Inspection device and inspection system

Abstract

The invention relates to an inspection apparatus and an inspection system. The inspection system includes an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording sheet based on a print job, an information processing apparatus configured to transfer the print job to the image forming apparatus, and an inspection apparatus configured to perform an inspection on the image based on an inspection job, the inspection system includes: one or more storage units configured to store a print job and an inspection job; and a controller configured to delete a first print job from the storage unit when a deletion instruction is received for the first print job stored in the storage unit, where the first print job is deleted from the storage unit based on the deletion instruction received for the first print job. The controller performs control to delete one or more inspection jobs associated with the first print job from the storage unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an inspection device and an inspection system. Background Art

[0002] Although printed products have been checked manually in the past, in recent years, devices that automatically perform checks have been adopted as a type of post-processing of printers. In such checking devices, reference image data is first registered. Next, the input document image data is printed on a sheet using an image forming device, and the image data printed on the sheet is read by a check sensor arranged inside the checking device. Then, by comparing the image data read by the check sensor with the reference image data initially registered, an abnormal image included in the printed product is detected. Hereinafter, the check for detecting an abnormal image from the picture portion of the printed product is referred to as a print image check.

[0003] When performing a print image check using different print settings and different check settings, multiple print jobs and check jobs are created. Therefore, when the print image check is performed multiple times, a large number of print jobs and check jobs are created and stored in the storage device and occupy storage capacity, so that the user may eventually be unable to use the print image check. In addition, for security reasons, it is necessary to delete the print job and the check job. In order to avoid the above-mentioned insufficient storage capacity and information leakage, the user must select and delete the print job and the associated check job one by one.

[0004] According to the technology discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-49899, ​​when the amount of data of a stored inspection job reaches or exceeds a predetermined amount, the inspection job determined to meet a predetermined condition is deleted from the storage unit, for example, the update history information indicates an inspection job whose update date is earlier than a reference date and an inspection job whose usage frequency is a specified value or less than a specified value. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an inspection system is provided, the inspection system comprising an image forming device having an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording sheet based on a print job, an information processing device configured to transmit the print job to the image forming device, and an inspection device configured to perform inspection on the image based on the inspection job, the inspection system comprising: one or more storage units, the storage units configured to store the print job and the inspection job; and a controller, the controller configured to delete the first print job from the storage unit when a delete instruction is received for the first print job stored in the storage unit, wherein, based on the delete instruction received for the first print job, the controller performs control to delete one or more inspection jobs associated with the first print job from the storage unit.

[0006] 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

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the entire configuration of the inspection system according to the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 : is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job management user interface (UI) screen according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 : is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job recycling bin UI screen according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 : is a diagram illustrating an example of an inspection job management UI screen according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 : is a diagram illustrating an example of a check job recovery bin UI screen according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the entire inspection process according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing at the time of print job deletion according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Fig.9A is a diagram illustrating an example of a job deletion list update screen according to the first exemplary embodiment. Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C is a diagram illustrating another example of the job deletion list update screen.

[0016] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating processing at the time of print job deletion according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Fig.11A is a diagram illustrating an example of a job deletion list update screen according to the second exemplary embodiment. Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C is a diagram illustrating another example of the job deletion list update screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments described below are not intended to limit the present invention set forth in the appended claims. Although multiple features are described in the exemplary embodiments, not all features are necessary for the present invention, and the multiple features may be combined in any manner.

[0019] <Entire system configuration>

[0020] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating the entire configuration of the inspection system according to the first exemplary embodiment. The inspection system according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 100, an inspection personal computer (PC) 110, a client PC 120, a printer server 130, a network 140, and a communication cable 150. In the present exemplary embodiment, the client PC 120 and the printer server 130 are also referred to as information processing apparatuses.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 100 outputs print products based on various input data such as print job data transmitted from the client PC 120 and the printer server 130. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image processing apparatus 101, an inspection apparatus 102, and a finisher 103, and is connected to the image processing apparatus 101, the inspection apparatus 102, and the finisher 103 via a communication cable as an internal bus.

[0022] The image processing apparatus 101 performs image processing on various input data based on print settings, and performs image forming processing on recording sheets based on print jobs to form images after image processing. The image processing apparatus 101 then outputs the recording sheets on which the images are formed as print products.

[0023] The inspection device 102 receives the print output from the image processing device 101, and obtains the image data for performing the inspection to determine whether the received print includes an abnormal image. An abnormal image refers to an image that causes the quality of the print to deteriorate. Circular abnormal images (dots) formed by the coloring material adhering to an unexpected position when printing is performed, color missing points generated when the coloring material is not fully adhered to the expected position, and linear abnormal images (stripes) are all examples of abnormal images. The image data obtained by the inspection device 102 is transmitted to the inspection PC 110 described below via the communication cable 150, so that the inspection PC 110 performs an inspection to determine whether the print includes an abnormal image. Then, the inspection device 102 obtains the inspection result from the inspection PC 110. The finisher 103 receives the output sheet inspected by the inspection device 102, and changes the sheet discharge destination based on the inspection result obtained by the inspection device 102 and performs post-processing (such as binding) as needed.

[0024] The image forming device 100 is connected to the inspection PC 110, the client PC 120, and the printer server 130 via the network 140. The image forming device 100 is connected to the inspection PC 110 via the communication cable 150, and performs communication on the image data for inspection and the inspection result. In the present exemplary embodiment, the inspection is performed by the inspection PC 110. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is also applicable to an in-line type inspection apparatus that seamlessly performs image formation, inspection, post-processing, and sheet discharge. The configuration of the image forming device 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0025] The inspection PC 110 is a PC for inspecting an image read from a print using the inspection device 102. The inspection PC 110 includes a device control unit 111 and a user interface unit 118 (hereinafter referred to as "UI unit 118") serving as a display unit. The device control unit 111 includes a controller substrate, and a central processing unit (CPU) 112, a random access memory (RAM) 113, a read-only memory (ROM) 114, a communication interface (I / F) unit 115, a storage unit 116, and an inspection processing unit 117 are mounted on the device control unit 111. In the present exemplary embodiment, communication between modules is performed via an internal system bus (not shown). Alternatively, the inspection PC 110 may be built into the inspection device 102.

[0026] According to the initial program stored in the storage unit 116, the CPU 112 reads the main program from the storage unit 116 and stores the read main program in the RAM 113. The RAM 113 is used as a memory for storing programs and a main working memory. The ROM 114 is used as a memory for temporarily storing data created when processing programs. When the inspection PC 110 performs communication via the network 140 or the communication cable 150, the communication I / F unit 115 is used. The storage unit 116 is used to store a large amount of data such as program data, image data, and inspection jobs. In order to perform an inspection to determine whether an abnormal image such as a stain or a missing point is included in the image data acquired by the inspection device 102, the inspection processing unit 117 calculates the difference between the reference image stored in the RAM 113 as a correct image and the inspection target scan image. Next, for each pixel, the inspection processing unit 117 performs an inspection by comparing the calculated difference with the inspection threshold value of each inspection item (i.e., contrast and size). The inspection result is stored in the RAM 113. For example, the RAM 113 stores information indicating whether an abnormal image is included in a print product and position information of the abnormal image for displaying the type of abnormal image detected (ie, dots or stripes) on the UI unit 118. Then, the inspection result is transmitted to the inspection device 102 via the communication cable 150.

[0027] The UI unit 118 is a device including, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and / or other input / output devices, and is capable of receiving various setting values ​​and specification values.

[0028] The client PC 120 can be communicatively connected with the image forming apparatus 100, the inspection PC 110, and the printer server 130 via the network 140, and is a PC for operating the apparatuses connected to the client PC 120. The client PC 120 includes an apparatus control unit 121 and a UI unit 128. The apparatus control unit 121 includes a controller substrate, and a CPU 122, a RAM 123, a ROM 124, a communication I / F unit 125, and a storage unit 126 are mounted on the apparatus control unit 121. The functions of the devices included in the client PC 120 are similar to those of the corresponding devices included in the inspection PC 110, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0029] The printer server 130 performs raster image processing (RIP) on the print data and the document data to convert the data into data in a bitmap format. The printer server 130 also serves as a server that controls printing by the image forming apparatus 100 and manages print jobs. The printer server 130 includes a device control unit 131 and a UI unit 138 that serves as a display unit. The device control unit 131 includes a controller substrate, and a CPU 132, a RAM 133, a ROM 134, a communication I / F unit 135, a storage unit 136, and an image processing unit 137 are mounted on the device control unit 131. Except for the storage unit 136 and the image processing unit 137, the functions of the devices in the printer server 130 are similar to those of the corresponding devices included in the inspection PC 110, and therefore descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0030] The storage unit 136 is used to store a large amount of data such as program data, image data, and print jobs. The image processing unit 137 performs RIP processing on the print data and document data transmitted from the client PC 120 to convert the data into image data in a bitmap format according to the purpose of use and print settings. For example, when the print data is to be printed, image data with a resolution of 600 dots per inch (dpi) is created through RIP processing.

[0031] The configuration of the entire system including the inspection device according to the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0032] The image forming device 100, the checking PC 110, the client PC 120, and the printer server 130 can communicate with each other via the network 140. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiment, and a network connection can be established between the devices. In addition, for example, the storage unit is a nonvolatile memory such as a solid state drive (SSD) and a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0033] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100 >

[0034] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0035] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image processing apparatus 101, an inspection apparatus 102, and a finisher 103. The image processing apparatus 101 includes an apparatus control unit 200, a printer unit 210, a scanner unit 220, a UI unit 230, and a sheet feeding unit 250.

[0036] The device control unit 200 receives an image and a document via the network 140, and converts the received image and document into print data. A CPU 201, a RAM 202, a storage unit 203, a communication I / F unit 204, a ROM 205, and an image processing unit 206 are mounted on the device control unit 200. The functions of the above-mentioned devices are similar to those of the corresponding devices included in the printer server 130, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0037] The image processing unit 206 acquires page description language (PDL) data stored in the RAM 202, and performs image processing for converting the PDL data into print data. For example, in the image processing for converting the PDL data into print data, the PDL data is converted into multi-valued bitmap data by RIP processing, and the multi-valued bitmap data is further converted into binary bitmap data by known screen processing. The binary bitmap data acquired by the image processing unit 206 is transmitted to the printer unit 210 via the communication I / F unit 204.

[0038] The printer unit 210 conveys a sheet from the sheet feeding unit 250, receives binary bitmap data created by the device control unit 200, and prints the binary bitmap data on the sheet using a coloring material. At this time, the CPU 211 issues an instruction to the printer unit 210 based on the print setting specified by the user. For example, in the case where the user specifies a print setting using coated paper, the CPU 211 issues an instruction to perform printing by using a sheet cassette (not shown) storing coated paper in the sheet feeding unit 250. The above-mentioned various processes from receiving PDL data to printing bitmap data on a sheet are controlled by the device control unit 200 and the printer unit 210, thereby forming a full-color toner image on a sheet. The CPU 211, the RAM 212, the communication I / F unit 214, and the ROM 215 are installed on the printer unit 210. The functions of the above-mentioned devices are similar to those of the corresponding devices included in the device control unit 200, so their description is omitted.

[0039] The scanner unit 220 irradiates a document image with light emitted from a light source (not shown) to form a reflective document image on a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor or the like, and acquires a read signal as multi-valued image data of red, green, and blue.

[0040] The UI unit 230 is a device including, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and / or other input / output devices, and is capable of receiving various setting values ​​and specification values. The sheet feeding unit 250 includes one or more boxes in which sheets for printing are placed. The sheet feeding unit 250 feeds sheets from a box corresponding to a sheet size specified by the print setting, and conveys the sheets to the printer unit 210.

[0041] The inspection device 102 includes a device control unit 260 and an image reading unit 270. The image reading unit 270 reads the printed matter conveyed from the printer unit 210.

[0042] The device control unit 260 performs control to transmit the image data acquired by the image reading unit 270 to the following inspection PC 110 via the communication cable 150. The inspection PC 110 inspects the transmitted image data to determine whether an abnormal image is included in the printed matter, and the device control unit 260 obtains the inspection result from the inspection PC 110 and transmits the inspection result to the sorter 103. A CPU 261, a RAM 262, a communication I / F unit 264, and a ROM 265 are installed on the device control unit 260. The functions of the above devices are similar to those of the corresponding devices included in the device control unit 200, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0043] The sorter 103 includes a device control unit 280 and a sheet discharging unit 290. The device control unit 280 determines the sheet discharging control to be performed on the sheet discharging unit 290 in consideration of the print settings and the inspection result. A CPU 281, a RAM 282, a communication I / F unit 284, and a ROM 285 are installed on the device control unit 280. The functions of the above devices are similar to those of the corresponding devices included in the device control unit 200, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0044] The sheet discharging unit 290 changes the sheet discharging destination of the printed matter conveyed from the inspection device 102 based on the post-processing (e.g., binding processing) specified in the print settings and the inspection result.

[0045] For example, the sheet discharging destination can be changed according to whether an abnormal image is included in the print material.

[0046] In this case, based on the inspection result received from the inspection device 102, the sorter 103 discharges the printed matter without an abnormal image to the normal sheet discharge tray, and discharges the printed matter with an abnormal image to a sheet discharge tray different from the normal sheet discharge tray.

[0047] The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described above. The present invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiment, and is applicable to any image forming apparatus capable of printing print data and reading an image for performing an inspection and determining whether an abnormal image is included in the printed matter.

[0048] <Configuration of UI unit>

[0049] Figure 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job management screen 300 displayed on a UI unit 138 included in a printer server 130. A print job is a job for issuing a print instruction to an image forming device 100. Print data, document data, and print settings are included in a print job. The print settings include, for example, the number of pages, the number of copies, the type of sheet material, and whether to execute / not execute a print image check. When a print job is created, a seven-digit identifier (ID) consisting of the first four digits and the last three digits is assigned to the print job. The first four digits do not overlap with the first four digits of the ID assigned to an existing print job, and the last three digits are 001. A reference image registration print job is a print job for registering a reference image as a correct image for a print image check. A check print job is a print job for outputting a print product for which a print image check is to be performed. A reference image registration print job can be used as a check print job. The printer server 130 does not have to distinguish between a check print job and a reference image registration print job.

[0050] When the printer server 130 is activated, the print job management screen 300 is displayed. Alternatively, when the user operates the UI unit 138 to activate the application, the print job management screen 300 is displayed. When the button 301 is pressed, the print job management screen 300 is closed. When the button 302 is pressed, the print job selected from the print job list 310 is printed. When the button 303 is pressed, a new print job is created. When a new print job is created, a number corresponding to the first four digits of the job ID is issued. In the present exemplary embodiment, the job ID is referred to as an identification code. The identification code is a common number assigned to an associated job.

[0051] The user presses button 304 to edit the properties of the print job selected from the print job list 310. Button 305 is a delete button. When button 305 is pressed, the print job selected from the print job list 310 is deleted from the print job list 310 or moved to the print job recycle bin list 405 described below. Button 306 is a recycle bin button. When button 306 is pressed, the print job management screen 300 is switched to Figure 4 The print job recycle bin screen 400 shown in FIG.

[0052] Job ID 307 is an ID for identifying a print job. Job ID is stored in a storage unit in association with a print job and a check job. In the present exemplary embodiment, a job having a job ID including the same first four digits is identified as an associated print job or an associated check job, and the last three digits of each job ID are used to distinguish the associated print job. In the case where the associated print job or the associated check job is deleted, print job 308 is displayed in a grayed-out state. In the case where the associated print job or the associated check job is deleted, icon 309 is displayed. By displaying the grayed-out print job 308 and icon 309 on the print job list 310, the user can recognize the deletion of the associated print job or the associated check job. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is described that the print job is stored in the storage unit 136 of the printer server 130 and the check job is stored in the storage unit 116 of the check PC 110, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration in which the print job and the check job are stored in the storage unit of the server that performs job management can be used.

[0053] Figure 4 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job recycling bin screen 400 displayed on the UI unit 138. When the user presses the button 306 displayed on the print job management screen 300, the print job recycling bin screen 400 is displayed. The screen displayed on the UI unit 138 is changed by the CPU 132 serving as a display control unit.

[0054] When button 401 is pressed, print job recycle bin screen 400 is closed. When button 402 is pressed, print job recycle bin screen 400 is switched to print job management screen 300. Button 403 is a delete button. When button 403 is pressed, the print job selected from print job recycle bin list 405 is deleted from print job recycle bin list 405. Button 404 is a restore button. When button 404 is pressed, the print job selected from print job recycle bin list 405 is moved to print job list 310.

[0055] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inspection job management screen 500 displayed on the UI unit 118 of the inspection PC 110. An inspection job refers to a job including at least a reference image, an inspection job name, an inspection date, inspection settings, inspection results, and an inspection report.

[0056] When the inspection PC 110 is activated, the inspection job management screen 500 is displayed. Alternatively, when the user operates the UI unit 118 to activate the application, the inspection job management screen 500 is displayed. The user can make the inspection job management screen 500 switch to a screen for reference image registration, inspection setting, and inspection, and can also make the inspection job management screen 500 switch to the inspection job recycle bin screen 600. When the button 501 is pressed, the inspection job management screen 500 is closed. The user presses the button 502 to create a new inspection job and register a reference image.

[0057] When button 503 is pressed, the previously created inspection job is copied. The user presses button 503 to copy the inspection job selected from the inspection job list 511. By copying the inspection job, the reference image and the inspection settings are also copied so that the user can newly perform the inspection. Button 504 is a delete button. When button 504 is pressed, the inspection job selected from the inspection job list 511 is deleted from the inspection job list 511 or moved to the inspection job recycle bin list 605 described below. Button 505 is an inspection setting button. The user presses button 505 to perform inspection settings on the inspection job for which the reference image has been registered. Button 506 is an inspection button. The user presses button 506 to perform an inspection on the inspection job for which the user has registered the reference image and completed the inspection settings.

[0058] Button 507 is a recycle bin button. When button 507 is pressed, the inspection job management screen 500 is switched to Figure 6 508 is an ID for identifying a check job. In the present exemplary embodiment, jobs having job IDs including the same first four digits are identified as associated print jobs or associated check jobs, and the last three digits of each job ID are used to distinguish the associated check jobs.

[0059] In the case where the associated print job or the associated check job is deleted, the check job 509 is displayed in a grayed-out state. In the case where the associated print job or the associated check job is deleted, an icon 510 is displayed. By displaying the grayed-out check job 509 and the icon 510 on the check job list 511, the user can recognize the deletion of the associated print job or the associated check job.

[0060] Figure 65 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inspection job recycle bin screen 600 displayed on the UI unit 118. When the user presses button 507 displayed on the inspection job management screen 500, the inspection job recycle bin screen 600 is displayed. When button 601 is pressed, the inspection job recycle bin screen 600 is closed. When button 602 is pressed, the inspection job recycle bin screen 600 is switched to the inspection job management screen 500. Button 603 is a delete button. When button 603 is pressed, the inspection job selected from the inspection job recycle bin list 605 is deleted from the inspection job recycle bin list 605. Button 604 is a restore button. When button 604 is pressed, the inspection job selected from the inspection job recycle bin list 605 is moved to the inspection job list 511.

[0061] <Entire inspection process>

[0062] Figure 7 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process that allows a user to perform an inspection after registering a reference image and inspection settings in the inspection system or to perform an inspection using an existing inspection job. The user performs the process by operating the printer server 130 and the inspection PC 110.

[0063] At this time, regarding the processing performed by the checking PC 110, the program code stored in the storage unit 116 is loaded into the RAM 113, and the device control unit 111 performs control by causing the CPU 112 to execute the program code. Furthermore, regarding the processing performed by the printer server 130, the program code stored in the storage unit 136 is loaded into the RAM 133, and the device control unit 131 performs control by causing the CPU 132 to execute the program code. Furthermore, regarding the processing performed by the image forming device 100, the program code stored in the storage unit 203 is loaded into the RAM 202, and the device control unit 200 performs control by causing the CPU 201 to execute the program code.

[0064] In step S701, the CPU 112 determines whether to register a reference image or to use an existing inspection job. In the case where the button 502 of the inspection job management screen 500 displayed on the UI unit 118 is pressed, the CPU 112 determines to register a reference image ("Yes" in step S701), and the process proceeds to step S702. In the case where the button 506 is pressed after selecting an inspection job from the inspection job list 511, the CPU 112 determines to use an existing inspection job ("No" in step S701), and the process proceeds to step S704.

[0065] In step S702, the CPU 112 registers a reference image used as a correct image for inspection. The inspection PC 110 stands by in the reference image reading mode, and the printer server 130 executes a reference image registration print job. As the reference image registration print job to be executed in step S702, the user can newly create a print job by pressing the button 303, or can use an existing print job in the print job list 310. When printing is executed, the inspection device 102 detects the conveyance of the print product and scans the print product by the image reading unit 270, and stores the scanned image in the storage unit 116 of the inspection PC 110 as a reference image for the inspection job.

[0066] In addition, the CPU 112 uses the first four digits of the ID of the reference image registration print job executed by the printer server 130 as the first four digits of the ID assigned to the newly created inspection job. The CPU 112 uses the last three digits of the inspection job ID to distinguish the associated inspection jobs (that is, the last three digits indicate the number of associated inspection jobs), and stores the ID in the storage unit 116 of the inspection PC 110 to associate the inspection job with the print job. For example, in the case where the ID of the reference image registration print job is 0002001 and the inspection jobs with IDs 0002001 and 0002002 are included in the existing inspection jobs, ID 002003 is assigned to the newly created inspection job. Therefore, in the case where the existing print job included in the print job list 310 is used as the reference image registration print job, there are multiple inspection jobs associated with the print job.

[0067] In step S703 , the CPU 112 stores various inspection setting values ​​such as the inspection area and inspection level of the inspection job in the storage unit 116 of the inspection PC 110 based on the inspection setting received from the user on the inspection job management screen 500 displayed on the UI unit 118 .

[0068] In step S704, when selecting to use an existing inspection job, the first four digits of the ID of the inspection job selected in step S701 are transmitted by CPU 112 to the CPU 132 of printer server 130. CPU 132 uses the first four digits of the inspection job ID received from CPU 112 as the first four digits of the inspection print job ID. As the inspection print job executed in step S704, the user can create a new print job by pressing button 303, or can select an existing print job from the print job list 310. CPU 132 uses the last three digits of ID to distinguish the associated print jobs (that is, the last three digits indicate the number of associated print jobs), and updates the ID of the print job. For example, when the ID of the inspection job selected in step S701 is 0003001 and the existing print job includes a print job whose ID is 0003001, ID0003002 is assigned to the inspection print job. When the first four digits of the check print job ID match the first four digits of the check job ID selected in step S701, the CPU 132 does not have to update the ID. In other words, when the first four digits of the check print job ID do not match the first four digits of the check job ID selected in step S701, there are multiple print jobs associated with the check job.

[0069] In step S705, the CPU 112 receives the print job used as the reference image registration print job in step S702 or the print job used as the inspection print job in step S704 from the printer server 130. Next, the inspection device 102 detects the conveyance of the sheet and scans the sheet by the image reading unit 270, and stores the scanned image in the RAM 113 of the inspection PC 110. Then, the CPU 112 loads the reference image and the inspection setting value of the inspection job stored in the storage unit 116 in steps S702 and S703 or the reference image and the inspection setting value of the existing inspection job selected in step S701 into the RAM 113. The CPU 112 performs inspection on the image scanned by the image reading unit 270 by using the reference image loaded from the storage unit 116 into the RAM 113 and the inspection setting value loaded from the storage unit 116 into the RAM 113, and ends the processing shown in this flowchart.

[0070] In the present exemplary embodiment, the reference image is registered by scanning the reference image by the image reading unit 270. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image processed by the image processing unit 206 of the printer server 130 or the image forming device 100 through RIP processing can be registered as a reference image. At this time, in the RIP processing of the reference image, the reference image is created by converting an image with a resolution of 600 dpi into an image with a resolution of 300 dpi. The image data processed by the RIP processing is transmitted to the inspection PC 110 via the network 140 or the communication cable 150, and is used as a reference image for inspection. In addition, although the print job and the inspection job are associated with each other by using an ID, other methods can also be used as long as the print job and the inspection job are associated with each other.

[0071] <Print job deletion process>

[0072] Figure 8 136 of the printer server 130. By executing this process, the associated check job can be deleted when the print job is deleted. Figure 8 At this time, the program code stored in the storage unit 136 is loaded into the RAM 133, and the device control unit 131 performs control by causing the CPU 132 to execute the program code. In addition, with respect to the processing performed by the inspection PC 110, the program code stored in the storage unit 116 is loaded into the RAM 113, and the device control unit 111 performs control by causing the CPU 112 to execute the program code.

[0073] In step S801, the CPU 132 determines whether the user has selected a print job from the print job list 310 of the print job management screen 300 displayed on the UI unit 138 and pressed the delete button 305. In other words, the CPU 132 determines whether a delete instruction is issued for the selected print job. When the delete button 305 is pressed, the CPU 132 deletes the print job stored in the storage unit 136.

[0074] In step S802 , the CPU 132 transmits information indicating deletion of the print job and the ID of the deleted print job to the CPU 112 of the checking PC 110 .

[0075] CPU 112 receives the information of the deletion of the instruction print job transmitted in step S802 and the ID of the deleted print job, and creates an empty job deletion list. Then, CPU 112 searches for the inspection job whose first four digits of the ID match the first four digits of the received print job ID from storage unit 116. In the case where there is an inspection job with a corresponding ID, CPU 112 adds the inspection job to the job deletion list. For example, in the case where the ID of the deleted print job is 0002001 and there are inspection jobs whose IDs are 0002001, 0002002 and 0003001 in storage unit 116, the inspection jobs whose IDs are 0002001 and 0002002 are added to the job deletion list. After the search is completed, CPU 112 transmits the information related to the created job deletion list to CPU 132.

[0076] In step S803, the CPU 132 receives information about the job deletion list from the CPU 112, and determines whether there is a check job with the corresponding ID based on the search result performed in step S802. If the job deletion list is not empty ("Yes" in step S803), the process proceeds to step S804. If the job deletion list is empty ("No" in step S803), the process in the flowchart ends.

[0077] In step S804 , the CPU 132 displays a job deletion list update screen on the UI unit 138 . 9A to 9C An example of a job deletion list update screen displayed on the UI unit 138 is illustrated.

[0078] Fig.9A The figure shows the dialog box for confirming whether to delete all associated jobs. Fig. 9B As shown in , information related to the job deletion list can also be displayed above. Fig. 9C The diagram shows a dialog box that displays information related to the job deletion list, which allows the user to select whether to delete the job by confirming each check box. Without displaying the job deletion list update screen, the CPU 132 advances the process from step S803 to step S807 without executing the processes in steps S804 to S806.

[0079] In step S805, the CPU 132 determines whether to update the job deletion list. Here, the CPU 132 determines whether to press Fig.9A ( Fig. 9B ) is shown as "yes" button 901 (903) or "no" button 902 (904). Fig. 9CIn a state where a check mark is not checked in the check box 905 shown in , the CPU 132 determines whether the “OK” button 906 is pressed. In a case where the “NO” button 902 (904) is pressed (“YES” in step S805), the CPU 132 determines to update the job deletion list, and the process proceeds to step S806. In a case where the “YES” button 901 (903) is pressed (“NO” in step S805), the CPU 132 determines not to update the job deletion list, and the process proceeds to step S807. Furthermore, in a case where the “OK” button 906 is pressed in a state where any check mark is not checked in the check box 905 (“YES” in step S805), the CPU 132 determines to create a new job deletion list, and the process proceeds to step S806. In a case where check marks are checked in all the check boxes 905 (“NO” in step S805), the CPU 132 determines not to update the job deletion list, and the process proceeds to step S807.

[0080] In step S804, the Fig.9A or Fig. 9B In the case of displaying the job deletion list update screen shown in FIG. 8 , in step S806, the CPU 132 clears the job deletion list and transmits the job deletion list to the CPU 112. Alternatively, in step S804, the job deletion list update screen is displayed. Fig. 9C , the CPU 132 deletes jobs having no check mark in the check box 905 from the job deletion list, and transmits the job deletion list to the CPU 112. The CPU 112 updates the job deletion list created in step S802 using the received job deletion list.

[0081] In step S807, the CPU 132 transmits an instruction to the CPU 112 to delete all checking jobs included in the job deletion list from the storage unit 116, and ends the processing in this flowchart. The CPU 112 receives the deletion instruction transmitted in step S807, and deletes all checking jobs included in the job deletion list from the storage unit 116.

[0082] As described above, the case where the user is prompted to determine whether to delete the associated inspection job is described. In the case where all the associated inspection jobs are to be deleted collectively, the processing in steps S804 to S806 can be omitted, and the user can be prompted to determine whether to delete the associated inspection job. 9A to 9C In the case of any of the screens shown in , the checking job with the corresponding ID is deleted in step S807. As described above, by deleting the associated checking job in conjunction with the deletion of the print job, the convenience of the user when deleting the print job can be improved.

[0083] <Print job deletion process>

[0084] In the first exemplary embodiment, a method for improving user convenience when a print job is deleted by deleting an associated check job in linkage with the deletion of the print job is described. Then, in the second exemplary embodiment, a method for deleting both the associated print job and the associated check job when deleting the print job will be described. Hereinafter, the present exemplary embodiment will be described with respect to the parts that are different from the first exemplary embodiment described above. The parts that are not described in detail are similar to those according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0085] Fig.10 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed when a user deletes a print job stored in the storage unit 136 of the printer server 130. By executing this process, both the associated print job and the associated checking job can be deleted when the print job is deleted.

[0086] Fig.10 The processing in is executed by the user operating the UI unit 138. At this time, the program code stored in the storage unit 136 is loaded into the RAM 133, and the device control unit 131 performs control by causing the CPU 132 to execute the program code. In addition, with respect to the processing performed by the inspection PC 110, the program code stored in the storage unit 116 is loaded into the RAM 113, and the device control unit 111 performs control by causing the CPU 112 to execute the program code.

[0087] The processing in step S1001 is the same as Figure 8 The processing in step S801 shown in is similar, so its description is omitted.

[0088] In step S1002, the CPU 132 creates an empty job deletion list (1), and searches the storage unit 136 for another print job whose first four digits of the ID match the first four digits of the ID of the print job deleted in step S1001. In the case where there is a print job with a corresponding ID, the CPU 132 adds the print job to the job deletion list (1). For example, in the case where the ID of the deleted print job is 0004002 and there are print jobs with IDs 0004001, 0004003, and 0005001 in the storage unit 136, the print jobs with IDs 0004001 and 0004003 are added to the job deletion list (1).

[0089] In step S1003 , the CPU 132 transmits information indicating deletion of the print job and the ID of the deleted print job to the CPU 112 of the checking PC 110 .

[0090] The CPU 112 receives the information indicating the deletion of the print job and the ID of the deleted print job transmitted in step S1003, and creates an empty job deletion list (2). Then, the CPU 112 adds the check job with the corresponding ID to the job deletion list (2). Figure 8 The method described in is similar, so its description is omitted.

[0091] In step S1004, the CPU 132 determines whether there is a job with the corresponding ID based on the results of the search performed in steps S1002 and S1003. In the case where either the job deletion list (1) created in step S1002 or the job deletion list (2) received in step S1003 is not empty ("Yes" in step S1004), the process proceeds to step S1005. In the case where both the job deletion list (1) created in step S1002 and the job deletion list (2) received in step S1003 are empty ("No" in step S1004), the process in this flowchart ends.

[0092] In step S1005 , the CPU 132 displays a job deletion list update screen on the UI unit 138 . FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C An example of a job deletion list update screen displayed on the UI unit 138 is illustrated. Fig.11A The figure shows the dialog box for confirming whether to delete all associated jobs. Fig. 11B As shown in , information related to the job deletion lists (1) and (2) can also be displayed above. Fig. 11C The diagram shows a dialog box that displays information about both the job deletion lists (1) and (2), which allows the user to select whether to delete the job by confirming each check box. Without displaying the job deletion list update screen, the CPU 132 advances the process from step S1004 to step S1008 without executing the processes in steps S1005 to S1007.

[0093] In step S1006, the CPU 132 determines whether to update the job deletion lists (1) and (2). Here, the CPU 132 determines whether to press Fig.11A ( Fig. 11B ) or the "Yes" button 1101 (1103) or the "No" button 1102 (1104) shown in FIG. 130. In addition, the CPU 132 determines whether Fig. 11C05. In the case where the “OK” button 1106 is pressed while a check mark is not checked in the check box 1105 shown in . In the case where the “NO” button 1102 (1104) is pressed (“YES” in step S1006), the CPU 132 determines that the job deletion lists (1) and (2) are to be updated, and the process proceeds to step S1007. In the case where the “YES” button 1101 (1103) is pressed (“NO” in step S1006), the CPU 132 determines that the job deletion lists (1) and (2) are not to be updated, and the process proceeds to step S1008. Furthermore, in the case where the “OK” button 1106 is pressed while any check mark is not checked in the check box 1105 (“YES” in step S1006), the CPU 132 determines that the job deletion lists (1) and (2) are to be updated, and the process proceeds to step S1007. In a case where check marks are placed in all the check boxes 1105 (NO in step S1006 ), the CPU 132 determines not to update the job deletion lists (1) and (2), and the processing proceeds to step S1008 .

[0094] In step S1005, the Fig.11A or Fig. 11B In the case of the job deletion list update screen shown in , in step S1007, the CPU 132 clears both the job deletion lists (1) and (2). Then, the CPU 132 transmits the job deletion list (2) to the CPU 112. Alternatively, the job deletion list (1) is displayed in step S1005. Fig. 11C , the CPU 132 deletes the jobs that have no check mark in the check box 1105 from the corresponding job deletion list (1) or (2). Then, the CPU 132 transmits the job deletion list (2) to the CPU 112. The CPU 112 updates the job deletion list (2) created in step S1003 using the received job deletion list (2).

[0095] In step S1008, CPU 132 deletes all print jobs included in job deletion list (1) from storage unit 136. Furthermore, CPU 132 transmits an instruction to CPU 112 to delete the checking job included in job deletion list (2) from storage unit 116, and ends the processing in this flowchart.

[0096] The CPU 112 receives the instruction transmitted from the CPU 132 in step S1008 , and deletes all checking jobs included in the job deletion list ( 2 ) from the storage unit 116 .

[0097] As described above, the convenience for the user at the time of print job deletion can be improved by deleting both the associated print job and the associated checking job in conjunction with the deletion of the print job.

[0098] <Print job deletion process>

[0099] In the first exemplary embodiment, a method for improving the convenience of the user at the time of print job deletion by deleting the associated check job in linkage with the deletion of the print job is described. Figure 8 A method by which a user can distinguish a check job that is not deleted in conjunction with deletion of a print job is described. Figure 8 The processing in steps S801 to S806 shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the processing described in the first exemplary embodiment, and thus a description thereof is omitted.

[0100] In step S807, CPU 132 transmits an instruction to CPU 112 to delete all inspection jobs included in the job deletion list from storage unit 116, and ends the processing in the flowchart. CPU 112 receives the deletion instruction transmitted in step S807, and deletes all inspection jobs included in the job deletion list from storage unit 116. At this time, based on the update result of the job deletion list executed in step S806, CPU 112 further performs the following processing on the inspection job with difference. In the inspection job management screen 500 displayed on UI unit 118, CPU 112 displays icon 510 together with the inspection job with difference. Another option is that, in the same way as inspection job 509, CPU 112 displays the inspection job in a grayed-out state. As described above, the inspection job whose associated print job has been deleted can be distinguished from other inspection jobs by displaying an icon or displaying the inspection job in a grayed-out state. The inspection job is moved from the inspection job list 511 to the inspection job recycle bin list 605 of the inspection job recycle bin screen 600. For example, a case where the ID of the print job deleted in step S801 is 0024001 and the check jobs with IDs 0024001 and 0024002 are added to the job deletion list is described. In this case, when the check jobs with IDs 0024001 and 0024002 are deleted from the job deletion list in step S806, these check jobs are displayed in a grayed-out state in the same manner as the check job 509. Alternatively, the check jobs may be displayed in a grayed-out state in the same manner as the check job 509. Figure 6 In the same manner as the inspection job with ID 0024002, the corresponding inspection job is moved to the inspection job recycling bin list 605.

[0101] Figure 8The processing in step S807 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to the processing described in the first exemplary embodiment, so its description is omitted. As described above, the user can delete the associated check job in conjunction with the deletion of the print job, and even in the case where the associated check job is not deleted, the user can recognize that the associated print job has been deleted. In this way, the convenience of the user in deleting the print job and the convenience in deleting the check job can be improved.

[0102] The above describes the processing when a print job is deleted according to the present exemplary embodiment. The present invention is not limited to the present exemplary embodiment described above, and any configuration is acceptable as long as the following conditions are met: the user can delete the check job associated with a print job when deleting the print job, and the user can recognize that the print job has been deleted even if the associated check job has not been deleted.

[0103] In addition, according to this exemplary embodiment, the user can delete the inspection job associated with a print job in conjunction with the deletion of the print job, and even if the associated inspection job is not deleted in conjunction, the user can recognize that the print job that serves as the starting point of the linkage deletion has been deleted.

[0104] Here, the present exemplary embodiment is considered in conjunction with the second exemplary embodiment. This allows the user to delete the print job and the check job associated with the one print job in conjunction with the deletion of the one print job, and even in the case where the associated print job and the associated check job are not deleted in conjunction, the user is allowed to recognize that the one print job as the starting point of the linkage deletion has been deleted. At this time, information related to the deletion of a print job regarded as the starting point of the linkage deletion is displayed in a manner similar to that for the check job management screen 500. In other words, also on the print job management screen 300, the print job is displayed in a grayed-out state in the same manner as the print job 308, or an icon 309 is also displayed together with the print job, or the print job is moved from the print job list 310 to the print job recycle bin list 405 of the print job recycle bin screen 400. In this way, the user can recognize the deletion of the print job.

[0105] In the above three exemplary embodiments, when one print job stored in the storage unit 136 is deleted, both the print job and the check job associated with the one print job are deleted in conjunction. In addition, even if the associated print job and the associated check job are not deleted in conjunction, the user can recognize that the print job as the starting point of the linkage deletion has been deleted.

[0106] However, the processing is not limited to the case where the print job is deleted. For example, a case will be cited where the user selects a check job from the check job list 511 of the check job management screen 500 displayed on the UI unit 118 and deletes the check job from the storage unit 116 by pressing the button 504. In this case, the CPU 132 searches the first four digits of the ID of the deleted check job from the storage units 116 and 136 by a process similar to the process in steps S1001 and S1002, and adds the associated print job and the associated check job to the job deletion list. In this way, both the print job and the check job associated with the deleted check job can be deleted in linkage by a process similar to the process in step S1008.

[0107] Furthermore, instead of the UI unit 138, 9A to 9C and FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C The job deletion list update screen shown in can be displayed on the UI unit 118, respectively. In addition, even in the case where the print job and the check job associated with the deleted check job are not deleted in linkage, the following method can be adopted to enable the user to easily recognize that the check job as the starting point of deletion has been deleted. One method is: on the print job management screen 300 and the check job management screen 500, the print job and the check job are displayed in a grayed-out state in the same manner as the print job 308 and the check job 509, respectively, or icons 309 and 510 are also displayed together with the print job and the check job. Another option is that the print job can be moved from the print job list 310 to the print job recycle bin list 405 of the print job recycle bin screen 400, and the check job can be moved from the check job list 511 to the check job recycle bin list 605 of the check job recycle bin screen 600.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above-described three exemplary embodiments, the print job is stored in the storage unit 136, and the check job is stored in the storage unit 116. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the print job may be stored in the storage unit 126 of the client PC 120 or in the storage unit 203 of the image forming apparatus 100. The check job may be stored in the storage unit 203 of the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the print job management screen 300 and the print job recycle bin screen 400 may be displayed on the UI unit 128 of the client PC 120 or the UI unit 230 of the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, the check job management screen 500 and the check job recycle bin screen 600 may be displayed on the UI unit 230 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0109] As described above, the print job or the check job associated with the print job or the check job can be deleted in conjunction with the deletion of the print job or the check job. In addition, even if the user does not delete the print job or the check job associated with the print job or the check job, the user can still recognize that the print job or the check job has been deleted. In this way, the convenience of the user in deleting the print job and the convenience of deleting the check job can be improved.

[0110] Furthermore, for example, in the case where the inspection system has a function of deleting an inspection job determined to satisfy a predetermined condition from a storage unit, if there is an inspection job that should not be deleted even if the inspection job satisfies the predetermined condition, the user must disable the function. Then, when deleting the inspection job in a state where the function is disabled, the user must search for the deletion target inspection job and the associated print job and inspection job from the job list, and delete these jobs from the job list. By the above configuration according to the present exemplary embodiment, the convenience of the user can be improved even in the above case.

[0111] Although various examples and exemplary embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific description in this specification.

[0112] Other embodiments

[0113] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0114] According to the present invention, when deleting a print job or a check job, the print job or the check job associated with the print job or the check job is deleted in conjunction. Therefore, the user does not have to search for the job associated with the deleted job, thereby improving the convenience of the user when deleting the job.

[0115] 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 following claims are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An inspection system, comprising an image forming device having an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording sheet based on a print job, an information processing device configured to transmit the print job to the image forming device, and an inspection device configured to perform inspection on the image based on the inspection job, the inspection system comprising: one or more storage units, wherein the storage units are configured to store the print job and the inspection job; as well as a controller configured to delete the first print job from the storage unit when receiving a delete instruction for the first print job stored in the storage unit, Wherein, based on the deletion instruction received for the first print job, the controller performs control to delete one or more inspection jobs associated with the first print job from the storage unit.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1, in, When creating a print job for registering a reference image, the controller assigns an identification code to the print job for registering the reference image, The storage unit includes a first storage unit configured to store the print job and a second storage unit configured to store the check job. wherein the first storage unit stores the print job in association with the assigned identification code, and The second storage unit stores the inspection job for performing inspection on the image by using the reference image created by the print job for registering the reference image in association with the identification code assigned to the print job for registering the reference image.

3. The inspection system according to claim 2, wherein: In the case where a second inspection job for performing a new inspection is created based on a first inspection job for which inspection has already been performed, the second storage unit stores the second inspection job in association with the identification code assigned to the first inspection job.

4. The inspection system according to claim 2, wherein: Based on the deletion instruction received for the first print job, the controller performs control to delete a print job having an identification code similar to that assigned to the first print job and a check job having an identification code similar to the identification code assigned to the first print job from the storage unit.

5. The inspection system according to claim 1, further comprising a display controller configured to display a picture on a display unit. in, The display controller displays a screen for receiving a deletion instruction for one or more jobs associated with the first print job stored in the storage unit, and Here, in a case where the deletion instruction is received for one or more associated jobs via the screen, the controller performs control to delete the job for which the deletion instruction is received from the storage unit.

6. The inspection system according to claim 5, wherein: The one or more jobs include the print job and the check job.

7. The inspection system according to claim 5, wherein: A job that has not received the deletion instruction among the one or more jobs is not deleted from the storage unit.

8. The inspection system according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit, wherein the display unit is configured to display a picture. in, The deletion instruction for the first print job is received by selecting from a job list of print jobs including the first print job displayed on the display unit.

9. The inspection system according to claim 8, wherein: In the job list, the job whose associated job has been deleted is displayed in a manner that can be distinguished from other jobs.

10. An inspection system comprising an image forming device having an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording sheet based on a print job, an information processing device configured to transmit the print job to the image forming device, and an inspection device configured to perform inspection on the image based on the inspection job, the inspection system comprising: a storage unit configured to store the print job and the inspection job; as well as a controller configured to delete the first inspection job from the storage unit based on a deletion instruction received for the first inspection job stored in the storage unit, Wherein, based on the deletion instruction received for the first checking job, the controller performs control to delete one or more print jobs associated with the first checking job from the storage unit.

11. The inspection system according to claim 10, in, When creating a print job for registering a reference image, the controller assigns an identification code to the print job for registering the reference image, The storage unit includes a first storage unit configured to store the print job and a second storage unit configured to store the check job. wherein the first storage unit stores the print job in association with the assigned identification code, and The second storage unit stores the inspection job for performing inspection on the image by using the reference image created by the print job for registering the reference image in association with the identification code assigned to the print job for registering the reference image.

12. The inspection system according to claim 11, wherein: In a case where a second print job for newly executing printing is created based on a first print job for which printing has already been executed, the first storage unit stores the second print job in association with an identification code assigned to the first print job.

13. The inspection system according to claim 11, wherein: Based on the deletion instruction received for the first checking job, the controller performs control to delete a checking job having an identification code similar to the identification code assigned to the first checking job and a print job having an identification code similar to the identification code assigned to the first checking job from the storage unit.

14. An inspection device, the inspection device being communicatively connected to an image forming device having an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording sheet based on a print job and an information processing device configured to transmit the print job to the image forming device, the inspection device comprising: a first controller configured to perform an inspection on the image based on an inspection job; as well as a network interface card (NIC), the network interface card being configured to receive information instructing the information processing apparatus to execute deletion of the first print job and an identification code of the first print job, The first controller deletes the inspection operation whose identification code is similar to the received identification code.

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