Inspection System, Information Processing Device, and Control Method Thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides an inspection system, an information processing apparatus, and a control method thereof. In an inspection system including a printing apparatus, an inspection apparatus configured to inspect the quality of a printed matter printed by the printing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus configured to send a print job to the printing apparatus, when a reference image to be used for inspecting the quality of the printed matter corresponding to the print job is registered, the information processing apparatus sends the print job to the printing apparatus, and when the reference image corresponding to the print job is not registered, the information processing apparatus does not send the print job.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] There is known an inspection system that reads printed matter printed by an image forming apparatus and inspects its quality. The inspection system can detect image defects (such as dirt and printing omission), character errors, barcode quality, etc. By changing, for example, the sheet discharge destination, the resulting product in which the above defects are detected is separated from the printed matter without defects.

[0003] Printed matter inspection is divided into inspection preparation and inspection. In inspection preparation, a reference image is registered by scanning a defect-free product. In inspection, an image to be inspected obtained by scanning the printed matter as an inspection sample is compared with the reference image, and errors in the printed matter are detected.

[0004] According to Japanese Patent No. 5168651, the reference image is stored in the memory of the printing device, and the stored reference image is used to detect errors in the printed matter.

[0005] However, in the case of the technique according to Japanese Patent No. 5168651, for example, if the registration of the reference image is forgotten, the inspection is also performed. More specifically, there is a problem that even if the reference image for inspection is not registered and thus the inspection cannot be correctly performed, printing for inspection is started and the printed matter is output in a state where the inspection cannot be performed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide an inspection system that can prevent the output of printed matter in a state where the inspection cannot be correctly performed due to the non-registration of the reference image corresponding to the printed matter.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an inspection system including: a printing device; an inspection device configured to inspect the quality of printed matter 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 receiving unit configured to receive a scanned image obtained by scanning the printed matter printed by the printing device from the printing device, and an inspection unit configured to inspect the quality of the printed matter based on a comparison between the received scanned image and a reference image, wherein the information processing device includes a sending unit configured to send a print job to the printing device, and wherein, in the case where a reference image to be used for inspecting the quality of the printed matter corresponding to the print job is registered, the sending unit sends the print job, and in the case where a reference image corresponding to the print job is not registered, the sending unit does not send the print job.

[0008] An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus and an inspection apparatus, the inspection apparatus being configured to inspect the quality of a printed matter printed by the printing apparatus, the information processing apparatus including: a transmission unit configured to transmit a print job to the printing apparatus; and a determination unit configured to determine whether a reference image for inspecting the quality of the printed matter corresponding to the print job is registered, wherein, when the determination unit determines that the reference image for inspecting the quality of the printed matter corresponding to the print job is registered, the transmission unit transmits the print job, and when the determination unit determines that the reference image corresponding to the print job is not registered, the transmission unit does not transmit the print job.

[0009] A control method for an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus and an inspection apparatus, the inspection apparatus being configured to inspect the quality of a printed matter printed by the printing apparatus, the control method including: transmitting a print job to the printing apparatus; and determining whether a reference image for inspecting the quality of the printed matter corresponding to the print job is registered, wherein, in the transmitting, when it is determined in the determining that the reference image for inspecting the quality of the printed matter corresponding to the print job is registered, the print job is transmitted, and when it is determined in the determining that the reference image corresponding to the print job is not registered, the print job is not transmitted.

[0010] Other features of the present disclosure will become clear from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

[0013] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a program included in a client computer.

[0014] Figure 4 shows an example of a job according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5A and Figure 5B shows an example of a reference image registration instruction file according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 is a table indicating an example of information stored in a database for associating a printed matter with a reference image according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B 、 Figure 7C and Figure 7D show an example of a screen according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8A and Figure 8B show an example of a screen according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 is a table for determining the completion of inspection settings according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 show an example of a reference image according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the processing to be performed when a print job selection is indicated according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing to be performed when print settings completion is indicated according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the processing to be performed when reference image registration execution is indicated according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing to be performed when reference image registration start is indicated according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the processing to be performed when print and inspection execution is indicated according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the processing to be performed when inspection start is indicated according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the processing to be performed when reference image registration start is indicated according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the processing to be performed when reference image registration start is indicated according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the processing to be performed when reference image registration start is indicated according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the processing to be performed in the case of instructing execution of printing and inspection according to a modification of the first exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0031] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an inspection system including an information processing device, an inspection device, and an image forming device according to the first exemplary embodiment. The image forming device according to the present exemplary embodiment is described as an image forming device using an electrophotographic method, but may also be an image forming device using a different image forming method (such as an inkjet method and an offset printing method).

[0033] The image forming device 0101 is connected to the information processing device 0109 via a cable 0112 and can communicate therewith. The information processing device 0109 is connected to a client computer (information processing device) 0110 and an inspection device 0108 via a network 0113 and can communicate therewith.

[0034] The image forming device 0101 includes a user interface (UI) panel 0102 and sheet feeding trays 0103 and 0104. The image forming device 0101 is also connected to an optional tray 0105 including a three-stage sheet feeding tray. The image forming device 0101 is, for example, an image forming device using an electrophotographic method. The UI panel 0102 is a user interface provided with, for example, a capacitive touch panel.

[0035] The image forming device 0101 further includes an inspection unit 0106 and a high-capacity stacker 0107. The inspection unit 0106 is connected to the inspection device 0108 via a cable 0114. The high-capacity stacker 0107 includes a main tray and a top tray, and can load thousands of sheets on the main tray at a time.

[0036] A print job is generated by the client computer 0110, sent to the information processing device 0109 via the network 0113, and managed in 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, and the image forming device 0101 performs processing for printing the print job on a sheet. The print job may be generated and managed in the information processing device 0109, sent to the image forming device 0101 via the cable 0112, and managed in the image forming device 0101.

[0037] The client computer 0110, the information processing device 0109, and the inspection device 0108 can be connected to the cable 0112 to be able to communicate with the image forming device 0101. Therefore, the connection form of the image forming device 0101, the information processing device 0109, and the client computer 0110 according to the present exemplary embodiment is an example, and various connection forms can be used in addition to the connection form according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the image forming device 0101, the inspection device 0108, the high-capacity stacker 0107, the information processing device 0109, and the client computer 0110 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0039] The central processing unit (CPU) 0201 controls and performs calculations on each unit in the image forming device 0101 via the system bus 0212. The CPU 0201 controls the execution of a program stored in the storage unit 0205 and loaded into the random access memory (RAM) 0202. The RAM 0202 is a commonly used volatile storage device that can be directly accessed from the CPU 0201 and is used as the working area or temporary data storage area of the CPU 0201. The storage unit 0205 is used as a temporary storage area and working memory during the operation of the image forming device 0101.

[0040] The engine interface (I / F) 0209 communicates with and controls the printer engine 0210. The sheet feeding table I / F 0204 communicates with and controls the sheet feeding table 0211. The sheet feeding table 0211 is a collective term for the sheet feeding tables 0103 and 0104 and the optional table 0105 as hardware configurations. The UI panel 0203 is the hardware configuration of the UI panel 0102 and is a user interface for performing the overall operation of the image forming device 0101. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the UI panel 0203 includes a capacitive touch panel.

[0041] The network interface (hereinafter referred to as NW I / F) 0207 is connected to the NW I / F 0238 of the information processing device 0109 via the cable 0213 and controls the communication between the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101. In this example, the interfaces connected to the system buses 0212 and 0239 are directly connected to each other, but the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101 can be connected to each other via, for example, a network, and the connection form is not limited. The video I / F 0206 is connected to the video I / F 0233 via the video cable 0241 and controls the communication of image data between the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101.

[0042] The connection interface of the information processing device 0109 to the image forming device 0101 can be in a form that integrates the functions of the NW I / F 0238 and the video I / F 0233. In addition, the connection interface of the image forming device 0101 to the information processing device 0109 can be in a form that integrates the functions of the NW I / F 0207 and the video I / F 0206.

[0043] The attachment I / F 0208 is connected to the attachment I / F 0214 and the attachment I / F 0220 via the cable 0225. In this way, the image forming device 0101 communicates with the inspection unit 0106 and the high-capacity stacker 0107 via the attachment I / F 0208, 0214, and 0220.

[0044] The CPU 0216 controls and performs calculations on each unit in the inspection unit 0106 via the system bus 0219, and controls the execution of a program stored in the storage unit 0247 and loaded into the RAM 0217. The RAM 0217 is a commonly used volatile storage device that can be directly accessed from the CPU 0216 and is used as the working area or 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 device 0108 operates. The inspection device I / F 0215 is connected to the inspection unit I / F 0231 via the cable 0251. Therefore, the inspection unit 0106 communicates with the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231.

[0045] The imaging unit 0218 equipped with, for example, a contact image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CIS) has an imaging function, captures an image of the sheet passing through the inspection unit 0106, and sends the captured image to the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215. The CIS of the imaging unit 0218 is an example of a sensor, and the imaging unit 0218 can use other types of sensors, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor, without limiting the imaging method.

[0046] The CPU 0221 controls and performs calculations on each unit in the high-capacity stacker 0107 via the system bus 0224, and controls the execution of a program stored in the storage unit 0248 and loaded into the RAM 0222. The RAM 0222 is a commonly used volatile storage device that can be directly accessed from the CPU 0221 and is used as the working area or temporary data storage area of the CPU 0221. The storage unit 0248 is used as a temporary storage area and working memory when the inspection device 0108 operates. The sheet discharge unit 0223 monitors and controls the sheet discharge operations of the main tray and the top tray, as well as the stacking states of the main tray and the top tray respectively.

[0047] CPU 0226 controls and performs calculations on each unit in the inspection device 0108 via the system bus 0230, and controls the execution of a program stored in the storage unit 0228 and loaded into the RAM 0227. The RAM 0227 is a commonly used volatile storage device that can be directly accessed from the CPU 0226 and serves as the working area or temporary data storage area of 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 portable document format (PDF) data, PostScript data, and page control language (PCL) data) received from the client computer 0110 and 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, receives input from the user for the inspection device 0108, and displays the status of the inspection device 0108.

[0048] CPU 0234 controls and performs calculations on each unit in the information processing device 0109 via the system bus 0239, and controls the execution of a program stored in the storage unit 0236 and loaded into the RAM 0235. The RAM 0235 is a commonly used volatile storage device that can be directly accessed from the CPU 0234 and serves as the working area or another temporary data storage area of 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 0232 and 0240 via the network. The information processing device 0109 communicates with the inspection device 0108 via the NW I / F 0237 and 0232. In addition, the information processing device 0109 communicates with the client computer 0110 via the NW I / F 0237 and 0240.

[0049] CPU 0243 controls and performs calculations on each unit in the client computer 0110 via the system bus 0246, and controls the execution of a program stored in the storage unit 0244 and loaded into the RAM 0242. The RAM 0242 is a commonly used volatile storage device that can be directly accessed from the CPU 0243 and serves as the working area or temporary data storage area of the CPU 0243. The storage unit 0244 serves as a temporary storage area and working memory during the operation of the client computer 0110. The display unit 0249 is, for example, a liquid crystal display connected to the client computer 0110, receives input from the user for the client computer 0110, and displays the status of the print job.

[0050] Figure 3Shows the configuration of the programs included in the client computer 0110.

[0051] The boot loader 301 is a program executed immediately after the power of the client computer 0110 is turned on. This program includes programs for performing various startup sequences required to start the system.

[0052] The operating system 302 is a program that provides an execution environment for various programs that implement the functions of the client computer 0110. The operating system 302 provides functions for managing resources such as the memory (i.e., RAM 0242 and storage unit 0244) of the client computer 0110 and other functions.

[0053] The network control program 303 is a program executed when sending / receiving data to / from a device connected via a network. More specifically, the network control program 303 is used when sending a print job to the image forming device 0101 and performing print processing. The network control program 303 is also used when sending a reference image registration instruction file to the inspection device 0108. The network control program 303 is further used when receiving a print job sending instruction from the inspection device 0108.

[0054] The workflow control program 304 is a program for centrally managing the generation of print jobs, the sending of print jobs, and the generation of files, and is the core of the client computer 0110.

[0055] The second receiving program 305 is a program for receiving a preparation completion notice from the inspection device 0108. When receiving a preparation completion notice from the inspection device 0108, the second receiving program 305 notifies the workflow control program 304 of the instructions, conditions, etc. in the preparation completion notice.

[0056] The second sending program 306 is a program for sending a file to the inspection device 0108. The second sending program 306 generates a file using information about the print job before sending the print job, and sends the generated file to the inspection device 0108.

[0057] The UI control program 307 is a program for controlling the screen to be displayed on the display unit 0249 of the client computer 0110, and controls the display on the screen and the enabling and disabling of buttons.

[0058] Figure 4An example of a print job generated by the client computer 0110 is shown. According to this exemplary embodiment, the description of the print job format is given based on the Job Definition Format (JDF) format, which is a standard specification. The main information included in the print job is the job identifier (ID) 401, the print job name 402, the resource information 403 indicating the use of the PDF data, and the number of copies 404 of the print job. The job ID 401 is used to uniquely identify the print job.

[0059] Figure 5A An example of a reference image registration instruction file generated in the client computer 0110 and sent to the inspection device 0108 is shown. The reference image registration instruction file represents the outline of the print job and is used for the purpose of sending information about the print job to a device such as the inspection device 0108. According to this exemplary embodiment, the reference image registration instruction file is generated in the Extensible Markup Language (XML) format. However, the reference image registration instruction file can be generated in the JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format and other different formats.

[0060] The root element 500 of the reference image registration instruction file corresponds to one print job. The job ID 501 includes the same value as the value of the job ID 401 of the print job in Figure 4 . The reference image identifier 502 is used for the purpose of identifying the reference image by the inspection device 0108. The value of the reference image identifier 502 can be mapped from the print job name 402 and the resource information 403. According to this exemplary embodiment, the second sender 306 maps the value of the print job name 402 into the reference image identifier 502.

[0061] The number of copies 503 of the print job indicates how many times the same print is repeated for one print queue. For example, if the number of pages is ten, the number of copies 503 of the print job specifies how many copies (times) the entire ten pages are printed. The number of copies 503 of the print job is used to determine how many times the inspection is performed. If a small value is entered for the number of copies 503 of the print job in the reference image registration instruction file, the printed matter to be inspected will not be inspected. For this reason, the number of copies 503 of the print job in the reference image registration instruction file is set to the same value as the number of copies specified in the print job.

[0062] The number of scans 504 of the printed matter is used during the reference image registration. The number of scans 504 of the printed matter specifies the number of times a defect-free product is scanned in the case of generating the reference image. According to this exemplary embodiment, the reference image is obtained by synthesizing the images obtained by scanning the defect-free product multiple times. The reference image obtained by synthesizing the images includes less noise, thereby improving the inspection accuracy. On the contrary, if the number of scans of the defect-free product is small, the noise in the reference image becomes obvious, and the inspection accuracy is reduced.

[0063] The collation setting 505 indicates whether there is a collation setting in the print job. In the case of printing multiple copies without the collation setting, the print process is performed in the order of the first page, the first page, and the first page, rather than printing the first page, the second page, and the third page. Therefore, the presence or absence of the collation setting is used to determine whether to perform the check in the order of the first page, the first page, and the first page. The medium size 506 is the size of the sheet specified in the print job.

[0064] Figure 5B An example of a reference image registration result file generated in the inspection device 0108 and sent to the client computer 0110 is shown. The reference image registration result file is used for the purpose of notifying the client computer 0110 of the result of the reference image registration. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the reference image registration result file is generated in the XML format. However, the reference image registration result file may be generated in the JSON format or the like.

[0065] The root element 510 of the reference image registration result file corresponds to one print job. The reference image identifier 511 is used for the purpose of identifying the reference image by the inspection device 0108, and indicates that the registration of the reference image identified by the reference image identifier is completed.

[0066] Figure 6 An example of information stored in a database for associating a print, a reference image, and a registration status of the reference image is shown. The database 600 is stored in the storage unit 0244 of the client computer 0110. The reference image identifier 601 is used for the purpose of identifying the reference image by the inspection device 0108. The database 600 includes a job ID 602. The database 600 also includes a reference image registration status 603. In the case where the reference image is registered, the reference image registration status 603 is set to yes. And in the case where the reference image is not registered, the reference image registration status 603 is set to no. If the NW I / F 0237 of the client computer 0110 receives a reference image registration result file from the NW I / F 0232 of the inspection device 0108, the second receiving program 305 analyzes the reference image registration result file. The second receiving program 305 obtains a value from the reference image identifier 511 in the reference image registration result file. The second reception program 305 checks the database 600 , and if the same value as the value of the reference image identifier 511 exists in the database 600 , changes the reference image registration state 603 to Yes (registered).

[0067] Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C and Figure 7DAn example of a screen for performing printing and inspection in the client computer 0110 is shown. This screen is controlled by the UI control program 307 and is displayed on the display unit 0249. On the screen 700, a print settings button 701, a reference image registration button 702, a print button 703, and a print job list 704 are displayed. The print settings button 701, the reference image registration button 702, and the print button 703 each have an enabled state and a disabled state. If they are in the enabled state, they accept presses, while if they are in the disabled state, they do not accept presses. In the print job list 704, a list of print jobs stored in the storage unit 0244 is displayed. According to this exemplary embodiment, a print job is sent from the management information system as a comma-separated value (CSV) file or the like specifying setting values, and the print job is received by the client computer 0110. After being received, the print job is stored in the storage unit 0244.

[0068] Figure 7A An example of a state where no job is selected in the print job list 704 is illustrated. The print settings button 701, the reference image registration button 702, and the print button 703 are disabled.

[0069] Figure 7B An example of a state where a print job with the inspection setting 711 set to OFF is selected in the print job list 704 is illustrated. The reference image registration button 702 is disabled, while the print settings button 701 and the print button 703 are enabled.

[0070] Figure 7C An example of a state where a print job with the inspection setting 711 set to ON is selected in the print job list 704 and the registration of the reference image corresponding to the selected print job is not completed is illustrated. The print button 703 is disabled, while the print settings button 701 and the reference image registration button 702 are enabled.

[0071] Figure 7D An example of a state where a print job with the inspection setting 711 set to ON is selected in the print job list 704 and the registration of the reference image corresponding to the selected print job is completed is illustrated. The print settings button 701, the reference image registration button 702, and the print button 703 are enabled.

[0072] Figure 8A An example of a screen for performing print settings in the client computer 0110 is shown. This screen is controlled by the UI control program 307 and is displayed on the display unit 0249.

[0073] Figure 8AShows the print settings screen 705. The print settings screen 705 includes a job ID 706, an input field 707 for the job name, and an input field 708 for the number of copies. The print settings screen 705 also includes an input field 709 for the number of scans required to generate a reference image, an input field 710 for the media size, and a selection bar 750 for ON and OFF of collation printing settings. The user uses the selection bar 712 to select whether to perform an inspection on the print job. When the selection bar 712 for inspection is set to ON, if the user performs a reference image registration operation and then a printing operation, the inspection is executed. When the selection bar 712 for inspection is set to OFF, if the user performs a printing operation, only printing is performed without executing the inspection. The print settings screen 705 also includes a print settings completion button 713.

[0074] Figure 8B Shows an example of an inspection parameter settings screen in the inspection device 0108. The inspection parameter settings screen is displayed on the display unit 0245 of the inspection device 0108.

[0075] The inspection parameter settings screen 714 includes the job name 715 of the currently set inspection object and an input field 716 for the number of copies for inspection. The inspection parameter settings screen 714 also includes an input field 717 for the media size (sheet size) of the inspection object, a selection bar 718 for ON and OFF of collation printing settings, and a setting button 719 for inspection area and inspection level. If the setting button 719 is pressed, an inspection area settings screen (not shown) is opened, and the user is asked to specify the area to be inspected in the reference image and set the inspection level corresponding to that area. The inspection parameter settings screen 714 also includes an inspection parameter settings completion button 720.

[0076] The processing according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart. The program of the image forming apparatus 0101 according to this flowchart is stored in the storage unit 0205 of the image forming apparatus 0101, read into the RAM 0202, and executed by the CPU 0201. The program of the inspection device 0108 according to this flowchart is stored in the storage unit 0228 of the inspection device 0108, read into the RAM 0227, and executed by the CPU 0226. The program of the information processing device 0109 according to this flowchart is stored in the storage unit 0236 of the information processing device 0109, read into the RAM 0235, and executed by the CPU 0234. The program of the client computer 0110 according to this flowchart is stored in the storage unit 0244 of the client computer 0110, read into the RAM 0242, and executed by the CPU 0243.

[0077] Figure 11Shows the processing performed by the client computer 0110 when it is indicated that the client computer 0110 selects a print job. More specifically, the UI control program 307 receives operations and performs various processes for controlling the UI.

[0078] In step S800, the UI control program 307 receives an operation for selecting a print job. Figure 7A Each row in the print job list 704 on the displayed screen 700 indicates a print job, and if the user selects that row, the UI control program 307 receives the selection of the print job corresponding to that row.

[0079] In step S801, the UI control program 307 enables the UI for performing print settings. The UI for performing print settings is, for example, Figure 7A the print settings button 701 shown. The print settings button 701 is disabled and does not accept pressing before a print job is selected. In cases such as Figure 7B 、 Figure 7C and Figure 7D when a print job is selected as shown, the print settings button 701 receives a press, and the UI control program 307 displays Figure 8B the print settings screen 705 shown.

[0080] In step S802, the workflow control program 304 determines whether the check in the print settings of the selected print job is set to ON (on) or OFF (off). As a result of the determination, when the check is set to ON (yes in step S802), the process proceeds to step S804. On the other hand, when the check is set to OFF (no in step S802), the process proceeds to step S803.

[0081] In step S803, the UI control program 307 disables the UI for performing reference image registration. The UI for performing reference image registration is, for example, Figure 7A the reference image registration button 702 shown. Figure 7B The reference image registration button 702 in [[ ]] indicates the disabled state and does not accept pressing. According to this exemplary embodiment, reference image registration is performed by pressing the reference image registration button 702. However, reference image registration can be performed by pressing, for example, a test print button. In this case, the test print button can be enabled.

[0082] In step S804, the UI control program 307 enables the UI for performing reference image registration. Figure 7C and Figure 7D The reference image registration button 702 in [[ ]] indicates the enabled state and accepts pressing.

[0083] In step S805, the workflow control program 304 determines whether the reference image of the selected print job has been registered. The workflow control program 304 refers to Figure 6 the database 600 shown, and determines whether the reference image registration status 603 corresponding to the reference image identifier 502 associated with the print job is registered. When it is determined that the reference image has been registered (Yes in step S805), the process proceeds to step S806. However, when it is determined that the reference image has not been registered (No in step S805), the process proceeds to step S807.

[0084] In step S806, the UI control program 307 enables the UI for performing printing and inspection. The UI for performing printing and inspection is, for example, Figure 7A the print button 703 shown. Figure 7B and Figure 7D the print button 703 in [figure] indicates an enabled state and accepts presses.

[0085] In step S807, the UI control program 307 disables the UI for performing printing and inspection. Figure 7A and Figure 7C the print button 703 in [figure] indicates a disabled state and does not accept presses.

[0086] Figure 12 [Figure] shows the processing performed by the client computer 0110 when the client computer 0110 is instructed to complete print settings. More specifically, the UI control program 307 receives operations and performs various processes for controlling the UI.

[0087] In step S808, the workflow control program 304 receives print settings. If the user selects a print job and presses the print settings button 701, print settings are made on the print settings screen displayed by the UI control program 307, and the print settings are received by pressing the print settings completion button 713.

[0088] In step S809, the workflow control program 304 analyzes the received print settings and determines whether inspection is set to ON or OFF in the print settings of the print job. As a result of the determination, when inspection is set to ON (Yes in step S809), the process proceeds to step S804. When inspection is set to OFF (No in step S809), the process proceeds to step S803.

[0089] The processing in steps S803 and S804 and subsequent steps has been described with reference to Figure 8A and thus its description is omitted.

[0090] Figure 13It is a flowchart showing the processing when the client computer 0110 performs reference image registration.

[0091] In step S810, the workflow control program 304 receives a reference image registration execution instruction. The reference image registration execution instruction corresponds to, for example, the user pressing the reference image registration button 702.

[0092] In step S811, the second transmission program 306 generates Figure 5A the shown reference image registration instruction file based on the settings of the print job, and sends the reference image registration instruction file to the inspection device 0108. The sending method can be Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) communication or storing the reference image registration instruction file in a folder accessible to the client computer 0110 and the inspection device 0108. According to this exemplary embodiment, a method for storing the reference image registration instruction file in a folder is described.

[0093] In step S812, the second reception program 305 obtains a deletion event of the reference image registration instruction file stored in the folder, and thus determines that it is possible to send a print instruction corresponding to the reference image registration instruction file.

[0094] In step S813, the workflow control program 304 sends a print instruction for reference image registration to the image forming device 0101 via the information processing device 0109.

[0095] In step S814, if the reference image registration result file is received from the NW I / F 0232 of the inspection device 0108, the second reception program 305 analyzes the reference image registration result file and obtains a value from the reference image identifier 511 in the reference image registration result file. The second reception program 305 checks the database 600, and if there is a value in the database 600 that is the same as the value of the reference image identifier 511, it changes the reference image registration status 603 to Yes (registered).

[0096] In step S815, the UI control program 307 obtains the job ID corresponding to the reference image identifier 511 whose reference image registration status 603 has been changed to Yes (registered) from the database 600, and determines whether the obtained job ID is the same as the job ID of the print job selected in the print job list. As a result of the determination, if the job ID is selected (Yes in step S815), the process proceeds to step S816. If the job ID is not selected (No in step S815), the reference image registration process of the client computer 0110 is terminated.

[0097] In step S816, the UI control program 307 enables the UI for performing printing and inspection. The UI for performing printing and inspection is, for example, Figure 7A the print button 703 shown. Figure 7B and Figure 7D the print button 703 in indicates an enabled state and accepts a press.

[0098] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing when the inspection device 0108 performs reference image registration.

[0099] In step S817, the CPU 0226 receives a reference image registration start instruction from the client computer 0110. According to this exemplary embodiment, the CPU 0226 receives the reference image registration start instruction by reading a reference image registration instruction file stored in a folder by the client computer 0110.

[0100] In step S818, the CPU 0226 starts reading the reference image. At this time, the inspection unit I / F 0231 notifies the inspection device I / F 0215 to start reading the reference image. Then, the CPU 0216 notifies the imaging unit 0218 to prepare to read the reference image. If the preparation is completed, the CPU 0216 notifies the completion to the CPU 0226 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231.

[0101] In step S819, since the preparation for reference image registration is completed, the CPU 0226 is in a state of waiting to receive the scanned image of the printed matter. In addition, the CPU 0226 notifies the client computer 0110 that the preparation for reference image registration has been completed. According to this exemplary embodiment, the completion of the preparation for reference image registration is notified by deleting the reference image registration instruction file stored in the folder.

[0102] In step S820, the CPU 0226 receives the image of the printed matter scanned by the inspection unit 0106 from the inspection unit 0106 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231.

[0103] In step S821, the CPU 0226 registers the image received in step S820 in the RAM 0227 as a reference image. At this time, multiple reference images can be read to allow the user to select one reference image, combine reference images, or register multiple reference images.

[0104] In step S822, the CPU 0226 displays an inspection parameter setting screen 714 on the display unit 0245. If the display unit 0245 receives a "completion" instruction on the inspection parameter setting screen 714, the process proceeds to step S823.

[0105] In step S823, the CPU 0226 determines whether the registration of the reference image is completed for the number of sheets of the print job described in the inspection start instruction file. If the registration of the reference image is completed (Yes in step S823), the process proceeds to step S824. If the registration of the reference image is not completed (No in step S823), the process returns to step S820.

[0106] In step S824, the registration of the reference image is completed for the number of sheets of the print job described in the inspection start instruction file, and thus the CPU 0226 ends the reading of the reference image.

[0107] In step S825, the CPU 0226 sends the reference image registration result file to the client computer 0110.

[0108] Figure 15 FIG. is a flowchart showing the processing when the client computer 0110 executes printing and inspection.

[0109] In step S826, the workflow control program 304 receives a printing and inspection execution instruction. The printing and inspection execution instruction corresponds to, for example, a pressing operation of the user on the print button 703.

[0110] In step S827, the workflow control program 304 determines whether the inspection setting is set to ON in the print job for which the printing and inspection execution instruction is issued. As a result of the determination, if the inspection is set to ON (Yes in step S827), the process proceeds to step S828. If the inspection is set to OFF (No in step S827), the process proceeds to step S830.

[0111] In step S828, the second sending program 306 generates an inspection start instruction file based on the settings in the print job and sends the generated inspection start instruction file to the inspection device 0108. The sending method can be HTTP communication or storing the inspection start instruction file in a folder accessible to the client computer 0110 and the inspection device 0108. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the method of storing the inspection start instruction file in a folder is described.

[0112] In step S829, the second receiving program 305 obtains a deletion event of the inspection start instruction file stored in the folder and thus determines that a print instruction corresponding to the inspection start instruction file can be sent.

[0113] In step S830, the workflow control program 304 sends a print instruction to the image forming device 0101 via the information processing device 0109.

[0114] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the processing when the inspection device 0108 performs an inspection.

[0115] In step S831, the CPU 0226 receives an inspection start instruction from the client computer 0110. According to this exemplary embodiment, the CPU 0226 receives the inspection start instruction by reading an inspection start instruction file stored in a folder by the client computer 0110.

[0116] In step S832, the CPU 0226 obtains a reference image corresponding to the print job using the information described in the inspection start instruction.

[0117] In step S833, the CPU 0226 starts inspecting the print job associated with the reference image and starts reading the image to be inspected.

[0118] In step S834, since the preparation for registering the reference image is completed, the CPU 0226 is in a state of waiting to scan the printed matter. In addition, the CPU 0226 notifies the client computer 0110 that the preparation for starting the inspection is completed. According to this exemplary embodiment, the completion of the preparation for starting the inspection is notified by deleting the inspection start instruction file stored in the folder.

[0119] In step S835, the CPU 0226 receives the image to be inspected scanned by the inspection unit 0106 from the inspection unit 0106 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231.

[0120] In step S836, the CPU 0226 reads the reference image identified in step S832 from the storage unit 0228 and performs an inspection by comparing the reference image with the image to be inspected received from the inspection unit 0106.

[0121] In step S837, the CPU 0226 determines the inspection result. If the inspection result is successful (yes in step S837), the process proceeds to step S838. If the inspection result is a failure (no in step S837), the process proceeds to step S839.

[0122] In step S838, the CPU 0226 instructs the high-capacity stacker 0107 to output the printed matter that has passed the inspection to the main tray in the sheet discharge unit 0223 of the high-capacity stacker 0107.

[0123] In step S839, the CPU 0226 instructs the high-capacity stacker 0107 to output the printed matter with inspection failure to the top tray in the sheet discharge unit 0223 of the high-capacity stacker 0107.

[0124] In step S840, the CPU 0226 determines whether the inspection of the print item to be inspected is completed. If the inspection is completed (Yes in step S840), the process proceeds to step S841. If the inspection is not completed (No in step S840), the process returns to step S835.

[0125] In step S841, since the inspection of the print item to be inspected is completed, the CPU 0226 ends the reading of the inspection target image.

[0126] According to the above exemplary embodiment, the following example is described: determining whether a reference image is registered to change the display of the UI, and if the reference image is registered, a print instruction can be issued. However, it is also possible to determine whether the reference image is registered after issuing the print instruction. If the reference image is registered, a print job can be sent, and if the reference image is not registered, a print job may not be sent.

[0127] In Figures 7A through 7D , when the reference image is registered, the print button 703 is controlled to be selectable. According to a variant of the first exemplary embodiment, the print button 703 can be selected regardless of whether the reference image is registered.

[0128] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the process according to a variant of the first exemplary embodiment. More specifically, Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the process when the client computer 0110 performs printing and inspection. Except for steps S848 and S849, the steps are similar to Figure 15 and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0129] In step S848, the workflow control program 304 determines whether the reference image of the print job instructed to be printed in step S826 has been registered. The determination method is similar to Figure 11 the determination method in step S805. If it is determined that the reference image has been registered (Yes in step S848), the process proceeds to step S827. If it is determined that the reference image has not been registered (No in step S848), the process proceeds to step S849.

[0130] In step S849, a warning is displayed to indicate that the reference image has not been registered.

[0131] According to the present exemplary embodiment, in the case where the reference image corresponding to the print item is not registered, it is possible to prevent the output of the print item in a state where inspection cannot be performed.

[0132] According to a first exemplary embodiment, the following configuration is described: Information required for the inspection device to perform an inspection is described in an inspection start instruction file and is sent by a client computer. On the other hand, in some cases, information required for the inspection device to perform an inspection can be input through the inspection device. The information required for the inspection device to perform an inspection varies depending on the inspection device. According to a second exemplary embodiment, the inspection device determines whether the input of information required to perform the inspection is completed, and if not, the client computer prevents the user from performing operations for printing and inspection. Therefore, it is possible to prevent printed matter from being output in a state where inspection cannot be performed.

[0133] According to a second exemplary embodiment, with reference to Figure 9 and Figure 17 the following example is described: When information required to perform an inspection is prepared in addition to a reference image, it is determined that the reference image is registered. Parts common to the above exemplary embodiments are omitted from the following description.

[0134] Figure 9 A database for determining whether the input of information required for the inspection device to perform an inspection is completed is shown. The database 900 is stored in the storage unit 0228 of the inspection device 0108.

[0135] Column 901 indicates whether the user needs to set each inspection parameter on the inspection parameter setting screen 714. "True" indicates that the corresponding inspection parameter needs to be set, and "false" indicates that the corresponding inspection parameter does not need to be set. For inspection parameters that must be set in step S822, "true" is stored in column 901. For example, when the column 901 for media size is set to "true", even if the user presses the inspection parameter setting completion button 720, the inspection parameter setting screen 714 will not close unless the user enters the media size in the input field 717 on the inspection parameter setting screen 714. On the other hand, when a default value is prepared and inspection can be performed without setting parameters, and when parameters are obtained later by receiving the set value in the inspection start instruction in step S831, "false" is stored in column 901. For example, when inspection can be performed using default inspection areas and inspection levels even if the user does not set the inspection area and inspection level, "false" is stored in the columns 901 corresponding to the inspection area and inspection level.

[0136] Figure 17 Processing performed by the inspection device 0108 when the inspection device 0108 is instructed to start registering a reference image is shown. More specifically, the CPU 0226 receives an instruction and performs various processes for registering a reference image.

[0137] In step S842, the CPU 0226 checks the inspection parameters set in step S822 and determines whether the input of the parameters required for performing the inspection has been completed. As a result of the determination, when the input has been completed (Yes in step S842), the process proceeds to step S823. When the input has not been completed (No in step S842), the process proceeds to step S822. The parameters required for performing the inspection include the number of inspections, the inspection area, and the inspection level. Figure 9 The database 900 shown is used to determine whether the input is completed. The database 900 is stored in the storage unit 0228 of the inspection device 0108. The CPU 0226 determines whether all the settings are completed by comparing the parameters specified as "true" in the inspection settings registered in the database 900 with the inspection parameters set in step S822.

[0138] According to the present exemplary embodiment, even in a configuration in which the information required for the inspection device to perform an inspection is input by the inspection device, it is possible to prevent a printed product from being output in a state where the inspection cannot be performed.

[0139] There are cases where information required for inspection (such as feature point information) is obtained from an image scanned for registering a reference image.

[0140] In the inspection process, it is necessary to adjust the positions of the image in the reference image and the image of the printed product included in the image to be inspected in order to compare the reference image with the image to be inspected. Figure 10 An example of a scanned image is shown. The position adjustment can be performed in two ways, that is, the case where the contour 1000 of the sheet in the scanned image is used as a feature point and the case where the image 1001 printed on the sheet is used as a feature point. When the sheet cannot be accommodated within the range where the scanner can capture an image, the contour 1000 of the sheet in the scanned image cannot be detected to be used as a feature point. In addition, when the image 1001 printed on the sheet has few features, such as a blank page, feature points cannot be detected from the image 1001 printed on the sheet. In the above cases, the user needs to add a marker 1002 for detecting feature points to the image so that feature points can be detected, and then register the reference image again. According to the third exemplary embodiment, the inspection device determines whether the information required for performing the inspection can be obtained from the scanned image, and if not, the client computer prevents the user from performing operations for performing printing and inspection. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a printed product from being output in a state where the inspection cannot be performed.

[0141] According to the third exemplary embodiment, referring to Figure 18The following example is described: Information required for inspection cannot be obtained from the image scanned for reference image registration. Portions common to the above-described exemplary embodiments are omitted from the following description. The processing added to this exemplary embodiment can be added to and executed in the processing according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0142] Figure 18 The processing executed by the inspection device 0108 when an instruction to start reference image registration is given to the inspection device 0108 is shown. More specifically, the CPU 0226 receives an instruction and executes various processes for registering the reference image.

[0143] In step S843, the CPU 0226 determines whether information required for performing the inspection can be obtained. According to this exemplary embodiment, the CPU 0226 determines whether feature points can be detected from the scanned image. As a result of the determination, when information required for performing the inspection can be obtained (Yes in step S843), the process proceeds to step S821. However, when information required for performing the inspection cannot be obtained (No in step S843), the process proceeds to step S844.

[0144] In step S844, the CPU 0226 displays on the display unit 0245 that information required for performing the inspection cannot be obtained from the scanned image to notify the user.

[0145] According to this exemplary embodiment, in a configuration where the inspection device obtains information required for performing the inspection from the scanned image, it is possible to prevent printed matter from being output when the inspection cannot be performed due to inability to obtain information.

[0146] In the case of a system that generates one reference image from a plurality of scanned images, a synthesis process needs to be performed and then the inspection is started. On the other hand, if there is one scanned image, the inspection can be started without performing the synthesis process. Whether to perform the synthesis process is specified for each print job on the print settings screen 705 in the client computer 0110. When a value greater than 1 is set in the input field 709 for the number of scans, the synthesis process is performed, and when 1 is set in the input field 709 for the number of scans, the synthesis process is not performed.

[0147] According to the fourth exemplary embodiment, referring to Figure 19 The following example is described: A reference image is generated by synthesizing a plurality of scanned images. Portions common to the above-described exemplary embodiments are omitted from the following description. The processing added to this exemplary embodiment can be added to and executed in the processing according to the second and third exemplary embodiments.

[0148] Figure 19Shows the processing performed by the inspection device 0108 when the inspection device 0108 is instructed to start reference image registration. More specifically, the CPU 0226 receives instructions and performs various processes for registering the reference image.

[0149] In step S845, the CPU 0226 determines whether compositing processing of the scanned images is required. The CPU 0226 refers to the number of scans of the printed matter specified in the reference image registration instruction file received in step S817. If the value is greater than 1, the CPU 0226 determines that compositing processing of the scanned images is required ("Yes" in step S845), and the process proceeds to step S846. If the value is 1, the CPU 0226 determines that compositing processing of the scanned images is not required ("No" in step S845), and the process proceeds to step S821. In step S846, the CPU 0226 determines whether scanned images of the specified number of scans of the printed matter have been received. If scanned images of the specified number of scans of the printed matter have been received ("Yes" in step S846), the process proceeds to step S847. If scanned images of the specified number of scans of the printed matter have not been received ("No" in step S846), the process proceeds to step S820. In step S847, the CPU 0226 composites a plurality of scanned images and generates one reference image.

[0150] According to this exemplary embodiment, in a case where compositing processing is not necessary, even without performing compositing processing, the user can perform an inspection.

[0151] According to the first exemplary embodiment, by disabling the print button 703 of the print job for which the corresponding reference image has not been registered, execution of the print and inspection start instructions is prevented. However, instead of disabling the print button 703, it is possible to determine whether the corresponding reference image has been registered when the print button 703 is pressed, and if the reference image has not been registered, this situation can be notified to the user. In this case, if the print button is pressed, it is possible to inquire whether the inspection device has registered the reference image.

[0152] According to the above exemplary embodiment, it is possible to prevent the output of a printed matter in a state where the inspection cannot be correctly performed because the reference image corresponding to the printed matter has not been registered.

[0153] Other embodiments

[0154] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method, that is, by providing software (program) that executes the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a method in which a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0155] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications as well as equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An inspection system, which comprises: a printing device; an inspection device configured to inspect the quality of printed matter 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 receiving unit configured to receive a scanned image obtained by scanning printed matter printed by the printing device from the printing device, and an inspection unit configured to inspect the printed matter based on a comparison between the received scanned image and a reference image to be used for inspecting the printed matter, wherein the information processing device includes: a sending unit configured to send a print job to the printing device, and a display unit configured to display a screen including a first key and a second key, the first key being a key for receiving an operation for sending a registration job for registering a reference image to the inspection device, and the second key being a key for receiving an operation for sending a print job to the printing device, and wherein, based on receiving the operation of the second key, when a reference image corresponding to the print job is registered, the sending unit sends the print job, and wherein, based on receiving the operation of the second key, when a reference image corresponding to the print job is not registered, the sending unit does not send the print job.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device further includes a determination unit configured to determine whether a reference image to be used for inspecting the printed matter corresponding to the print job is registered.

3. The inspection system according to claim 2, wherein the inspection device further includes a first sending unit configured to send information indicating that the reference image is registered to the information processing device, and wherein the determination unit in the information processing device determines whether a reference image to be used for inspecting the printed matter corresponding to the print job is registered based on the information.

4. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the inspection device further includes a registration unit configured to register a scanned image obtained by scanning printed matter printed by the printing device as a reference image.

5. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the inspection device further includes a second sending unit configured to send information indicating the inspection result to the printing device based on the inspection result obtained by the inspection unit performing the inspection.

6. An information processing device capable of communicating with a printing device and an inspection device, the inspection device being configured to inspect the quality of printed matter printed by the printing device, the information processing device comprises: a sending unit configured to send a print job to the printing device; A display unit configured to display a screen including a first key and a second key, where the first key is a key for receiving an operation for sending a registration job for registering a reference image to be used for inspecting a printed matter to the inspection device, and the second key is a key for receiving an operation for sending a print job to the printing device; And A determination unit configured to determine whether a reference image corresponding to the print job has been registered, wherein, based on receiving the operation of the second key, when the determination unit determines that a reference image corresponding to the print job has been registered, the sending unit sends the print job, and wherein, based on receiving the operation of the second key, when the determination unit determines that a reference image corresponding to the print job has not been registered, the sending unit does not send the print job.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, further comprising: A receiving unit configured to receive information indicating that a reference image has been registered from the inspection device, wherein the determination unit determines whether a reference image to be used for inspecting a printed matter corresponding to the print job has been registered based on the information.

8. A control method for an information processing device, the information processing device being capable of communicating with a printing device and an inspection device, the inspection device being configured to inspect the quality of printed matter printed by the printing device, the control method comprising: Sending a print job to the printing device; Displaying a screen including a first key and a second key, where the first key is a key for receiving an operation for sending a registration job for registering a reference image to be used for inspecting a printed matter to the inspection device, and the second key is a key for receiving an operation for sending a print job to the printing device; And Determining whether a reference image corresponding to the print job has been registered, wherein, based on receiving the operation of the second key, in the sending, when it is determined in the determination that a reference image corresponding to the print job has been registered, the print job is sent, and wherein, based on receiving the operation of the second key, in the sending, when it is determined in the determination that a reference image corresponding to the print job has not been registered, the print job is not sent.

9. The control method according to claim 8, further comprising: Receiving information indicating that a reference image has been registered from the inspection device, wherein, in the determination, it is determined whether a reference image to be used for inspecting a printed matter corresponding to the print job has been registered based on the information.

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