Image forming apparatus and system, inspection method, computer program product, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus and system, an inspection method, a computer program product, and a storage medium, and aims to reduce the cleaning frequency of a reading part. The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes: a print image reading unit configured to read a print printed by a printing device with a reading unit and create a first image to be inspected; a first defect determination processing section configured to determine a defect of the printed matter based on a main image created from print data of the printed matter and the first inspected image; a second defect determination processing unit for detecting a defect and a defect state of a second inspected image created by the reading unit under a non-paper-passing condition; an exclusion region setting unit for setting the defect site detected by the second defect determination processing unit as an inspection exclusion region in which the first defect determination processing unit does not detect the defect; and a user I / F unit for notifying a user when the defect state exceeds a threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, an inspection method, and a computer program product. Background Art

[0002] Some existing printing systems include a printing device and an inspection device. The printing device forms an image on a sheet according to print data. The inspection device reads the image with a reading unit and compares the image with a master image created based on the original print data. The print quality is evaluated based on the comparison result. In order to correctly evaluate the print quality, the reading unit needs to be free of defects such as dirt.

[0003] There is a known technique for detecting defects caused by a reading unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technical solution in which a blank area of ​​a printed document is read to read only a contaminated image of the contact glass, and it is distinguished whether the detected contamination is from a white reference plate or the contact glass, and the contamination position and cleaning instructions are displayed on an operation unit.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2013-132042

[0005] However, the prior art has a problem that the user needs to clean the reading section to eliminate the defect caused by the reading section. In other words, the prior art has a problem that when the contact glass or the white reference plate is judged to be contaminated, the user needs to clean the contact glass or the white reference plate in both cases. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a technical solution, the purpose of which is to reduce the frequency of cleaning the reading unit.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an image forming device, characterized in that it comprises: a print image reading unit, which is used to read a print printed by a printing device with a reading unit to create a first inspected image; a first defect judgment processing unit, which is used to judge the defects of the print based on a main image created from the print data of the print and the first inspected image; a second defect judgment processing unit, which is used to detect defects and defect states of the second inspected image created by the reading unit without paper passing; an exclusion area setting unit, which is used to set the defective part detected by the second defect judgment processing unit as an inspection exclusion area where the first defect judgment processing unit does not detect defects; and a user I / F unit, which is used to notify the user when the defect state exceeds a threshold.

[0008] The effect of the present invention is to reduce the frequency of cleaning the reading unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of the printing system.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an example functional block diagram of DFE.

[0011] Figure 3 This is an example of a functional block diagram of a printer.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an example functional block diagram of an inspection device.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an example of job management information.

[0014] Figure 6 This is an example of a processing flow chart after defect detection processing in the paper non-pass detection mode.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a list of items that are considered to be defective.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of the process of checking the registration of the excluded area.

[0017] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a status display screen displayed by the inspection device.

[0018] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of an error message displayed on the status display screen.

[0019] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of a threshold setting screen displayed by the inspection device.

[0020] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting screen that is displayed as a pop-up.

[0021] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of an inspection exclusion area setting screen displayed by the inspection device.

[0022] Explanation of symbols

[0023] 101 Printer

[0024] 103 Inspection device

[0025] 104 Stacker

[0026] 131,132 Reading device DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, an inspection device and an inspection method performed by the inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] <Processing Overview>

[0029] The printing system of this embodiment can read the actual printed matter through the reading unit, create an image to be checked (for example, the first image to be checked), and compare the checked image with the main image created based on the original printing data formed on the printed matter to determine whether the printed matter is output with the required quality. If there is a certain difference (defect) between the checked image and the main image, there are some problems in the printing process and defects such as dirt on the reading unit. However, since the user is not clear whether the detected defect is caused by the printing process or contamination of the reading unit, the reading unit needs to be cleaned in either case, which reduces the production efficiency of the printed matter. For this reason, when a defect is detected, in order to propose a suitable maintenance method to the user, the printing system needs to distinguish whether the cause of the defect is caused by reading or printing.

[0030] In view of this, the printing system of the present embodiment first detects a defect in the reading section without actually reading the original document (hereinafter referred to as paper non-feed), and sets the area where the defect is detected as an inspection exclusion area.

[0031] 1. The printing system creates an image to be inspected (an example of a second image to be inspected) without paper passing. The image to be inspected without paper passing is an image created by the reader reading a predetermined reference surface, and if there are no defects such as dirt, it becomes a uniform image with roughly white or black pixels as a whole.

[0032] 2. The printing system detects defects in the inspected image without paper passing.

[0033] 3. The printing system sets the defects detected from the inspected image without paper passing to the inspection exclusion area. Alternatively, the user can set the inspection exclusion area with reference to the detected defects. If the defects detected in the inspection of the printed material with paper passing are included in the inspection exclusion area, the printing system will not detect them as defects. Furthermore, the user can set the defects in the inspection exclusion area as "suspected poor reading defects" for display.

[0034] On the other hand, when the dust attached to the reading part increases, the inspection exclusion area will also increase. When defects caused by the non-reading part exist in the inspection exclusion area, the risk of missed detection will also increase (when it is set not to notify the user in the inspection exclusion area).

[0035] When the defect in the inspection exclusion area is displayed as a "suspected poor reading defect", the user needs to frequently confirm whether the defect is caused by the reading unit and perform cleaning operations (when notifying the user of the defect suspected to be caused by the reading unit).

[0036] In this regard, in addition to setting the inspection exclusion area, the present embodiment also notifies the user and requires cleaning operations when the defect state exceeds the threshold in the paper-free detection mode. Therefore, the present embodiment can suppress the excessive increase in the risk of defect missed detection in the actual printing detection mode due to the increase in the inspection exclusion area. Moreover, on the basis of suppressing the user's confirmation and cleaning operations to a minimum (within the range that does not excessively increase the risk of missed detection), it is possible to suppress erroneous detection caused by reading stripes detected in the inspection exclusion area.

[0037] <Terms used in this article>

[0038] The inspected image is an image used for printing quality inspection and is an image created by optical reading by a reading unit. The inspected image includes an image created by reading a printed material and an image created by reading a reference surface without paper passing through.

[0039] The main image is an image created based on the original print data of the print material and is an image that serves as a standard for print quality.

[0040] Defects refer to places that do not meet the print quality standards or places that do not meet the standards. Defects include defects that appear on the inspected image of the printed matter and defects that appear on the inspected image when reading the reference surface without paper passing. In the former case, although the print quality is also reduced, the cause may be a failure in the printing process or dirt on the reading part. In the latter case, the reading part is more likely to be contaminated.

[0041] The inspection exclusion area is an area that is treated as if the defect is not detected even if a defect is detected in the printed material inspected during execution of the print job.

[0042] Defect status refers to the use of some scale to indicate what defect status the defect detected by inspection is in. Examples of defect status include the number of defects, the width of a defect, the length of a defect, the area of ​​a defect, or the brightness value of a defect.

[0043] <System Configuration Example>

[0044] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the system configuration of the printing system 100. Figure 1 The system configuration is just an example, and any configuration may be used as long as it is capable of performing the defect detection described in this embodiment.

[0045] The printing system 100 includes a printer 101, an inspection device 103, and a stacker 104. The printing system 100 may also be referred to as an image forming device, an image forming system, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product), or a multifunction machine. The printer 101, the inspection device 103, and the stacker 104, or two of them, may be integrally formed. The printer 101 is a device that obtains data such as text, images, or graphics and prints it on paper or the like. The printer 101 may also be referred to as a printing device or the like.

[0046] An operation unit 102 of the printer 101 is provided on the upper surface of the printer 101. The operation unit 102 includes a display (touch panel) and a keyboard, and displays an operation screen. The operation unit 102 displays an operation screen of the printing system 100 and accepts various operations from the user.

[0047] The printer 101 receives a print job including a RIP image from a DFE (Digital Front End) or a PC (Personal Computer) described below, or receives an execution command for a print job stored in the printer 101. In this embodiment, 8 bits and 600 dpi for each CMYK is an example of a RIP image.

[0048] The printer 101 obtains paper from the paper supply unit 105 according to the content of the print job execution instruction, and conveys the paper along the path shown by the dotted line in the figure. The printer 101 forms an image on the paper by means of drums 113, 114, 115, and 116. The drums 113, 114, 115, and 116 respectively overlap the toner images of K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) on the belt 111, and transfer the color toner images to the paper conveyed to the roller 112, and the roller 117 fixes the toner images on the paper with heat and pressure. In the case of single-sided printing, the paper is directly discharged to the inspection device 103. In the case of double-sided printing, the paper is reversed in the reversing path 118, conveyed to the roller 112, and the color toner images are transferred and fixed to the other side of the paper by the drums 113, 114, 115, and 116, and then discharged to the inspection device 103.

[0049] The inspection device 103 is a device for inspecting the print quality of the print output by the printer 101. The inspection device 103 has an operation unit 133. The function of the operation unit 133 is the same as that of the operation unit 102. The inspection device 103 may not have the operation unit 133, or the operation unit 102 of the printer body may also serve as the operation unit 133. The operation unit 133 of the inspection device 103 may also be a PC connected via a LAN or the like. In this case, the PC displays the inspection result via a Web browser or a dedicated application or the like.

[0050] The inspection device 103 reads the image on the paper discharged from the printer 101 by the reading devices 131 and 132 (an example of a reading unit) on one side, respectively, and conveys it in the direction of the arrow of the path to the stacker 104. In this embodiment, RGB 8 bit·200 dpi is an example of a read image.

[0051] The stacker 104 stacks the sheets discharged from the inspection device 103 on the tray 141 .

[0052] <dfe>

[0053] refer to Figure 2 The DFE 150 is described below. The DFE 150 is a general term for a device that processes data for input to a printer. For example, the DFE 150 creates RIP data (raster data) for printing by the printer 101 based on print data such as PostScript.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of an example DFE150. Figure 1 The printer 101 in the printer 101 is connected to a DFE panel 151 for displaying a user interface. The DFE panel 151 is a user interface having a display (touch panel) and a keyboard.

[0055] DFE 150 includes a system control unit 501, a network I / F unit 502, a user I / F unit 505, a storage unit 503, and a printer I / F unit 504. Each functional unit of DFE 150 is a function or a device implemented by the CPU executing instructions included in one or more programs installed in DFE 150.

[0056] The user I / F unit 505 of the DFE 150 creates a screen to be displayed on the DFE panel 151 using UI display information, and displays the screen on the DFE panel 151. The UI display information includes a plurality of display components constituting the screen and their arrangement.

[0057] The network I / F unit 502 included in the DFE 150 is a communication interface for connecting the DFE 150 to a LAN. The network I / F unit 502 receives a print job from the LAN and transmits it to the system control unit 501 .

[0058] The storage unit 503 stores the print job, and the system control unit 501 may also obtain the print job from the storage unit 503. That is, the system control unit 501 may receive the print job via the network 1, or may obtain the print job from the storage unit 503.

[0059] The DFE 150 includes a system control section 501 . The system control section 501 controls the entire DFE 150 . The system control section 501 includes a job information processing section 551 , a RIP processing section 552 , a storage section 553 , and a shading compensation data creation section 554 .

[0060] The job information processing unit 551 manages job management information about the print job, such as the status of the print job, input to the printer 101, and the progress of the print job (acquired from the printer 101), using the storage unit 553. The job information processing unit 551 inputs the print job data together with the job management information and the RIP image data to the printer 101. The storage unit 553 stores the print job data about the print job (e.g., job ID, document name, job registration date and time, job owner, etc.).

[0061] The shading compensation data creation unit 554 adjusts the print data so as to print with the same shading, density, and color tone as the original document. The shading compensation data creation unit 554 may increase or decrease shading, increase or decrease density, or increase or decrease warm or blue tones, for example.

[0062] The RIP processing unit 552 creates RIP data for printing print data such as PostScript data by the printer 101. The RIP data is dot data (dot printing or not) of each color toner.

[0063] The printer I / F unit 504 included in the DFE 150 is an interface for communicating with the printer 101. The printer I / F unit 504 transmits the print job data determined to be input by the system control unit 501 to the printer 101.

[0064] <Functions of the Printer>

[0065] Figure 3 1 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the printer 101. The printer 101 includes a system control unit 201, a user I / F unit 202, a DFF I / F unit 207, a network I / F unit 203, an external I / F control unit 204, a storage unit 205, an image processing control unit 208, a print control unit 209, and a mechanism control unit 206. Each functional unit of the printer 101 is a function or a device realized by the CPU executing instructions included in one or more programs installed in the printer 101.

[0066] The system control unit 201 controls the entire printer 101 , and is connected to the user I / F unit 202 , DF I / F unit 207 , network I / F unit 203 , external I / F control unit 204 , storage unit 205 , image processing control unit 208 , print control unit 209 , and mechanism control unit 206 .

[0067] The user I / F unit 202 is used to connect the system control unit 201 and Figure 1 The interface of the operation unit 102 is shown.

[0068] The DFEI / F unit 207 is used to control the system control unit 201 and Figure 2 The DFEs 150 shown are interfaces that enable communication (eg, receiving print job data).

[0069] The network I / F unit 203 is an interface for the system control unit 201 to connect to a network such as a LAN, and for devices on the network to communicate with the printer 101 .

[0070] The external I / F control unit 204 is an interface for other devices (such as the inspection apparatus 103 and the stacker 104 ) to communicate with the printer 101 .

[0071] The storage unit 205 is a storage device realized by a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit 205 stores, for example, print job data.

[0072] The mechanism control unit 206 controls each mechanism in the printer 101 to implement operations such as paper conveyance, transfer processing, and double-sided / single-sided printing control in the printer 101 .

[0073] The printing control unit 209 controls the timing of each mechanism operation to be instructed to the mechanism control unit 206 and controls the formation of an image on the paper as a whole. The image processing control unit 208 processes the transferred image through the mechanism control unit 206.

[0074] The system control unit 201 includes a memory 251, a job processing unit 252, a RIP processing unit 253, and a job information creation unit 254. The memory 251 is a memory for jobs of the system control unit 201. When receiving print job data from the DFE 150, the job information creation unit 254 creates a job ID, a reception date and time, a progress, etc. in the printer, and stores them in the storage unit 205. The RIP processing unit 253 performs RIP processing on the print data when the print job has not been RIP processed. The job processing unit 252 inquires the print control unit 209 about the idle status of the print job, and determines the print job to be executed based on the priority of the print job data stored in the storage unit 205.

[0075] <Inspecting the function of the device>

[0076] Figure 4 1 is a functional block diagram of the inspection apparatus 103. The inspection apparatus 103 includes a system control unit 301, a main image creation unit 308, a differential image creation unit 309, a print image reading unit 307, an external I / F control unit 304, a user I / F unit 302, a storage unit 305, a network I / F unit 303, and a mechanism control unit 306. Each functional unit of the inspection apparatus 103 is a function or a device realized by the CPU executing instructions included in one or more programs installed in the inspection apparatus 103.

[0077] The system control unit 301 controls the inspection apparatus 103 as a whole. The system control unit 301 is connected to a main image creation unit 308, a differential image creation unit 309, a print image reading unit 307, an external I / F control unit 304, a user I / F unit 302, a storage unit 305, a network I / F unit 303, and a mechanism control unit 306.

[0078] The user I / F unit 302 is used to connect the system control unit 301 and Figure 1 The user I / F unit 302 displays information from the system control unit 301 on the operation unit 133. When a defect detected in the actual print inspection mode matches the inspection exclusion area, the user I / F unit 302 displays it as a suspected reading defect and distinguishes it from normal defects.

[0079] The network I / F unit 303 is an interface for connecting the system control unit 301 to a network such as a LAN.

[0080] The external I / F control unit 304 is an interface with other devices (for example, the printer 101 , the stacker 104 , etc.).

[0081] The mechanism control unit 306 controls the operation of each mechanism of the inspection device 103 , such as paper conveyance, double-sided / single-sided reading of paper, and paper discharge.

[0082] The storage unit 305 is a storage device implemented by a HDD or SSD, etc. The storage unit 305 stores, for example, an inspection image, a differential image, a main image, and an inspection result, etc. The storage unit 305 also stores an inspection exclusion area.

[0083] The print image reading unit 307 reads both sides of the paper fed from the printer 101 through the reading devices 131 and 132, and outputs an inspection target image. The print image reading unit 307 creates an inspection target image in both the actual printing detection mode and the paper non-passing detection mode described later. The actual printing detection mode is a mode for inspecting the printed material during the execution of the print job, and the paper non-passing detection mode is a mode for detecting defects of the reading devices 131 and 132 before the execution of the print job.

[0084] In the actual printing detection mode, the master image creation unit 308 creates a master image based on the RIP image sent from the DFE 150. The RIP image is created based on the print data to be formed on the paper.

[0085] The differential image creation unit 309 creates a differential image between the main image and the inspection target image in the actual print detection mode. The differential image is an image indicating the difference in pixel value of each pixel between the main image and the inspection target image. The RIP image is created based on the print data formed on the paper, and the inspection target image is obtained by reading the printed material, so under normal circumstances, the pixel value of the differential image is less than the threshold value.

[0086] The system control unit 301 includes a storage unit 351 , a job management data processing unit 352 , a first defect judgment processing unit 355 , a second defect judgment processing unit 357 , and an exclusion area setting unit 356 .

[0087] In the actual print detection mode, the system control unit 301 receives the print management information (included in the job management information) via the external I / F control unit 304, and stores the print management information in the storage unit 351 in the system control unit 301. The job management data processing unit 352 receives the print management information from the job management data processing unit 352. Figure 5 The post-processing machine information is extracted from the job management information shown in FIG. 1 and sent to the post-processing device after the inspection device 103, that is, the stacker 104, via the external I / F control unit 304. The job management data processing unit 352 reads the print management information from the storage unit 351. The job management data processing unit 352 transmits the print management information used by the main image creation unit 308, the differential image creation unit 309, the print image reading unit 307, and the mechanism control unit 306 to these functional units for processing the print job. The transmitted print management information is from Figure 5 The job management information shown excludes the post-processor information.

[0088] In the actual printing detection mode, the system control unit 301 stores the inspected image and the differential image in the storage unit 351 and notifies the first defect judgment processing unit 355. The first defect judgment processing unit 355 performs defect judgment on the differential image according to a preset defect judgment threshold. The first defect judgment processing unit 355 performs edge detection on the differential image, for example, for an intensity greater than the defect judgment threshold. The detected edge can be any shape such as a point or a line.

[0089] In the paper-free detection mode, the system control unit 301 stores the inspected image in the storage unit 351 and notifies the second defect judgment processing unit 357. The second defect judgment processing unit 357 performs defect judgment on the inspected image according to a preset defect judgment threshold. If the inspected image in the paper-free detection mode does not have defects such as dirt, it is basically a uniform image of white pixels or black pixels as a whole. The main image is an image with white or black pixels on the entire screen. Or there may be no main image. The second defect judgment processing unit 357 performs edge detection on the inspected image with an intensity greater than a threshold. The detected edge can be any shape such as a point or a line.

[0090] The exclusion area setting unit 356 excludes the defective part detected by the second defect determination processing unit 357 or the defective part set by the user from the area where the defect is detected by the first defect determination processing unit 355. In other words, the exclusion area setting unit 356 sets the inspection exclusion area where the first defect determination processing unit 355 does not perform defect detection, including the defect position detected by the second defect determination processing unit 357.

[0091] Figure 5 An example of job management information is shown. This job management information is information when the printer 101 performs normal printing processing (actual printing detection mode). During the printing process, at least one of the DFE 150 and the printer 101 creates print data for each page. The processing of the print job is executed based on the job management information.

[0092] The job management information has items of parameter, remark, and initial value. Parameter is an item name, remark is a description of the parameter, and initial value indicates a value when the system control unit 201 of the printer 101 receives it.

[0093] Specifically, the job creation source is information indicating a job output source, and includes information on a print job input from the DFE 150 or internal data of the printer 101 .

[0094] The creation time is information on the date and time when the job creation source created the job information.

[0095] The page ID is an identification number for the printed page. From the time the power is turned on, the page ID increases by 1 each time a page is processed. Set the value in the page ID when executing printing.

[0096] The print side identifies whether the print job is printed on one side, or printed on the front side (the front side of both sides) or on the back side (the back side of both sides) in the case of double-sided printing.

[0097] The paper ID is the identification information of the printing paper. In the case of double-sided printing, the page IDs printed on the same sheet of paper are the same sheet ID. From the time the power is turned on, the paper ID is incremented by 1 each time a sheet of paper is processed. When printing, the paper ID sets the value.

[0098] The unit ID is the identification information of the unit. The unit ID is incremented by 1 each time a unit is output from the time the power is turned on. The unit ID is set when printing is executed.

[0099] The job ID is the identification information of the job unit. From the time the power is turned on, each time a job is output, the job ID increases by 1. The job ID is set when printing is executed.

[0100] The paper type is information about the type of paper used for printing. The paper size is information about the size of the paper. The job type indicates whether the print job is a print job that is subject to defect detection, a print job that is not subject to defect detection, or laminated paper for defect detection and identification.

[0101] <Defect Detection Processing>

[0102] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the process after the defect detection process is performed in the paper non-pass detection mode. Figure 6 The processing is performed after the paper no-pass detection mode is executed and the second defect judgment processing unit 357 performs defect detection processing on the inspected image. In the paper no-pass detection mode, the print image reading unit 307 creates the inspected image in a state where no paper is fed. When there is a defect in the inspected image, the defect (e.g., stain) is likely to be caused by the reading device 131, 132.

[0103] First, the second defect judgment processing unit 357 creates defect judgment information (S601). The second defect judgment processing unit 357 performs defect judgment on the inspected image according to a preset defect judgment threshold value, and creates the following defect judgment information.

[0104] ·Number of reading defects detected when no paper is passed

[0105] ·Reading defect position when there is no paper passing

[0106] The second defect judgment processing unit 357 judges whether there is a defect based on the defect judgment information (S602), and if there is a defect, detects the defect state (S602's Yes). If there is no defect (S602's No), Figure 6 The processing is finished.

[0107] When it is determined that there is a defect (Yes in S602), the second defect determination processing unit 357 determines whether the detected defect state is smaller than a threshold value (S603). For example, the defect state is determined based on the following items.

[0108] (i) For example, the defect status is determined based on the number of defects. The user can set a threshold value to be compared with the number of defects (for example, the user is notified when the number of defects exceeds 10).

[0109] (ii) For example, a combination of multiple conditions is used to determine the defect status. For example, when the number of defect areas with a width of 3 pix or more is 10 or more, a notification is issued. In this case, the user can set the thresholds for width and number.

[0110] In addition, you can Figure 7 As shown, several items are used to judge the defect status. Figure 7 Displays examples of items that are judged as defective. In addition to the number and width mentioned above, length, area, and brightness values ​​can also be used to judge defective status.

[0111] The number of defects refers to the number of defect areas. Defect areas are mainly stripes, but can also include defects of other shapes.

[0112] The width of a defect refers to the width of the defect region. The width may be, for example, the length of a circumscribed rectangle of the defect region in the main scanning direction.

[0113] The length of the defect is the length of the defect area. The length may be, for example, the length of a circumscribed rectangle of the defect area in the sub-scanning direction.

[0114] The area of ​​the defect is the area of ​​the defect region (width x length).

[0115] The brightness value of the defect refers to the pixel value (RGB value) of the defect, and may be, for example, the average value, the median value, or the maximum value thereof. Alternatively, the brightness value may be the difference from the pixel value of a non-defective region.

[0116] When the judgment of step S603 is yes, the user I / F unit 302 sets the notification to the user to OFF (S604). OFF means not to notify the abnormality. When the judgment of step S603 is no, the user I / F unit 302 sets the notification to the user to ON (S605). ON means to notify the abnormality. Therefore, the abnormality means that a large abnormality is detected in the paper-free detection mode.

[0117] In step S605, when the notification to the user is turned on, the abnormality is notified according to the threshold set by the user. In this way, the notification that matches the risk of missed reports that the user can allow can be achieved, and the increase in the risk of missed reports can be suppressed. In addition, the user I / F unit 302 notifies the user of the abnormality, and if the user cleans, the abnormality can be executed again. Figure 6 Some printers 101 implement the "no paper detection mode" even when the door is closed for cleaning. That is, since the process of opening the door → user cleaning → closing the door is formed, in such printers 101, it is necessary to perform the "no paper detection mode" after cleaning. Figure 6 Since the inspection exclusion area is set after cleaning, it is possible to suppress the increase in the risk of missed inspection due to increased adhesion of dust or an increase in the inspection exclusion area.

[0118] Through steps S603 to S605, the user's confirmation and cleaning operations can be controlled to a minimum, and the increase in the risk of missed detection can be suppressed. That is, since the area where the defect is detected is set as the inspection exclusion area, according to the judgment of step S603, when there are obvious defects caused by the reading devices 131 and 132 in the inspection exclusion area, the user can be required to clean in advance. Therefore, the increase in the inspection exclusion area can be suppressed, and when there are defects in the inspection exclusion area that are not caused by the reading devices 131 and 132, the risk of missed detection can be reduced. Furthermore, since the defects in the inspection exclusion area are excluded from the inspection, the user can also reduce the confirmation and cleaning operations that the user needs to frequently confirm whether the defects are caused by the reading unit.

[0119] Next, in step S606, when the preset manual adjustment of the inspection exclusion area is invalid, the exclusion area setting unit 356 sets the area where the defect is detected as the inspection exclusion area (S603). By excluding the defect portion detected without paper passing from the defect detection area in the actual printing detection mode, cleaning for eliminating defect detection caused by the reading devices 131 and 132 is unnecessary or can be reduced. It is also possible to suppress erroneous detection due to reading streaks (defects caused by the reading devices 131 and 132).

[0120] When the preset inspection exclusion area manual adjustment is enabled, the inspection exclusion area setting screen is displayed. Fig.13 As shown. The user I / F unit 302 displays the inspection exclusion area set to include the detected defects. The user can adjust the inspection exclusion area by operating the inspection exclusion area setting screen. The user can also choose whether to display the defects in the inspection exclusion area as suspected poor reading defects. The exclusion area setting unit 356 sets the inspection exclusion area set by the user. Since the location of the defect will vary to some extent, the user can avoid missing the inspection exclusion area by making the exclusion area have a certain width.

[0121] Figure 8 It is a registration processing flow chart for the inspection exclusion area. Figure 8 The processing is started, for example, when the power of the inspection device 103 is turned on and the main body is started (S701).

[0122] The system control unit 301 of the inspection device 103 executes the paper non-pass detection mode operation by user operation or automatically (S702). That is, before starting the actual printing of the actual print job, the system control unit 301 performs a defect detection of the reading devices 131 and 132 when paper non-pass is detected.

[0123] After the non-paper-through defect detection, implement the above Figure 6 The system control unit 301 resets the inspection exclusion area registered in step S606 before displaying the screen of step S606 to the user. The exclusion area setting unit 356 registers the inspection exclusion area set in step S606. The paper non-passing detection mode operation may also be performed after the actual printing is completed.

[0124] After the paper non-passing detection mode is terminated, the system control unit 301 executes the actual printing detection mode (S703). In the actual printing detection mode, even if the first defect judgment processing unit 355 detects a defect in the registered inspection exclusion area, it is not treated as a defect (reduction in print quality). In the actual printing detection mode, since defects caused by the reading devices 131 and 132 are excluded from the detection objects, cleaning for the purpose of eliminating defect detection can be unnecessary or reduced.

[0125] In this embodiment, not only is a defect detected in the inspection exclusion area not treated as a defect, but also, when the inspection exclusion area stored in the storage unit 351 by the second defect judgment processing unit 357 coincides with the position of the defect detected by the first defect judgment processing unit 355, the first defect judgment processing unit 355 judges it as a suspected reading defect. In this way, the user can determine whether the defect is caused by the readers 131 and 132.

[0126] <User notification of defect detection>

[0127] The following references Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , illustrating an example of user notification of defect detection. Fig. 9 An example of a status display screen 800 displayed by the display inspection device 103 is shown. Fig. 9 The status display screen 800 Figure 6 is displayed in step S604.

[0128] First, the status bar 801 of the status display screen 800 indicates the status of the printing system 100 (adjusting, printing, etc.). Area 802 is an area that displays the machine structure of the printing system 100 together with the appearance model 802a. The machine structure refers to the connection status of peripheral machines such as binding equipment. When an event such as a paper jam occurs, the location where the event occurred will be emphasized on the appearance model. For example, the location where the paper jam occurred will turn red, and when the user clicks on the location, the steps for clearing the paper jam will be displayed. The remaining amount of each color toner is also displayed in area 802. When the toner is close to being exhausted, an icon will be displayed to prompt the user to replace the toner cartridge. After the user clicks the icon, etc., a message requesting confirmation of the inventory of the toner cartridge will be displayed, or the steps for replacing the toner cartridge will be displayed.

[0129] Area 803 is an area showing the status of the job being executed. The job status includes status, number of copies, number of pages, paper size, etc. Area 804 shows the set paper placed in each tray. Paper setting is information about the paper stored in the tray, and each tray has the remaining amount, paper name, square footage, and size.

[0130] Area 805 is an area for sending notifications to the user. Area 805 displays a warning or maintenance notification including a defect detected in the paper non-pass detection mode. Fig. 9 If it is determined that "the defect state exceeds the threshold value", a warning message 805a requesting cleaning of dirt attached to the sensor, such as "need to clean: line sensor", is displayed in area 805. In addition, a message such as "suspected reading defect" may be displayed to notify that a misdetection of the reading device 131, 132 may occur.

[0131] Fig.10 Another example of a warning message displayed on the status display screen 800 is shown. Fig.10 A pop-up display showing defect notifications. Fig.10 In the example, a message box 806 pops up on the status display screen 800, "When the defect status exceeds the threshold value". The message box 806 displays a title "Need to clean: Line sensor" and a message 808 "The line sensor is contaminated. Please clean it when image defect detection is required". The user can understand when the line sensor needs to be cleaned.

[0132] The message box 806 also has a step button 807, and the user can display specific cleaning steps. For example, by pressing the step button 807, an animation representing the cleaning steps of the line sensor is displayed.

[0133] In addition, Fig. 9 When the warning message is clicked in area 805, a pop-up display Fig.10 The information box.

[0134] The inspection device 103 may also send a warning message notification to the user's smartphone or wearable device (watch type, glasses type, neck-hanging type, etc.) via email or wireless communication.

[0135] <Threshold for determining whether to issue a defect status notification to the user>

[0136] Next reference Fig.11 , describing a method for setting a threshold value for determining whether the user I / F unit 302 issues a defect status notification to the user. Fig.11 1 is an example of a threshold setting screen 900 displayed by the inspection device 103. The threshold setting screen 900 has a threshold type selection column 901 and a threshold setting column 902. The user can select a threshold setting 901a for detecting contamination of the reading devices 131 and 132 and a threshold setting 901b for determining whether to notify the user in the threshold type selection column 901. Fig.11 The threshold setting 901b for determining whether to notify the user is selected in the middle setting. As a result, the items in the threshold setting field 902 are switched, and the current setting values ​​of the threshold setting 901b for determining whether to notify the user are presented.

[0137] In the threshold setting column 902, a setting value column 911, a minus button 912, a plus button 913, and a slider 914 are displayed for each item of the defect area number 903, defect area width 904, defect area length 905, defect area 906, and defect brightness value 907. The user can adjust the setting value by operating the mouse or the touch screen, moving the slider 914, and pressing the minus button 912 and the plus button 913. In addition, the user can directly input a numerical value in the setting value column 911.

[0138] The threshold setting column 902 has a detailed setting button 908. The detailed setting button 908 is a button for displaying a detailed setting screen 920 for setting defects to be detected in the defect judgment process in the inspection exclusion area. The detailed setting screen 920 accepts the setting of the type of defects in the inspection exclusion area that become the detection target even in the inspection exclusion area.

[0139] Fig.12 The detailed setting screen 920 is displayed as a pop-up. The detailed setting screen 920 has check boxes 922 to 924 corresponding to "Detect vertical stripes", "Detect horizontal stripes", and "Detect spots", respectively. "Point defects" refer to point-shaped defects. The user can set the defects to be detected in the inspection exclusion area. For example, when the user excludes "vertical stripes" (not inspected) from the inspection object, but does not exclude "horizontal stripes" and "dots" (inspected), the first defect judgment processing unit 355 can ignore defects such as vertical stripes that are easily generated due to contamination of the reading devices 131 and 132 as read stripes. On the other hand, defects such as "horizontal stripes" and "dots" that are different from read stripes that are easily generated due to contamination of the reading devices 131 and 132 are detected, and defects are not missed even in the inspection exclusion area.

[0140] <Cleaning recommendation message, check exclusion area setting screen>

[0141] Fig.13 The inspection exclusion area setting screen 930 displayed by the inspection device 103 is displayed. Figure 6 is displayed in step S606.

[0142] The defect detection result 931 is displayed on the inspection exclusion area setting screen 930. The defect detection result 931 is a part or all of the inspected image without paper passing. The defect detection part is surrounded by a red frame 936. The inspection exclusion area is also set in the red frame 936 (for example, the red frame 936 is the inspection exclusion area). Fig.13 In the figure, three stripe-like lines 937 are defects. Since the inspected image without paper passing has defects, it is estimated that the reading devices 131 and 132 have defects such as contamination.

[0143] The inspection exclusion area setting screen 930 also displays a cleaning recommendation message 932. The cleaning recommendation message 932 is, for example, "Clean the reading part." When the preset cleaning recommendation information display is valid, such information is displayed.

[0144] When the manual adjustment of the pre-set inspection exception area is valid, the inspection exception area setting bar 933 is displayed. In the actual printing inspection mode, even if a defect is detected, the user sets the inspection exception area setting bar 933 as an inspection exception area that is not treated as a defect. The inspection exception area setting bar 933 displays a button 934 for adjusting the width of the inspection exception area and a button 935 for completing the inspection exception area setting. When the user presses button 934 to adjust the width of the inspection exception area, the range of the red line frame 936 changes accordingly. That is, the red line frame 936 surrounding the strip-shaped defect becomes thinner or wider with the operation of button 934. After the user presses the inspection exception area setting completion button 935, the inspection exception area setting screen 930 is closed. The exclusion area setting unit 356 registers the range of the red frame 936 when it is closed as the inspection exclusion area.

[0145] It is preferable that the position and width of the inspection exclusion area can be set by the user according to the paper setting. For example, the user can specify the inspection exclusion area according to the paper size such as A4, A3, and the paper type such as plain paper, coated paper, etc. Since the area where the image is formed varies depending on the size and type of paper, the user can set the area where the image is not formed as the inspection exclusion area according to the paper setting.

[0146] <Main Effect>

[0147] The printing system 100 of this embodiment can set the defective part detected in the non-paper-passing state as the inspection exclusion area in the actual printing detection mode. In addition to setting the inspection exclusion area, when the defective state exceeds the threshold in the non-paper-passing detection mode, the user is also notified and asked to perform a cleaning operation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the excessive increase in the risk of missed defects in the actual printing detection mode due to the increase in the inspection exclusion area. On the basis of controlling the user's confirmation operation and cleaning operation to a minimum (within the range that does not excessively increase the risk of missed detection), it is possible to suppress the false detection caused by the read stripes detected in the inspection exclusion area.

[0148] <Other Examples>

[0149] The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions may be made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0150] Figure 4 The configuration examples are divided according to the main functions to facilitate understanding of the processing of the inspection device 103. In this regard, the present invention is not limited by the division method and name of the processing unit. The processing of the inspection device 103 can also be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. It is also possible to divide one processing unit to implement more processing.

[0151] In addition to printing by electronic photocopying, the printer 101 may also be an inkjet printer, a thermal transfer printer, a letterpress printer, a lithographic printer, a gravure printer, a stencil printer, or the like, as long as it is a printer capable of printing.

[0152] The inspection device 103 and the printer 101 may be separate. The user reads the printed material with the inspection device 103 and saves the inspection exclusion area determined by the inspection device 103 in the user's own computer.

[0153] In addition to systems used for commercial printing, the printing system 100 can also be used in offices, factories, ordinary homes, convenience stores, etc.

[0154] The processing of the inspection device 103 described in this embodiment may also be performed by a server device connected via a network. The inspection device 103 sends the inspection image to the server device, and the server device sends the inspection result to the inspection device 103. The inspection device 103 receives the setting of the inspection exclusion area and registers it in the inspection device or the server device.

[0155] The functions of the above-described embodiments can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. The "processing circuit" herein includes: a processor programmed by software to perform the functions, such as a processor installed by a circuit; and devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and traditional circuit modules designed to perform the above functions.

[0156] <Remarks>

[0157] Embodiments of the present invention are exemplified below.

[0158] [1] An image forming device, characterized in that it comprises: a print image reading unit for reading a printout printed by a printing device with a reading unit to create a first inspected image; a first defect judgment processing unit for judging defects of the printout based on a main image created from print data of the printout and the first inspected image; a second defect judgment processing unit for detecting defects and defect states of a second inspected image created by the reading unit in a non-paper-passing state; an exclusion area setting unit for setting a defective portion detected by the second defect judgment processing unit in an inspection exclusion area where no defects are detected by the first defect judgment processing unit; and a user I / F unit for notifying a user when the defect state exceeds a threshold value.

[0159] [2] The image forming apparatus according to [1], wherein:

[0160] The user I / F unit displays a threshold setting screen for accepting setting of the threshold,

[0161] When the defect state exceeds the threshold value set on the threshold value setting screen, the user is notified of the occurrence of abnormality.

[0162] [3] The image forming apparatus according to [2], wherein the defect status is the number of the defects, and the user I / F unit accepts setting of the threshold value regarding the number of the defects.

[0163] [4] The image forming apparatus according to [2], wherein the defect state is a width of the defect, and the user I / F unit accepts setting of the threshold value regarding the width of the defect.

[0164] [5] The image forming apparatus according to [2], wherein the defect state is a length of the defect, and the user I / F unit accepts setting of the threshold value regarding the length of the defect.

[0165] [6] The image forming apparatus according to [2], wherein the defect state is an area of ​​the defect, and the user I / F unit receives setting of the threshold value regarding the area of ​​the defect.

[0166] [7] The image forming apparatus according to [2], wherein the defect state is a brightness value of the defect, and the user I / F unit accepts setting of the threshold value regarding the brightness value of the defect.

[0167] [8] An image forming device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein when the second defect judgment processing unit detects a defect in the second inspected image, the user I / F unit displays the location of the detected defect.

[0168] [9] An image forming device according to [8], wherein, when displaying the location of the detected defect, the user I / F unit displays a display component for accepting changes in the inspection exclusion area excluded from inspection by the first defect judgment processing unit.

[0169]

[10] The image forming apparatus according to [9], wherein the inspection exclusion area excluded from inspection by the first defect judgment processing unit can be changed according to paper setting.

[0170]

[11] An image forming device according to any one of claims [1] to

[10] , wherein the user I / F unit accepts setting of a defect type that is a detection target for a defect in the inspection exclusion area although it is the inspection exclusion area.< / dfe>

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: A print image reading unit, for reading a printout printed by a printing device with a reading unit to create a first inspected image; a first defect determination processing unit configured to determine a defect of the printed object based on a main image created from print data of the printed object and the first inspected image; a second defect judgment processing unit, configured to detect defects and defect states of a second inspected image created by the reading unit in a non-paper-passing state; an exclusion area setting unit, used to set the defect location detected by the second defect judgment processing unit as an inspection exclusion area where the first defect judgment processing unit does not detect defects; as well as The user I / F unit is used to notify the user when the defect status exceeds a threshold.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The user I / F unit displays a threshold setting screen for accepting setting of the threshold, When the defect state exceeds the threshold value set on the threshold value setting screen, the user I / F section notifies a user of the occurrence of an abnormality.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The defect status is the number of the defects, and the user I / F unit receives setting of the threshold value regarding the number of the defects.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The defect state is the width of the defect, and the user I / F unit receives setting of the threshold value regarding the width of the defect.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The defect status is the length of the defect, and the user I / F unit receives the setting of the threshold value regarding the length of the defect.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The defect state is an area of ​​the defect, and the user I / F unit receives setting of the threshold value regarding the area of ​​the defect.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The defect state is a brightness value of the defect, and the user I / F unit receives setting of the threshold value regarding the brightness value of the defect.

8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: When the second defect determination processing unit detects a defect in the second inspected image, the user I / F unit displays the detected defective portion.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: When displaying the detected defective portion, the user I / F section displays a display component for accepting a change of the inspection excluded area excluded from inspection by the first defect judgment processing section.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: The inspection exclusion area excluded from inspection by the first defect determination processing unit can be changed according to paper setting.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The user I / F unit receives setting of a defect type that is a detection target of a defect in the inspection excluded area although the inspection excluded area is the inspection excluded area.

12. An image forming system, characterized in that: have: A print image reading unit, for reading a printout printed by a printing device with a reading unit to create a first inspected image; a first defect determination processing unit configured to determine a defect of the printed product based on a main image created from print data of the printed product and the first inspected image; a second defect judgment processing unit, configured to detect defects and defect states of a second inspected image created by the reading unit in a non-paper-passing state; an exclusion area setting unit, used to set the defect location detected by the second defect judgment processing unit as an inspection exclusion area where the first defect judgment processing unit does not detect defects; as well as The user I / F unit is used to notify the user when the defect status exceeds a threshold.

13. An inspection method, characterized in that: include: Print image reading processing, the print image reading unit uses a reading unit to read a printed matter printed by a printing device to create a first inspected image; a first defect determination process, wherein the first defect determination process unit determines a defect of the printed product based on a main image created from print data of the printed product and the first inspected image; a second defect determination process, wherein the second defect determination process unit detects defects and defect states of a second inspected image created by the reading unit in a non-paper-passing condition; An exclusion area setting process, in which the exclusion area setting unit sets the defect location detected by the second defect judgment processing unit as an inspection exclusion area in which the first defect judgment processing unit does not detect defects; as well as In the user notification process, when the defect status exceeds a threshold, the user I / F unit notifies the user.

14. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer can realize the following functions: A print image reading unit, for reading a printout printed by a printing device with a reading unit to create a first inspected image; a first defect determination processing unit configured to determine a defect of the printed product based on a main image created from print data of the printed product and the first inspected image; a second defect judgment processing unit, configured to detect defects and defect states of a second inspected image created by the reading unit in a non-paper-passing state; an exclusion area setting unit, used to set the defect location detected by the second defect judgment processing unit as an inspection exclusion area where the first defect judgment processing unit does not detect defects; as well as The user I / F unit is used to notify the user when the defect status exceeds a threshold.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: It contains programs that can be used by computers to achieve the following functions: A print image reading unit, for reading a printout printed by a printing device with a reading unit to create a first inspected image; a first defect determination processing unit configured to determine a defect of the printed product based on a main image created from print data of the printed product and the first inspected image; a second defect judgment processing unit, configured to detect defects and defect states of a second inspected image created by the reading unit in a non-paper-passing state; an exclusion area setting unit, used to set the defect location detected by the second defect judgment processing unit as an inspection exclusion area where the first defect judgment processing unit does not detect defects; as well as The user I / F unit is used to notify the user when the defect status exceeds a threshold.

Images