Inspection system, information processing device, and control method for controlling information processing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inspection system, an information processing device, and a control method for controlling the information processing device. The inspection system inspects the grade of a printed product based on a comparison between a scanned image obtained by scanning the printed product and a reference image, receives a first mode through a screen in which a sheet discharge destination of the printed product is not switched regardless of an inspection result of the printed product, or receives a second mode in which the sheet discharge destination of the printed product is switched based on the received inspection result of the printed product, and controls the sheet discharge destination of the printed product based on the received mode and the inspection result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to control of an inspection system for inspecting the quality of printed products. Background Art

[0002] Inspection devices are known for reading printed products produced by a printing device and inspecting their quality. These inspection devices can detect image defects such as smudges or missing prints, character errors, and barcode quality. However, if defective and non-defective products are discharged to the same sheet discharge destination, it is impossible to distinguish which defective product is present.

[0003] In order to solve such a problem, a technology for distinguishing all sheet discharge destinations for cases where no inspection is performed on a print job, cases where defects are detected as inspection results in a print job where inspection is performed, and cases where defects are not detected as inspection results in a print job where inspection is performed is discussed (Japanese Patent No. 6044357).

[0004] However, in conventional technology, when a defect is detected as a result of an inspection, the sheet is always discharged to a sheet discharge destination different from the sheet discharge destination of the result product in which no defect is detected as a result of the inspection. Therefore, it is not possible to select an option in which the sheet is discharged to the same sheet discharge destination regardless of the inspection result, and, for example, after printing, the user extracts the printed product while confirming the inspection result. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is intended to provide a technology capable of controlling whether to switch a sheet discharge destination according to a result of checking the quality of a printed product.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an inspection system for inspecting the quality of a printed product includes: an inspection unit configured to inspect the quality of a printed product based on a comparison between a scanned image obtained by scanning the printed product and a reference image; a display control unit configured to display a screen for receiving a first mode of not switching the sheet discharge destination of the printed product regardless of an inspection result of the printed product and a second mode of switching the sheet discharge destination of the printed product according to the inspection result of the printed product; a receiving unit configured to receive, via the screen, the first mode of not switching the sheet discharge destination of the printed product regardless of the inspection result of the printed product or the second mode of switching the sheet discharge destination of the printed product according to the inspection result of the printed product; and a control unit configured to control the sheet discharge destination of the printed product based on the inspection result obtained by inspecting the quality of the printed product by the inspection unit and the mode received by the receiving unit.

[0007] An information processing device for checking the quality of a printed product, the information processing device comprising: an inspection unit configured to inspect the quality of a printed product based on a comparison between a scanned image obtained by scanning the printed product and a reference image; a display control unit configured to display a screen for receiving a first mode of not switching the sheet discharge destination of the printed product regardless of an inspection result of the printed product and a second mode of switching the sheet discharge destination of the printed product according to the inspection result of the printed product; a receiving unit configured to receive, via the screen, the first mode of not switching the sheet discharge destination of the printed product regardless of the inspection result of the printed product or the second mode of switching the sheet discharge destination of the printed product according to the inspection result of the printed product; and a control unit configured to control whether to send the inspection result to a device to which the printed product is to be discharged based on the inspection result obtained by inspecting the quality of the printed product by the inspection unit and the mode received by the receiving unit.

[0008] A control method for controlling an information processing device, wherein the information processing device is used to check the quality of a printed product, the control method comprising: checking the quality of a printed product based on a comparison between a scanned image obtained by scanning the printed product and a reference image; displaying a screen for receiving a first mode for not switching the sheet discharge destination of the printed product regardless of an inspection result of the printed product and a second mode for switching the sheet discharge destination of the printed product according to the inspection result of the printed product; receiving, via the screen, the first mode for not switching the sheet discharge destination of the printed product regardless of the inspection result of the printed product or the second mode for switching the sheet discharge destination of the printed product according to the inspection result of the printed product; and controlling whether to send the inspection result to a device to which the printed product is to be discharged based on the inspection result obtained by checking the quality of the printed product and the received mode.

[0009] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing apparatus, an inspection apparatus, and a printing apparatus.

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing apparatus, an inspection apparatus, and a printing apparatus.

[0012] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the information processing apparatus, the inspection unit, the printing apparatus, and the large-volume stacker.

[0013] Figure 4A 、 4B4 and 4C are setting screens of the inspection apparatus for designating operation modes of the inspection apparatus and the inspection unit.

[0014] Figure 5 This is the inspection status screen displayed on the inspection device during inspection.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the operation of the inspection device when registering a reference image.

[0016] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the operation of an inspection device when performing an inspection according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the operation of an inspection unit when performing an inspection according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the operation of an information processing device according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 10A and 10B is a flowchart of the operation of an inspection device when performing an inspection according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 11A and 11B is a flowchart of the operation of an inspection unit when performing an inspection according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 12 A correspondence table of information related to print jobs, operation modes, and recovery settings according to one or more aspects of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] An exemplary embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, as long as the functions according to the present invention are implemented, the present invention can be applied to both an inspection device consisting of a single device and an inspection device consisting of multiple devices. As long as the functions according to the present invention are implemented, the present invention can also be applied to an inspection device that is connected and processed via a network such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). That is, the structure of the system described in the following exemplary embodiments and connecting various terminals together is only an example, and there are various examples of system structures depending on the use or purpose.

[0023] Figure 1The present invention illustrates an inspection system according to the present exemplary embodiment, and is a schematic diagram showing the configurations of an information processing device, an inspection device, and a printing device. The printing device according to the present exemplary embodiment is described using an electrophotographic printing device, but may be a printing device using a different image forming method such as an inkjet method or an offset printing method.

[0024] The printing apparatus 0101 is connected to the information processing apparatus 0109 via the network 0112. The information processing apparatus 0109 is connected to the client computer 0110 via the network 0113.

[0025] The printing device 0101 includes a user interface (UI) panel 0102, a sheet feed cabinet 0103, and a sheet feed cabinet 0104. Furthermore, an optional cabinet 0105 consisting of three sheet feed cabinets is connected to the printing device 0101. The printing device 0101 is, for example, an electrophotographic printing device. The UI panel 0102 is a user interface including, for example, a capacitive touch panel.

[0026] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 0101 includes an inspection unit 0106 and a large-capacity stacker 0107. Specifically, the inspection unit 0106 can be included in the printing apparatus 0101. The inspection unit 0106 is connected to the inspection apparatus 0108 via a cable 0114. The large-capacity stacker 0107 includes a main tray and a top tray. The main tray can stack several thousand sheets at a time.

[0027] A print job is generated by the client computer 0110, sent to the information processing device 0109 via the network 0113, and managed by the information processing device 0109. The print job is then sent from the information processing device 0109 to the printing device 0101 via the cable 0112. The printing device 0101 then performs print processing on the sheet. Alternatively, a form may be employed in which the print job is generated and managed by the information processing device 0109, sent to the printing device 0101 via the network 0112, and managed by the printing device 0101.

[0028] In addition to the inspection unit 0106 and the large-capacity stacker 0107 , a finisher, a folder, or a bookbinding machine capable of stapling may be connected to the printing apparatus 0101 .

[0029] Figure 2 0101 , the checking apparatus 0108 , the large-volume stacker 0107 , the information processing apparatus 0109 , and the client computer 0110 according to the present exemplary embodiment are block diagrams illustrating a control structure of the printing apparatus 0101 , the checking apparatus 0108 , the large-volume stacker 0107 , the information processing apparatus 0109 , and the client computer 0110 .

[0030] The central processing unit (CPU) 0201 manages the control and calculation of the components in the printing apparatus 0101 via the system bus 0212. The CPU 0201 manages the execution of programs stored in the storage unit 0205 and loaded into the random access memory (RAM) 0202. The RAM 0202 is a general-purpose volatile storage device type that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0201 and is used as a work area or other temporary data storage area for the CPU 0201. The storage unit 0205 is used as a temporary storage area and working memory when the printing apparatus 0101 is operating.

[0031] The engine interface (I / F) 0209 manages communication with and control of the printer engine 0210. The sheet feed cabinet I / F 0204 manages communication with and control of the sheet feed cabinet 0211. The sheet feed cabinet 0211 is a collective term for the sheet feed cabinets 0103 and 0104, as well as the optional cabinet 0105, which are hardware components. The UI panel 0203 is a hardware component of the UI panel 0102 and is a user interface for performing overall operations of the printing apparatus 0101. In this exemplary embodiment, the UI panel 0203 includes a capacitive touch panel.

[0032] The network interface (hereinafter referred to as "NW I / F") 0207 is connected to the NWI / F 0238 of the information processing device 0109 via the cable 0213, and manages the communication between the information processing device 0109 and the printing device 0101. In this example, the interfaces connected to the system bus 0212 and the system bus 0239 are directly connected together. Alternatively, the information processing device 0109 and the printing device 0101 may be connected together, for example, via a network. In other words, the connection between the information processing device 0109 and the printing device 0101 is not limited. The video I / F 0206 is connected to the video I / F 0233 via the video cable 0241, and manages the communication of image data between the information processing device 0109 and the printing device 0101.

[0033] Alternatively, the information processing device 0109 may have a connection interface with the printing device 0101 in the form of an integrated function of the NW I / F 0238 and the video I / F 0233. Alternatively, the printing device 0101 may have a connection interface with the information processing device 0109 in the form of an integrated function of the NW I / F 0207 and the video I / F 0206.

[0034] The accessory I / F 0208 is connected to the accessory I / F 0214 and the accessory I / F 0220 via the cable 0225 . That is, the printing apparatus 0101 communicates with the checking unit 0106 and the large-volume stacker 0107 via the accessory I / F 0208 , the accessory I / F 0214 , and the accessory I / F 0220 .

[0035] The CPU 0216 manages the control and calculation of the components within the inspection unit 0106, as well as the execution of programs stored in the storage unit 0247 and loaded into the RAM 0217, via the system bus 0219. The RAM 0217 is a general-purpose volatile storage device type directly accessible by the CPU 0216 and serves as a work area or other temporary data storage area for the CPU 0216. The storage unit 0247 serves as a temporary storage area and working memory during the operation of the inspection device 0108. The inspection device I / F 0215 is connected to the inspection unit I / F 0231 via a cable. That is, the inspection unit 0106 communicates with the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231.

[0036] The imaging unit 0218 has an imaging function and includes, for example, a contact image sensor (hereinafter referred to as a "CIS"). The imaging unit 0218 captures an image of a sheet passing through the inspection unit 0106 and transmits the captured image to the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215. The CIS included in the imaging unit 0218 is merely an example of a sensor, and other types of sensors such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor may be used. That is, the imaging method of the imaging unit 0218 is not limited.

[0037] The CPU 0221 manages the control and calculation of the components in the large-capacity stacker 0107, as well as the execution of programs stored in the storage unit 0248 and loaded into the RAM 0222, via the system bus 0224. The RAM 0222 is a general-purpose volatile storage device type that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0221, and is used as a work area or other temporary data storage area for the CPU 0221. The storage unit 0248 is used as a temporary storage area and work memory when the inspection device 0108 is operating. The sheet discharge unit 0223 manages operations for discharging sheets to the main tray and the top tray (sub-tray), and for monitoring and controlling the stacking status of each of the main tray and the top tray.

[0038] The CPU 0226 manages the control and calculation of components in the large-capacity stacker 0108, as well as the execution of programs stored in the storage unit 0228 and loaded into the RAM 0227, via the system bus 0230. The RAM 0227 is a general-purpose volatile storage device type directly accessible by the CPU 0226 and serves as a work area or other temporary data storage area for the CPU 0226. The storage unit 0228 serves as a temporary storage area and working memory during the operation of the inspection device 0108. The page description language (PDL) analysis unit 0229 reads PDL data, such as PDF, PostScript, or printer command language (PCL) data, received from the client computer 0110 or the information processing device 0109 and performs processing to interpret the PDL data. The display unit 0245 is, for example, a liquid crystal display connected to the inspection device 0108. The display unit 0245 receives input from the user regarding the inspection device 0108 and displays the status of the inspection device 0108. The CPU 0234 manages the control and calculation of the components in the information processing device 0109, as well as the execution of programs stored in the storage unit 0236 and loaded into the RAM 0235, via the system bus 0239. The RAM 0235 is a general-purpose volatile storage device type directly accessible by the CPU 0234 and serves as a work area or other temporary data storage area for the CPU 0234. The storage unit 0236 serves as a temporary storage area and working memory during the operation of the information processing device 0109. The NW I / F 0237 is connected to the NW I / F 0240 via a network. The information processing device 0109 communicates with the client computer 0110 via the NW I / F 0237 and the NW I / F 0240.

[0039] In this exemplary embodiment, the information processing device 0109 and the inspection device 0108 are described as not communicating with each other. However, this exemplary embodiment is merely an example. Alternatively, the inspection device 0108 may include an NW I / F, and the information processing device 0109 may communicate with the inspection device 0108 via the NW I / F and the NW I / F 0237.

[0040] The CPU 0243 manages the control and calculation of the components in the client computer 0110 and the execution of programs stored in the storage unit 0244 and loaded into the RAM 0242 via the system bus 0246. The RAM 0242 is a general-purpose volatile storage device type that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0243 and is used as a work area or other temporary data storage area for the CPU 0243. The storage unit 0244 is used as a temporary storage area and working memory when the client computer 0110 is operating.

[0041] Figure 30101, the inspection unit 0106, and the large-capacity stacker 0107. The printing device 0101 receives input from the user through the UI panel 0102 and displays the status of printing and the device. The sheet feeding cabinet 0103 and the sheet feeding cabinet 0104 can store various sheets. The sheet feeding cabinet 0103 and the sheet feeding cabinet 0104 can each separate only the top sheet of the stored sheets and convey the separated sheets to the sheet conveying path 0305. The developing stations 0301 to 0304 form a toner image using color toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively, to form a color image. The toner image formed at this time is first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 0306. The intermediate transfer belt 0306 is formed at Figure 3 The fixing unit 0308 rotates clockwise in the middle and transfers the toner image to the sheet conveyed from the sheet conveying path 0305 at the secondary transfer position 0307. The fixing unit 0308 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller. The sheet passes between the rollers, whereupon the fixing unit 0308 melts and pressurizes the toner, fixing the toner image to the sheet. The sheet exiting the fixing unit 0308 passes through the sheet conveying path 0309 and is conveyed to the section 0312. If the toner needs to be further melted and pressurized to fix the toner, depending on the type of sheet, after the sheet passes through the fixing unit 0308, the sheet is conveyed to the secondary fixing unit 0310 using the upper sheet conveying path. After the toner is further melted and pressurized by the secondary fixing unit 0310, the sheet passes through the sheet conveying path 0311 and is conveyed to the section 0312. If the image forming mode is set to duplex printing, the sheet is conveyed to the sheet reversing path 0313, reversed in the sheet reversing path 0313, and then conveyed to the duplex conveying path 0314. Then, the image is transferred to the second side of the sheet at the secondary transfer position 0307.

[0042] In the inspection unit 0106, the CIS 0315 and CIS 0316 are positioned opposite each other. The CIS 0315 is a sensor that reads the upper surface of a sheet, and the CIS 0316 is a sensor that reads the lower surface of a sheet. When a sheet conveyed to the sheet conveyance path 0317 reaches a predetermined position, the inspection unit 0106 scans the sheet using the CIS 0315 or CIS 0316. The scanned image obtained by scanning the sheet is transmitted to the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231. The CPU 0226 determines whether there are defects in the received image. The CPU 0226 then notifies the inspection unit 0106 of the determination result again via the inspection unit I / F 0231 and the inspection device I / F 0215. The CPU 0216 notifies the large-capacity stacker 0107 of the received determination result via the accessory I / F 0214 and the accessory I / F 0220.

[0043] The large-capacity stacker 0107 can stack a large number of sheets. It includes a main tray 0324, which serves as a tray for stacking sheets. Sheets that have passed the inspection unit 0106 enter the large-capacity stacker 0107 via a sheet conveying path 0319. Sheets are conveyed from the sheet conveying path 0319, pass through a sheet conveying path 0322, and are stacked on the main tray 0324. Furthermore, the large-capacity stacker 0107 includes a top tray 0320, which serves as a sheet discharge tray. The CPU 0221 discharges sheets detected as defective by the inspection device 0108 to the top tray 0320. When outputting a sheet to the top tray 0320, the sheet is conveyed from the sheet conveying path 0319, passes through the sheet conveying path 0321, and is finally delivered to the top tray 0320. A reversing unit 0323 reverses the sheet. The reversing unit 0323 is used to stack the sheets on the main tray 0324. In order to stack the sheets on the main tray 0324 so that the sheet orientation when entering the large-capacity stacker 0107 is the same as the sheet orientation when the sheets are stacked, the sheets are reversed once by the reversing unit 0323. In order to convey the sheets to the top tray 0320, the sheets are discharged as they are without being turned over when they are stacked. Therefore, the operation for reversing the sheets in the reversing unit 0323 is not performed.

[0044] Figure 4A This is the screen for setting the operating mode of the inspection device 0108. The operating mode setting screen 0401 is displayed on the display unit 0245 and receives the operating mode settings from the user. If "Log Mode" is selected in the operating mode selection section 0402, the printing device 0101 discharges the inspected sheets to the sheet discharge destination specified in advance in the print job properties, regardless of the inspection results of the inspection device 0108. In other words, in "Log Mode," the sheet discharge destination of sheets determined to be "Passed" and the sheet discharge destination of sheets determined to be "Failed" are not distinguished from each other, and the sheets are discharged to the same sheet discharge destination. The inspection results can be saved as a log, and the user can confirm the log. If "Cleaning Mode" is selected in the operating mode selection section 0402, the printing device 0101 discharges sheets determined to be "Failed" to the top tray 0320. That is, in the “cleaning mode”, the sheet discharge destination of a sheet whose inspection result according to judgment is “pass” and the sheet discharge destination of a sheet whose inspection result according to judgment is “fail” are distinguished from each other.

[0045] Figure 4A The setting screen also receives settings of a save location to save the reference image, settings of a display unit for the reference image, and settings of a sheet size for the reference image.

[0046] Figure 4B This is a setting screen for restoring the cleaning mode in the inspection device 0108. If "Cleaning Mode" is selected in the operation mode selection portion 0402, the restoration settings on the restoration settings screen 0403 are reflected. The restoration settings screen 0403 is displayed on the display unit 0245, and the restoration settings are received from the user. If "Do Not Restore" is selected in the restoration settings screen 0403, the printing device 0101 discharges only the sheets with a "failed" inspection result to the top tray 0320. The printing device 0101 and the inspection device 0108 continue to inspect subsequent sheets as usual. If "Restore" is selected in the restoration settings screen 0403, the printing device 0101 discharges the sheet with a "failed" inspection result, as well as all subsequent sheets that have been fed and are present in the printing device 0101 at the time the inspection device 0108 determines the inspection result to be "failed," to the top tray 0320. Then, when no sheets are left on the sheet conveyance path, the printing device 0101 and the inspection device 0108 resume printing and inspection, starting with the image printed on the sheet for which the inspection result was "failed." The inspection device 0108 according to this exemplary embodiment performs inspection by capturing an image using the CIS 0315 or CIS 0316 of the inspection unit 0106 while the printing device 0101 is printing. Therefore, when the inspection device 0108 determines that the inspection result for a certain sheet is "failed," subsequent sheets may have already reached the sheet conveyance path 0309 or sheet conveyance path 0311. However, unless all sheets on the sheet conveyance path are ejected, it is impossible to reprint the image printed on the sheet for which the inspection result was "failed," send the sheet to the sheet ejection destination specified in advance by the print job, and stack the sheets in the correct output order. Therefore, if "Resume" is set, such operations are performed.

[0047] If "Cleaning Mode" and "No Resume" are set, sheets with a "Fail" check result and sheets with a "Pass" check result are discharged to different sheet discharge destinations. In this exemplary embodiment, sheets with a "Fail" check result are discharged to the top tray 0320, and sheets with a "Pass" check result are discharged to the main tray 0324. If "Cleaning Mode" and "Resume" are set, all pages specified by the print job are discharged to the main tray 0324 in the correct page order, all of which are sheets with a "Pass" check result. The "Resume" setting can be used to instruct reprinting starting from the image corresponding to the sheet with a "Fail" check result.

[0048] Although the terms "log mode" and "cleaning mode" are used in this exemplary embodiment, for example, "log mode" corresponds to a first mode in which the sheet discharge destination is not switched regardless of the result of the captured image check, and "cleaning mode" corresponds to a second mode in which the sheet discharge destination is switched based on the result of the captured image check. Furthermore, if "no recovery" is set, the sheet discharge destinations of sheets whose captured image check results are "failed" and sheets whose captured image check results are "passed" are switched, and images corresponding to sheets whose check results are "failed" are not reprinted. If "recovery" is set, reprinting is performed starting from the images corresponding to sheets whose check results are "failed," and the resulting products determined to be "passed" are discharged in the correct page order to a certain sheet discharge destination (for example, the main tray 0324).

[0049] In the first mode in which the sheet discharge destination is not switched regardless of the inspection result of the captured image, a log for confirming the inspection result is maintained. However, in the second mode in which the sheet discharge destination is switched according to the inspection result of the captured image, a log for confirming the inspection result may also be maintained.

[0050] In "Log Mode," after a job is completed, the user checks the log and then retrieves sheets. Alternatively, the user can send the log data to a finishing device and retrieve "failed" sheets or bundles containing "failed" sheets at the finishing device.

[0051] The CPU 0226 notifies the inspection unit 0106 of the operation mode and the restoration setting respectively set in the operation mode selection portion 0402 and on the restoration setting screen 0403 via the inspection unit I / F 0231 and the inspection device I / F 0215. The CPU 0226 saves the operation mode and the restoration setting respectively set in the operation mode selection portion 0402 and on the restoration setting screen 0403 in the RAM 0227. The CPU 0226 saves the operation mode and the restoration setting respectively set in the operation mode selection portion 0402 and on the restoration setting screen 0403 in the RAM 0217.

[0052] In this exemplary embodiment, the Figure 4A and 4B The examples of different screens for specifying operating modes and restoring settings are shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 describe screens for specifying operating modes and restoring settings. Figure 4C As shown, the operation mode and restore settings can be specified on the same screen.

[0053] Figure 5 It is an inspection status screen displayed on the display unit 0245 when an inspection is performed.

[0054] The inspection status screen 0501 is displayed on the display unit 0245, receiving the execution and suspension of the inspection and displaying the inspection status. The inspection button 0502 receives the execution and suspension of the inspection from the user. Pressing the inspection button 0502 changes the text string on the button to "Pause Inspection" and the inspection status 0503 to "Inspecting." Pressing the inspection button 0502 again changes the text string on the button to "Start Inspection" and the inspection status 0503 to "Paused." Each time the inspection button 0502 is pressed, the text string on the inspection button 0502 and the inspection status 0503 change in a toggle manner.

[0055] During the inspection, the inspection status screen 0501 displays in real time the number of inspected sheets, the number of sheets with a "failed" inspection result, the defect rate, and the number of reasons for the "failed" inspection result. In the inspection status screen 0501, "Error" indicates the number of inspection results equivalent to "failed" inspection results, which are determined by the inspection device 0108 to have a timeout error due to the inspection not being completed within the predetermined inspection time. Each time a "failed" inspection result occurs, the sheet number of the sheet with a "failed" inspection result, information regarding the front or back side, the reason for the "failed" inspection result, the inspection time, and a link to the "failed" details screen (not shown) are added to the inspection "failed" list 0504. When "Detailed" is selected, the display unit 0245 displays a screen showing the captured image of the sheet with a "failed" inspection result and the location of the defect.

[0056] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the inspection apparatus 0108 when registering a reference image for inspection.

[0057] In step S0601, the CPU 0226 receives an image reading start instruction from the user via the detection button 0502 on the display unit 0245. Next, in step S0602, if there is a sheet whose image is to be read, the process proceeds to step S0603.

[0058] In step S0603, the inspection unit I / F 0231 receives the image scanned by the CIS 0315 or CIS 0316 from the inspection apparatus I / F 0215. Next, in step S0604, the CPU 0226 registers the image received in step S0603 in the RAM 0227 as a reference image.

[0059] Then, the process advances to step S0605, and steps S0602 to S0605 are repeated until reading of images on all sheets is completed. If reading of images on all sheets is completed, in step S0606, the CPU 0226 receives an image reading end instruction from the user on the display unit 0245.

[0060] The examples shown here are merely examples. Alternatively, for example, the image reading start instruction from the user on the display unit 0245 may be automatically issued in conjunction with a print start instruction from the printing device 0101, the information processing device 0109, or the client computer 0110. The image reading end instruction from the user on the display unit 0245 may be automatically issued in conjunction with the completion of printing by the printing device 0101.

[0061] Alternatively, for example, a form may be adopted in which the inspection device 0108 reads a plurality of images on the same page and registers the result of combining the images as a reference image.

[0062] The processing that is a feature of the present exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to flowcharts.

[0063] The program for the printing device 0101 related to these processes is stored in the storage unit 0205 of the printing device 0101, loaded into the RAM 0202, and executed by the CPU 0201. The program for the inspection device 0108 related to these processes is stored in the storage unit 0228 of the inspection device 0108, loaded into the RAM 0227, and executed by the CPU 0226. The program for the information processing device 0109 related to these processes is stored in the storage unit 0236 of the information processing device 0109, loaded into the RAM 0235, and executed by the CPU 0234. The program for the client computer 0110 related to these processes is stored in the storage unit 0244 of the client computer 0110, loaded into the RAM 0242, and executed by the CPU 0243.

[0064] Figure 7 It is a flow chart of the operation of the inspection device 0108 when performing an inspection.

[0065] In step S0701, the CPU 0226 receives the operation mode and the restoration setting in the operation mode selection portion 0402 and on the restoration setting screen 0403, respectively. Next, in step S0702, the CPU 0226 receives an image reading start instruction from the user via the display unit 0245. Next, in step S0703, if a sheet to be inspected exists, the process proceeds to step S0704.

[0066] In step S0704, the checking unit I / F 0231 receives the image scanned by the CIS 0315 or CIS 0316 from the checking device I / F 0215. In step S0705, the CPU 0226 reads the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S0604 from the RAM 0227.

[0067] Next, in step S0706, the CPU 0226 compares the reference image read in step S0705 with the scanned image of the inspection object received in step S0704. In this comparison operation, the positions of the reference image and the scanned image of the inspection object are first adjusted using feature points on the image as alignment reference points. Next, in the scanned image of the inspection object, the four corners of the sheet and the alignment reference points on the scanned image are analyzed to detect whether there is any positional offset relative to the sheet in the image. Next, the density value of the reference image and the density value of the scanned image of the inspection object are compared on a pixel-by-pixel basis. As a result of the above, if no defects are detected, the inspection result is "Pass."

[0068] Next, in step S0707, if the check is completed within the predetermined time ("YES" in step S0707), processing proceeds to step S0708. If the check is not completed within the predetermined time ("NO" in step S0707), processing proceeds to step S0709. In this exemplary embodiment, a series of processes for scanning a sheet image, checking the sheet, changing the sheet discharge destination based on the check result, and discharging the sheet are sequentially performed for each page. Therefore, the series of processes for a certain page must be completed so that the series of processes for the next page can be performed. In this exemplary embodiment, if no check result is obtained after completing the check within a certain time, processing is performed in response to the check result "Failure." This prevents a situation in which the CIS 0315 or 0316 does not complete scanning the subsequent sheet in time and the inspection unit I / F 0231 and the inspection device I / F 0215 begin the series of processes for transmitting and receiving the scanned image obtained by scanning the sheet. Furthermore, if the cleaning mode is selected in the operation mode selection portion 0402, this also enables the CPU 0221 to switch the conveyance destination of a sheet whose inspection result is "failed" based on the judgment of the inspection device 0108, thereby discharging the sheet to the top tray 0320. The CPU 0226 needs to notify the CPU 0221 of the inspection result of "failed" via the inspection unit I / F 0231, the inspection device I / F 0215, the accessory I / F 0214, and the accessory I / F 0220 before the sheet reaches a point where the sheet conveyance destination cannot be switched.

[0069] Therefore, if the inspection is not completed within the predetermined time, it cannot be determined that the inspection result is "passed", and therefore, the CPU 0226 determines that the inspection result is an error. Thus, the CPU 0226 determines that the inspection result of the sheet is equivalent to the inspection result "failed".

[0070] In step S0708, if the check result is "failure" ("YES" in step S0708), the process proceeds to step S0709. In step S0709, the CPU 0226 reads the operation mode from the RAM 0227. If the operation mode is the cleaning mode ("YES" in step S0709), the process proceeds to step S0710. In step S0710, the CPU 0226 notifies the CPU 0216 via the inspection unit I / F 0231 and the inspection device I / F 0215 that the check result is "failure."

[0071] Next, in step S0711, if the restoration setting read from RAM 0227 by CPU 0226 is "Restore" ("YES" in step S0711), the process proceeds to step S0712. In step S0712, CPU 0226 waits for receipt of print stop information from CPU 0216 via inspection unit I / F 0231 and inspection device I / F 0215. If CPU 0226 receives the print stop information ("YES" in step S0712), the process proceeds to step S0713.

[0072] In step S0713, the CPU 0226 reads from the RAM 0227 the reference image corresponding to the sheet (page) for which the inspection result in step S0706 was "failed." The CPU 0226 then stores the reference image as the image to be inspected next. Next, in step S0714, the CPU 0226 notifies the CPU 0216 of the resumption of inspection via the inspection unit I / F 0231 and the inspection device I / F 0215.

[0073] In step S0715 , the CPU 0226 adds information about the sheet whose inspection result is “failed” to the inspection “failed” list 0504 .

[0074] Next, the process advances to step S0716, and steps S0703 to S0716 are repeated until all sheets are checked. If all sheets are checked, in step S0717, the CPU 0226 receives an image reading end instruction from the user via the check button 0502 on the display unit 0245.

[0075] In step S0711, if the restore setting read from RAM 0227 by CPU 0226 is "Do not restore" ("No" in step S0711), the process proceeds to step S0715. The process can end in the same manner as the above flow. In step S0709, if the operation mode is log mode ("No" in step S0709), the process proceeds to step S0715. The process can then end in the same manner as the above flow.

[0076] If the check result is "passed" in step S0708 ("No" in step S0708), the process proceeds to step S0716. Thereafter, the process ends in the same manner as in the above flow.

[0077] The examples shown here are merely examples. Alternatively, for example, the image reading start instruction from the user on the display unit 0245 may be automatically issued in conjunction with a print start instruction from the printing device 0101, the information processing device 0109, or the client computer 0110. The image reading end instruction from the user on the display unit 0245 may be automatically issued in conjunction with the completion of printing by the printing device 0101.

[0078] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the operation of the inspection unit 0106 when performing an inspection.

[0079] In step S0801, the CPU 0216 receives the operating mode and recovery settings set in step S0701 from the CPU 0226 via the inspection unit I / F 0231 and the inspection device I / F 0215, and saves the operating mode and recovery settings in the RAM 0217. Next, in step S0802, the CPU 0201 receives a print job and starts printing. Next, in step S0803, if a sheet to be inspected exists, the process proceeds to step S0804.

[0080] In step S0804, the printing apparatus 0101 prints an image on a sheet. Next, in step S0805, the CIS 0315 or CIS 0316 scans the image printed on the conveyed sheet. Next, in step S0806, the inspection apparatus I / F 0215 transmits the image scanned in step S0805 to the inspection unit I / F 0231.

[0081] Next, in step S0807, if the inspection device I / F 0215 receives the inspection result "failure" from the inspection unit I / F 0231 ("YES" in step S0807), the process proceeds to step S0808. In step S0808, if the recovery setting read from the RAM 0217 by the CPU 0216 is "recovery" ("YES" in step S0808), the process proceeds to step S0809. In step S0809, the CPU 0216 instructs the accessory I / F 0208, the accessory I / F 0214, and the accessory I / F 0220 to discharge all sheets, including the sheet for which the inspection result is "failure" and subsequent sheets that have been fed from the sheet feed deck 0103 or the sheet feed deck 0104 and are present on the sheet conveyance path, to the top tray 0320.

[0082] Next, in step S0810, the CPU 0216 notifies the accessory I / F 0208, the accessory I / F 0214, and the accessory I / F 0220 of the paper jam status. Next, in step S0811, the CPU 0201 notifies the CPU 0234 of the paper jam status via the NW I / F 0207 and the NW I / F 0238. The paper jam status includes information about the jam position, which can be obtained by detecting a sheet using a sensor (not shown) within the product inspection unit 0106. In step S0810, even though the sheet has been ejected outside the printing apparatus 0101, a mechanism for simulating a paper jam is used. The CPU 0201 can detect which sheet has jammed, and sheet information related to that sheet is also included in the paper jam status.

[0083] In step S0812, the CPU 0201 cancels the print job. Next, in step S0813, the CPU 0216 transmits information indicating that all sheets to be ejected have been ejected in step S0809 and that the printing apparatus 0101 has entered a print stop state to the CPU 0226 via the inspection apparatus I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231. Next, in step S0814, the CPU 0216 waits for information indicating that the inspection in step S0714 has been resumed via the inspection apparatus I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231.

[0084] In step S0815, the CPU 0216 notifies the accessory I / F 0208, accessory I / F 0214, and accessory I / F 0220 that the paper jam has been cleared. Next, in step S0816, the CPU 0201 re-receives print jobs for the sheet for which the inspection result was "failed" and subsequent sheets. The process then proceeds to step S0817, and steps S0803 to S0817 are repeated until all sheets have been inspected. If all sheets have been inspected, printing is also complete. Therefore, the process ends.

[0085] In step S0808, if the restoration setting read from RAM 0217 by CPU 0216 is "Do not restore" ("No" in step S0808), the process proceeds to step S0818. In step S0818, accessory I / F 0214 instructs accessory I / F 0220 to discharge the sheet printed with the image scanned in step S0805 to the top tray 0320 of the large-capacity stacker 0107. The process then proceeds to step S0817. The process then ends in the same manner as described above.

[0086] In step S0807, if the checking device I / F 0215 has not received the "failed" check result ("No" in step S0807), the process proceeds to step S0819. In step S0819, the CPU 0216 instructs the accessory I / F 0214 and the accessory I / F 0220 to discharge the sheet to the sheet discharge destination specified by the print job. In this exemplary embodiment, the sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge destination different from the top tray 0320, which is the sheet discharge destination for sheets with a "failed" check result. The process then proceeds to step S0817. Thereafter, the process ends in the same manner as described above.

[0087] In this exemplary embodiment, sheets whose inspection result is "failed" are discharged to the top tray 0320. Alternatively, for example, sheets may be discharged to a tray different from the sheet discharge destination specified in the print job. That is, the sheet discharge destination for sheets whose inspection result is "failed" may differ from the sheet discharge destination for sheets whose inspection result is "passed." In this exemplary embodiment, if the inspection result is "failed," the inspection device 0108 notifies the inspection unit 0106 of the inspection result. Based on the notification of the inspection result of "failed," the inspection unit 0106 discharges the sheet to the top tray 0320. Alternatively, the inspection device 0108 may notify the inspection unit 0106 of the inspection result of "passed" rather than the inspection result of "failed," or may notify the inspection unit 0106 of only the inspection result of "passed." However, if the inspection unit 0106 does not receive the inspection result of "passed," it may discharge the sheet to the top tray 0320.

[0088] In this exemplary embodiment, an operation mode and a recovery setting are specified in the checking device 0108, and the checking unit 0106 included in the printing device 0101 receives the operation mode and the recovery setting. Alternatively, a form is adopted in which, for example, the UI panel 0203 receives the operation mode and the recovery setting set by the user, and the checking unit 0106 notifies the checking device 0108 of the operation mode and the recovery setting. In this case, the screen displayed on the UI panel 0203 is the same as that of the printing device 0101. Figure 4A and 4B The same screen as in . Figure 7 In step S0701, the operation mode and the recovery setting are received instead of selecting the operation mode and the recovery setting. Figure 8 In step S0801, the operation mode and the recovery setting are selected instead of receiving the operation mode and the recovery setting.

[0089] Figure 9 This is an operation flow chart of the information processing device 0109.

[0090] In step S0901, the CPU 0234 transmits the print job to the CPU 0201 via the NW I / F 0238, the NW I / F 0207, the video I / F 0223, and the video I / F 0206. In step S0902, if a paper jam has occurred in the printing apparatus 0101, the CPU 0234 receives the paper jam notification issued in step S0810 or S0811 from the CPU 0201 via the NW I / F 0238 and the NW I / F 0207 ("YES" in step S0902), and the process proceeds to step S0903. In step S0903, the CPU 0234 transmits a notification of canceling the print job to the CPU 0201 via the NW I / F 0238 and the NW I / F 0207.

[0091] Next, in step S0904, the CPU 0234 receives information about the jammed sheet via the NW I / F 0238 and NW I / F 0207. Thus, the CPU 0234 can determine which sheet has jammed. Next, in step S0905, the CPU 0234 recreates a print job (reprint job) for the jammed sheet acquired in step S0904 and subsequent sheets. Then, in step S0906, the CPU 0234 waits for notification that the jam has been cleared in step S0815. If the CPU 0234 receives notification that the jam has been cleared ("YES" in step S0906), the process proceeds to step S0907. In step S0907, the CPU 0234 sends the print job for the jammed sheet and subsequent sheets to the CPU 0201 via the NW I / F 0238, the NW I / F 0207, and the video I / F 0223 and the video I / F 0206. Then, the flow ends.

[0092] Through the above-described process, according to this exemplary embodiment, the user can set the desired operation mode and desired recovery settings, and easily retrieve sheets with a "pass" or "fail" inspection result at the sheet discharge destinations that are differentiated as needed. Therefore, the user can easily obtain the desired result product, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0093] In the first exemplary embodiment, the user sets the operation mode and the recovery setting in the operation mode selection portion 0402 and on the recovery setting screen 0403, respectively, and the inspection device 0108 and the inspection unit 0106 implement operations corresponding to the operation mode and the recovery setting. In the second exemplary embodiment, a case is described where the operation mode and the recovery setting are automatically set based on the settings of the print job.

[0094] The second exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to a flowchart. In this exemplary embodiment, only differences from the first exemplary embodiment will be described, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0095] The programs for the printing device 0101 related to these processes are stored in the storage unit 0205 of the printing device 0101, loaded into the RAM 0202, and executed by the CPU 0201. The programs for the inspection device 0108 related to these processes are stored in the storage unit 0228 of the inspection device 0108, loaded into the RAM 0227, and executed by the CPU 0226. The programs for the information processing device 0109 related to these processes are stored in the storage unit 0236 of the information processing device 0109, loaded into the RAM 0235, and executed by the CPU 0234. The programs for the client computer 0110 related to these processes are stored in the storage unit 0244 of the client computer 0110, loaded into the RAM 0242, and executed by the CPU 0243.

[0096] Figure 10A and 10B This is a flow chart for checking the device 0108 when performing an inspection.

[0097] Processing other than the processing of step S1001 to step S1003 is the same as that in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0098] In step S1001, the CPU 0226 receives the operation mode and recovery settings from the CPU 0216 via the inspection unit I / F 0231 and the inspection device I / F 0215. The CPU 0201 determines the operation mode and recovery settings based on the information related to the print job by referring to the operation mode / recovery setting correspondence table 1201. The CPU 0201 refers to the operation mode / recovery setting correspondence table 1201 stored in the RAM 0202 to determine the operation mode and recovery settings that are compatible with the print information related to the print to be performed.

[0099] The CPU 0216 receives the operation mode and the restore setting from the CPU 0201 via the accessory I / F 0208 and the accessory I / F 0214 .

[0100] Next, in step S1002, if the operating mode and recovery settings that are set in step S0701 and read from RAM 0227 by CPU 0226 and are compatible with the print job are included in the operating mode and recovery settings received by CPU 0226 in step S1001 (YES in step S1002), the process proceeds to step S0703. Then, the process ends in the same manner as in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0101] In step S1002, if the operating mode and recovery settings set in step S0701 and read by the CPU 0226 from the RAM 0227 are not included in the operating mode and recovery settings received by the CPU 0226 in step S1001 ("No" in step S1002), the process proceeds to step S1003. In step S1003, the CPU 0226 changes the operating mode and recovery settings to the operating mode and recovery settings received in step S1001, and rewrites the operating mode and recovery settings in the RAM 0227. If the CPU 0226 receives a plurality of operating modes and a plurality of recovery settings, the CPU 0226 selects one of the operating modes and one of the recovery settings, and rewrites the operating mode and recovery settings in the RAM 0227. Then, the process ends in the same manner as in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0102] Figure 11A and 11B It is an operation flow chart of the printing apparatus 0101 and the checking unit 0106.

[0103] In step S1101 , the CPU 0201 determines the operation mode and the recovery setting based on the information related to the print job. The CPU 0216 receives the operation mode and the recovery setting from the CPU 0201 via the accessory I / F 0208 and the accessory I / F 0214 .

[0104] In step S1102, if the operating mode and recovery settings set in step S0801 and read by the CPU 0216 from the RAM 0217 are included in the operating mode and recovery settings received by the CPU 0216 in step S1101 ("YES" in step S1102), the process proceeds to step S1104. In step S1104, the CPU 0216 transmits the operating mode and recovery settings to the CPU 0226 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231. Then, the process ends in the same manner as in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0105] In step S1102, if the operating mode and recovery settings set in step S0801 and read by the CPU 0216 from the RAM 0217 are not included in the operating mode and recovery settings received by the CPU 0216 in step S1101 ("No" in step S1102), the process proceeds to step S1103. In step S1103, the CPU 0216 changes the operating mode and recovery settings to the operating mode and recovery settings received in step S1101 and rewrites the operating mode and recovery settings in the RAM 0217. The process then proceeds to step S1104. After this, the process ends in the same manner as in the above-described flow and the first exemplary embodiment.

[0106] Figure 12 An operation mode / recovery setting correspondence table 1201 is shown. The operation mode / recovery setting correspondence table 1201 is stored in the RAM 0202. If the CPU 0201 receives a print job in step S0802, the CPU 0201 refers to the operation mode / recovery setting correspondence table 1201 and determines whether information related to the print job is included in the operation mode / recovery setting correspondence table 1201. If the information related to the print job received in step S0802 is included in the operation mode / recovery setting correspondence table 1201, the CPU 0201 can determine which operation mode and recovery setting are compatible with the print job.

[0107] When using a sheet that is long in the conveying direction ( Figure 12 In the case of number 1), the sheet may not be discharged to the main tray 0324 of the large-capacity stacker 0107, or an instruction to change the sheet discharge destination to the top tray 0320 based on the check result may not be given in time. Therefore, in the case of a print job using long sheets, the "cleaning mode" is not set, but the "logging mode" is set.

[0108] In the case of a print job for saddle stitching ( Figure 12 If you perform finishing in "Journal Mode" and later mix-check a sheet that has failed, the resulting product corresponding to that bundle will be wasted. Therefore, set "Clean Mode" and "Recovery." Similarly, set "Clean Mode" and "Recovery" for not only saddle stitching but also finishing for collectively binding multiple sheets.

[0109] In the case of using an offline finisher ( Figure 12 5 in the print job), set "Cleaning Mode" and "Recovery". This is because if sheets with "failed" check results are mixed, or if printing is performed without recovering sheets with "failed" check results, a correct result product cannot be obtained. On the other hand, even when using an offline finisher, if the offline finisher has a mechanism for using a log of "pass" or "fail" check results and determining whether to use a booklet in units of booklets ( Figure 12 In the example, number 6), also set the "Log Mode".

[0110] In the case of a single job consisting of multiple sheets ( Figure 124), the "No Recover" setting in the "Cleaning Mode" setting is not set. If only "failed" sheets are omitted from the final product of a print job that includes multiple sheets, a correct product cannot be obtained. For example, in the case of a print job that includes four pages, if the check result for the second page is "failed," a situation in which the sheets for the first, third, and fourth pages are discharged to the main tray 0324 while the sheet for the second page is discharged to the top tray 0320 is avoided. In other words, if the final product includes multiple sheets, the "No Recover" setting in the "Cleaning Mode" setting is prohibited to prevent pages from being omitted. Whether a job uses multiple sheets can be determined based on, for example, the number of pages included in the print job and information related to the layout. For example, if the print job includes eight pages and a 2-in-1 layout is set, the print job is determined to use multiple sheets. Alternatively, this determination can be made based on the number of pages included in the print job, information related to the layout, and the duplex / single-sided setting. For example, if a print job includes four pages and a 2-in-1 layout is set and duplex printing is set, printing is performed on a single sheet, so it is determined that the print job does not use multiple sheets.

[0111] In the case of setting "cleaning mode" and "recovery", and if the check result "failure" occurs, several subsequent sheets are also discharged to the top tray 0320. Therefore, for example, in the case of printing a gift certificate, or in the case of printing on premium paper ( Figure 12 Therefore, if job information indicating abuse prohibition or stealth mode is assigned to a print job, or if the sheet type is set to premium paper, set "Log Mode" or set "Cleaning Mode" and "No Recovery".

[0112] In the case of small quantities ( Figure 12 In the example, the number of copies is five or less)( Figure 12 In the number 3), the "log mode" is set so that the sheet discharge destination will not change regardless of the inspection result. Therefore, after the result product is output, the user can easily confirm the result product.

[0113] Figure 12 The correspondence table 1201 is only an example, and it is not necessary to use all conditions ( Figure 12 1 to 8 in the ). In addition, you can Figure 12 Add different conditions after number 9.

[0114] In this exemplary embodiment, as in the first exemplary embodiment, the operation mode and recovery settings are specified in the inspection device 0108, and the inspection unit 0106 provided in the printing device 0101 receives the operation mode and recovery settings. Alternatively, as in the first exemplary embodiment, a form may be adopted in which, for example, the UI panel 0203 receives the operation mode and recovery settings set by the user, and the inspection unit 0106 notifies the inspection device 0108 of the operation mode and recovery settings.

[0115] Furthermore, the printing device 0101 has been described with reference to Figure 12 Alternatively, the inspection device 0108, the information processing device 0109, and the client computer 0110 may determine the operation mode and notify the printing device 0101 of the determination result.

[0116] As described above, according to this exemplary embodiment, the optimal operation mode and optimal recovery settings can be set based on the print job settings, and the checked sheets can be discharged. Therefore, the user can discharge the desired result product in the optimal sheet discharge form to the appropriate sheet discharge destination. This reduces the burden on the user.

[0117] According to the above-described exemplary embodiment, an effect of controlling whether to switch the sheet discharge destination according to the inspection result of the quality of the printed product is obtained.

[0118] Other embodiments

[0119] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method, that is, providing software (program) that performs the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device through a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0120] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, the scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An inspection system for inspecting the quality of a printed product, the inspection system comprising: an inspection unit configured to inspect the quality of the printed product based on a comparison between a scanned image obtained by scanning the printed product and a reference image; a display control unit configured to display a first screen for receiving a first mode in which a sheet discharge destination of a printed product is not switched regardless of a check result of the printed product and a second mode in which the sheet discharge destination of the printed product is switched according to the check result of the printed product; a receiving unit configured to receive, via the first screen, a first mode in which a sheet discharge destination of the printed product is not switched regardless of a check result of the printed product, or a second mode in which the sheet discharge destination of the printed product is switched according to a check result of the printed product; A control unit configured to control a sheet discharge destination of the printed product based on an inspection result obtained by inspecting the quality of the printed product by the inspection unit and the mode received by the reception unit.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1, in, The display control unit displays a second screen for receiving an instruction to reprint from an image corresponding to a sheet for which the inspection result of the printed product is "failed", and The receiving unit further receives, via the second screen, an instruction to reprint starting from an image corresponding to a sheet for which the inspection result of the printed product is "failed." 3. The inspection system according to claim 2, wherein: When the receiving unit receives the second mode, the receiving unit receives an instruction to reprint starting from an image corresponding to a sheet for which the inspection result of the printed product is “failed”.

4. The inspection system according to claim 3, wherein: In a case where the receiving unit does not receive an instruction to reprint from the image corresponding to the sheet whose inspection result of the printed product is "failed", the control unit controls to output the sheet whose inspection result of the printed product is "failed" and the sheet whose inspection result of the printed product is "passed" to different sheet discharge destinations.

5. An information processing device for checking the quality of a printed product, the information processing device comprising: an inspection unit configured to inspect the quality of the printed product based on a comparison between a scanned image obtained by scanning the printed product and a reference image; a display control unit configured to display a first screen for receiving a first mode in which a sheet discharge destination of a printed product is not switched regardless of a check result of the printed product and a second mode in which the sheet discharge destination of the printed product is switched according to the check result of the printed product; a receiving unit configured to receive, via the first screen, a first mode in which a sheet discharge destination of the printed product is not switched regardless of a check result of the printed product, or a second mode in which the sheet discharge destination of the printed product is switched according to a check result of the printed product; A control unit configured to control whether to transmit the inspection result obtained by inspecting the quality of the printed product by the inspection unit and the mode received by the receiving unit to a device to which the printed product is to be discharged.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, in, The display control unit displays a second screen for receiving an instruction to reprint from an image corresponding to a sheet for which the inspection result of the printed product is "failed", and The receiving unit further receives, through the second screen, an instruction to reprint starting from an image corresponding to a sheet for which the inspection result of the printed product is "failed." 7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein When the receiving unit receives the second mode, the receiving unit receives an instruction to reprint starting from an image corresponding to a sheet for which the inspection result of the printed product is “failed”.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein When the receiving unit receives the second mode and does not receive an instruction to reprint from the image corresponding to the thin sheet whose inspection result of the printed product is "failed", the sending unit sends information indicating that the inspection result of the printed product is "failed" to the device to which the printed product is to be discharged.

9. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein In a case where the receiving unit receives the first pattern, the transmitting unit does not transmit the inspection result of the printed product to the device to which the printed product is to be discharged.

10. A method for controlling an information processing device for inspecting the quality of printed matter, the method comprising: checking the quality of the printed product based on a comparison between a scanned image obtained by scanning the printed product and a reference image; displaying a screen for receiving a first mode in which a sheet discharge destination of a printed product is not switched regardless of a check result of the printed product and a second mode in which the sheet discharge destination of the printed product is switched according to a check result of the printed product; receiving, via the screen, a first mode in which a sheet discharge destination of the printed product is not switched regardless of a check result of the printed product, or a second mode in which the sheet discharge destination of the printed product is switched according to a check result of the printed product; as well as Whether to transmit the inspection result obtained by inspecting the quality of the printed product to the device to which the printed product is to be discharged is controlled based on the inspection result obtained by inspecting the quality of the printed product and the received mode.

Images