Inspection system, inspection equipment, and control method of inspection equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inspection system, an inspection device, and a control method of the inspection device. The inspection device for inspecting the quality of a printed product printed by a printing device receives information indicating a reference image from an information processing device that sends a print job to the printing device. The inspection device acquires a reference image based on the information indicating the reference image. The inspection device receives from the printing device a scanned image of a printed product printed based on the print job received from the information processing device, and inspects the quality of the printed product based on a comparison between the received scanned image and the acquired reference image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for inspecting the print quality of a printed product. Background Art

[0002] There is known an inspection device that reads a print product printed by an image forming device and inspects the quality of the print product. The inspection device can detect defects including image defects such as smudges and missing prints, typographical errors, and low-quality bar codes. Print products with detected defects are separated from non-defective print products by, for example, changing the discharge destination.

[0003] Inspection of printed products is divided into an inspection preparation phase and an inspection phase. In the inspection preparation phase, an image obtained by scanning a non-defective product is registered in the inspection device as a reference image. In the inspection phase, an inspection object image obtained by scanning the object printed product is compared with the reference image, and errors in the printed product are detected based on the result of the comparison. In order to perform image comparison, the printed product needs to be associated with the reference image.

[0004] Japanese Patent 6411684 discusses a technique for associating a print with a reference image, in which individual identification data is attached to each print and the reference image, and inspection is performed by comparing a scanned image of a print having consistent individual identification data with the reference image.

[0005] However, in order to add individual identification data to a print product, the print product needs to have a margin area, and individual identification data cannot be added to a print product produced by borderless printing. Furthermore, in the case where a user who does not have a cutter uses the inspection device, individual identification data cannot be added to the margin of the print product. Therefore, there is a problem that inspection cannot be performed without adding information indicating a reference image to the print product. Summary of the invention

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention is directed to providing a technique that enables inspection of a printed product by using a reference image even in a case where information indicating a reference image corresponding to the printed product cannot be added to the printed product.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an inspection system includes: a printing device; an inspection device configured to inspect the quality of a print product printed by the printing device; and an information processing device configured to send a print job to the printing device, wherein the inspection device includes: a first receiving unit configured to receive information indicating a reference image from the information processing device, an acquisition unit configured to acquire the reference image based on the information indicating the reference image, a second receiving unit configured to receive a scanned image of the print product printed by the printing device from the printing device, and an inspection unit configured to inspect the quality of the print product based on a comparison between the received scanned image and the acquired reference image, and wherein the printing device includes a printing unit configured to print based on the print job received from the information processing device.

[0008] An inspection device configured to inspect the quality of a print product printed by a printing device, the inspection device comprising: a first receiving unit configured to receive information indicating a reference image from an information processing device configured to send a print job to the printing device; an acquisition unit configured to acquire the reference image based on the information indicating the reference image; a second receiving unit configured to receive from the printing device a scanned image of a print product printed based on the print job received from the information processing device; and an inspection unit configured to inspect the quality of the print product based on a comparison between the received scanned image and the acquired reference image.

[0009] A control method for an inspection device, wherein the inspection device is configured to inspect the quality of a print product printed by a printing device, the control method comprising: receiving information indicating a reference image from an information processing device configured to send a print job to the printing device; acquiring the reference image based on the information indicating the reference image; receiving from the printing device a scanned image of a print product printed based on the print job received from the information processing device; and inspecting the quality of the print product based on a comparison between the received scanned image and the acquired reference image.

[0010] 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

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an inspection system including an information processing apparatus, an inspection apparatus, and an image forming apparatus.

[0012] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of an inspection system including an information processing apparatus, an inspection apparatus, and an image forming apparatus.

[0013] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a program structure of a client computer.

[0014] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a print job.

[0015] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a control file.

[0016] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a database for associating a print product with a reference image.

[0017] Figure 7 is a flow chart showing the overall processing performed by the inspection system.

[0018] Fig. 8A and 8B are diagrams each showing an example of a setting screen.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 7 Detailed flowchart of step S715.

[0020] Fig. 10A and 10B Each shows Figure 7 Detailed flowchart of step S717. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an inspection system including an information processing apparatus, an inspection apparatus, and an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described using an electrophotographic image forming apparatus as an example, but may be another type of image forming apparatus such as an inkjet type or an offset type.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 0101 is connected to the information processing apparatus 0109 via a cable 0112 . The information processing apparatus 0109 is connected to the client computer 0110 and the checking apparatus 0108 via a network 0113 .

[0024] The image forming apparatus 0101 includes a user interface (UI) panel 0102, a paper feed stage 0103, and a paper feed stage 0104. In addition, an optional stage 0105 including a three-stage paper feed stage is connected to the image forming apparatus 0101. The image forming apparatus 0101 is, for example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The UI panel 0102 is, for example, a user interface including a capacitive touch panel.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 0101 further includes an inspection unit 0106 and a large-volume stacker 0107. The inspection unit 0106 is connected to the inspection apparatus 0108 via a cable 0114. The large-volume stacker 0107 includes a main tray and a top tray, and can stack several thousand sheets in the main tray at a time.

[0026] 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. Then, the print job is sent from the information processing device 0109 to the image forming device 0101 via the cable 0112, so that the image forming device 0101 performs processing for printing on a sheet based on the print job. Alternatively, the print job may be generated and managed by the information processing device 0109, and may be sent to the image forming device 0101 via the cable 0112 and managed by the image forming device 0101.

[0027] The client computer 0110, the information processing apparatus 0109, and the checking apparatus 0108 can be connected to the cable 0112 to communicate with the image forming apparatus 0101. In other words, the connection structure of the image forming apparatus 0101, the information processing apparatus 0109, the client computer 0110, and the checking apparatus 0108 described in the present exemplary embodiment is an example.

[0028] Figure 2 0101 , an inspection apparatus 0108 , an inspection unit 0106 , a large-volume stacker 0107 , an information processing apparatus 0109 , and a client computer 0110 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0029] The central processing unit (CPU) 0201 is responsible for control and calculation in each unit of the image forming apparatus 0101 via the system bus 0212. The CPU 0201 is also responsible for executing a program stored in the storage unit 0205 and loaded from the storage unit 0205 into the random access memory (RAM) 0202. The RAM 0202 is a typical volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0201, and is used as a work area or a temporary data storage area of ​​the CPU 0201. The storage unit 0205 is used as a temporary storage area and a working memory when the image forming apparatus 0101 is working.

[0030] The engine interface (I / F) 0209 is responsible for communication with the printer engine 0210 and control of the printer engine 0210. The paper feed stage I / F 0204 is responsible for communication with the paper feed stage 0211 and control of the paper feed stage 0211. The hardware structure of the paper feed stage 0103, the paper feed stage 0104, and the optional stage 0105 is collectively referred to as the paper feed stage 0211. The UI panel 0203 is the hardware structure of the UI panel 0102, and is a user interface for allowing the user to operate the image forming apparatus 0101. In the present exemplary embodiment, the UI panel 0203 includes a capacitive touch panel.

[0031] The network interface (NW I / F) 0207 is connected to the NW I / F 0238 of the information processing device 0109 via the cable 0213, and is responsible for the communication between the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101. In this example, the video IF 0206 and the video IF 0233 connected to the system bus 0212 and the system bus 0239, respectively, are directly connected to each other, but the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101 may be connected using a network, for example, and the connection method thereof is not particularly limited. The video I / F 0206 is connected to the video I / F 0233 via the video cable 0241, and is responsible for the communication of image data between the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101.

[0032] The connection interface between the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101 may be such that the functions of the video I / F 0233 and the NW I / F 0238 are integrated. In addition, the connection interface between the image forming device 0101 and the information processing device 0109 may be such that the functions of the video I / F 0206 and the NW I / F 0207 are integrated.

[0033] The accessory I / F 0208 is connected to the accessory I / F 0214 and the accessory I / F 0220 via a cable 0225. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 0101 communicates with the inspection unit 0106 and the large-volume stacker 0107 via the accessory I / Fs 0208, 0214, and 0220.

[0034] The CPU 0216 is responsible for control and calculation in each unit of the inspection unit 0106 via the system bus 0219. The CPU 0216 is also responsible for executing the program stored in the storage unit 0247 and loaded into the RAM 0217 from the storage unit 0247. The RAM 0217 is a typical volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0216, and is used as a work area or a temporary data storage area of ​​the CPU 0216. The storage unit 0247 is used as a temporary storage area and working memory when the inspection unit 0106 is working. The inspection device I / F 0215 is connected to the inspection unit I / F 0231 via the cable 0249. More specifically, the inspection unit 0106 communicates with the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231.

[0035] The imaging unit 0218 has an imaging function using a conductive image sensor (hereinafter referred to as 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 is an example of a sensor used for the imaging unit 0218, and other types of sensors such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor may be used. The imaging method thereof is not particularly limited.

[0036] The CPU 0221 is responsible for control and calculation in each unit of the large-capacity stacker 0107 via the system bus 0224. The CPU 0221 is also responsible for executing the program stored in the storage unit 0248 and loaded from the storage unit 0248 to the RAM 0222. The RAM 0222 is a typical volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0221, and is used as a work area or a temporary data storage area of ​​the CPU 0221. The storage unit 0248 is used as a temporary storage area and a working memory when the large-capacity stacker 0107 is working. The sheet discharge unit 0223 is responsible for the operation of discharging sheets to the main tray and the top tray, and is also responsible for monitoring and controlling the stacking conditions of each of the main tray and the top tray.

[0037] The CPU 0226 is responsible for control and calculation in each unit of the inspection device 0108 via the system bus 0230. The CPU 0226 is also responsible for executing the program stored in the storage unit 0228 and loaded into the RAM 0227 from the storage unit 0228. The RAM 0227 is a typical volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0226, and is used as a work area or temporary data storage area of ​​the CPU 0226. The storage unit 0228 is used as a temporary storage area and working memory when the inspection device 0108 is working. The page description language (PDL) analysis unit 0229 reads PDL data such as portable document format (PDF), PostScript or printer control language (PCL) received from the client computer 0110 or the information processing device 0109, and performs interpretation processing. The display unit 0245 is, for example, a liquid crystal display connected to the inspection device 0108, and receives input from the user to the inspection device 0108 and displays the status of the inspection device 0108.

[0038] The CPU 0234 is responsible for control and calculation in each unit of the information processing device 0109 via the system bus 0239. The CPU 0234 is also responsible for executing the program stored in the storage unit 0236 and loaded from the storage unit 0236 to the RAM 0235. The RAM 0235 is a typical volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0234, and is used as a work area or a temporary data storage area of ​​the CPU 0234. The storage unit 0236 is used as a temporary storage area and a working memory when the information processing device 0109 is working. The NW I / F 0237 is connected to the NW I / F 0232 and the NW I / F 0240 via the network. The information processing device 0109 communicates with the inspection device 0108 via the NW I / F 0237 and the NW I / F 0232. The information processing device 0109 also communicates with the client computer 0110 via the NW I / F 0237 and the NW I / F 0240.

[0039] The CPU 0243 is responsible for control and calculation in each unit of the client computer 0110 via the system bus 0246. The CPU 0243 is also responsible for executing the program stored in the storage unit 0244 and loaded from the storage unit 0244 to the RAM 0242. The RAM 0242 is a typical volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0243, and is used as a work area or temporary data storage area of ​​the CPU 0243. The storage unit 0244 is used as a temporary storage area and working memory when the client computer 0110 is working.

[0040] Figure 3 0110 is a diagram showing an example of a program structure of the client computer 0110 .

[0041] The boot loader 301 is a program to be executed immediately after power-on of the client computer 0110. The boot loader 301 includes a program for executing various startup sequences for starting the system.

[0042] The operating system 302 is a program for providing an environment for executing various programs that realize the functions of the client computer 0110. The operating system 302 provides functions including a function for managing the memory of the client computer 0110 (ie, resources such as the RAM 0242 and the storage unit 0244).

[0043] The network control program 303 is a program to be executed when data is sent and received with respect to a device connected via a network. More specifically, the network control program 303 is used when a print job is sent to the image forming device 0101 for print processing. The network control program 303 is also used when a control file is sent to the inspection device 0108. In addition, the network control program 303 is used when a print job sending instruction is received from the inspection device 0108.

[0044] The workflow control program 304 is a program for performing centralized management of generation of a print job, transmission of a print job, generation of a control file, and the like, and forms the core of the client computer 0110 .

[0045] The second reception program 305 is a program for receiving a print job transmission instruction from the checking device 0108. Upon receiving the print job transmission instruction from the checking device 0108, the second reception program 305 notifies the workflow control program 304 of the received instruction, conditions, and the like.

[0046] The second transmission program 306 is a program for transmitting a control file to the checking device 0108. The second transmission program 306 generates a control file using information of the print job before the print job is transmitted, and transmits the generated control file to the checking device 0108.

[0047] Figure 4 An example of a print job generated by the client computer 0110 is shown. In the present exemplary embodiment, a job definition format (JDF) which is a standard format is used as a print job format. The main parts of the information included in the print job are a job identification (ID) 401, a print job name 402, resource information 403 indicating what purpose the PDF data is used for, and a copy count 404 of the print job. The job ID 401 is intended to uniquely identify the print job.

[0048] Figure 5An example of a control file generated by the client computer 0110 and sent to the checking device 0108 is shown. The control file indicates an outline of a print job and is used to send information of the print job to a device such as the checking device 0108. In the present exemplary embodiment, the control file is generated in an extensible markup language (XML) format, but may be generated in a format such as a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format.

[0049] Line 500 represents the root element of the control file and corresponds to a print job. Line 501 represents the job ID and contains Figure 4 The value of the reference image identifier may be mapped from the print job name 402 or the resource information 403. Alternatively, the reference image identifier may be input when registering the reference image in the inspection preparation stage. Fig. 8A The second transmission program 306 maps the value of the print job name 402 to the row 502 indicating the reference image identifier on the illustrated setting screen 800. In the present exemplary embodiment, the second transmission program 306 maps the value of the print job name 402 to the row 502 indicating the reference image identifier.

[0050] Line 503 indicates the number of copies of the print job. The number of copies of the print job means how many times the same original document is repeatedly printed for one print queue. For example, if the number of pages is 10, it is specified how many copies (how many times) of these 10 pages are to be printed. The number of copies of the print job is used to determine how many times to check in the inspection stage. If a smaller value is entered in line 503 indicating the number of copies of the print job in the control file, the print product that should have been checked will not be checked. Therefore, the number of copies of the print job in line 503 of the control file is the same value as the copy count 404 specified in the print job.

[0051] Row 504 indicates the number of scans of the print product to be used in the reference image registration. The number of times a non-defective product is scanned in order to generate a reference image is specified as the number of scans. In the present exemplary embodiment, images obtained by scanning a non-defective product a plurality of times are combined to generate a reference image. Since there is less noise in the reference image obtained by combining these images, the reference image improves the inspection accuracy. On the contrary, if the number of scans of the non-defective product is small, the noise in the reference image is significant, and thus the inspection accuracy decreases.

[0052] Line 505 indicates the presence or absence of collation setting in the print job. When printing multiple copies without collation setting, the print process is performed in the order of the first page, the first page, and the first page, rather than in the order of the first page, the second page, and the third page. Therefore, the presence or absence of collation setting is used to determine whether to check in the order of the first page, the first page, and the first page.

[0053] Row 506 indicates the duplex setting of the print job, and is used to determine whether the back side of the print product will also be the subject of printing in addition to the front side of the print product.

[0054] Line 507 indicates the paper size specified in the print job.

[0055] Figure 6 An example of information stored in the database 600 for associating a print product with a reference image is shown. The database 600 is in the storage unit 0228 of the inspection device 0108. When the NW I / F 0232 of the inspection device 0108 receives a control file from the NW I / F 0240 of the client computer 0110, the CPU 0226 analyzes the control file and acquires the value of the reference image identifier from the row 502 of the control file. The CPU 0226 refers to the database 600, and if the same value as the value of the reference image identifier in the row 502 exists in the database 600, the CPU 0226 associates the print job indicated by the control file with the registered reference image. Although the case where one reference image corresponding to the print job is registered in the database 600 is described as an example, similar processing is performed in the case where a plurality of reference images corresponding to the print job are registered in the database 600.

[0056] Next, the characteristic processing according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart. The program of the image forming apparatus 0101 related to the flowchart is stored in the storage unit 0205 of the image forming apparatus 0101, and is loaded into the RAM 0202 and executed by the CPU 0201. The program of the inspection apparatus 0108 related to the flowchart is stored in the storage unit 0228 of the inspection apparatus 0108, and is loaded into the RAM 0227 and executed by the CPU 0226. The program of the information processing apparatus 0109 related to the flowchart is stored in the storage unit 0236 of the information processing apparatus 0109, and is loaded into the RAM 0235 and executed by the CPU 0234. The program of the client computer 0110 related to the flowchart is stored in the storage unit 0244 of the client computer 0110, and is loaded into the RAM 0242 and executed by the CPU 0243.

[0057] Figure 7This is a system flowchart used when the client computer 0110, the inspection device 0108, the image forming device 0101, and the user who is the operator of these devices use the functions provided by the system. In the case where multiple subsystems in each device cooperate to perform processing, this flowchart will be described at the level of these subsystems.

[0058] exist Figure 7 In the columns representing the user operations in steps S700, S711, and S720, the user performs the operations in order to achieve Figure 7 The content of the instruction operation performed on the screen provided by the client computer 0110 in accordance with the series of processes shown, and also indicates the relationship with the processing occurring as a result of each operation.

[0059] In step S700, the user instructs the client computer 0110 to register a reference image. For example, the user performs an operation of pressing a test print button. More specifically, in response to the instruction operation in step S700, the workflow control program 304 and the second sending program 306 perform various processes for registering the reference image. In step S701, the workflow control program 304 generates a print job.

[0060] In step S702, the second transmission program 306 generates a control file based on the settings of the print job, and transmits the generated control file to the checking device 0108. The control file may be transmitted using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) communication, or may be placed in a folder accessible by the client computer 0110 and the checking device 0108. In the present exemplary embodiment, a description will be given using a method of placing a control file in a folder.

[0061] In step S703, the CPU 0226 reads the control file generated in step S702. In step S704, the CPU 0226 analyzes the control file and sets the attribute information of the reference image. For example, the CPU 0226 automatically reflects the value specified in the control file in the Fig. 8A In the items of the setting screen 800 shown in FIG. 800 , when the attribute information of the reference image is to be set, the job information indicating for which print product the reference image is to be registered is specified. For example, when the job information is specified by the user, the CPU 0226 displays Fig. 8A The setting screen 800 shown in FIG. 1 is displayed, and the user is prompted to input a value of a job type ID 802 representing a reference image identifier. The value to be input for the job type ID 802 may be any value as long as the print product to be checked can be identified from the value. In the case where the print product to be checked is known, such as Figure 8BAs shown, the CPU 0226 can prompt the user to select a desired print product from the drop-down list of job type ID 807. In the case where the CPU 0226 has been notified of the control file by the client computer 0110, the CPU 0226 can display a file selection screen (not shown) to prompt the user to select a control file to be associated with the reference image, and can use the reference image identifier in the row 502 of the selected control file. According to the attributes of the reference image, information other than the reference image identifier can be set. In the present exemplary embodiment, information on the job ID 801, the medium size 803, the collation 804, the number of sheets 805, the number of copies 806, and the like is set.

[0062] In step S705, the CPU 0226 starts preparation for reading the reference image. At this time, the inspection unit I / F 0231 notifies the inspection device I / F 0215 that the preparation for reading the reference image has started. In response to the notification, the CPU 0216 instructs the camera unit 0218 to prepare to read the reference image, and when the preparation is completed, the CPU 0216 notifies the CPU 0226 of the completion via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231. In step S706, the CPU 0226 sends a notification of the completion of the preparation for registration of the reference image, and is ready to receive the scanned image of the print product. In step S723, upon receiving the notification of the completion of the preparation for registration of the reference image, the second receiving program 305 determines that the print job can be sent, and then sends an instruction to send the print job to the workflow control program 304. Subsequently, in step S707, the workflow control program 304 sends the print job to the image forming device 0101 via the information processing device 0109. When the notification of the completion of the preparation for the reference image registration is sent in step S706, the information about the number of scans is also sent. In step S707, the received information about the number of scans is set as the number of copies of the print job to be sent, and then the print job is sent to the image forming device 0101. More specifically, the print job sent in step S707 includes the information about the number of scans received from the checking device 0108 as the number of copies of the job.

[0063] In step S708, the CPU 0201 prints an image based on the PDF data included in the print job. Then, when the sheet with the printed image passes on the sheet conveying path, the inspection unit 0106 scans the printed image. In step S709, the CPU 0226 receives the scanned image from the inspection unit 0106 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231. In step S710, the CPU 0226 registers the image received in step S709 as a reference image in the RAM 0227. At this time, a plurality of reference images may be read to prompt the user to select a desired reference image, or the plurality of reference images may be combined together, or the plurality of reference images may be registered.

[0064] In step S711, the CPU 0226 displays an examination parameter setting screen (not shown) on the display unit 0245. When the display unit 0245 receives a "Finish" instruction on the examination parameter setting screen, the flowchart of the reference image registration ends.

[0065] As described above, a reference image obtained by scanning a non-defective product is registered in the inspection device 0108, and the reference image and a print product serving as a printing / inspection object are associated with each other.

[0066] After the reference image is registered, in step S712, the user instructs the client computer 0110 to perform an inspection. For example, the user performs an operation of pressing a print button. More specifically, in response to the instruction operation in step S712, the workflow control program 304 and the second transmission program 306 perform various processes for performing an inspection.

[0067] In step S713, the workflow control program 304 generates a print job. In step S714, the second sending program 306 generates a Figure 5 The control file shown in FIG. 10 is generated and sent to the inspection device 0108. In step S715, the CPU 0226 uses the information described in the control file to obtain a reference image corresponding to the print job. Fig. 9 The details of step S715 will be described below.

[0068] In step S716, CPU 0226 starts preparation for checking the print job associated with the reference image, and starts preparation for reading the inspection object image. In step S717, CPU 0226 sends a notification of the completion of the preparation for the inspection, and is ready to receive the scanned image of the print product. In step S724, the second receiving program 305 receives information indicating the ready state of receiving the scanned image (i.e., the notification of the completion of the preparation for the inspection) from the inspection device 0108. In step S724, upon receiving the notification of the completion of the preparation for the inspection, the second receiving program 305 determines that the print job can be sent, and then sends the instruction for sending the print job to the workflow control program 304. Subsequently, in step S718, the workflow control program 304 sends the print job to the image forming device 0101 via the information processing device 0109.

[0069] In step S719, the image forming apparatus 0101 prints an image based on the PDF data included in the print job, and scans the printed image when the sheet with the printed image passes on the sheet conveying path. In step S720, the CPU 0226 receives the scanned image as the inspection object image from the inspection unit 0106 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231. In step S721, the CPU 0226 reads the reference image associated with the print job in step S710 from the storage unit 0228, and compares the reference image with the inspection object image received from the inspection unit 0106. If the inspection result is OK based on the comparison, the print product is output to the main tray of the sheet discharge unit 0223 of the large-capacity stacker 0107. If the inspection result is not OK, the print product is output to the top tray of the sheet discharge unit 0223. In step S722, the CPU 0226 notifies the user of the inspection result obtained by the comparison. The notification method is not particularly limited. The inspection result may be displayed on the display unit 0245 of the inspection device 0108 , or the inspection result may be notified to the client computer 0110 .

[0070] When the inspection of all inspection target images is completed, the inspection flowchart ends.

[0071] In the present exemplary embodiment, although the processing performed when the number of inspection target images is 1 is described, the processing according to the present exemplary embodiment may be used to continuously inspect a plurality of inspection target images.

[0072] Fig. 9 : is a flowchart showing the process for acquiring a reference image corresponding to a print job in step S715.

[0073] In step S730, upon receiving the control file from the client computer 0110, the CPU 0226 analyzes the control file. In step S731, the CPU 0226 acquires the value of the reference image identifier from line 502 of the control file. In step S732, the CPU 0226 searches the database 600 for a reference image corresponding to the value of the reference image identifier acquired from line 502.

[0074] In step S733, the CPU 0226 determines whether a reference image corresponding to the value of the reference image identifier is registered, that is, whether a reference image corresponding to the print job is registered. If the reference image corresponding to the print job is registered ("Yes" in step S733), the process proceeds to step S734. If the reference image corresponding to the print job is not registered ("No" in step S733), the process proceeds to step S735. In step S734, the CPU 0226 acquires the reference image corresponding to the print job, and the process proceeds to step S716. In step S735, the CPU 0226 displays a warning message (not shown) on the display unit 0245, for example, to prompt the user to input the value of the job type ID 802 representing the reference image identifier on the setting screen 800. The process is interrupted due to an error until the warning message is cleared. In step S736, the CPU 0226 displays the registered reference images and prompts the user to select a desired reference image from these reference images. In the case where a reference image corresponding to the value of the reference image identifier is not registered but a registered reference image is to be used, the user is prompted to select a reference image to be used, and the selected image is set as the reference image corresponding to the print job.

[0075] According to this typical embodiment, during the inspection, the print product to be produced based on the print job and the reference image are associated with each other based on the values ​​described in the control file, so that the reference image can be automatically identified even if individual identification data cannot be added to the print product, thereby improving the efficiency of the inspection work.

[0076] In the present exemplary embodiment, although an example in which a reference image is generated by combining images obtained by scanning a non-defective product a plurality of times is described, an image obtained by scanning a non-defective product once may be used as the reference image.

[0077] In the second exemplary embodiment, reference is made to Fig. 10A An example in which the checking device 0108 instructs the client computer 0110 to send a print job will be described. Description of portions common to the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment will be omitted.

[0078] Fig. 10A is a diagram showing the Figure 7 Flowchart of details of the processing in step S717.

[0079] In step S740, the CPU 0226 prepares for reading the scanned image of the printed product. In the figure, step S716 corresponds to the processing in step S740.

[0080] In step S741, the CPU 0226 determines whether the preparation for reading the scanned image is completed. If the preparation is completed ("Yes" in step S741), the CPU 0226 is ready to receive the scanned image of the print, and the process proceeds to step S742. If the preparation is not completed ("No" in step S741), the process returns to step S740, and the CPU 0226 continues the preparation for reading the scanned image.

[0081] In step S742, the CPU 0226 issues an instruction to send a print job that can start inspection to the second receiving program 305 of the client computer 0110. More specifically, similar to the method for sending the control file, the instruction may be issued using HTTP communication, or the CPU 0226 may delete the control file placed in the shared folder by the client computer 0110 to notify the second receiving program 305 of the deletion event. In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU 0226 deletes the control file from the shared folder, thereby notifying the second receiving program 305 that preparation for inspection is complete.

[0082] exist Figure 7 In step S724, the second receiving program 305 obtains a deletion event of the control file placed in the folder, thereby determining that the print job corresponding to the control file can be sent. Subsequently, the second receiving program 305 sends an instruction for sending the print job to the workflow control program 304.

[0083] In step S718 , the workflow control program 304 sends the print job based on the determination made in step S724 .

[0084] As described above, the client computer 0110 according to the present exemplary embodiment can transmit a print job when determining that inspection of a print product to be produced based on the print job is possible.

[0085] In the second exemplary embodiment, an example is described in which the inspection device 0108 instructs the client computer 0110 to send a print job that can start inspection. On the other hand, in order to perform inspection without reducing the productivity of the image forming device 0101, it is desirable to take control taking into account the double-sided circulation. For example, in the case where an instruction to send the next print job is issued after the completion of the immediately preceding print job, the double-sided circulation is interrupted, which causes a reduction in the productivity of the image forming device 0101. In order to solve this situation, in the third exemplary embodiment, an example will be described in which a print job sending instruction is issued taking into account the double-sided circulation.

[0086] In step S712, the user issues an instruction to check a plurality of print jobs.

[0087] In step S713 , the workflow control program 304 generates a plurality of print jobs based on the instruction from the user. In step S714 , the second transmission program 306 generates control files corresponding to the plurality of print jobs and transmits the generated control files to the checking device 0108 .

[0088] Fig. 10B This is a diagram showing the Figure 7 Flowchart showing details of the processing in step S717.

[0089] In step S743, the CPU 0226 compares the respective reference image identifiers of the plurality of print jobs determined to be inspectable in step S741, and determines whether the respective reference image identifiers are identical (i.e., whether the respective patterns are identical). If the reference image identifiers are identical ("Yes" in step S743), the process proceeds to step S744. If the reference image identifiers are different ("No" in step S743), the process proceeds to step S747.

[0090] In step S744, the CPU 0226 compares the paper sizes of the print jobs and determines whether the paper sizes of the print products to be generated based on the print jobs are the same. If the paper sizes are the same ("Yes" in step S744), the process proceeds to step S745. If the paper sizes are different ("No" in step S744), the process proceeds to step S747.

[0091] In step S745, since the double-sided circulation of the image forming apparatus 0101 is controlled based on the paper size and the length of the sheet conveyance path, the CPU 0226 determines print jobs having the same reference image identifier and the same paper size as continuous print targets, so that sheets having the same paper size are continuously fed.

[0092] In step S746, the CPU 0226 determines whether the determination process has been completed for all print jobs. If the determination process has been completed for all print jobs ("Yes" in step S746), the process proceeds to step S742. If the determination process has not been completed for all print jobs ("No" in step S746), the process returns to step S743.

[0093] In the exemplary embodiment Figure 7 In step S718, the jobs determined as the continuous printing targets in step S745 are continuously sent. In addition, the jobs determined as the individual sending targets in step S747 are individually sent.

[0094] As described above, the inspection apparatus 0108 instructs the client computer 0110 to send a print job in consideration of the double-sided circulation of the image forming apparatus 0101 , thereby making it possible to perform inspection while improving the productivity of the image forming apparatus 0101 .

[0095] According to the above exemplary embodiment, even in a system where information about a reference image identifier and a job cannot or is not transmitted from a printing device to an inspection device, the inspection device can receive information for identifying a reference image from a client computer. As a result, the inspection device can use an appropriate reference image for inspection.

[0096] According to the above-described exemplary embodiments, even if information indicating a reference image cannot be added to a printed product, the printed product can be checked using a reference image corresponding to the printed product.

[0097] Other embodiments

[0098] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0099] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications, equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An inspection system, comprising: Printing equipment; an inspection device configured to inspect the quality of a print product printed by the printing device; as well as an information processing device configured to send a print job to the printing device, Wherein, the inspection equipment comprises: a first receiving unit configured to receive information indicating a reference image from the information processing device, the information being determination information for determining whether the reference image corresponding to the print job is registered, an acquisition unit configured to acquire the reference image based on information indicating the reference image, a first sending unit configured to send information indicating that preparation for inspection is complete to the information processing device after receiving the information indicating the reference image, a second receiving unit configured to receive, from the printing device, a scanned image of a print product printed by the printing device, and an inspection unit configured to inspect the quality of the print product based on a comparison between the received scanned image and the acquired reference image, and wherein the information processing device sends the print job to the printing device after receiving information indicating that preparation for inspection is complete from the inspection device, wherein the printing device comprises a printing unit configured to print based on a print job received from the information processing device, and Wherein, the inspection equipment further comprises: a determination unit configured to determine whether a reference image corresponding to the print job is registered based on the determination information, and a display unit configured to display information, wherein, when the determination unit determines that the reference image corresponding to the print job is not registered, the display unit displays a warning message, and Here, when the determination unit determines that the reference image corresponding to the print job is registered, the acquisition unit acquires the reference image based on information indicating the reference image.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1, in, The inspection device further includes a second sending unit configured to send information indicating an inspection result obtained by the inspection unit in the inspection to the printing device, and The printing device further includes: a receiving unit configured to receive information indicating the inspection result from the inspection device; and a control unit configured to control an output destination of the printed product based on the inspection result obtained by the inspection unit in the inspection.

3. An inspection device, configured to inspect the quality of a printed product printed by a printing device, the inspection device comprising: a first receiving unit configured to receive information indicating a reference image from an information processing device configured to send a print job to the printing device, the information being determination information for determining whether the reference image corresponding to the print job is registered; an acquisition unit configured to acquire the reference image based on information indicating the reference image; a determination unit configured to determine whether a reference image corresponding to the print job is registered based on the determination information; a display unit configured to display information; a first sending unit configured to send information indicating that preparation for inspection is complete to the information processing device after receiving the information indicating the reference image; a second receiving unit configured to receive, from the printing device, a scanned image of a print product printed based on a print job received from the information processing device; as well as an inspection unit configured to inspect the quality of the print product based on a comparison between the received scanned image and the acquired reference image, wherein, when the determination unit determines that the reference image corresponding to the print job is not registered, the display unit displays a warning message, and Here, when the determination unit determines that the reference image corresponding to the print job is registered, the acquisition unit acquires the reference image based on information indicating the reference image. 4 . The inspection device according to claim 3 , further comprising a second sending unit configured to send information indicating an inspection result obtained by the inspection unit in the inspection to the printing device based on the inspection result.

5. A control method for an inspection device, wherein the inspection device is configured to inspect the quality of a printed product printed by a printing device, the control method comprising: receiving information indicating a reference image from an information processing device configured to send a print job to the printing device, the information being determination information for determining whether the reference image corresponding to the print job is registered; after receiving the information indicating the reference image, sending information indicating that preparation for the inspection is complete to the information processing device; acquiring the reference image based on information indicating the reference image; determining, based on the determination information, whether a reference image corresponding to the print job is registered; receiving, from the printing device, a scanned image of a print product printed based on a print job received from the information processing device; checking the quality of the print product based on a comparison between the received scanned image and the acquired reference image; as well as If it is determined in the determination that the reference image corresponding to the print job is not registered, a warning message is displayed; Here, if it is determined in the determination that the reference image corresponding to the print job is registered, the reference image is acquired based on information indicating the reference image in the acquisition.

6. The control method according to claim 5, further comprising: Based on the inspection result obtained in the inspection, information indicating the inspection result is transmitted to the printing apparatus.

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