modules, bar-code reader modules, brail embossing modules, perforation modules, slitting modules, foil application modules, envelope stuffing modules, and postage metering modules.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to electrophotographic and other 
document printing devices, and more particularly to an open architecture 
device usable downstream from an electrophotographic or other printing or 
document reproduction apparatus for performing various post-processing 
operations on the documents output from the printing apparatus. 
Electrophotographic printing and reproduction devices are well known. 
Typically, a photoconductive member is charged to a uniform potential and 
thereafter exposed to a light image of an original document to be 
reproduced. The exposure discharges the photoconductive member in areas 
corresponding to the background of the document being reproduced and 
creates a latent image on the photoconductive member. Alternatively, in a 
laser-beam printer or the like, a light beam is modulated and used to 
selectively discharge portions of the photoconductive member in accordance 
with image information. With either type of apparatus, the latent image on 
the photoconductive member is visualized by developing the image with a 
developer powder commonly referred to as "toner." Most systems employ 
developer which comprises both charged carrier particles and charged toner 
particles which triboelectrically adhere to the carrier particles. During 
development of the latent image, the toner particles are attracted from 
the carrier particles by the charged pattern of image areas on the surface 
of the photoconductive member to form a visualized toner image on the 
photoconductive member. This toner image is then transferred to a 
recording medium such as paper or the like for viewing by an end user. 
Typically, the toner is fixed to the surface of the paper through the 
application of heat and pressure. 
Following the successful reproduction of one or more documents in this 
fashion, it is often desirable to perform one or more of a wide variety of 
post-processing functions on the printed documents. For example, certain 
applications require the selective addition of color or other enhancements 
to the printed documents using ink jet annotation or the like, application 
of magnetic ink character recognition media, job/document serial number 
and account auditing, insertion of pages into the printed documents, brail 
embossing, perforation, slitting, envelope stuffing, and postage metering. 
Heretofore, the post-processing functions could be carried out off-line 
with one or more dedicated post-processing devices. Of course, the 
off-line devices were specially designed to perform certain specific 
post-processing functions. The performance of other post-processing 
functions necessitated the replacement of some or all of these off-line 
devices in their entirety, including all of the base document handling and 
other hardware thereof. Other post-processing devices are designed to work 
on-line with a electrophotographic printing apparatus. Like the off-line 
devices, these on-line devices have been limited to specific functions, 
and must also be completely replaced in the event an end-user desires to 
perform different post-processing operations. 
Accordingly, a need has been recognized for a post-printer 
open-architecture device capable of performing any of a wide variety of 
post-processing functions using the same base document handling hardware, 
but also releasably receiving one or more post-processing modules that 
perform particular post-processing functions. The subject invention is 
deemed to meet the foregoing needs and others, and to provide an 
open-architecture post-processing device that demonstrates better and more 
advantageous overall results. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a post-printer 
open-architecture device includes a document input region for receiving 
documents from a document printing device and a document output region for 
outputting post-processed documents. An open-architecture document 
post-processing region is located intermediate the document input and 
output regions and includes a transport surface for conveying documents 
from the document input region to the document output region. A module 
mounting assembly releasably receives and secures at least one document 
post-processing module in an operative position to perform a 
post-processing operation on a document conveyed on the transport surface. 
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a document 
printing apparatus includes a printed document output and a post-printer 
open-architecture device. The post-printer open-architecture device itself 
includes a document input interface connected to the printed document 
output to receive printed documents therefrom and a document output for 
outputting post-processed documents. Further, the post-printer device 
includes an open-architecture post-processing region having a transport 
surface for transporting documents from the document input interface to 
the post-processed document output. A document post-processing module 
mounting assembly releasably receives and secures at least one document 
post-processing module in an operative position relative to documents 
transported on the transport surface. 
One advantage of the present invention is that it allows for a wide variety 
of document post-processing operations to be performed without 
modification of base document handling hardware of the post-printer 
device. 
Another advantage of the present invention is found in the provision of a 
post-printer open-architecture device that allows a plurality of different 
document post-processing modules to be connected thereto. 
Still another advantage of the present invention is that it is usable 
on-line with an electrophotographic or other printing apparatus, or 
off-line as a stand-alone device. 
A further advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a 
post-printer open-architecture magnetic ink character recognition 
converting device with variable configurations of magnetic ink character 
recognition converting modules as needed for particular applications. 
A still further advantage of the present invention is the provision of an 
open-architecture device that includes base document handling hardware and 
that is adapted to receive one or more document post-processing modules, 
as needed, in a quick and easy manner to perform different post-processing 
functions using the same base document handling hardware. 
Still other benefits and advantages of the present invention will become 
readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and 
understanding the following detailed specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of 
illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention and not for purposes 
of limiting the same, FIG. 1 illustrates a document printing apparatus A 
and a post-printer open-architecture device B in accordance with the 
present invention connected to the printing apparatus in an on-line 
relationship therewith. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the 
printing device A may be an electrophotographic printing device or any 
other suitable printing or document reproduction device such as an ink-jet 
printer or the like. The printing device A includes a document output 
region or assembly C which outputs original printed documents or 
reproductions of printed documents. The subject post-printer 
open-architecture device B includes an input interface D which receives 
documents from the output region C of the printing device for input to the 
post-printer open-architecture device B. The post-printer device B also 
includes a document output region E for providing finished or partially 
finished documents to an end-user, or for interfacing with another on-line 
document post-printer device B or other device using a suitable mechanical 
and control system interface as described below in relation to the input 
interface D. Other post-processing devices connectable to the output 
interface E include folding, slitting, envelope stuffing, postage 
metering, and other such devices. 
With reference now also to FIGS. 2 and 3, the on-line post-printer 
open-architecture device B includes a frame or chassis 10 for supporting 
the device above a support surface 12 such as a shop floor or the like. 
The input interface D comprises a mechanical interface such as a vacuum 
sheet transport surface, roller transport assembly, or the like for paper 
transport in the direction of the arrow D1 from the printer A to the 
post-printer device B, as well as an electrical or opto-electrical 
interface for the transmission of control signals between printer A and 
post-printer device B. Suitable input interfaces D comprising the 
necessary mechanical and control signal interfaces include the Document 
Finishing Architecture (DFA) and Multi-Feeding Finishing Architecture 
(MFFA) interfaces developed by Xerox Corporation, Stamford, Conn., as well 
as any other suitable interface D that effectively transports documents 
from the output C of the printer A to the post-printer device B and the 
provides communication between the control systems of the printer A and 
post-printer device B. 
The post-printer device B further includes an open-architecture document 
processing region F where one or more post-processing operations are 
performed on the documents received from the printer apparatus A by way of 
the input interface D. The open-architecture configuration of the region F 
allows one or more post-processing modules G to be releasably and 
operatively connected to the post-printer device B for performing various 
document post-processing functions as desired. For example, modules G may 
be provided to perform any desired document post-processing function 
including, but not limited to, ink-jet or other annotation with color or 
other ink, magnetic character ink conversion and signal level 
verification, job and/or document serial number/account auditing, bar code 
reading, insertion of sheets, brail embossing, perforation, slitting, 
scoring, application of foil, envelope stuffing, postage metering, and 
other such functions. 
The document processing region F of the post-printer device B comprises a 
transport surface 14 that receives documents from the input interface D 
and conveys the documents relative to the one or more post-processing 
modules G to the post-printer device output interface or region E. 
Documents conveyed on the transport surface 14 are acted upon by the one 
or more modules G to effect the desired document post-processing. The 
transport surface 14 may be provided by a variety of structures, but 
generally will comprise a vacuum transport conveyor surface, one or more 
roller assemblies, or other suitable document transport surfaces. Further, 
the transport surface 14 is preferably of the edge registration type 
including one or more document guides to ensure that each document 
transported thereon is positioned at a known position on an axis 
transverse to the direction of document flow D1,E1. Those skilled in the 
art will recognize that other suitable transport surfaces exist and may be 
utilized within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
To provide for the operative connection of one or more document 
post-processing modules G to the open-architecture document processing 
region F of the post-printer device B, the device B comprises a mechanical 
module mounting assembly which releasably receives and retains one or more 
post-processing modules G. As is best seen with reference to FIG. 3, the 
mechanical mounting assembly preferably comprises at least one mounting 
rail 20 extending transversely above the transport surface 14. Most 
preferably, the mounting assembly comprises at least first and second 
cylindrical mounting rails 20,22, each of which is connected at its 
opposite ends to vertically extending sidewalls 24,26, respectively, which 
extend upward from the chassis 10 on opposite lateral sides of the 
transport surface 14. A module G includes one or more clamps 30, such as 
C-clamps or the like positioned to slidably engage the rails 20,22 such 
that each module G is supported in an operative position above the 
transport surface 14 in the document processing region F of the 
post-printer device B. 
Each clamp 30 preferably includes an adjustment knob 32 or other means for 
hand manipulation by an operator. After a module G is positioned on the 
rails 20,22 using the clamps 30, the lateral position of the module G 
along the transverse axis is manually adjusted by sliding the module G on 
the rails 20,22. Once positioned as desired, the operator tightens the 
clamps 30 using the knob 32 to prevent further movement of the module G 
along the transverse axis above the surface 14, and to prevent 
disengagement of the module from the rails 20,22. Those skilled in the art 
will recognize that a plurality of modules G are able to be selectively 
positioned on the rails 20,22, as desired and necessary, to perform their 
respective post-processing functions, while each is able to advantageously 
use the same document input interface D, transport surface 14, and 
document output interface E. To further facilitate module insertion, 
removal, and lateral position adjustment, each module G preferably 
includes one or more operator hand grasp handles 34. 
In addition to a mechanical interface such as the mounting rails 20,22, the 
open-architecture document processing region F also includes a control 
system interface for optically, electrically, or otherwise connecting the 
one or more modules G to the control system of the post-printer device B 
and/or the printer A, itself. As shown herein, the document processing 
region F control system interface is provided by one or more electrical 
sockets 40 which receive and couple with module input/output control 
cable/plug assemblies 42. Those skilled in the art will recognize that 
other wired and wireless interfaces may be used without departing from the 
scope and intent of the invention. 
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the post-printer open-architecture device B as it 
is preferably configured as a post-printer magnetic ink character 
recognition converting device. As such, one or more magnetic ink character 
recognition converting modules G' are operatively connected to the rails 
20,22. The module G' is the same in all respects as the module G described 
above, except that the module G' includes the necessary components to 
transfer magnetic media to select portions of a document passing from the 
input interface D to the output interface E on the transport surface 14. 
Both the construction and operation of the preferred magnetic ink 
character recognition converting device are described in full detail in 
commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,157, the disclosure of which is 
hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
Once the module G' is connected to the rails 20,22, it is positioned on the 
transverse axis such that a document passing thereunder on the transport 
surface 14 will be properly positioned to receive magnetic media over 
select portions thereof. Once so positioned, the knob 32 is turned to 
tighten the one or more clamps 30 to fix the lateral position of the 
module G'. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, if desired, a 
plurality of modules G', e.g., four modules, may be connected to the rails 
20,22 for transferring magnetic media to a plurality of different regions 
of a document passing thereunder on the surface 14. 
More particularly, the module G' applies magnetic media to the toner images 
on selected parts of a document positioned on the transport surface 14 and 
passing beneath the module G'. The toned image portions to which the 
magnetic media is transferred are thereafter able to be "read" by 
conventional magnetic ink character recognition devices such as a 
reader/sorter apparatus as is employed in the automated processing of bank 
checks. 
The module G' comprises a conventional fuser 50 mounted against the back of 
a thin film 52. As described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 
5,083,157, the film 52 comprises a heat-resistant substrate, e.g., 
polyester film, with a layer of magnetic media adhered to the front 
surface thereof. The module G' includes a supply of the film 52 in 
cassette or other form. The one or more modules G' are positioned such 
that those portions of a document on the transport surface 14 to which 
magnetic media is to be applied pass directly below the fuser 50. The 
fuser 50 thus heats and presses the film 52 against the relevant portion 
of the document. The heat causes the magnetic media that is directly over 
the standard toner images on the document to release from the film 52 and 
adhere only to the standard toner images. Portions of the subject document 
not beneath the fuser 50, or beneath the fuser 50 but not containing 
toner, do not receive any application of magnetic media. Preferably, a 
cooling device 54 cools the magnetic media and the underlying toner to 
prevent smearing or the like upon subsequent document handling. 
The most preferred magnetic ink character recognition converting module G', 
as shown herein, includes a perforator 60 to selectively perforate 
portions of a document traveling on the transport surface 14 as is 
frequently required when printing bank checks or other negotiable 
instruments. The perforator is adjustable such that any select portion of 
a document on the surface 14 is able to be perforated. Also, to ensure 
that the magnetic media is actually and properly applied to the relevant 
portions of a document as described, the preferred module G' also 
comprises a magnetic ink character verification reader assembly 62. The 
verification reader 62 senses the presence of the magnetic media on a 
document and/or attempts to actually "read" the converted portions of the 
document. In the event that the module G' malfunctions or is not properly 
positioned, the reader will be unable to sense and/or read the magnetic 
media. In such case, the reader 62 will issue an error condition to the 
control system of the post-printer device B. 
If desired, the reader 62 is also usable to control the flow of documents. 
As shown in FIG. 4, in the event the reader 62 identifies a document to 
which the magnetic media was not applied or to which the magnetic media 
was improperly applied, the post-printer device is able to divert the 
reject document into a locked reject bin 64 in the chassis 10 of the 
post-printer device B. A rejected check or other document is automatically 
logged in a memory device by the reader 62 so that it can be scheduled for 
reprint. Likewise, documents that are inadvertently duplicated or that are 
otherwise invalid can be automatically diverted into the reject bin 64 
upon being detected by the reader 62. Also, if desired, the reader 62 is 
used to total or otherwise track the actual data imprinted on the 
documents transported therepast. Alternatively or additionally, the bin 64 
is used to collect documents that are to be purposefully excepted from 
subsequent processing steps. Similarly, the post-printer device B also 
optionally includes a sheet insertion feeder 70 which inserts one or more 
document sheets into the flow of documents on the transport surface 14. 
Such is often desirable for the automated insertion of sheets such as high 
resolution offset press output, black and white glossy photographs, tab 
stock, covers and dividers, or other standard document sheets. 
With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an off-line post-printer 
open-architecture device B' in accordance with a second embodiment of the 
present invention is illustrated. For ease of reference, like components 
relative to the on-line post-printer open-architecture device B are 
illustrated with like reference numerals and letters including a primed 
(') suffix. New components are identified with new reference numerals and 
letters. 
One or more document printing or reproduction devices A', which may include 
electrophotographic printing devices, ink-jet printing devices, and/or any 
other such devices provide output documents to a central document 
collection area 80. When the one or more printing devices A' have 
completed the printing operations or when sufficient documents are 
collected, the printing devices A' optionally provide a signal to an 
input/output programming device 82 such that an operator of the off-line 
post-printer device B' is notified and such that the input/output 
programming device 82 outputs a start signal to the off-line post-printer 
device B'. The documents collected in the central collection area 80 are 
supplied to a document input feeder assembly D' of the post-printer device 
B'. For example, as shown herein, the document input feeder assembly is 
provided by a vacuum feeder assembly with a capacity of, for example, 2500 
sheets of paper. 
The document input feeder assembly D' supplies the input sheets to the main 
transport surface 14, preferably an edge registration transport surface, 
for transport to the open-architecture document processing region F, which 
is the same as the document processing region described in relation to 
FIGS. 1-4, for post-processing by the one or more post-processing modules 
G secured in the document processing region. As is shown most clearly in 
FIG. 6, the document output region or assembly E' comprises a document 
sorter or stacker assembly such as, for example, a 2500 sheet disc stacker 
assembly. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the document output assembly 
E' is connected to a subsequent document processing devices 86 such as, 
for example, booklet makers, sealer gluer devices, and the like. The 
on-line and off-line post-processing devices B, B' are otherwise similar 
in all respects. 
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been described, 
it should be apparent that changes and modifications may be made to such 
embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the 
invention. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such changes 
and modifications.