Inspection device

Abstract

The invention relates to an inspection device. The inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit configured to perform an inspection on an inspection image based on a reference image and the inspection image obtained by reading a sheet on which the image is formed. The inspection apparatus further includes a display unit and a display control unit configured to display a setting screen on the display unit, the setting screen including a first display area displaying the reference image and a second display area displaying the reference image. The second display area displays an operation object for accepting inspection settings for the inspection. The display control unit determines an arrangement of the first display area and the second display area in the setting screen according to a size of the reference image.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection apparatus that inspects quality of an image formed on a sheet. BACKGROUND

[0002] In some image forming systems, an inspection apparatus inspects quality of an image formed on a sheet by an image forming apparatus. The inspection apparatus performs an inspection based on a read image (an inspection image) obtained by reading the image formed on the sheet. For example, the image forming system accepts an inspection setting via an inspection setting screen displayed on a display device, and when the inspection performed in accordance with the inspection setting is completed, the inspection apparatus displays a result of the inspection on the display device to present the result of the inspection to a user.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2023-105790 describes an inspection setting screen layout in which an image to be printed (a reference image used as a reference for an inspection) is arranged on a right side of the screen, and a group of buttons and a group of menus for setting an inspection area are arranged on a left side of the screen. With such an inspection setting screen, a user can easily set an inspection area to be inspected based on a display of the image to be printed.

[0004] In recent years, in addition to standard size sheets such as A4 and B5, various types of sheets such as a long size sheet (long paper) that is long in a conveyance direction and a free size sheet have become the subject of an inspection by an inspection apparatus. For example, when an inspection is to be performed on a long size sheet, if a display direction of a reference image displayed on an inspection setting screen is not properly determined, the reference image can be displayed in a small size on the screen. This can make it difficult for a user to properly set contents of the inspection while viewing the reference image in the inspection setting screen. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique for controlling display of a setting screen so as to make it easier for a user to set an inspection setting.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an inspection apparatus including: an inspection unit configured to perform an inspection on an inspection image based on a reference image and the inspection image, the inspection image obtained by reading a sheet on which an image is formed; a display unit; and a display control unit configured to display a setting screen on the display unit, the setting screen including a first display area that displays the reference image and a second display area that displays an operation object for accepting an inspection setting for the inspection, wherein the display control unit determines an arrangement of the first display area and the second display area in the setting screen in accordance with a size of the reference image.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an inspection apparatus including: an inspection unit configured to perform an inspection on an inspection image obtained by reading a sheet on which an image is formed; a display unit; and a display control unit configured to display, on the display unit, an inspection result confirmation screen including a first display area and a second display area in a case where an abnormal image is included in an inspection result, the first display area displaying the inspection image, the second display area displaying an enlarged image obtained by enlarging the abnormal image in the inspection image, wherein the display control unit determines an arrangement of the first display area and the second display area in the confirmation screen in accordance with a size of the inspection image.

[0008] The features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. The following description of embodiments is described by way of example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming system.

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a control apparatus.

[0012] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an inspection apparatus.

[0013] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a stacking apparatus.

[0014] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a control apparatus.

[0015] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by an inspection apparatus.

[0016] Figure 7 shows an example of a print setting screen.

[0017] Figure 8 shows an example of an inspection setting screen.

[0018] Figure 9A and Figure 9B shows an example of a layout of an inspection setting screen.

[0019] Figure 10A andFigure 10B An example of a layout of an inspection setting screen is shown.

[0020] Figure 11A And Figure 11B is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a process for determining a display direction of a reference image.

[0021] Figure 12A And Figure 12B An example of an inspection setting screen and a layout setting screen is shown.

[0022] Figure 13A And Figure 13B An example of an inspection result screen is shown.

[0023] Figure 14 An example of an inspection setting screen is shown (comparative example). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. A plurality of features are described in the embodiments, but not all such features are required, and a plurality of such features can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and repetitive description thereof is omitted.

[0025] First Embodiment

[0026] <IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM>

[0027] As shown in Figure 1 The image forming system 100 includes an operation unit 20, an image forming apparatus 30, a control apparatus 40, an inspection apparatus 50, and stacking apparatuses 60a and 60b. The image forming apparatus 30, the inspection apparatus 50, and the stacking apparatuses 60a and 60b each have a separate housing. The number of the stacking apparatuses 60 can be one or more. The image forming system 100 can also be referred to as an image inspection system. In this example, the stacking apparatus 60a can be referred to as a sheet stacker or a sheet conveyance apparatus. The stacking apparatus 60b can be referred to as a post-processing apparatus having a post-processing function, or a trimmer. The same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the lower-case letters (e.g., “a” or “b”) at the end can be omitted when describing matters common to these components.

[0028] The operation unit 20 has a display device for outputting information to a user, and an input device (e.g., a touch panel sensor) for receiving an instruction from the user.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 30 forms a toner image on the sheet P in accordance with the YMCK color signals supplied by the control apparatus 40. The letters "YMCK" attached to the reference numerals respectively indicate toner colors yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The letters YMCK will be omitted from the reference numerals when describing matters common to all four colors.

[0030] For each of the colors, the photosensitive member 1 is an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image and a toner image. The charger 2 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive member 1. The exposure unit 3 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 1 by irradiating it with laser light in accordance with the color signals supplied by the control apparatus 40. The developing unit 4 develops the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a toner image. The primary transfer roller 5 transfers the toner image from the photosensitive member 1 to the intermediate transfer belt 6. The YMCK toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 6 to form a color image. The intermediate transfer belt 6 conveys the resulting toner image to the secondary transfer unit 7.

[0031] The sheet cassette 11 is a container for storing a large number of sheets P. The conveyance roller 12 feeds the sheets P stored in the sheet cassette 11 and conveys the fed sheets P along a conveyance path. The image forming apparatus 30 can have two or more sheet cassettes.

[0032] The secondary transfer unit 7 transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 6 to the sheet P. The fuser 8 applies heat and pressure to the sheet P and the toner image to fix the toner image to the sheet P. The discharge roller 17 discharges the sheet P to the inspection apparatus 50.

[0033] The inspection apparatus 50 is an apparatus that reads an image formed on a sheet P and inspects the quality of the image. In other words, the inspection apparatus 50 is an apparatus that inspects whether or not the image formed on the sheet P satisfies an inspection criterion (acceptance criterion). Note that the sheet P on which the image is formed is sometimes also referred to as a print material. The inspection apparatus 50 obtains an inspection image by reading a print material including the sheet P and the image formed on the sheet P by the image forming apparatus 30, and performs an inspection on the print material based on the inspection image.

[0034] The image on the sheet P conveyed to the reading position by the conveyance roller 53 is read by the image sensors 54 and 55. The image sensors 54 and 55 each include a light source that illuminates the sheet P and a CMOS sensor. CMOS is an abbreviation for Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor.

[0035] The sheet P from which the image has been read is discharged to the stacking device 60a. Note that when the inspection device 50 determines that the sheet P has not passed the inspection (i.e., the inspection criteria have not been satisfied, which will also be referred to as "unacceptable"), the control device 40 can control the image forming device 30 so as to form the same image on a new sheet P. A sheet sensor 56 for detecting the sheet P is provided at the entrance of the inspection device 50.

[0036] The stacking device 60a receives the sheet P discharged from the inspection device 50 at the entrance 64a, stacks (discharges) the sheet onto a sheet tray 61a or a sheet tray 62a serving as a stacking unit, and discharges the sheet P from the exit 65a. A sheet sensor 66a for detecting the sheet P is provided at the entrance 64a.

[0037] The conveyance path Pla extending from the entrance 64a branches into a conveyance path P2a and a conveyance path P3a at a branch position provided with a baffle F1a. The sheet P conveyed along the conveyance path Pl a is guided to the conveyance path P2a or the conveyance path P3a by the baffle F1a. The sheet tray 61a is provided at the exit of the conveyance path P2a. The sheet tray 61a is a large-capacity sheet stacking unit in which a large number of sheets P can be stacked. For example, the sheet P that has been determined to have passed the image inspection (quality inspection) can be stacked in the sheet tray 61a.

[0038] The conveyance path P3a branches into a conveyance path P4a and a conveyance path P5a at a branch position provided with a baffle F2a. The sheet P conveyed along the conveyance path P3a is guided to the conveyance path P4a or the conveyance path P5a by the baffle F2a.

[0039] The sheet tray 62a is provided at the exit of the conveyance path P4a. For example, the sheet P of which the image quality has been determined to be unacceptable by the inspection device 50 can be stacked in the sheet tray 62a. However, the sheet P of which the image quality has been determined to be unacceptable can be discharged from the exit 65a to a downstream device (e.g., the stacking device 60c). Also, the sheet P determined to have passed the inspection (i.e., the inspection criteria have been satisfied, which will also be referred to as "acceptable") can be stacked in the sheet tray 62a. The conveyance path P5a extends to the exit 65a.

[0040] A downstream stacking device 60b can be connected to the exit 65a. Also, similarly to the stacking device 60b, a sheet tray 69 can be provided at the exit 65a. The sheet tray 69 can also hold the sheet P of which the image quality has been determined to be unacceptable or the sheet P of which the image quality has been determined to be acceptable. In this way, the type of the sheet P to be discharged onto the sheet trays 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, and 69 is determined in advance based on the settings performed by the user.

[0041] One or more conveyance rollers 63a are provided for each of the conveyance paths P1a, P2a, P3a, P4a, and P5a. The conveyance rollers 63a convey the sheet P from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet P. The conveyance rollers 63a can be a roller pair including two rollers that pinch and convey the sheet P.

[0042] The stacking device 60b receives the sheets P discharged from the stacking device 60a at the inlet 64b and stacks (discharges) the sheets onto the sheet trays 61b, 62b, and 69 serving as stacking units. A sheet sensor 66b for detecting the sheets P is provided at the inlet 64b.

[0043] The conveyance path P1b extending from the inlet 64b branches into the conveyance path P2b and the conveyance path P3b at a branch position provided with a baffle F1b. The sheet P conveyed along the conveyance path P1b is guided to the conveyance path P2b or the conveyance path P3b by the baffle F1b. The sheet tray 61b is provided at the outlet of the conveyance path P2b. For example, the sheet P that has been determined to have passed the image inspection (quality inspection) can be stacked in the sheet tray 61b.

[0044] The conveyance path P3b branches into the conveyance path P4b and the conveyance path P5b at a branch position provided with a baffle F2b. The sheet P conveyed along the conveyance path P3b is guided to the conveyance path P4b or the conveyance path P5b by the baffle F2b.

[0045] The sheet tray 62b is provided at the outlet of the conveyance path P4b. For example, the sheet P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable by the image quality inspection device 50 can be stacked in the sheet tray 62b. However, the sheet P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable can be discharged from the outlet 65b to the sheet tray 69. Also, the sheet P that has been determined to have passed the inspection (i.e., the inspection criteria have been satisfied, which will also be referred to as "acceptable") can be stacked in the sheet tray 62b. The conveyance path P5b extends through the post-processing unit 68 and reaches the outlet 65b.

[0046] The sheet trays 61b, 62b, and 69 provided in the stacking device 60b can be referred to as an upper tray, a middle tray, and a lower tray, respectively. The post-processing unit 68 can include a stapling processor that staples the sheets P discharged from the stacking device 60a to create a sheet bundle and then staples the sheet bundle with a staple. The post-processing unit 68 can include a bookbinding processor that folds the sheet bundle in half. The post-processing unit 68 can include a cutting processor that cuts the sheet bundle.

[0047] One or more conveyance rollers 63b are provided for each of the conveyance paths P1b, P2b, P3b, P4b, and P5b. The conveyance rollers 63b convey the sheet P from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet P. The conveyance rollers 63b can be a roller pair including two rollers that pinch and convey the sheet P.

[0048] The number of the stacking devices 60 connected downstream of the inspection device 50 can be one or more. Further, the total number of the sheet trays 61, 62, and 69 provided in the stacking devices 60 connected downstream of the inspection device 50 can be two or more. Also, the number of the flaps F1 and F2 can be one or more. The flaps F1 and F2 can be referred to as guide plates, guide members, or diverging claws. Note that the image forming device 30 also includes solenoids for driving the flaps and motors for driving the conveyance rollers, but these components are not shown.

[0049] <Control device (controller)>

[0050] Figure 2 An example of the configuration of the control device 40 is shown. The control device 40 includes a CPU 201, a memory 210, and a communication circuit 220. The CPU 201 executes a control program 213 stored in the memory 210 to implement various functions. The CPU 201 can include multiple processors or CPU cores. Some or all of the functions implemented by the CPU 201 can be implemented by a hardware circuit different from the CPU 201. Examples of such a hardware circuit include, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and an image processor.

[0051] The memory 210 is a storage device including a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or the like. The communication circuit 220 has a network interface for connecting to a local area network, and a communication interface for communicating with the image forming device 30, the inspection device 50, and the stacking device 60.

[0052] The CPU 201 performs communication with the image forming device 30, the inspection device 50, and the stacking device 60 through the communication circuit 220. Further, the CPU 201 also performs communication with a host computer 70, which is one kind of information processing apparatus, through the communication circuit 220. The host computer 70 can transmit a print job to the control device 40.

[0053] The operation unit 20 includes a display device 21 and an input device 22. The operation unit 20 can include a voice circuit and a speaker for outputting a message to a user.

[0054] The CPU 201 functions as the inspection control unit 205, the job processing unit 206, and the reference image management unit 207 according to the control program 213. The inspection control unit 205 obtains image inspection result information (e.g., pass / fail, read image, reason for failure) from the inspection device 50 via the communication circuit 220. The inspection control unit 205 displays the inspection result received from the inspection device 50 on the display device 21. The inspection control unit 205 can notify the inspection result using a voice message. The inspection control unit 205 can transmit the inspection result to the host computer 70 by email or the like. The inspection control unit 205 can change the discharge destination of the sheet P according to the inspection result. For example, the inspection control unit 205 can control the flaps F1 and F2 based on the inspection result to discharge the sheet P to the sheet tray 61, 62, and 69, among the sheet trays designated by the user.

[0055] The job processing unit 206 performs control regarding, for example, a print job for printing an image on the sheet P, a stacking job for stacking a sheet bundle on the stacking device 60a, and a post-processing job for the sheet bundle in the stacking device 60b. The job processing unit 206 can store job data (job information) required to execute such jobs in the memory 210.

[0056] The reference image management unit 207 controls the inspection device 50 according to an instruction received from the input device 22, and generates reference image data 215. Here, the reference image is an image that is compared with a read image (inspection image) of a print material, and serves as a reference for determining whether image inspection passes. The reference image management unit 207 generates the reference image data 215 based on, for example, input image data received from the host computer 70, or reads a print material (a sheet P on which a reference image is printed) to generate the reference image data 215. The reference image management unit 207 stores the generated reference image data 215 in the memory 210. When a reference image request is received from the inspection device 50 via the communication circuit 220, the reference image management unit 207 transmits the reference image data 215 from the memory 210 to the inspection device 50.

[0057] <Inspection Device>

[0058] Figure 3 An example of the configuration of the inspection device 50 including an inspection controller 51 is shown. The inspection controller 51 includes a CPU 301, a memory 310, and a communication circuit 320. The CPU 301 executes a control program 313 stored in the memory 310 to implement various functions. Some or all of the functions implemented by the CPU 301 can be implemented by a hardware circuit different from the CPU 301.

[0059] The memory 310 is a storage device including a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, an HDD, or the like. The CPU 301 is connected to the control apparatus 40 via the communication circuit 320, and receives various types of commands and data and transmits the inspection result. The CPU 301 stores the reference image data 215 received from the control apparatus 40 via the communication circuit 320 in the memory 310.

[0060] The CPU 301 functions as the inspection unit 302, the transfer control unit 306, and the reading control unit 307 according to the control program 313. The inspection unit 302 includes the setting unit 303 and the evaluation unit 304. The inspection unit 302 performs image inspection according to the setting data 314 stored in the memory 310, and transmits the inspection result to the control apparatus 40. Note that the inspection can be performed by the CPU 201, or can be performed by an external PC (for example, the host computer 70) connected to the image forming system 100. PC is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0061] The inspection image data (read image data) 312 is image data created by reading the sheet P by the image sensors 54 and 55. The inspection image data 312 is also temporarily stored in the memory 310.

[0062] The setting unit 303 determines the inspection setting to be applied to the inspection image data 312, creates the setting data 314 that defines the inspection setting, and stores the setting data 314 in the memory 310.

[0063] The evaluation unit 304 determines whether or not the leading edge of the sheet P has reached the inspection apparatus 50 based on the detection result of the sheet sensor 56. When the sheet P reaches the inspection apparatus 50, the evaluation unit 304 controls the image sensors 54 and 55 via the reading control unit 307 to read the sheet P and obtain the inspection image data 312. The evaluation unit 304 compares the reference image data 215 with the inspection image data 312 based on the setting data 314, and determines whether or not the image formed on the sheet P and the shape of the sheet P satisfy the inspection criteria. Here, the inspection content, the inspection region, and the inspection criteria can be included in the setting data 314.

[0064] For example, when the inspection content is "detection of positional deviation", if the amount of deviation between the position of the image corresponding to the reference image data 215 and the position of the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 304 can determine that the inspection has passed. Here, the position of the image refers to the position of the image formed on the sheet P. If the amount of deviation exceeds the predetermined value, the evaluation unit 304 can determine that the sheet P has failed the inspection. In other words, if the amount of deviation between the position of the image corresponding to the reference image data 215 and the position of the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 is less than or equal to a predetermined value, this corresponds to satisfaction of the inspection criteria. If the amount of deviation between the position of the image corresponding to the reference image data 215 and the position of the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 is greater than the predetermined value, this corresponds to non-satisfaction of the inspection criteria.

[0065] When the inspection content is set to "black dot detection", if the size of a black dot that does not exist in the image corresponding to the reference image data 215 but exists in the image of the inspection image data 312 is less than or equal to a determination threshold value, the evaluation unit 304 can determine that the inspection has passed. In other words, the black dot corresponds to a noise image that does not exist in the image corresponding to the reference image data 215 but exists in the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 that has been subjected to the reduction processing. If the size of the black dot exceeds the determination threshold value, the evaluation unit 304 can determine that the inspection has not passed. In other words, if the size of the black dot does not exceed the determination threshold value, this corresponds to satisfaction of the inspection criteria. Also, if the size of the black dot exceeds the determination threshold value, this corresponds to non-satisfaction of the inspection criteria.

[0066] Note that in the present embodiment, "detection of positional deviation" and "black dot detection" are described as the inspection content, but these are merely examples. For example, the inspection content can include "streak detection" and the like. Streak detection refers to detection of a streak-like image that does not exist in the original image. In other words, the streak corresponds to a noise image that does not exist in the image corresponding to the reference image data 215 but exists in the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 that has been subjected to the reduction processing. The streak occurs when a component involved in image formation needs to be cleaned, replaced, or repaired. In other words, determination processing can be performed to determine the presence or absence of a streak based on the degree of agreement between the image corresponding to the reference image data 215 and the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 that has been subjected to the reduction processing (image processing).

[0067] In the present embodiment, when the inspection content is "detection of positional deviation", the inspection is performed on the relative positions of the image corresponding to the reference image data 215 and the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312, but this is merely an example. For example, the absolute position of the edge of the sheet P in the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 can be inspected. In this case, if the distance between the absolute position of the image corresponding to the reference image data 215 and the absolute position of the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 is less than or equal to a threshold value, it is determined that the inspection has passed. If the distance exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that the inspection has not passed.

[0068] The evaluation unit 304 creates an inspection result indicating the determination result. The evaluation unit 304 transmits the inspection result to the control apparatus 40 via the communication circuit 320. In this way, the inspection unit 302 obtains the reference image data 215 serving as a standard for inspecting the print material from the control apparatus 40, and obtains the inspection image data 312 by reading the print material including the sheet transported from the image forming apparatus 30 and the image formed on the sheet. The inspection unit 302 performs the inspection of the print material based on the reference image data 215 and the inspection image data 312.

[0069] The conveyance control unit 306 drives the motor M2 to rotate the conveyance roller 53. The reading control unit 307 controls the image sensors 54 and 55 to read the sheet P and generate the inspection image data 312. The image sensor 54 reads the first face of the sheet P, and the image sensor 55 reads the second face of the sheet P. As a result, in the present embodiment, the image inspection can be performed on both faces of the sheet P.

[0070] <Stacker>

[0071] Figure 4 An example of the configuration of one stacker 60 including a stacker controller 67 is shown. The stacker controller 67 includes a CPU 401, a memory 410, and a communication circuit 420. The CPU 401 executes a control program 413 stored in the memory 410 to realize various functions. Some or all of the functions realized by the CPU 401 can be realized by a hardware circuit different from the CPU 401.

[0072] The memory 410 is a storage device including a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, an HDD, or the like. The CPU 401 is connected to the control apparatus 40 via the communication circuit 420, and receives various types of commands and data and transmits execution results.

[0073] The job control unit 402 performs a stacking job based on job data (job information) received from the control apparatus 40 via the communication circuit 420. The job data can include, for example, information indicating the content of the job, and can be stored in the memory 410.

[0074] The conveyance control unit 406 starts the rotation of the motor Ml in accordance with a rotation command received from the control device 40 (the job processing unit 206). The conveyance control unit 406 stops the rotation of the motor Ml in accordance with a stop command received from the control device 40 (the job processing unit 206). As a result, the conveyance roller 63 driven by the motor Ml rotates and stops rotating.

[0075] The flap control unit 407 drives the solenoids SLl and SL2 to switch between the flaps Fl and F2 in accordance with a switching command received from the control device 40 (the job processing unit 206) for each sheet P. As a result, the discharge destination of each sheet P (to which the sheet P is guided and conveyed, the sheet tray 61, the sheet tray 62, or the downstream stacking device) is determined. The flaps Fl and F2 can be controlled on the basis of the inspection result received from the inspection device 50 instead of the switching command received from the control device 40. For example, the flaps Fl and F2 can be controlled so that the sheet P determined to have failed the inspection (unacceptable) is discharged to the sheet tray 62a of the stacking device 60a, and the sheet P determined to have passed the inspection (acceptable) is discharged to the sheet tray 61a or the stacking device 60b.

[0076] In Figure 1 , the stacking device 60b is a post-processing device, and includes a post-processing control unit 408. The post-processing control unit 408 controls the post-processing unit 68 in accordance with a post-processing execution command received from the control device 40.

[0077] <Process of the control device 40>

[0078] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the CPU 201 of the control device 40. When an instruction to start printing is received via the operation unit 20, the CPU 201 performs processing in accordance with this process.

[0079] In step S501, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) creates job information of the print job, and transmits the job information to the inspection device 50. The job information includes, for example, sheet information, inspection settings, and discharge destination information. The sheet information includes the size and the number of the sheets P. The job information can include, as a part of the inspection settings, an instruction indicating that the inspection device 50 is to perform the inspection job (i.e., information indicating that the print job is a job in which the image inspection is to be performed on the sheets P). The discharge destination information can include, for example, identification information indicating which one of the stacking devices 60a and 60b is to be the discharge destination, and identification information of the PASS tray and the FAIL tray. The PASS tray is a sheet tray onto which the sheets P that have passed the image inspection performed by the inspection device 50 (that have been determined to be acceptable) are discharged. The FAIL tray is a sheet tray onto which the sheets P that have failed the image inspection performed by the inspection device 50 (that have been determined to be unacceptable) are discharged.

[0080] In step S502, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) determines whether a request (reference image request) has been received from the inspection device 50. This request is a signal for requesting the control device 40 to transmit the reference image data 215. If the request has not been received, the CPU 201 proceeds to the processing of step S504. If the request has been received, the CPU 201 proceeds to the processing of step S503. In step S503, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) reads out the reference image data 215 from the memory 210, transmits the read-out data to the inspection device 50, and proceeds to the processing of step S504. In this example, the reference image data 215 can be input image data used in the image formation performed by the image forming device 30.

[0081] In step S504, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) determines whether a notification of the completion of the preparation has been received from the inspection device 50. If the notification of the completion of the preparation has not been received from the inspection device 50, the CPU 201 returns to the processing of step S502. When the notification of the completion of the preparation is received from the inspection device 50, the CPU 201 proceeds to the processing of step S505.

[0082] In step S505, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) controls the image forming apparatus 30 to perform printing on the sheet P. The sheet P on which the image is printed is discharged from the image forming apparatus 30 to the inspection apparatus 50. Then, in step S506, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) determines whether or not the printing is completed based on the printing job being executed. In other words, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the printing has been completed for all pages set in the printing job. If there is a remaining page to be printed, the CPU 201 returns to the processing of step S505 and controls the image forming apparatus 30 to perform the printing of the next page. If there is no remaining page to be printed, the CPU 201 ends the execution of the printing job and proceeds to step S507.

[0083] In step S507, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) determines whether or not the inspection result has been received from the inspection apparatus 50. If the job information (step S501) does not instruct the inspection apparatus 50 to execute the inspection job, the inspection result is not received from the inspection apparatus 50. In this case, the CPU 201 ends the processing of this process.

[0084] If the job information (step S501) instructs the inspection apparatus 50 to execute the inspection job, the inspection result is received from the inspection apparatus 50. In this case, the CPU 201 proceeds from step S507 to step S508. In step S508, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) performs display processing of displaying the received inspection result on the display device 21. Note that a configuration in which the CPU 201 displays the inspection result only when there is a sheet P that has been determined to be unacceptable is possible. When an instruction to end the display of the inspection result is received via the operation unit 20, the CPU 201 ends the display of the inspection result and ends the processing of this process.

[0085] <Process of inspection apparatus 50>

[0086] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the CPU 301 of the inspection apparatus 50.

[0087] In step S601, the CPU 301 (inspection unit 302) receives the job information from the control apparatus 40. The job information can be stored in the memory 310. In a case where the job information is stored in the memory 310, the job information can be stored in the memory 310 as a part of the setting data 314. Note that the CPU 301 transmits (transfers) the job information to the stacking apparatus 60a connected downstream of the inspection apparatus 50.

[0088] In step S602, the CPU 301 (the inspection unit 302) analyzes the job information and determines whether or not the job information includes an instruction to execute an inspection job. If execution of the inspection job has not been instructed, the CPU 301 proceeds to the processing of step S611, notifies the control device 40 of the completion of the preparation, and ends the processing of this process. In this case, the inspection device 50 executes a conveyance job for conveying the sheet P to the downstream stacking device 60a. If execution of the inspection job has been instructed, the CPU 301 proceeds from step S602 to step S603.

[0089] In step S603, the CPU 301 (the inspection unit 302) transmits a request for the reference image data 215 to the control device 40. In step S604, upon receiving the reference image data 215 from the control device 40, the CPU 301 stores the received reference image data 215 in the memory 310. Thereafter, in step S605, the CPU 301 notifies the control device 40 of the completion of the preparation. Note that the notification of the completion of the preparation in step S605 or step S610 can also be transmitted to the downstream stacking devices 60a to 60b. When the control device 40 receives the notification of the completion of the preparation, the image forming device 30 starts execution of printing on the sheet P. As a result, the sheet P starts to be discharged from the image forming device 30 to the inspection device 50.

[0090] In step S606, the CPU 301 (the inspection unit 302 and the conveyance control unit 306) determines whether or not the sheet P has reached the inspection device 50 based on a detection signal output from the sheet sensor 56. The sheet P reaching the inspection device 50 means that the sheet sensor 56 detects the leading edge of the sheet P. When the sheet P reaches the sheet sensor 56, the CPU 301 proceeds to the processing of step S607.

[0091] In step S607, the CPU 301 (the inspection unit 302 and the reading control unit 307) executes image inspection specified according to the setting data 314. The reading control unit 307 generates inspection image data 312 by reading the sheet P with the image sensors 54 and 55. Further, the inspection unit 302 performs inspection on the inspection image data 312 according to the inspection settings indicated by the setting data 314. For example, the inspection unit 302 compares the inspection image data 312 with the reference image data 215 to determine whether or not the image formed on the sheet P satisfies the inspection criteria.

[0092] After the image inspection is performed, in step S608, the CPU 301 (the inspection unit 302) stores the inspection result in the memory 310. Here, the CPU 301 (the inspection unit 302) can store the inspection result in the memory 310 and also notify the downstream stacking device 60a of the inspection result. In this case, the CPU 401 (the flap control unit 407) of the stacking device 60 can perform control of switching of the discharge destination of the sheet P between the PASS tray (for example, the sheet tray 61a) and the FAIL tray (for example, the sheet tray 62a) on the basis of the inspection result received from the inspection device 50. In other words, the CPU 401 can control the flaps F1 and F2 so as to discharge the sheet P determined to be acceptable onto the PASS tray and discharge the sheet P determined to be unacceptable onto the FAIL tray.

[0093] Then, in step S609, the CPU 301 (the inspection unit 302) determines whether or not the image inspection is completed on the basis of the job information. If there is a remaining page to be inspected, the CPU 301 returns from step S609 to step S606 and waits for the arrival of the next sheet P. If there is no remaining page to be inspected, the CPU 301 determines that the image inspection is completed, and proceeds to step S610. In step S610, the CPU 301 (the inspection unit 302) transmits the inspection result held in the RAM 310 to the control device 40, and ends the execution of the inspection job, thereby ending the processing of this process. Note that the CPU 301 transmits the inspection image data 312 to the control device 40 together with the inspection result to be transmitted to the control device 40.

[0094] <Print setting screen>

[0095] Figure 7 A print setting screen SC1 is shown as an example of a print setting screen according to the present embodiment. The print setting screen SC1 can be referred to as a job input screen. The print setting screen SC1 is configured to receive print settings related to a print job involving quality inspection (image inspection) to be performed on a print material by the inspection device 50. A button 701a is a button for designating the size of the sheet P to be printed (including the length of the sheet in the conveyance direction), the basis weight of the sheet P, and the sheet cassette 11. A button 701b is a button for instructing transition from the print setting screen SC1 to the inspection setting screen SC2 (described later) (see FIG. 8). Figure 8button. In the inspection setting screen SC2, for example, an inspection area to be subjected to quality inspection by the inspection device 50 is set as an inspection setting for quality inspection. The button 701c is a button for instructing transition from the print setting screen SC1 to a discharge destination setting screen. In the discharge destination setting screen, for example, a discharge destination of the FAIL sheet and a discharge destination of the PASS sheet are set. The button 701d is a button for instructing cancellation of the set contents.

[0096] When the operator (user) presses the button 701d, transition from the print setting screen SC1 to a predetermined initial screen is executed. The button 701e is a button for instructing start of printing. When the operator presses the button 701e, the CPU 201 of the control device 40 starts processing according to the procedure of Figure 5 Note that, when the button 701e is pressed to start execution of the print job, the job information transmitted from the control device 40 to the inspection device 50 does not include an instruction instructing the inspection device 50 to execute the inspection job. In other words, the print job is executed as a job that does not require image inspection of the sheet P.

[0097] <Inspection setting screen>

[0098] Figure 8 An inspection setting screen SC2, which is an example of the inspection setting screen according to the present embodiment, is shown. The inspection setting screen SC2 is displayed on the display device 21 when the button 701e on the print setting screen SC1 is pressed. The inspection setting screen SC2 is a screen for receiving an instruction from the operator for setting an inspection area to be subjected to quality inspection by the inspection device 50. A reference image 801, an inspection area 802a, and the like are displayed in a display area 800 (first display area). In this example, the reference image 801 and the inspection area 802a are displayed in the display area 800 in an overlaid manner. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the reference image 801 displayed in the display area 800 has a size corresponding to an A4-size sheet, which is a standard size. Figure 8

[0099] A scroll bar 831 can be arranged in the vicinity of the display area 800. For example, in a case where a sub-scanning direction of the reference image 801 displayed in the display area 800 matches a vertical direction of the display area 800, the scroll bar 831 is used to move the reference image 801 in parallel with the sub-scanning direction. A button 833 is a button for discarding existing settings set to the reference image 801. A zoom-in button 834 is a button for enlarging the reference image 801 displayed in the display area 800. A zoom-out button 835 is a button for reducing the size of the reference image 801 displayed in the display area 800.

[0100] ​The inspection area and the inspection exclusion area are set via a mouse or a touch pad that is a part of the input device 22. In this example, the inspection area that can be set includes a standard inspection area, a focus inspection area, and a character inspection area. The standard inspection area is, for example, an inspection area in which a standard inspection is performed, and is applied to the entire reference image 801 displayed in the display area 800. In this example, the focus inspection area, the character inspection area, and the inspection exclusion area can be set individually within the standard inspection area.

[0101] The menu 812a is a drop-down menu for setting an inspection level (an inspection accuracy level) to be applied to the standard inspection area. The drop-down menu can also be referred to as a drop-down list. In this example, the inspection level 1 has the lowest inspection accuracy, and the inspection accuracy increases as the inspection level number increases.

[0102] The inspection area 802b is a focus inspection area set by pressing the button 811b in the display area 810 (the second display area). The focus inspection area is, for example, an inspection area in which a high-accuracy inspection is to be performed. In this example, the focus inspection area is indicated by a dashed-line frame. The menu 812b is a drop-down menu for setting an inspection level (an inspection accuracy) to be applied to the inspection area 802b.

[0103] In addition to the standard inspection area and the focus inspection area, a character inspection area that is not shown in the display area 800 in Figure 8 can be set by pressing the button 811c. The character inspection area is an inspection area in which an inspection is to be performed by utilizing recognition of, for example, characters, bar codes, and the like. Also, the inspection exclusion area 803 is set by pressing the button 813, and is an area in which an inspection is not to be performed. High-accuracy inspection is not required for the cylindrical shape and the triangular shape. Therefore, an area including such shapes can be set as the inspection exclusion area.

[0104] In this way, a separate inspection level can be set for each area included in the print target. This allows a user to set appropriate acceptance criteria. As a result, a printed material having an acceptable quality is determined to have passed the inspection, thereby reducing unnecessary reprints and improving productivity. Also, the number of wasted sheets P is reduced. Furthermore, by being able to set a separate inspection level for each area included in the print target, as compared to a case in which an entire image or each area is inspected at the highest accuracy level all the time, the capacity of a memory and a processing capacity required for the inspection can be reduced.

[0105] The button 836 is a button for instructing a return to the print setting screen SC1 as an initial screen. When the button 836 is pressed, the inspection setting input in the setting screen SC2 is discarded. The button 832 is a button for instructing a start of inspection. When the operator presses the button 832, the CPU 201 of the control device 40 starts processing according to the procedure of Figure 5 When the operation button 832 is operated to start execution of the print job, the job information transmitted from the control device 40 to the inspection device 50 includes an instruction to instruct the inspection device 50 to execute the inspection job. In other words, the print job is executed as a job requiring image inspection of the sheet P.

[0106] In the inspection setting screen SC2 in Figure 8 , the button 811, the menu 812, and the button 813 constitute operation objects (operation object group) for accepting inspection settings of image inspection to be performed on the inspection image. In the present embodiment, the operation objects are configured to at least receive a setting of inspection contents for the reference image or a setting of an inspection area in which image inspection is to be performed. The inspection setting screen SC2 is configured as a screen including a first display area (display area 800) in which the reference image is displayed and a second display area (display area 810) in which the above-mentioned operation objects for accepting inspection settings of image inspection for the inspection image are displayed.

[0107] <Layout of the inspection setting screen>

[0108] In the present embodiment, the display direction (display orientation) of the reference image is determined (controlled) according to the size of the reference image so that the reference image is displayed larger in the inspection setting screen SC2 (setting screen). Specifically, the layout of the first display area (display area 800) in which the reference image is displayed and the second display area (display area 810) in which the operation objects for accepting inspection settings of image inspection are displayed is determined so that the reference image is displayed larger in the inspection setting screen SC2. Also, in the second embodiment described later, an example is described in which, in a case where the layout of the reference image (first display area) and the operation objects (second display area) in the inspection setting screen SC2 is set in advance, the display direction of the reference image in the inspection setting screen SC2 is determined (controlled) according to the preset arrangement. Such display control enables the user to appropriately set the inspection contents for the reference image in the inspection setting screen SC2, thereby making it easier for the user to set the inspection settings.

[0109] Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 10A and Figure 10B An example of the layout of the inspection setting screen SC2 is shown. In Figure 9A , Figure 9B ,Figure 10A And Figure 10B In the example of

[0110] Figure 9A And Figure 9B An example is shown in which the reference image 901 and the operation object 902 are arranged at different positions in the horizontal direction of the screen in the layout of the screen SC2. Figure 9A An example is shown in which the reference image 901 (display region 800, first display region) is arranged on the left side in the horizontal direction of the screen SC2 and the operation object 902 (display region 810, second display region) is arranged on the right side. Figure 9B An example is shown in which the reference image 901 (display region 800, first display region) is arranged on the right side in the horizontal direction of the screen SC2 and the operation object 902 (display region 810, second display region) is arranged on the left side.

[0111] Figure 10A And Figure 10B An example is shown in which the reference image 901 and the operation object 902 are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction of the screen in the layout of the screen SC2. Figure 10A An example is shown in which the reference image 901 (display region 800, first display region) is arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction of the screen SC2 and the operation object 902 (display region 810, second display region) is arranged on the lower side. Figure 10B An example is shown in which the reference image 901 (display region 800, first display region) is arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction of the screen SC2 and the operation object 902 (display region 810, second display region) is arranged on the upper side.

[0112] In the layout of the screen SC2 in Figure 9A And Figure 9B the long-size reference image 901 is displayed vertically (i.e., the edge of the reference image 901 parallel to the sheet conveyance direction is aligned with the vertical direction of the screen SC2). Also, in Figure 10A AndFigure 10B In the layout of the inspection setting screen SC2 in FIG. 9, the long-size reference image 901 is displayed horizontally (i.e., the edge of the reference image 901 parallel to the sheet conveyance direction is aligned with the horizontal direction of the inspection setting screen SC2). In the present embodiment, the inspection setting screen SC2 is configured as a screen whose horizontal length is longer than the vertical length. In this case, when the reference image 901 is displayed horizontally as in Figure 10A and Figure 10B , the long-size reference image 901 can be displayed larger in the inspection setting screen SC2 than when it is displayed vertically as in Figure 9A and Figure 9B .

[0113] In the present embodiment, if the size of the reference image is not a long size (e.g., if the size is A4), it is possible to display the reference image in a sufficient size if the reference image is displayed vertically as shown in Figure 8 , and it is not necessary to display the reference image horizontally in the inspection setting screen SC2.

[0114] <Inspection setting screen display control>

[0115] Figure 11A is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the process for determining the display direction (display orientation) of the reference image that the CPU 201 (the inspection control unit 205) executes when displaying the inspection setting screen SC2 in the present embodiment.

[0116] In step S101, the CPU 201 determines whether the size of the reference image to be displayed in the inspection setting screen SC2 is a long size (i.e., whether the size corresponds to a sheet whose length in the conveyance direction exceeds a predetermined length). If the size of the reference image is a long size, the CPU 201 proceeds to the process of step S102.

[0117] In step S102, the CPU 201 determines the display direction of the reference image so that the reference image is arranged horizontally as shown in Figure 10A and Figure 10B , and displays the inspection setting screen SC2, thereby ending the process of this procedure. In other words, the CPU 201 displays the reference image so that the edge of the reference image parallel to the sheet conveyance direction is aligned with the horizontal direction of the inspection setting screen SC2. At this time, the CPU 201 displays the entire reference image on the inspection setting screen SC2 so that the display size is largest when the entire reference image is displayed in the determined display direction. Note that the user can set in advance which one of the layouts in Figure 10A and Figure 10B is to be applied.

[0118] On the other hand, if the size of the reference image is not elongated, then CPU 201 proceeds from step S101 to step S103. In step S103, CPU 201 determines the display orientation of the reference image such that the reference image is as shown in the image. Figure 8 The image is arranged vertically as shown, and the inspection setup screen SC2 is displayed, thus ending the processing of this procedure. In other words, the CPU 201 displays a reference image such that the edge of the reference image, which is parallel to the sheet transport direction, is aligned with the vertical direction of the inspection setup screen SC2. Note that... Figure 8 ( Figure 9A The layout in ) can be preset as a standard layout (default layout) to be applied to a short reference image.

[0119] The check setting screen SC2, which performs display control as described, is displayed as follows. When a sheet with a first length in the transport direction is read, the first display area (display area 800) and the second display area (display area 810) are displayed in a first state, and when a sheet with a second length in the transport direction is read, the first display area and the second display area are displayed in a second state. At this time, the first length is longer than the second length, and in the first state, the first display area and the second display area are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction, and in the second state, the first display area and the second display area are displayed side by side in the vertical direction.

[0120] As described above, in the image forming system 100 of this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 30 forms an image on a sheet. The inspection apparatus 50 performs an inspection on the printing material, which includes the sheet and the image formed on the sheet by the image forming apparatus 30, based on an inspection image obtained by reading the printing material. The CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) of the control device 40 displays an inspection setting screen SC2 on the display device 21. The inspection setting screen SC2 includes a first display area (display area 800) displaying a reference image on which the inspection apparatus 50 performs image inspection, and a second display area (display area 810) displaying an operation object for accepting inspection settings for image inspection. At this time, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) determines the arrangement of the first and second display areas (the display orientation of the reference image) on the inspection setting screen SC2 according to the size of the reference image. For example, when the reference image is long, the CPU 201 (check control unit 205) determines the arrangement of the first display area and the second display area such that the reference image is displayed with its edges aligned with the horizontal direction of the setting screen, parallel to the sheet transport direction (i.e., the reference image is displayed horizontally).

[0121] According to such display control, when the size of the reference image is the long size, the reference image can be displayed larger in the inspection setting screen SC2. This allows the user to appropriately set the contents of the inspection with respect to the reference image using the operation object 902 in the inspection setting screen SC2. In this way, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform display control on the inspection setting screen SC2 so as to make it easier for the user to set the inspection settings.

[0122] In the present embodiment, the display control performed on the inspection setting screen SC2 in the image forming system 100 is performed by the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) of the control apparatus 40, but such display control can be performed by the inspection apparatus 50. In other words, the CPU 301 (setting unit 303) of the inspection apparatus 50 can function as a display control unit. In this case, the inspection apparatus 50 can be provided with an input device and a display device (display), or the operation unit 20 (display device 21 and input device 22) of the image forming system 100 can be used by the CPU 301 (setting unit 303).

[0123] Second Embodiment

[0124] The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, description is given of processing for determining the display direction of the reference image in the inspection setting screen SC2 in a case where the user has previously set the layout of the inspection setting screen SC2. The description given of matters in the first embodiment will be used as the description of matters common to the first embodiment in the second embodiment.

[0125] <Layout setting of inspection setting screen>

[0126] Figure 12A An example of the inspection setting screen SC2 is shown. The inspection setting screen SC2 of this example includes a button 1201 for instructing a change in the layout of the inspection setting screen SC2. When the user presses the button 1201, the display screen of the display device 21 transitions to the layout setting screen SC3 of Figure 12B .

[0127] The layout setting screen SC3 is configured so that the user can select one layout from among layouts 1 to 4. Layouts 1 and 3 correspond to the layouts of Figure 9A and Figure 9B . Layouts 2 and 4 correspond to the layouts of Figure 10A and Figure 10B . On the layout setting screen SC3, the user can select the layout to be applied to the inspection setting screen SC2. The layout setting selected by the user is stored in the storage 210 and used by the CPU 201.

[0128] In this way, the layout setting screen SC3 can accept a first layout (layout 1 and 3) in which the reference image 901 and the operation object 902 are arranged at different positions in the horizontal direction of the check setting screen SC2 in the check setting screen SC2. The layout setting screen SC3 can also accept a second layout (layout 2 and 4) in which the reference image 901 and the operation object 902 are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction of the check setting screen SC2 in the check setting screen SC2. In the present embodiment, the layout setting screen SC3 serves as an example of an accepting unit that accepts a setting of a layout of the check setting screen SC2.

[0129] <Check setting screen display control>

[0130] Figure 11B is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing for determining a display direction (display orientation) of a reference image, which is executed by the CPU 201 (the check control unit 205) when the check setting screen SC2 is displayed in the present embodiment.

[0131] In step S101, the CPU 201 determines whether the size of the reference image to be displayed in the check setting screen SC2 is a long size (i.e., whether the size corresponds to a sheet whose length in the conveyance direction exceeds a predetermined length) as in the first embodiment. If the size of the reference image is a long size, the CPU 201 proceeds to the processing of step S201.

[0132] In steps S201, S102, and S103, the CPU 201 determines the arrangement of the first display area and the second display area by switching between horizontally displaying the reference image 901 (an edge of the reference image in parallel with the sheet conveyance direction is aligned with the horizontal direction of the check setting screen SC2) or vertically displaying the reference image 901 (an edge of the reference image in parallel with the sheet conveyance direction is aligned with the vertical direction of the check setting screen SC2) in accordance with the arrangement of the operation object 902 in the check setting screen SC2.

[0133] In step S201, the CPU 201 refers to the layout setting of the check setting screen SC2 stored in the memory 210 and determines whether a layout in which the operation object 902 is arranged on the left side or the right side of the reference image 901 has been set. In other words, the CPU 201 determines whether a layout in which the reference image 901 and the operation object 902 are arranged at different positions in the horizontal direction of the check setting screen SC2 in the check setting screen SC has been set.

[0134] If a layout has been set in which the operation object 902 is arranged on the left or right side of the reference image 901, the CPU 201 proceeds from step S201 to step S103. In this case, the configuration is... Figure 9A or Figure 9B The layout. In step S103, the CPU 201 determines the display orientation of the reference image so that the reference image is arranged vertically, and displays the check setting screen SC2 with the set layout, thereby ending the process.

[0135] here, Figure 14 An example of the check settings screen SC2 in the comparison examples is shown, where, when setting... Figure 9A When the layout (where the operand 902 is arranged to the left or right of the reference image 901) is such that the reference image 901 is arranged horizontally, the reference image 901 is more horizontal than in this comparative example. Figure 9A The example shows a smaller size. In this embodiment, when applying a layout in which the operating object 902 is arranged to the left or right of the reference image 901, the display orientation of the reference image is determined such that the reference image is arranged vertically so that the reference image 901 appears larger.

[0136] On the other hand, if the layout in which the operation object 902 is arranged on the left or right side of the reference image 901 has not yet been set, then the CPU 201 proceeds from step S201 to step S102. In this case, the layout is set. Figure 10A or Figure 10B The layout. In step S102, the CPU 201 determines the display orientation of the reference image so that the reference image is arranged horizontally, and displays the check setting screen SC2 with the set layout, thereby ending the process.

[0137] On the other hand, if the size of the reference image is not elongated, then similar to the first embodiment, the CPU 201 proceeds from step S101 to step S103. In step S103, the CPU 201 determines the display orientation of the reference image such that the reference image is as shown in the image. Figure 8 The screen is arranged vertically as shown, and the setup check screen SC2 is displayed, thus ending the process.

[0138] As described above, according to this embodiment, display control can be implemented in which, when the reference image is elongated, the reference image is displayed larger in the inspection settings screen SC2 according to the arrangement of the operation objects 902 in the inspection settings screen SC2. This allows the user to appropriately set the inspection content of the reference image using the operation objects 902 in the inspection settings screen SC2. In this way, according to this embodiment, display control can be performed on the inspection settings screen SC2 to make it easier for the user to set the inspection settings.

[0139] Third Embodiment

[0140] The third embodiment is a modification of the first and second embodiments. In the third embodiment, the display control of the inspection setting screen SC2 described in the first and second embodiments is applied to the display control of an inspection result screen (inspection result confirmation screen). The description given for the matters in the first and second embodiments will serve as the description of the matters common to the first and second embodiments in the third embodiment.

[0141] Figure 13A and Figure 13B An inspection result screen SC4, which is an example of an inspection result screen (inspection result confirmation screen) according to the present embodiment, is shown. The inspection result screen SC4 is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 21 in a case where the inspection device 50 performs quality inspection on a print material including a long-size sheet (long paper) and the sheet is determined to be unacceptable. In a case where there is a sheet P that has been determined to be unacceptable as a result of the quality inspection performed by the inspection device 50, the inspection result screen SC4 is displayed on the display device 21 in step S508. Upon receiving the inspection result from the inspection device 50, the inspection control unit 205 creates the inspection result confirmation screen SC4 based on the inspection result, and causes the display device 21 to display the created screen. Note that the inspection control unit 205 generates the inspection image to be displayed in the inspection result screen SC2 based on the inspection image data 312 received from the inspection device 50 together with the inspection result.

[0142] Figure 13A An example of a layout in which the inspection image 1301, and the enlarged images 1321 and 1331 are arranged at different positions in the horizontal direction of the inspection result screen, is shown. Figure 13A is an example of a layout in which the inspection image 1301 (first display area) is arranged on the left side in the horizontal direction of the inspection result screen SC4 and the enlarged images 1321 and 1331 (second display area) are arranged on the right side, and corresponds to the layout of the inspection setting screen SC2 in Figure 9A . Similarly to Figure 9B , a layout in which the arrangement of the inspection image 1301, and the enlarged images 1321 and 1331 is reversed can also be realized.

[0143] Figure 13B An example of a layout in which the inspection image 1301, and the enlarged images 1321 and 1331 are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction of the inspection result screen SC4, is shown. Figure 13Bis an example in which the inspection image 1301 (first display area) is arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction of the inspection result screen SC4 and the enlarged images 1321 and 1331 (second display area) are arranged on the lower side, and corresponds to the layout of the inspection setting screen SC2 in Figure 10A . Similarly to Figure 10B , a layout in which the arrangement of the inspection image 1301 and the enlarged images 1321 and 1331 is reversed can also be realized.

[0144] The display items 1311 (1311a and 1311b) are displayed on the inspection result screen SC4 of Figure 13A and Figure 13B in an overlay manner. The display items 1311 indicate the positions at which abnormalities are detected in the inspection image 1301. The enlarged image 1321 is an enlarged image of an image (normal image) of a region including the position indicated by the display item 1311 in the reference image. The enlarged image 1331 is an enlarged image of a region (abnormal image) including the position indicated by the display item 1311 in the inspection image 1301. The enlarged image 1321 and the enlarged image 1331 are displayed at the same magnification (power).

[0145] In this example, two abnormalities corresponding to the display items 1311a and 1311b are detected, and the corresponding enlarged images 1321 and 1331 are displayed in the inspection result screen SC4. The scroll bar 1342 is used to switch between pages in which abnormalities have been detected (determination result is unacceptable). As the pages are switched, the inspection result screen SC4 is updated so that the enlarged images 1321 and 1331 corresponding to the abnormalities in the pages are displayed. The display items 1311 and the enlarged images 1321 and 1331 are associated with each other by line types (dotted line, dot line, or the like), but can be associated by, for example, colors.

[0146] The button 1341 is a button for ending the print material quality inspection. When the user has verified the inspection result on the inspection result screen SC4 and presses the button 1341, the inspection control unit 205 ends the print material quality inspection.

[0147] <Inspection Result Screen Display Control>

[0148] In the present embodiment, the processing of determining the display direction of the inspection image, which is performed by the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) when the inspection result screen SC4 is displayed, is the same as the processing of determining the display direction of the reference image in the first embodiment ( Figure 11A and 11BThe display control of the check result screen SC4 is realized in a similar manner to the display control of the check setting screen SC2. The description of the process for determining the display direction of the reference image given above can be used as the description of the check result screen SC4 by replacing the "reference image" with the "check image", the "check setting screen SC2" with the "check result screen SC4", and the "operation object" with the "enlarged image".

[0149] As described above, in the image forming system 100 of the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 30 forms an image on a sheet. The inspection apparatus 50 performs an inspection on a print material including the sheet and the image formed on the sheet by the image forming apparatus 30 based on a check image obtained by reading the print material. In a case where an abnormal image is found in the inspection result of the image inspection performed by the inspection apparatus 50, the CPU 201 (the inspection control unit 205) of the control apparatus 40 displays a check result confirmation screen (the check result screen SC4) on the display device 21, the check result confirmation screen (the check result screen SC4) including a first display area for displaying the check image and a second display area for displaying an enlarged image of the abnormal image corresponding to the check image. At this time, the CPU 201 (the inspection control unit 205) determines the arrangement of the first display area and the second display area (the display direction of the check image) in the check result screen SC4 in accordance with the size of the check image. For example, when the size of the check image is a long size, the CPU 201 (the inspection control unit 205) determines the arrangement of the first display area and the second display area so that the check image is displayed in a manner that an edge of the check image parallel to the sheet conveyance direction is aligned with the horizontal direction of the screen (i.e., the check image is displayed horizontally).

[0150] With such display control, when the size of the check image is a long size, it is possible to make the check image displayed larger in the check result screen SC4. This makes it possible to easily verify the positions of the abnormalities (abnormal images) corresponding to the enlarged images 1321 and 1331 in the check result screen SC4. In this way, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to control the display of the check result screen SC4 so that the user can more easily verify the inspection result.

[0151] Note that, although the display control of the check setting screen SC4 in the image forming system 100 is performed by the CPU 201 (the inspection control unit 205) of the control apparatus 40 in the present embodiment, such display control can be performed by the inspection apparatus 50. In other words, the CPU 301 (the setting unit 303) of the inspection apparatus 50 can function as a display control unit. In this case, the inspection apparatus 50 can be provided with an input device and a display device (a display), or the operation unit 20 (the display device 21 and the input device 22) of the image forming system 100 can be used by the CPU 301 (the setting unit 303).

[0152] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to control the display of the setting screen so that the user can more easily set the inspection setting.

[0153] Other embodiments

[0154] Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be implemented by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on storage media (which can also be referred to more fully as a 'non-transitory computer-readable storage medium') to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments and / or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments and a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage media to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments. The computer can comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs), micro processing units (MPUs)) and can include a network of the separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions can be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage media. The storage media can include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage device that is distributed with the computer as standard equipment, a memory device of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)®), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like. TM

[0155] Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be implemented by a method of providing software (a computer program product including a computer program) that performs the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus through a network or various storage media and a computer (central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) of the system or apparatus reading out and executing the computer program.

[0156] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all the modifications and equivalent structures and functions.​

Claims

1. An inspection apparatus comprising: an inspection unit configured to perform an inspection on an inspection image based on a reference image, the inspection image being obtained by reading a sheet on which an image is formed; a display unit; and a display control unit configured to display, on the display unit, a setting screen including a first display area that displays the reference image and a second display area that displays an operation object for accepting an inspection setting for the inspection, wherein the display control unit determines an arrangement of the first display area and the second display area in the setting screen in accordance with a size of the reference image. 2.The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where the size of the reference image is a size corresponding to a sheet whose length in a conveyance direction exceeds a predetermined length, the display control unit determines the arrangement of the first display area and the second display area such that the reference image is displayed with an edge of the reference image parallel to the conveyance direction aligned along a horizontal direction of the setting screen. wherein 3.The inspection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in a case where the size of the reference image is not a size corresponding to a sheet whose length in the conveyance direction exceeds the predetermined length, the display control unit determines the arrangement of the first display area and the second display area such that the reference image is displayed with an edge of the reference image parallel to the conveyance direction aligned along a vertical direction of the setting screen. wherein 4.The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where the size of the reference image is a size corresponding to a sheet whose length in a conveyance direction exceeds a predetermined length, the display control unit determines the arrangement of the first display area and the second display area by switching between displaying the reference image with an edge of the reference image parallel to the conveyance direction aligned along a horizontal direction of the setting screen and displaying the reference image with an edge of the reference image parallel to the conveyance direction aligned along a vertical direction of the setting screen in accordance with an arrangement of the operation object in the setting screen. wherein 5.The inspection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein in a case where the size of the reference image is a size corresponding to a sheet whose length in the conveyance direction exceeds the predetermined length, if a layout in which the reference image and the operation object are arranged at different positions in the horizontal direction of the setting screen in the setting screen has been set, the display control unit displays the reference image with an edge of the reference image parallel to the conveyance direction aligned along the vertical direction of the setting screen. wherein 6.The inspection apparatus according to claim 5, ​ wherein In a case where the size of the reference image is a size corresponding to a sheet whose length in the conveyance direction exceeds the predetermined length, if a layout in which the reference image and the operation object are arranged at different positions in a horizontal direction of the setting screen in the setting screen has not been set, the display control unit displays the reference image in a manner in which an edge of the reference image parallel to the conveyance direction is aligned with the horizontal direction of the setting screen.

7. The inspection apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: an accepting unit configured to accept a setting of a layout of the setting screen, wherein the accepting unit is configured to accept a first layout in which the reference image and the operation object are arranged at different positions in a horizontal direction of the setting screen in the setting screen and a second layout in which the reference image and the operation object are arranged at different positions in a vertical direction of the setting screen in the setting screen.

8. The inspection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein in a case where the size of the reference image is a size corresponding to a sheet whose length in the conveyance direction exceeds the predetermined length, if the first layout has been set, the display control unit displays the reference image in a manner in which an edge of the reference image parallel to the conveyance direction is aligned with the vertical direction of the setting screen, and if the second layout has been set, the display control unit displays the reference image in a manner in which an edge of the reference image parallel to the conveyance direction is aligned with the horizontal direction of the setting screen.

9. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, the display control unit displays all of the reference images in the setting screen in a manner in which a display size of the all of the reference images is largest in an arrangement determined for the first display area and the second display area.

10. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, the operation object is configured to accept at least one of a setting of an inspection content of the reference image and a setting of an inspection area in which the inspection is to be performed.

11. An inspection apparatus comprising: an inspection unit configured to perform an inspection on an inspection image obtained by reading a sheet on which an image is formed; a display unit; and a display control unit configured to display, on the display unit, an inspection result confirmation screen including a first display area and a second display area in a case where an abnormal image is included in an inspection result, the first display area displaying the inspection image, the second display area displaying an enlarged image obtained by enlarging the abnormal image in the inspection image, wherein the display control unit determines an arrangement of the first display area and the second display area in the confirmation screen in accordance with a size of the inspection image.

12. The inspection apparatus according to claim 11, ​ wherein, In a case where the size of the inspection image is a size corresponding to a sheet whose length in the conveyance direction exceeds a predetermined length, the display control unit determines the arrangement of the first display region and the second display region so that the inspection image is displayed in a manner in which an edge of the inspection image parallel to the conveyance direction is aligned along a horizontal direction of the confirmation screen.

13. The inspection apparatus according to claim 12, wherein In a case where the size of the inspection image is not a size corresponding to a sheet whose length in the conveyance direction exceeds the predetermined length, the display control unit determines the arrangement of the first display region and the second display region so that the inspection image is displayed in a manner in which an edge of the inspection image parallel to the conveyance direction is aligned along a vertical direction of the confirmation screen.

14. The inspection apparatus according to claim 11, wherein In a case where the size of the inspection image is a size corresponding to a sheet whose length in the conveyance direction exceeds a predetermined length, the display control unit determines the arrangement of the first display region and the second display region by switching between displaying the inspection image in a manner in which an edge of the inspection image parallel to the conveyance direction is aligned along a horizontal direction of the confirmation screen and displaying the inspection image in a manner in which an edge of the inspection image parallel to the conveyance direction is aligned along a vertical direction of the confirmation screen, in accordance with the arrangement of the enlarged image in the confirmation screen.

15. The inspection apparatus according to claim 14, wherein In a case where the size of the inspection image is a size corresponding to a sheet whose length in the conveyance direction exceeds a predetermined length, if a layout in which the inspection image and the enlarged image are arranged at different positions in a horizontal direction of the confirmation screen in the confirmation screen has been set, the display control unit displays the inspection image in a manner in which an edge of the inspection image parallel to the conveyance direction is aligned along a vertical direction of the confirmation screen.

16. The inspection apparatus according to claim 15, wherein In a case where the size of the inspection image is a size corresponding to a sheet whose length in the conveyance direction exceeds a predetermined length, if a layout in which the inspection image and the enlarged image are arranged at different positions in a horizontal direction of the confirmation screen in the confirmation screen has not been set, the display control unit displays the inspection image in a manner in which an edge of the inspection image parallel to the conveyance direction is aligned along a horizontal direction of the confirmation screen.

17. The inspection apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising: an accepting unit configured to accept a setting of a layout of the confirmation screen, wherein the accepting unit is configured to accept a first layout in which the inspection image and the enlarged image are arranged at different positions in a horizontal direction of the confirmation screen in the confirmation screen and a second layout in which the inspection image and the enlarged image are arranged at different positions in a vertical direction of the confirmation screen in the confirmation screen.

18. The inspection apparatus according to claim 17, wherein in a case where the size of the inspection image is a size corresponding to a sheet whose length in the conveyance direction exceeds the predetermined length, if the first layout has been set, the display control unit displays the inspection image in a manner in which an edge of the inspection image parallel to the conveyance direction is aligned along a vertical direction of the confirmation screen, and if the second layout has been set, the display control unit displays the inspection image in a manner in which an edge of the inspection image parallel to the conveyance direction is aligned along a horizontal direction of the confirmation screen.

19. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein, the display control unit displays all of the inspection images in the confirmation screen in a manner in which a display size of the inspection images is largest in an arrangement determined for the first display area and the second display area.

20. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein, the enlarged image is displayed in the confirmation screen together with an enlarged image of a corresponding area in a reference image based on which the inspection is performed.

Images