Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet based on image data; a reader configured to read the sheet on which the image has been formed; an inspector configured to perform an inspection of a reading result of the image read by the reader; a display configured to display an inspection result of the inspection performed by the inspector; and a controller configured to perform main printing for controlling the image forming unit to form an image based on the image data, or test printing for controlling the image forming unit to form an image based on only a portion of the image data, in which the display is configured to display first information and second information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus having a print inspection function of performing a quality inspection of an image printed on a sheet. Background Art

[0002] An image forming device performs a print job for generating a printed product by printing an image on a sheet based on image data representing an image to be printed. In particular, an image forming device used in a commercial printing site (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "production printer") can print a large number of copies or a large number of pages in one print job. In US2021 / 0365219, a method for performing a test print for printing only a specific page before a main print is disclosed.

[0003] The printing inspection device checks whether the image printed on the sheet by the image forming device has been formed as indicated by the image data. In US2023 / 0112594, the following printing inspection device is disclosed, in which the image data is set as the reference data, the scan data obtained by reading the image printed on the sheet using a sensor such as a scanner is set as the inspection image data, and the image data and the scan data are compared with each other. The printing inspection device judges the printing quality of the printed product based on the degree of consistency between the reference data and the inspection image data. Summary of the invention

[0004] An image forming device includes: an image forming component, which is configured to form an image on a thin sheet based on image data; a reading component, which is configured to read the thin sheet on which the image has been formed; an inspection component, which is configured to perform an inspection of the reading result of the image read by the reading component; a display component, which is configured to display the inspection result of the inspection performed by the inspection component; and a control component, which is configured to perform a main print for controlling the image forming component to form an image based on the image data, or a test print for controlling the image forming component to form an image based on only a part of the image data, wherein the display component is configured to display first information indicating that the test print has been performed and second information indicating an inspection result obtained by using the inspection component to inspect the image formed in the test print when the test print has been performed.

[0005] 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

[0006] Figure 1 It is a configuration diagram of an image forming system.

[0007] Figure 2It is the configuration diagram of the controller.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a configuration diagram of the inspection controller.

[0009] Figure 4 This is an illustration of the operation screen.

[0010] Figure 5 This is an illustration of the inspection setting screen.

[0011] Figure 6 This is an illustration of the operation screen during inspection execution.

[0012] Fig. 7A This is an explanatory diagram of the operation screen during the main print check.

[0013] Figure 7B This is an illustration of the operation screen during the test print check.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the main print check process.

[0015] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart of the test print inspection process.

[0016] Fig.10 This is an illustration of the operation screen.

[0017] Fig.11 It is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen in the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig.12 This is an illustration of the inspection result details screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Now, embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments can be freely combined. In addition, these embodiments and their modifications do not limit the disclosure according to the attached claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are necessary for the solution means of the present disclosure.

[0020] <First Embodiment>

[0021] <Printing System Configuration>

[0022] Figure 1 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system including a print inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The image forming system 1 includes an operating device 200, a printer 300 serving as an image forming unit, a controller 400, an inspection device 500 serving as an image inspector, a stacker 600, and an automatic finisher 700 serving as a post-processor.

[0023] The operating device 200 is a user interface provided with an input interface and an output interface. The input interface is, for example, an input key and a touch panel. The output interface is, for example, a display and a speaker. Therefore, the operating device 200 is used as a component for presenting information visually and auditorily. The operating device 200 transmits instructions and data that have been input from the input interface to the controller 400. In addition, the operating device 200 outputs information from the output interface in response to instructions received from the controller 400.

[0024] The controller 400 controls the operations of the printer 300, the inspection device 500, the stacker 600, and the finisher 700 based on instructions and data that have been input from the operating device 200 or instructions and data that have been acquired from an external device through a network. For example, in order to perform image formation, the controller 400 transmits an instruction for image formation to the printer 300. The details of the controller 400 are described later.

[0025] <Printer>

[0026] The printer 300 in the first embodiment is a color image forming apparatus for printing a color image on a sheet, and serves as a printing unit. The printer 300 includes image forming units Y, M, C, and K; an intermediate transfer member 306; a transfer unit 307; a fixing device 308; sheet feeding cassettes 311 and 312; and a sheet feeding mechanism. The image forming unit Y forms an image of yellow (Y). The image forming unit M forms an image of magenta (M). The image forming unit C forms an image of cyan (C). The image forming unit K forms an image of black (K). The images of the respective colors formed by the image forming units Y, M, C, and K are transferred to the intermediate transfer member 306 in a superimposed manner. The transfer unit 307 transfers the image carried on the intermediate transfer member 306 to the sheet. The fixing device 308 fixes the image transferred to the sheet to the sheet. The respective image forming units Y, M, C, and K have the same configuration, and form images by the same operation. The following description relates to the configuration of the image forming unit Y, and descriptions of the configurations of the image forming units M, C, and K are omitted.

[0027] The image forming unit Y includes a photosensitive drum 301Y, a charger 302Y, an exposure device 303Y, and a developing device 304Y. The photosensitive drum 301Y is a drum-shaped photosensitive member including a photosensitive layer on its surface. During operation, the photosensitive drum 301Y rotates around the drum axis in the direction indicated by the arrow R. The charger 302Y uniformly charges the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 301Y. The exposure device 303Y acquires image data representing an image of yellow from the controller 400, and emits and outputs a laser beam according to the image data. The laser beam output from the exposure device 303Y scans the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 301Y in the drum axis direction.

[0028] The laser scans the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 301Y, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data of yellow on the surface of the photosensitive drum 301Y. The developing device 304Y stores a yellow developer (e.g., toner) and uses the developer to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 301Y. Thus, a yellow image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 301Y. The developing device 304Y is configured so that the developer can be constantly supplied to the developing device 304Y from a toner cartridge (not shown).

[0029] In the same manner, a magenta image is formed on the photosensitive drum 301M of the image forming unit M. A cyan image is formed on the photosensitive drum 301C of the image forming unit C. A black image is formed on the photosensitive drum 301K of the image forming unit K. The intermediate transfer member 306 is an endless belt member and is formed on the intermediate transfer member 306. Figure 1 The intermediate transfer member 306 rotates in the clockwise direction. The intermediate transfer member 306 contacts the respective photosensitive drums 301Y, 301M, 301C, and 301K. According to the rotation of the intermediate transfer member 306, the images of the respective colors are sequentially transferred from the respective photosensitive drums 301Y, 301M, 301C, and 301K in a manner superimposed on each other. Thus, a full-color image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 306. The intermediate transfer member 306 conveys the full-color image carried on the intermediate transfer member 306 to the transfer unit 307 by rotating.

[0030] The sheets are stored in each of the sheet feeding cassettes 311 and 312, and are conveyed from the sheet feeding cassettes 311 and 312 to the transfer unit 307 by a feeding mechanism. The sheets are conveyed according to the timing at which the image carried on the intermediate transfer member 306 is conveyed to the transfer unit 307. The transfer unit 307 transfers the image from the intermediate transfer member 306 to the sheet. The cleaner 309 is arranged on the downstream side of the transfer unit 307 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer member 306. The cleaner 309 removes the developer remaining on the intermediate transfer member 306 after the transfer.

[0031] The sheet to which the image has been transferred is conveyed from the transfer unit 307 to the fixing device 308. The fixing device 308 includes a heater and a pressure roller. The fixing device 308 uses heat from the heater and pressure from the pressure roller to melt the image and fix the image to the sheet.

[0032] The conveying paths 313, 314, and 315, the double-sided conveying path 316, and the discharge roller 317 are provided on the downstream side of the fixing device 308 in the conveying direction of the sheet. The sheet having passed through the fixing device 308 is temporarily conveyed from the conveying path 313 to the conveying path 314. After the rear end of the sheet has passed through the conveying path 313, the conveying direction is reversed to convey the sheet from the conveying path 315 to the discharge roller 317. By such conveyance, the sheet is discharged from the printer 300 through the discharge roller 317 in a state where the image-formed side faces downward (face down). The printed matter, which is the sheet on which the image has been formed and which is discharged from the printer 300 through the discharge roller 317, is delivered to the inspection device 500.

[0033] When double-sided printing is to be performed on a sheet, the sheet conveyed to the conveying path 314 is conveyed to the double-sided conveying path 316 after the rear end has passed through the conveying path 313. The sheet is conveyed again to the transfer unit 307 through the double-sided conveying path 316. Since the sheet passes through the double-sided conveying path 316, the side of the sheet on which the image is formed is reversed. The reversed side is subjected to the image transfer process of the transfer unit 307 and the fixing process of the fixing device 308, so that an image is formed on this side. The sheet on which the images are formed on both sides is discharged from the printer 300 as a printed matter through the discharge roller 317, and is delivered to the inspection device 500.

[0034] <Print Inspection Equipment>

[0035] The inspection device 500 includes a conveying path 501, an inspection controller 510, a first reader 5051a, a second reader 5051b, flow reading glasses 5053a and 5053b, conveying rollers 502 and 503 used as conveying members, and a sheet detection sensor 504. Under the control of the controller 400, the inspection controller 510 controls the operation of the inspection device 500. The details of the inspection controller 510 will be described later. The first reader 5051a and the second reader 5051b are arranged at positions opposite to each other across the conveying path 501. The conveying rollers 502 and 503 convey the printed matter.

[0036] The inspection device 500 detects the printed matter conveyed on the conveying path 501 by the sheet detection sensor 504, and the first reader 5051a and the second reader 5051b read the printed image. The first reader 5051a and the second reader 5051b transmit the reading result of the printed matter to the inspection controller 510. The inspection controller 510 performs a quality inspection on the image printed on the printed matter based on the reading result of the printed matter. The first reader 5051a and the second reader 5051b are arranged to face each other across the conveying path 501, and thus read the images printed on both sides of the printed matter in one conveyance of the printed matter. The printed matter whose image has been read is conveyed from the inspection device 500 to the stacker 600.

[0037] <Stacker and Finisher>

[0038] The stacker 600 includes a large capacity tray 610 and a purge tray 620. The stacker 600 discharges printed materials to any one of the large capacity tray 610, the finisher 700, and the purge tray 620 based on an instruction received from the controller 400 and a result of quality inspection by the inspection controller 510.

[0039] The automatic finisher 700 includes a print conveyor 710 including a plurality of conveying rollers and conveying paths, an upper delivery tray 701, a middle delivery tray 702, and a lower delivery tray 703. The print conveyor 710 includes switching mechanisms 711 and 712 for switching the discharge destination of the print. The automatic finisher 700 takes in the print from the stacker 600 in sequence, and in response to an instruction received from the controller 400, discharges each print to any one of the upper delivery tray 701, the middle delivery tray 702, and the lower delivery tray 703. The automatic finisher 700 may be configured to perform post-processing such as a binding process for stapling and binding a plurality of prints, a bookbinding process for stapling prints, and a cutting process for stapling prints.

[0040] <controller>

[0041] Figure 2 4306, a power control I / F 4308, a checker I / F 4317, a printer communication I / F 4307, and a printer I / F 4316. The controller 400 also includes a communication I / F 4305 for communicating to / from an external device via a network. A storage section I / F 4318 , an operating device I / F 4306 , a power source control I / F 4308 , a checker I / F 4317 , a printer communication I / F 4307 , and a communication I / F 4305 are connected to a system bus 4319 .

[0042] The controller 400 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 4301, a read-only memory (ROM) 4302, and a random access memory (RAM) 4303. The CPU 4301 executes a computer program stored in the ROM 4302 to control the operation of the image forming system 1. The RAM 4303 provides a work area for the CPU 4301 to perform processing. The RAM 4303 is also used as an image memory for temporarily storing image data, etc. The CPU 4301, the ROM 4302, and the RAM 4303 are also connected to the system bus 4319. The non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 4304 and the timer 4309 are also connected to the system bus 4319. The NVRAM 4304 stores various parameters for control. The timer 4309 keeps the current time and monitors the passage of the set time period.

[0043] The operator I / F 4306 controls communication to / from the operator 200. The operator I / F 4306 receives input of a print job, command, and print setting from the operator 200 to the controller 400, and transmits the input information to the CPU 4301. Under the control of the CPU 4301, the operator I / F 4306 displays various screens and states of the image forming system 1 on the display of the operator 200. Under the control of the CPU 4301, the printer communication I / F 4307 controls communication to / from the printer 300. The power control I / F 4308 instructs the power controller 4500 to supply or stop various powers according to the command received from the CPU 4301. The power controller 4500 supplies power to the printer 300. Under the control of the CPU 4301, the inspector I / F 4317 controls communication to / from the inspection device 500. The storage I / F 4318 controls communication to / from the storage 4100 under the control of the CPU 4301. The storage 4100 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD).

[0044] The communication I / F 4305 is connected to a network such as a local area network (LAN), and performs communication control such as transmission and reception of e-mails and input and output of PDL data from an external device, etc. The communication I / F 4305 also includes an NVRAM (not shown), and holds various parameters related to communication control such as a MAC address, etc.

[0045] The system bus 4319 is connected to the image bus 4311 through the image bus I / F 4310. The image bus I / F 4310 is a bridge that connects the system bus 4319 and the image bus 4311 for transferring image data to the printer 300 to each other. A printer I / F 4316, an image compressor 4312, an image rotator 4313, and a raster image processor (RIP) 4314 are connected to the image bus 4311.

[0046] The image compressor 4312 performs compression and decompression processing for JPEG, JBIG, MMR, MH, etc. The image rotator 4313 performs image rotation processing. The RIP 4314 expands the PDL code into a bitmap raster image. The printer I / F 4316 transmits the image data to the printer 300. The image data is generated by the controller 400 subjecting the image data for print output to image processing for the printer 300, such as correction and resolution conversion of the printer 300.

[0047] <Check Controller>

[0048] Figure 3 5 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the inspection controller 510 provided to the inspection device 500. The inspection controller 510 controls the operation of the first reader 5051a and the second reader 5051b. The inspection controller 510 performs processing such as analysis of the reading results from the first reader 5051a and the second reader 5051b, operation control of the inspection device 500, and communication to / from the controller 400. The inspection controller 510 is also connected to a storage section 5011, which is a storage component for storing a misregistration correction profile, etc., and the controller 400.

[0049] The inspection controller 510 includes a CPU 5001, a ROM 5002, a RAM 5003, a storage section I / F 5004, a motor controller 5009, a read image processor 5008, an image processor 5006, an RTC 5012, a host I / F 5007, and a sensor controller 5010. The respective components are connected to a system bus 5005. The read image processor 5008 is connected to a first reader 5051a through a first read I / F 5052a, and is connected to a second reader 5051b through a second read I / F 5052b. The RTC 5012 is a real time clock, and holds the current time with high precision.

[0050] The host I / F 5007 controls communication to / from the checker I / F 4317 of the controller 400. When the check controller 510 and the controller 400 communicate to / from each other, data is transmitted and received between the host I / F 5007 and the checker I / F 4317. For example, the host I / F 5007 acquires image data for an image forming operation of the printer 300 from the controller 400. The storage section 5011 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD or an SSD. The image data may be stored in any location, but is stored in the storage section 5011 in the first embodiment.

[0051] The CPU 5001 executes a computer program stored in the ROM 5002 to control the operation of the inspection apparatus 500. The RAM 5003 provides a work area for the CPU 5001 to perform processing. The storage I / F 5004 controls communication to / from a storage 5011 connected to the inspection controller 510.

[0052] The read image processor 5008 is controlled by the CPU 5001 to obtain the read result of the image on the print from the first reader 5051a through the first read I / F 5052a. The read image processor 5008 is also controlled by the CPU 5001 to obtain the read result of the image on the print from the second reader 5051b through the second read I / F 5052b. Under the control of the CPU 5001, the read image processor 5008 performs a magnification process and a gamma correction process, etc. on the read result (read data) of the image on the print that has been obtained from the first reader 5051a and the second reader 5051b to generate read image data, and stores the read image data in the RAM 5003. The first reader 5051a and the second reader 5051b are each provided with a sensor array, and each is capable of reading the entire area of ​​the print conveyed on the conveying path 501. The first reader 5051a reads an image on a first side of the printed product, and the second reader 5051b reads an image on a second side of the printed product.

[0053] The first reader 5051a and the second reader 5051b are each formed by a light emitter and a light receiver. The light emitter is formed by, for example, a white light emitting diode (LED), and the light receiver is formed by, for example, a CMOS sensor equipped with an RGB color filter. The light emitter is controlled by the CPU 5001 to illuminate the printed matter being conveyed along the conveying path 501 with light. The light receiver receives the light reflected by the printed matter by decomposing the light into three color components of RGB using a color filter, and outputs read data as a light reception result (read result). The read data is transmitted to the read image processor 5008.

[0054] Under the control of the CPU 5001, the motor controller 5009 controls the operation of various motors provided in the inspection device 500. Under the control of the CPU 5001, the sensor controller 5010 controls the operation of various sensors provided in the inspection device 500, and notifies the CPU 5001 of the detection results from the sensors. The image processor 5006 is controlled by the CPU 5001 to compare the image data (hereinafter referred to as "reference image data") stored in the storage unit 5011 with the read image data stored in the RAM 5003, thereby performing a quality inspection of the printed matter. The reference image data is the image data to be used by the printer 300 to form an image, and is stored in the storage unit 5011. In another case, the reference image data may be an image obtained by pre-reading a reference image before performing a quality inspection. During the comparison, the image processor 5006 causes the reference image data to undergo a correction process using parameters based on calibration described later.

[0055] <Print Settings>

[0056] Figure 4 2 is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen displayed on the display of the operation device 200 to instruct the printer 300 to print. The operation screen serves as an information presentation screen for presenting information such as print settings, and the user causes the printer 300 to execute printing by using such an operation screen displayed on the display. Figure 4 Indicates the following state: the selection of color or monochrome is set to automatic selection, box 1 is selected as the box to be used, A4 is selected as the sheet size, thick paper 2 is selected as the type of paper, and 10 copies is selected as the number of copies to be printed. Button B101 to button B104 are buttons for setting various print settings. Button B101 is a button for selecting a color (color or monochrome) for printing, and button B102 is a button for selecting a printing side (single-sided printing or double-sided printing). Button B103 is a sheet selection button for selecting the type of sheet, and button B104 is a delivery selection button for setting the discharge destination of the printed matter, for example. In addition, the number of copies to be printed can be set by using a numeric keypad (not shown). Button B105 is a print start button, and when button B105 is pressed, printing is started with the print settings set by buttons B101 to button B104 and the number of copies set by the numeric keypad (i.e., main printing is started). The button B106 is a test print start button, and when the button B106 is pressed, only the first page of one copy is printed with the print settings set by the buttons B101 to B104 .

[0057] In the first embodiment as well as the second embodiment and the third embodiment of the present disclosure, printing a portion of pages (for example, only one page) instead of printing the pages to be printed as they are, which is specified in the number through the operation screen, is described as test printing, and printing the specified number of pages is described as main printing. However, even when all pages are to be printed, the case of printing a number of copies less than the specified number of copies to be printed (for example, printing only one copy when multiple copies are required) in order to confirm the printing results can also be included in the "test printing". In addition, printing with a number of pages or copies different from the specified number of pages or the specified number of copies for some purpose such as confirming the printing results can also be included in the "test printing".

[0058] The inspection device 500 performs the inspection of the printed matter according to the inspection setting set in advance. The central processing unit (CPU) 4301 of the controller 400 serves as a control component. Regardless of which of the button B105 and the button B106 is pressed, the CPU 4301 controls the inspection device 500 to perform the inspection of the printed matter according to the inspection setting set in advance. When the button B107 as the cancel button is pressed, the setting input by the user is canceled, and a predetermined initial screen is displayed on the display of the operating device 200.

[0059] In addition, a check-unnecessary button (not shown) for receiving an operation of omitting the check of the printed matter in the main printing (eliminating the need for the check of the printed matter) may be provided separately from the buttons B101 to B107. In this case, in the case where the check-unnecessary button is selected to omit the check, the check of the printed matter is performed by the check device 500 only when the test printing is performed, and the check of the printed matter is not performed when the main printing is performed. By providing such a button, for example, when the user has determined that the check setting is correctly set and the check of the printed matter is not required, the main printing can be quickly performed without the check of the printed matter. It is also possible to improve productivity by performing the check of the printed matter in both the main printing and the test printing, and by enabling the selective check of the printed matter to be performed only in the test printing when the user has determined that the check of the printed matter is not required.

[0060] <Check settings>

[0061] Figure 5 : is an explanatory diagram of an inspection setting screen for setting inspection settings of the inspection device 500. The inspection setting screen has a function as a receiving component for receiving an instruction from a user for setting an inspection area in which the inspection device 500 is to perform inspections such as quality inspections. Figure 5, area A501 is a print image and inspection setting area display section, and the inspection area can be freely set by using a mouse or a touch panel, etc. In this example, the original image in the print job is displayed in area A501, and areas A511 to A516 are illustrated as inspection areas. Area A501 and areas A511 to A516 are each a rectangular area, but any shape such as a triangle, a polygon, or a circle can be specified according to the shape of the area to be inspected.

[0062] Buttons B502a to B502d are buttons for setting the inspection area type. The user can set the inspection area by selecting the image display area in area A501 in a state where each of buttons B502a to B502d is selected. Figure 5 In order to set the inspection area type, four types of buttons are illustrated. Button B502a is a focus inspection area button for setting an area to be inspected with high precision, and button B502b is a standard inspection area button for setting the overall inspection level. In addition, button B502c is a detailed setting button for setting detailed settings related to the variable inspection area as an area to be inspected variable. The variable inspection area is an area within the entire printed image that replaces information for each sheet or each recording medium, and, for example, a number or bar code or the like that is different for each sheet is formed in the variable inspection area. Whether there is an abnormality in the image can be judged based on whether the information indicated by the reading result of the variable inspection area has consistency in following a predetermined rule (for example, ascending or descending order of numbers). In Figure 5 In the example of , the state where the character inspection area has been selected as the variable inspection area is illustrated. Figure 5 In the example of , the character inspection area is an area for inspecting not only a character string but also a two-dimensional code and a barcode. Button B502d is an inspection exclusion area button for designating an area not to be inspected.

[0063] exist Figure 5 In the example of , for each inspection area type, an inspection level setting button for setting the inspection level in stages (for example, from level 1 to level 5) in terms of inspection accuracy is set. Specifically, button B503a is set as an inspection level setting button for button B502a as a focus inspection area. In addition, button B503b is set as an inspection level setting button for button B502b as a standard inspection area. This allows the user to set the inspection level for each of the focus inspection area of ​​button B502a and the standard inspection area of ​​button B502b. Figure 5 In the example of , inspection level 1 has the lowest inspection accuracy, and the inspection accuracy increases as the inspection level number increases. Figure 5In the example of , inspection level 3 is set as the inspection level for the inspection area of ​​interest, and inspection level 2 is set as the inspection level for the standard inspection area.

[0064] Button B505 is a setting completion button, and when the user selects and presses this button, the inspection setting is completed. The inspection can be automatically started when the user presses button B505 to complete the inspection setting. Button B506 is a button for returning to the previous screen, and when the user selects this button, the inspection setting process is canceled to return to the predetermined initial screen. In addition, a dotted rectangle is shown on the left side of button B502a representing the inspection area of ​​interest, and visually shows that the inspection area of ​​interest is represented by a dotted rectangle in area A501. In the same way, a solid rectangle is shown on the left side of button B502b representing the standard inspection area, and the standard inspection area is represented by a solid rectangle in area A501. A dashed rectangle is shown on the left side of button B502c representing the character inspection area, and the character inspection area is represented by a dashed rectangle in area A501. A double-dotted rectangle is shown on the left side of B502d representing the inspection exclusion area, so that the inspection exclusion area is represented by a double-dotted rectangle in area A501.

[0065] For example, the user can freely select an area to be inspected by selecting button B502a and selecting the area to be inspected within area A501 using a mouse or the like. Figure 5 In the example of , both areas A512 and A513, which are areas including human faces, are represented by dotted rectangles, and these areas are shown as focus inspection areas set by button B502a. Area A514 is represented by a solid rectangle, and is shown as a standard inspection area set by button B502b. Areas A515 and A516 are both represented by dashed-dotted rectangles, and are shown as character inspection areas for inspecting character strings, QR codes, and bar codes set by button B502c. Figure 5 In the example of , area A515 is an area including a character string, and area A516 is an area including a two-dimensional code. Area A511 which is a background area and does not require high-precision inspection is represented by a double-dashed rectangle and is shown as an inspection exclusion area set by button B502d.

[0066] Compared to the case of inspecting the entire image, only the required area can be selected for inspection, thereby being able to reduce resources required for inspection (for example, the usage of the RAM 5003 of the inspection device 500 and the load and throughput of the processing performed on the CPU 5001). In addition, by setting the inspection level in stages (for example, from level 1 to level 5), it is possible to reduce the resources of the image forming device required for inspection compared to the case of always inspecting at a high level of inspection accuracy. Furthermore, by setting a plurality of areas and setting the inspection level for each area, resources can be optimally allocated according to the required inspection accuracy level.

[0067] <Print Check during Test Printing>

[0068] The test printing is used to confirm whether the print image, the print settings of the printer 300, and the inspection settings of the inspection device 500 are correct.

[0069] For example, when a printed image includes a character string and a user wishes to check whether the printed character string is correct by using the inspection device 500, the user sets the character string area by the above method. The inspection device 500 performs optical character recognition (OCR) processing on the printed image in the set area. However, when the setting of the area set by the user is incorrect, the inspection result is unacceptable (NG). Examples thereof include a case where an area other than the character string is set as the inspection area for the character string, and a case where a part of the character string is not included in the area set by the user. In the following description, the fact that the inspection result, etc. is unacceptable is referred to as "inspection NG" or the like.

[0070] Furthermore, when the inspection level set by the user is different from the inspection accuracy expected by the user, it may be judged as "Inspection NG" even if it is within a range that is considered acceptable to the user. For example, when the set inspection level is stricter than the inspection accuracy expected by the user, it may be judged as "Inspection NG" contrary to the user's intention. When the main printing is performed in the state as described above, there is a possibility that the number of sheets judged as "Inspection NG" may increase. In addition, in the case where the inspection result is unacceptable in the main printing and recovery printing is performed, when there is a setting error, the situation where the inspection result is unacceptable will occur repeatedly, resulting in wasteful paper consumption and increased equipment downtime. When the test printing is performed, the recovery printing is not performed even in the case where the inspection result is unacceptable, and the inspection device 500 notifies the user through the operating device 200 whether there is an error in the inspection setting.

[0071] <Description of the inspection execution screen of the operating device>

[0072] Figure 6 FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen during execution of an inspection in the first embodiment. Figure 6 In the example, area A601 is an area for displaying a read image. Area A602 is an area for displaying inspection status such as inspection completion count, inspection NG count, inspection NG rate, and NG type. Area A603 is an area for displaying status such as waiting, inspecting, or inspection completed. Figure 6 In the display area A603, “Stopped” is displayed to indicate that the inspection is temporarily stopped.

[0073] Fig. 7A is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen displayed when the printer 300 is executing a main print check, and Figure 7B 300 is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen displayed when the printer 300 is performing a test print inspection. Fig. 7A As illustrated, “Executing (main print check)” indicating that the main print check is being executed is displayed in the area A603. When the printer 300 has executed the test print and the check device 500 is executing the check, as shown in FIG. Figure 7B As illustrated, “Executing (test print check)” indicating that the test print check is being executed is displayed in the area A603 .

[0074] As described above, the user can easily confirm the type of inspection being performed (e.g., test print inspection, main print inspection, or inspection stopped) by confirming the items described in the status display area of ​​area A603 on the operating device screen during inspection execution. In particular, there is a possibility that the user may forget whether the test print inspection or the main print inspection is being performed, so it is useful to be able to confirm the type of inspection currently being performed. In addition, even a user other than the user who has input a print job from the operating device 200 to the controller 400 can confirm the type of inspection currently being performed by confirming the items described in the status display area.

[0075] <Main Print Check Processing Flow>

[0076] Figure 8 4 is a flowchart of the main printing inspection process. In this flowchart, the process to be executed by the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 and the process to be executed by the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 are collectively illustrated. Figure 4 , when the user selects and presses the button B105 which is a print start button, the CPU 4301 is instructed to execute the main printing, and the main printing check processing is executed according to the instruction.

[0077] When the button B105 is selected by the operation device 200 , the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 transmits job information including, for example, sheet information for use in printing, checking settings, and a discharge destination to the checking apparatus 500 (step S801 ).

[0078] The CPU 5001 of the checking apparatus 500 receives the job information from the controller 400 (step S802). After having received the job information from the controller 400, the CPU 5001 of the checking apparatus 500 transmits a reference image transmission request for checking judgment to the controller 400 (step S803).

[0079] The CPU 4301 of the controller 400 transmits the original image data of the print job as the reference image data to the inspection device 500 (step S804) based on the reference image transmission request received from the inspection device 500. The CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 receives the reference image from the controller 400 to store the reference image in the storage unit 5011, and notifies the controller 400 that the preparation of the print job is completed (step S805).

[0080] When the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 receives the preparation completion notification from the inspection device 500 (step S806), the CPU 4301 controls the printer 300 to start printing (step S807). Thereafter, the CPU 4301 controls the operating device 200 to display the inspection screen, and Fig. 7A As shown in area A603 of , a display indicating that the main print check is being executed is performed on the check screen (step S808). The present disclosure is not limited to this example, and for example, the CPU 4301 may perform a display indicating that the main print check is to be started on the check screen when receiving a preparation completion notification from the check device 500, and may perform a display indicating that the main print check is being executed after a predetermined time period has passed. In this case, before the predetermined time period has passed, a cancel button for the main print check may be displayed on the screen together with the display indicating that the main print check is to be started, and the user may be allowed to cancel the main print check by pressing the cancel button.

[0081] After executing step S805, the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 uses the sheet detection sensor 504 to determine whether the sheet has arrived at the sheet detection position of the sheet detection sensor 504 on the conveying path 501 of the inspection device 500 (step S809). When the sheet has not arrived ("No" in step S809), the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 waits for the sheet to arrive. When the sheet has arrived ("Yes" in step S809), the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 reads the sent sheet through the first reader 5051a and the second reader 5051b, and instructs the image processor 5006 to perform a comparison process with the reference image data received in step S805. Therefore, the image processor 5006 performs a comparison process to perform an image inspection (step S810).

[0082] The CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 transmits the inspection result of the image inspection based on the comparison performed by the image processor 5006 to the controller 400 (step S811). The CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the inspection result has been received (step S812). When the inspection result has not been received ("No" in step S812), the CPU 4301 waits for the reception of the inspection result, and when the inspection result has been received ("Yes" in step S812), the CPU 4301 controls the operating device 200 to update the inspection screen based on the inspection result (step S813).

[0083] Thereafter, the controller 400 determines whether there is a page after the current page (step S814), and when there is a subsequent page ("Yes" in step S814), the controller 400 and the inspection device 500 repeat the processing steps from step S807 to step S814 again. When there is no subsequent page ("No" in step S814), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines that the final page of the job has been processed and the printing and inspection of all pages have been completed. Therefore, the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls the operating device 200 to display on the inspection screen to indicate that the inspection has been completed (step S815). Thus, the main printing inspection process ends.

[0084] <Test Print Inspection Processing Flow>

[0085] Fig. 9 4 is a flowchart of the test print inspection process. In this control, the process to be executed by the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 and the process to be executed by the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 are collectively illustrated. Figure 4 , when the user selects the button B106 which is a test print start button, the CPU 4301 is instructed to execute the test print, and the test print check processing is executed according to the instruction.

[0086] When the button B106 is selected by the operating device 200, the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 transmits job information including sheet information for use in printing, inspection settings, and a discharge destination to the inspection device 500 (step S901). The CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 receives the job information from the controller 400 (step S902). After having received the job information from the controller 400, the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 transmits a reference image transmission request for inspection judgment to the controller 400 (step S903).

[0087] The CPU 4301 of the controller 400 transmits the original image data of the print job as the reference image data to the inspection device 500 (step S904) based on the reference image transmission request received from the inspection device 500. The CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 receives the reference image from the controller 400 to store the reference image in the storage unit 5011, and notifies the controller 400 that the preparation of the print job is completed (step S905).

[0088] When the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 receives the preparation completion notification from the inspection device 500 (step S906), the CPU 4301 controls the printer 300 to start printing only the first page (step S907). Thereafter, the CPU 4301 controls the operating device 200 to display the inspection screen, and Figure 7B As shown in area A603 of , a display indicating that the test print check is being executed is performed on the check screen (step S908). The present disclosure is not limited to this example, and for example, the CPU 4301 may perform a display indicating that the test print check is to be started on the check screen when receiving a preparation completion notification from the check device 500, and may perform a display indicating that the test print check is to be executed after a predetermined time period has passed. In this case, before the predetermined time period has passed, a cancel button for the test print check may be displayed on the screen together with the display indicating that the test print check is to be started, and the user may be allowed to cancel the test print check by pressing the cancel button.

[0089] After executing step S905, the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 uses the sheet detection sensor 504 to determine whether the sheet has arrived at the sheet detection position of the sheet detection sensor 504 on the conveying path 501 of the inspection device 500 (step S909). When the sheet has not arrived ("No" in step S909), the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 waits for the sheet to arrive. When the sheet has arrived ("Yes" in step S909), the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 sequentially reads the sent sheet through the first reader 5051a and the second reader 5051b, and instructs the image processor 5006 to perform a comparison process with the reference image data received in step S905. Therefore, the image processor 5006 performs a comparison process to perform an image inspection (step S910).

[0090] The CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 transmits the inspection result of the image inspection based on the comparison performed by the image processor 5006 to the controller 400 (step S911). The CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the inspection result has been received (step S912). When the inspection result has not been received ("No" in step S912), the CPU 4301 waits for the reception of the inspection result, and when the inspection result has been received ("Yes" in step S912), the CPU 4301 controls the operating device 200 to update the inspection screen based on the inspection result (step S913). Thereafter, the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls the operating device 200 to display on the inspection screen for indicating that the inspection has been completed (step S914). Thus, the test print inspection process ends.

[0091] <Second Embodiment>

[0092] Now, a second embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the second embodiment, all device components are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the operation device screen for executing the print setting of the test print and the processing operation of the inspection device 500. Therefore, in the second embodiment described below, only the difference from the first embodiment is described.

[0093] <Print Settings>

[0094] Fig.10 2 is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen displayed on the display of the operation device 200 when instructing the printer 300 to print. The user causes the printer 300 to execute printing by using such an operation screen displayed on the display.

[0095] In the same manner as in the first embodiment, buttons B101 to B104 are buttons for setting print items. Button B101 is a button for selecting a color (color or monochrome) for printing, and button B102 is a button for selecting a printing side (one side or both sides). Button B103 is a button for selecting the type of sheet, and button B104 is a button for setting, for example, a discharge destination of a print product. In addition, the number of copies to be printed can be set by using a numeric keypad (not shown). In the same manner as in the first embodiment, button B107 is a cancel button.

[0096] Button B108 is a test print setting button for setting whether or not to perform a test print, and button B109 is a print start button. When button B109 as a print start button is pressed in a state where button B108 is set so that the test print is not to be performed, main printing is performed, and all pages are printed. However, when button B109 as a print start button is pressed in a state where button B108 is set so that the test print is to be performed, a test print for printing only one copy of the first page with the print settings set by buttons B101 to B104 is performed.

[0097] Regardless of whether the button B108 has set the test print, the inspection device 500 performs the inspection of the printed product according to the inspection settings set in advance. When the button B107 is pressed, the settings input by the user are canceled, and a predetermined initial screen is displayed on the display of the operating device 200.

[0098] <Third Embodiment>

[0099] Now, a third embodiment for carrying out the present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the third embodiment, the device components thereof are all the same as those in the first embodiment and are therefore omitted. In the first embodiment, the display on the operating device screen when performing the inspection is described, while in the third embodiment, items related to the display of the inspection result on the operating device screen after the inspection are described.

[0100] <Description of the inspection result list screen of the operating device>

[0101] Fig.11 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operating device screen displayed after the inspection is completed in the third embodiment. Fig.11 As shown in the example, after the inspection is completed, a list of inspection results is displayed as inspection result information on the operating device screen. Fig.11 , area A1101 is an area for displaying the print type and the inspection result in the completed inspection in a list. The print type indicates whether each print job is a main print or a test print. In this example, in area A1101, the print type is displayed, and the job name, the inspection date and time, and the inspection NG count are displayed as information for indicating the inspection items. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and other inspection items may be displayed.

[0102] exist Fig.11In the example of , the job name, inspection date and time, inspection NG count, and print type are displayed on one button. For example, on button B1101 representing the first inspection result, "Job #1" is displayed as the job name, "2022.10.1 10:00:00" is displayed as the inspection date and time, "0" is displayed as the NG count (the number of inspection defects), and "Test Print" is displayed as the print type. In the same way, on each of buttons B1102 to B1104 representing the second to fourth inspection results, respectively, the job name, inspection date and time, inspection NG count, and print type are displayed. When a button corresponding to the desired inspection result is selected from buttons B1101 to B1104 displayed in area A1101 and pressed, a screen for showing detailed information related to the relevant inspection result information is displayed.

[0103] Fig.12 is Fig.11 1103 indicating the third inspection result is pressed. An illustration of a screen for showing detailed information related to the inspection result information, which is displayed when the button B1103 indicating the third inspection result is pressed. In the detailed screen, area A1201 is an area for displaying the read image. Area A1202 is an area for displaying the inspection status such as the completed inspection count, the inspection NG count, the inspection NG rate, and the type of NG. In this example, it is shown that the number of inspected sheets is one, while the total number of sheets is one ("Inspected: 1 / 1 sheet"), the number of NG sheets is "1", the NG count due to stains ("streaks") is "1 page", and the NG rate is "100%". The number of pages of "Misalignment (horizontal)", "Misalignment (vertical)", "Stain (dots)", and "Reading failure" are each "0", and it is shown that these aspects are not NG. In this way, on the screen for showing detailed information, the information not displayed on the screen is displayed. Fig.11 Further details on the inspection results screen.

[0104] In addition, area A1203 is an area for displaying the job name, and in this example, "Job #2" is displayed. Area A1204 is an area for displaying whether the job is a test print or a main print, and in this example, "Test print" is displayed. Area A1205 is an area for displaying the date and time when the check is performed, and in this example, "2022.10.2 15:00:00" is displayed. In addition, in Fig.12 In the example of , the read image is displayed in the area A1201 , so the user can visually recognize which printed inspection result information is being confirmed.

[0105] In the third embodiment, even for an inspection that has been completed, the user can know the inspection items from the list screen showing the inspection result information. In particular, the inspection result information includes information related to whether the test print has been performed or the main print has been performed, and information related to the inspection items (for example, the inspection date and time, and the number of sheets that caused NG), thereby allowing easy confirmation of the inspection results. As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to confirm whether there is an error in the inspection setting of the test print performed before the main print, so that the printing inspection NG caused by the error in the inspection setting in the main print can be prevented, thereby causing NG paper. In addition, the occurrence of a review of the inspection setting that is redone after the main print can be prevented, so a reduction in productivity can be prevented.

[0106] As a modified example, when the main printing is performed without changing the print settings after the test printing, the items of the inspection result information may be changed. Fig.11 As illustrated, the check result information includes information related to whether the test print has been performed or the main print has been performed, and information for indicating check items such as the job name, the check date and time, and the NG count. On the other hand, when the main print is performed without changing the print settings after the test print, the print settings are unchanged, so it is less necessary to display the check items again. On the contrary, it is very important to confirm whether the test print has been performed or the main print has been performed. Therefore, when the main print is performed without changing the print settings after the test print, the items of the check result information can be changed to display only the information related to whether the test print has been performed or the main print has been performed.

[0107] In another case, the items of the check result information may be changed to display information other than the check items (e.g., information such as the remaining amount of toner and the number of remaining sheets) in addition to information on whether the test print has been performed or the main print has been performed. Thus, the user no longer needs to confirm information such as the remaining amount of toner and the number of remaining sheets again, thereby improving productivity. Furthermore, after the main print check process or the test print check process is finished, so-called recovery printing for performing printing of the printer 300 after modifying the print image, the print setting of the printer 300, and the check setting of the check device 500 may be performed as needed.

[0108] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of sheets that are judged to have printing abnormalities during a print job. In the first to third embodiments, as a method of presenting information such as inspection results, a method of displaying information on a screen so that a user can visually recognize the information is adopted, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the information may be presented by voice or the like. In addition, in the first to third embodiments, it is possible to prevent a situation in which, in a case where the inspection setting of the inspection device is incorrect, a review of the inspection setting is performed again when sheets are wasted due to a "check NG" occurring in the main printing after the main printing.

[0109] Furthermore, the print inspection device performs the print inspection according to the inspection settings such as the inspection area and the inspection intensity (inspection level) set in advance by the user. However, when the inspection items that have been set are incorrect (different from the inspection items expected by the user), there is a possibility that the number of sheets judged to have printing abnormalities (check NG) as a result of the inspection during the print job may increase. On the other hand, as described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the increase in the number of sheets judged to have printing abnormalities during the print job can be suppressed.

[0110] 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 and equivalent structures and functions.

[0111] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-127037, filed on August 3, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Claims

1. An image forming device, comprising: an image forming section configured to form an image on a sheet based on the image data; a reading unit configured to read the sheet on which the image has been formed; an inspection unit configured to perform an inspection of a reading result of the image read by the reading unit; a display component configured to display an inspection result of the inspection performed by the inspection component; as well as a control section configured to perform a main printing for controlling the image forming section to form an image based on the image data, or a test printing for controlling the image forming section to form an image based on only a part of the image data, The display unit is configured to display, when the test printing has been performed, first information indicating that the test printing has been performed and second information indicating an inspection result obtained by inspecting an image formed in the test printing by the inspection unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The display section is configured to display, if the main printing has been performed, third information indicating that the main printing has been performed and fourth information indicating a check result obtained by checking an image formed in the main printing by the checking section.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control section is configured to control the inspection section to perform the inspection in any one of a case where the main printing is performed and a case where the test printing is performed.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming apparatus is configured to present whether the main printing is being executed or the test printing is being executed.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a receiving component configured to receive an operation from a user, in, The receiving component comprises: a main printing receiving unit configured to receive an operation for instructing execution of the main printing, and a test print receiving unit configured to receive an operation for instructing execution of the test print, and In which, the control component is configured to control the inspection component to perform the inspection in any of the following cases: a case where an operation for indicating the execution of the main printing has been received through the main printing receiving component; and a case where an operation for indicating the execution of the test printing has been received through the test printing receiving component.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a receiving unit configured to receive an operation from a user, in, The receiving component comprises: a main printing receiving unit configured to receive an operation for instructing execution of the main printing, and a test print receiving component configured to receive an operation for setting whether to execute the test print, Wherein, the control component is configured as follows: in a state where the test print receiving section does not have a setting to execute the test print, in a case where an operation for instructing execution of the main print has been received by the main print receiving section, executing the main print, and executing the test printing in a case where an operation for instructing execution of the main printing has been received by the main printing receiving section in a state where the test printing receiving section has a setting to execute the test printing, and The control section is configured to control the inspection section to perform the inspection regardless of the setting in the test print receiving section.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming apparatus is configured to present inspection result information after the inspection component has performed the inspection, the inspection result information comprising: information indicating which of the main printing and the test printing has been performed; and Information indicating the content of the inspection.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, in, The control section is configured to control the image forming section to form the image based on a predetermined print setting, and Wherein, the control component is configured to control the display component to present information indicating which of the main printing and the test printing has been performed and information other than information indicating the result of the inspection when the main printing is performed without changing the predetermined printing settings after the test printing has been performed.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The test printing includes printing a portion of a page to be printed.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The test printing includes printing a number of copies that is less than a specified number of copies to be printed.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving section configured to receive an operation for eliminating the need for checking the reading result, and in, The control component is configured to: preventing the checking section from executing the checking in a case where the operation for instructing execution of the main printing has been received in a state where the receiving section has received the operation for eliminating the need for checking the reading result; as well as In a state where the receiving section has received the operation for eliminating the need for checking the reading result, in a case where the operation for instructing execution of the test printing has been received, the checking section is controlled to execute the checking.

Images