Inspection device, method for controlling inspection device, and program

Abstract

To solve such the problem that, when the same image failure continues more than predetermined times, image diagnostic processing to identify a cause of the failure starts without fail, and which prevents selecting whether to perform image diagnostic processing by confirming an inspection result and following an instruction from a user.SOLUTION: When it is determined that an image failure has occurred by image inspection, and on the basis of meeting of a predetermined condition, an inspection device displays an instruction part for instructing image diagnosis on a screen of an inspection result and executes the image diagnosis according to the operation of the instruction part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus, a control method for the inspection apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a system that can use a sensor to read a printed document output from an image forming device, perform image processing on the image data obtained from the reading, and then compare it with the original print data to detect printing defects such as smudges or whiteouts.

[0003] Such printing defects may occur due to deterioration of parts inside the device when the image forming device is used for a long time. In order to identify the cause of the printing defect in such cases, there is an image diagnosis function that prints a dedicated chart image and reads the printed chart image with a sensor to identify the phenomenon of the defect and its cause.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses that if the number of consecutive errors in the inspection results of printed matter exceeds a predetermined number and the same image defect occurs repeatedly, image formation is stopped and a process is performed to identify the cause of the printing defect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-133506 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in Patent Document 1, if the same image defect occurs consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more, an image diagnosis process is always initiated to identify the cause of the defect, and it is not possible to check the inspection results and choose whether or not to perform the image diagnosis process according to the user's instructions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inspection device of the present invention is characterized in having an inspection means for inspecting whether or not an image defect occurs in the image data of the inspection target obtained by reading a printed matter printed on a recording sheet using a reading unit, a display control means for displaying an instruction section for instructing image diagnosis on the inspection result screen when the inspection means determines that an image defect has occurred and a specified condition is satisfied, and a control means for executing the image diagnosis in accordance with the operation of the instruction section.

[0008] The inspection device of the present invention is also characterized by having a setting means that can be set via an operation unit to perform image diagnosis on an image in which a first image defect occurs and not perform image diagnosis on an image in which a second image defect occurs, an inspection means that inspects whether an image defect occurs in image data of an inspection target obtained by reading a printed matter printed on a recording sheet by a reading unit, and a control means that executes the image diagnosis based on the inspection means determining that the first image defect occurs. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, on the inspection result screen showing whether an image defect occurs in the image, it is possible to select whether or not to perform image diagnosis processing according to a user's instruction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Overall diagram of the printing system hardware configuration [Diagram 2] Block diagram of the printing system configuration [Diagram 3] Cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the UI for the inspection job result screen. [Diagram 5] A diagram showing an example of the UI for the advanced settings screen [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the UI for the image diagnosis results screen [Figure 7]A diagram showing the process flow for performing inspection and image diagnosis in the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a process flow for executing image diagnosis necessity determination processing in an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a process flow for performing image diagnosis processing in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. The external controller in this embodiment may also be called an image processing controller, a digital front end, a print server, a DFE, etc. The image forming apparatus may also be called a multifunction device, a multifunction peripheral, or an MFP.

[0012] 1 is an overall diagram of the hardware configuration of an image processing system according to this embodiment. The image processing system includes an image forming apparatus 101 and an external controller 102. The image forming apparatus 101 and the external controller 102 are communicatively connected via an internal LAN 105 and a video cable 106. The external controller 102 is communicatively connected to a PC 103 via an external LAN 104, and a print instruction is sent from the PC 103 to the external controller 102.

[0013] A printer driver having a function of converting print data into a print description language that can be processed by the external controller 102 is installed in the PC 103. A user who performs printing can issue a print instruction from various applications via the printer driver. The printer driver transmits print data to the external controller 102 based on the print instruction from the user. When the external controller 102 receives a print instruction from the PC 103, it performs data analysis and rasterization processing, and inputs the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 to issue a print instruction. The external controller 102 inputs the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105, and inputs the rasterized image data via a video cable 106.

[0014] Next, a description will be given of the image forming apparatus 101. A plurality of devices having different functions are connected to the image forming apparatus 101, and the image forming apparatus 101 is configured to be capable of complex printing processes such as bookbinding.

[0015] The printing device 107 forms an image using toner on paper conveyed from a paper feed unit located at the bottom of the printing device 107. Although paper is used as an example here, anything other than paper may be used as long as it is a recording sheet of a print medium.

[0016] The configuration and operating principle of this printing device 107 are as follows: A light beam such as a laser beam modulated in accordance with image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror such as a polygon mirror and irradiated onto a photosensitive drum as scanning light.

[0017] The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by this laser light is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to the paper attached to the transfer drum. This series of image formation processes is performed sequentially for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners to form a full-color image on the paper. The paper on the transfer drum with the full-color image formed thereon is transported to the fixing device. The fixing device includes rollers, belts, etc., and has a heat source such as a halogen heater built into the roller, and melts the toner on the paper with the transferred toner image by heat and pressure, fixing it to the paper. The inserter 108 is a device for inserting an inserting sheet. A sheet can be inserted from 108 at any position into the group of sheets printed and transported by the printing device 107.

[0018] The inspection device 109 is a device for reading an image of the conveyed paper (printed matter) and determining whether the printed image is normal or not by comparing the generated image data with preregistered reference image data. Note that the printed matter determined to be normal or not is discharged, for example, separated into normal printed matter and printed matter with an error.

[0019] The large-capacity stacker 110 is a device capable of stacking a large volume of paper. The finisher 111 is a device that performs finishing processes on the transported paper. The finisher 111 can perform finishing processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle-stitching depending on the settings, and discharges the paper to a paper discharge tray.

[0020] 1 is configured such that the external controller 102 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the external controller 102 is connected. In other words, the image forming apparatus 101 may be configured to be connected to an external LAN 104, and print data that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 101 may be transmitted from a PC 103. In this case, data analysis and rasterization processing are performed in the image forming apparatus 101, and print processing is executed.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the image forming apparatus 101, the external controller 102, and the PC 103. As shown in FIG.

[0022] First, the configuration of the printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I / F 217, a LAN I / F 218, a video I / F 220, a HDD 221, a CPU 222, a memory 223, an operation unit 224, and a display 225. The printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 further includes a document exposure unit 226, a laser exposure unit 227, an image creation unit 228, a fixing unit 229, and a paper feed unit 230. Each of the components is connected via a system bus 231.

[0023] The communication I / F 217 is connected to the inserter 108, the inspection device 109, the large-capacity stacker 110, and the finisher 111 via a communication cable 255, and performs communication for controlling each of the devices.

[0024] The LAN I / F 218 is connected to the external controller 102 via the internal LAN 105, and performs communication of print data and the like.

[0025] The video I / F 220 is connected to the external controller 102 via the video cable 106, and performs communication of rasterized image data and the like.

[0026] The HDD 221 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The CPU 222 comprehensively controls image processing and printing based on the programs and the like stored in the HDD 221. The memory 223 stores programs and image data required when the CPU 222 performs various processes, and operates as a work area.

[0027] An operation unit 224 receives various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user. A display 225 displays setting information of the image processing device, the processing status of a print job, and the like. An original exposure unit 226 performs processing to read an original when using a copy function or a scan function. The original data is read by shining an exposure lamp on the paper placed by the user and taking an image with a CCD camera.

[0028] The laser exposure unit 227 is a device that performs primary charging and laser exposure to irradiate the photosensitive drum with laser light in order to transfer a toner image. In the laser exposure unit 227, first, primary charging is performed to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum to a uniform negative potential. Next, the photosensitive drum is irradiated with laser light by a laser driver while adjusting the reflection angle with a polygon mirror. This neutralizes the negative charge of the irradiated area, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The image creation unit 228 is a device for transferring toner to paper, and is composed of a development unit, a transfer unit, a toner supply unit, etc., and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum to paper.

[0029] In the developing unit, negatively charged toner from a developing cylinder is attached to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to make it visible. In the transfer unit, a primary transfer is performed by applying a positive potential to the primary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum to the transfer belt, and a secondary transfer is performed by applying a positive potential to the secondary transfer outer roller to transfer the toner on the transfer belt to paper. The fixing unit 229 is a device for melting and fixing the toner on the paper to the paper using heat and pressure, and is composed of a heater, a fixing belt, a pressure belt, etc. The paper feed unit 230 is a device for feeding paper, and the paper feeding and transport operations are controlled by rollers and various sensors.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I / F 232, a CPU 233, a memory 234, and a paper feed control unit 235, and each of the components is connected via a system bus 236. The communication I / F 232 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 255, and communication required for control is performed. The CPU 233 performs various controls required for paper feeding according to a control program stored in the memory 234. The memory 234 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper feed control unit 235 controls the rollers and sensors based on instructions from the CPU 222, and controls the paper feed unit of the inserter and the feeding and transport of paper transported from the printing device 107.

[0031] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101. The inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I / F 237, a CPU 238, a memory 239, an imaging unit 240, a display unit 241, an operation unit 242, and a HDD 256, and each of the components is connected via a system bus 243. The communication I / F 237 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 255, and communication required for control is performed.

[0032] Also, a reference image used for inspection is received from the printing device 107 via the communication cable 255 and the communication I / F 237, and is stored in the HDD 256. The CPU 238 performs various controls necessary for inspection according to a control program stored in the memory 239. The memory 239 is a storage device in which the control program is stored. The reception and storage of the reference image is not limited to the above, and for example, the inspection device 109 may have a LAN I / F and communicate with the external controller 102 via an internal LAN. In this case, the inspection device 109 can perform the same operation by receiving a reference image from the external controller 102 via the LAN I / F and storing it in the HDD 256.

[0033] The photographing unit 240 photographs the conveyed paper based on an instruction from the CPU 238. The CPU 238 compares the image photographed by the photographing unit 240 with a reference image stored in the HDD 256 to determine whether the printed image is normal or not. The display unit 241 displays the inspection results, a setting screen, and the like. The operation unit 242 is operated by a user and receives instructions such as changing the settings of the inspection device 109 and registering a reference image. The HDD 256 stores the reference image. Note that, if the HDD 256 is not provided, the reference image may be stored in the HDD 221, and the reference image may be read from the HDD 221 to the memory 239 and used when performing a process of determining whether the printed image is normal or not.

[0034] Next, the configuration of the large-capacity stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The large-capacity stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I / F 244, a CPU 245, a memory 246, and a paper discharge control unit 247, and each of the components is connected via a system bus 248. The communication I / F 244 is connected to the printing apparatus 107 via a communication cable 255, and communication required for control is performed. The CPU 245 performs various controls required for paper discharge according to a control program stored in the memory 246. The memory 246 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 247 controls the transport of the transported paper to a stack tray, an escape tray, or a subsequent finisher 111 based on an instruction from the CPU 245.

[0035] Next, the configuration of the finisher 111 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The finisher 111 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I / F 249, a CPU 250, a memory 251, a paper discharge control unit 252, and a finishing processing unit 253. Each component is connected via a system bus 254. The communication I / F 249 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 255, and communication required for control is performed. The CPU 250 performs various controls required for finishing and paper discharge according to a control program stored in the memory 251. The memory 251 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 252 controls paper transport and paper discharge based on instructions from the CPU 250. The finishing processing unit 253 controls finishing processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching based on instructions from the CPU 250.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the external controller 102 will be described. The external controller 102 is composed of a CPU 208, a memory 209, a HDD 210, a keyboard 211, a display 212, a LAN I / F 213, a LAN I / F 214, and a video I / F 215, and is connected via a system bus 216. The CPU 208 comprehensively executes processes such as receiving print data from the PC 103, RIP processing, and sending a print job to the image forming apparatus 101 based on the programs and data stored in the HDD 210.

[0037] The memory 209 stores programs and data required for the CPU 208 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area. The HDD 210 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing. The keyboard 211 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the external controller 102. The display 212 displays information such as an application executed by the external controller 102 by video signals of still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 213 is connected to the PC 103 via the external LAN 104, and performs communication such as print instructions. The LAN I / F 214 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105, and performs communication such as print jobs as print instructions. The video I / F 215 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video cable 106, and performs communication such as rasterized image data.

[0038] Next, we will explain the configuration of the PC 103. The PC 103 is composed of a CPU 201, a memory 202, a HDD 203, a keyboard 204, a display 205, and a LAN I / F 206, which are connected via a system bus 207. The CPU 201 creates print data and issues print instructions based on a document processing program stored in the HDD 203, etc.

[0039] The CPU 201 also comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus. The memory 202 stores programs and data required when the CPU 201 performs various processes, and operates as a work area. The HDD 203 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing. The keyboard 204 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the PC 103. The display 205 displays information such as applications executed by the PC 103 using video signals of still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 206 is connected to the external LAN 104, and performs communication such as print instructions.

[0040] In the above description, the external controller 102 and the image forming apparatus 101 are connected by the internal LAN 105 and the video cable 106, but any other configuration is acceptable as long as data necessary for printing can be transmitted and received, and for example, a connection configuration using only a video cable is also acceptable. Also, the memory 202, memory 209, memory 223, memory 234, memory 239, memory 246, and memory 251 may each be a storage device for holding data and programs. For example, they may be replaced by volatile RAM, non-volatile ROM, built-in HDD, external HDD, USB memory, or the like.

[0041] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism of the image forming apparatus 101. Reference numeral 107 denotes a printing device that forms an image to be printed on paper. Paper feed deck 301 and paper feed deck 302 are capable of storing various types of paper. Information on the paper stored in each paper feed deck (paper size, paper type) can be set from an operation unit 224 of the printing device 107.

[0042] Each paper feed deck is capable of separating only the topmost sheet of paper contained therein and transporting it to paper transport path 303. Developing stations 304-307 form toner images using color toners of Y, M, C, and K, respectively, to form color images. The toner images formed here are primarily transferred to intermediate transfer belt 308, which rotates clockwise in the figure, and the toner image is transferred to the paper transported from paper transport path 303 at secondary transfer position 309.

[0043] Display 225 displays information for the printing status and settings of image forming apparatus 101. Fixing unit 311 fixes the toner image onto paper. Fixing unit 311 is equipped with a pressure roller and a heating roller, and as the paper passes between these rollers, the toner is melted and pressed, thereby fixing the toner image onto the paper. After passing through fixing unit 311, the paper is transported to paper transport path 315 via paper transport path 312.

[0044] If further melting and pressing is required for fixing depending on the type of paper, after passing through fixing unit 311, the paper is transported to second fixing unit 313 using the upper paper transport path. In second fixing unit 313, additional melting and pressing is performed, and the paper is transported to paper transport path 315 via paper transport path 314. If the image formation mode is double-sided, the paper is transported to paper inversion path 316, and after being inverted by paper inversion path 316, the paper is transported to double-sided transport path 317, where the image on the second side is transferred to secondary transfer position 309.

[0045] The inserter 108 inserts the insertion paper. The inserter 108 has an inserter tray 321, and merges the paper fed to the inserter tray 321 with the transport path via a paper transport path 322. This makes it possible to insert a paper sheet at any position in a series of paper sheets transported from the printing device 107 and transport the paper sheet to a subsequent device.

[0046] The paper that has passed through the inserter 108 is transported to the inspection device 109. Cameras 331 and 332 are arranged facing each other inside the inspection device 109. Camera 331 is a camera for reading the top surface of the paper, and camera 332 is a camera for reading the bottom surface of the paper. When the paper transported to paper transport path 333 reaches a predetermined position, the inspection device 109 reads the image of the paper using cameras 331 and 332, and can determine whether the image of the device is normal. The inspection results performed by the inspection device 109 are displayed on the display unit 241.

[0047] Large-capacity stacker 110 is a large-capacity stacker capable of stacking a large amount of paper. Large-capacity stacker 110 has a stack tray 341 as a tray for stacking paper that has been determined to be normal paper (printed matter) by inspection device 109. Paper that has passed through inspection device 109 is input to large-capacity stacker 110 through paper transport path 344. The paper travels from paper transport path 344 through paper transport path 345 and is stacked on stack tray 341.

[0048] Furthermore, the stacker 340 has an escape tray 346 as a paper discharge tray. The escape tray 346 is a paper discharge tray used to discharge paper that is determined by the inspection device 109 to be paper (printed matter) with an error. When outputting to the escape tray 346, the paper is transported from the paper transport path 344 to the escape tray 346 via the paper transport path 347. When transporting the paper to a post-processing device at the rear of the large-capacity stacker 110, the paper is transported via the paper transport path 348. The inversion unit 349 inverts the paper. This inversion unit 349 is used when loading the paper onto the stack tray 341. When loading the paper onto the stack tray 341, the inversion unit 349 inverts the paper once so that the orientation of the input paper is the same as the orientation of the paper at the time of output. When transporting the paper to the escape tray 346 or a subsequent post-processing device, the paper is discharged as is without flipping when loaded, so the inversion unit 349 does not perform an inversion operation.

[0049] The finisher 111 is a device that performs finishing processing on the transported paper in accordance with the function specified by the user. Specifically, the finisher 111 has finishing functions such as stapling (one-place or two-place binding), punching (two-hole or three-hole), and saddle stitching. The finisher 111 includes a paper output tray 351 and a paper output tray 352. Paper is output to the paper output tray 351 via a paper transport path 353. However, finishing processing such as stapling cannot be performed on the paper transport path 353.

[0050] When a finishing process such as stapling is performed, the paper is output to a paper output tray 352 after a finishing function designated by the user is executed in a processing section 355 via a paper transport path 354. The paper output trays 351 and 352 can be raised and lowered, and it is also possible to operate so that the paper output tray 351 is lowered and the paper that has been subjected to the finishing process in the processing section 355 is loaded onto the paper output tray 351. When saddle stitch binding is designated, the paper is stapled in the center in a saddle stitch processing section 356, folded in half, and output to a saddle stitch binding tray 358 via a paper transport path 357. The saddle stitch binding tray 358 is configured as a belt conveyor, and the saddle stitched bundle loaded on the saddle stitch binding tray 358 is configured to be transported to the left side.

[0051] 4 is an example of an automatic inspection result screen in this embodiment, which is displayed on the display unit 241. The automatic inspection result screen may be displayed on the display 225 of the printing device 107 or the display 212 of the external controller 102.

[0052] FIG. 4A is an example of a screen that displays a list of automatic inspection results. The automatic inspection result list screen 400 is composed of an inspection result list I401, an environment setting button I402, and an image diagnosis execution button I403 (an instruction section for instructing image diagnosis). The inspection result list I401 displays the results of the inspection jobs registered as inspection jobs in a list. Each result list displays a job name for identifying the job as a result of each inspection job, a status indicating the execution status of the inspection job, an inspection start time, an inspection end time, the number of sheets inspected, and the number of sheets that are NG. Also displayed are a setting confirmation link that transitions to a screen for confirming the settings of the selected inspection job, a result confirmation link that transitions to an inspection result confirmation screen I410, and an image diagnosis link (an instruction section for instructing image diagnosis) that transitions to a screen for performing image diagnosis based on the inspection result. The result list lists inspected jobs that have already been inspected and jobs that have been set but have not yet been inspected. For jobs that have been inspected, the status will be "inspected", and the inspection start time, inspection end time, number of sheets inspected, and number of sheets that were NG will be recorded, and a link to transition to the inspection result confirmation screen I410 will be displayed. If the inspection result is NG, an image diagnosis link will be displayed. For jobs that have not yet been inspected, the status will be displayed as "set", and other items will display values ​​that are not yet determined. The environment setting button I402 is a button for displaying the environment setting screen of this system, and when selected, transition will be made to the environment setting screen I500. The image diagnosis execution button I403 is a button for displaying the image diagnosis execution screen, and when selected, transition will be made to the image diagnosis execution screen I600.

[0053] FIG. 4B is an example of a screen displayed for checking the inspection results. The inspection result confirmation screen I410 is a screen that displays the details of the inspection results for a job selected when the result confirmation link for an inspected job in the inspection result list I401 is selected. Here, an example is shown in which a 5-page print job is printed in 16 copies for a total of 80 pages, and inspection NG occurs on two pages. The inspection result confirmation screen I410 is composed of an inspection NG thumbnail I411, an inspection summary result I412, an inspection NG list I413, an image diagnosis execution button I414, and a close button I415. The inspection NG thumbnail I411 displays the scanned images of the front and back of a sheet that has been inspected as NG. If NG occurs on multiple sheets of paper, you can switch to the image of another sheet that has been inspected as NG by selecting the selection button below the thumbnail. The inspection summary result I412 is an area that displays the results of tallying up the inspection results of the inspection job. Here, the number of inspected pages, the number of pages that were NG as inspection results, the NG rate, the total number of errors that could not be printed or read, and the total number of occurrences of misalignment (vertical), misalignment (horizontal), stains (dots), and stains (streaks), which are defects in the inspection, are displayed. In the NG list I413, for each NG page, the page order in the entire inspection job, the page order in the job, the part number, whether it is the front or back, the NG cause of each, OK or NG, and the inspection date and time are listed, and a confirmation link to the scanned image of the page where NG occurred is displayed. When the confirmation link of the NG image is selected, the scanned image of the page where inspection was NG is displayed. The image diagnosis execution button I414 is a button for instructing the execution of image diagnosis, and when instructed, the screen transitions to the image diagnosis execution screen I600. The close button I415 is a button for instructing the inspection result confirmation screen to close. When the close button I415 is instructed, the screen transitions to the inspection result list screen I400 before the transition.

[0054] 5 is an example of an environment setting screen for image diagnosis in this embodiment, which is displayed on the display unit 241 of the inspection device 109. This environment setting screen for image diagnosis may also be displayed on the display 225 of the printing device 107 or the display 212 of the external controller 102. Settings selected on the environment setting screen for image diagnosis are stored in the HDD 256 of the inspection device 109.

[0055] FIG. 5A is an example of a screen displayed for setting the image diagnosis environment. The image diagnosis environment setting screen I500 is composed of environment setting items I501, I502, and I503 related to image diagnosis, a judgment item setting button I504, an OK button I505, and a cancel button I506. The environment setting item I501 is an item for setting the timing for judging the necessity of image diagnosis. The setting of the timing for judging the necessity of image diagnosis can be selected from three options: "Do not judge automatically", "Judge immediately after an inspection NG page occurs during an inspection job", and "Judge after the inspection job is completed". These three options are displayed as toggles, and the selected option is highlighted. Here, an example of a screen in which the option for judging immediately after an NG page occurs during an inspection job is selected is shown. If you select to pause the inspection, you can set a numerical value for the number of inspection NGs that occur during the inspection job before pausing.

[0056] The environment setting item I502 is an item for setting the operation when it is determined that image diagnosis is necessary when an inspection NG occurs. Here, there is a toggle display between the selection of automatically executing image diagnosis and the selection of displaying an image diagnosis execution button. In addition, as an image diagnosis item, a toggle display is displayed between the selection of diagnosing NG detection factors and the selection of diagnosing all factors. The environment setting item I503 is an item for setting the inspection items to be targeted when determining the necessity of image diagnosis. The selection of determining with all detection items and the selection of specifying the detection items to be determined are toggle displays, and when the selection of specifying the detection items to be determined is selected, the judgment item setting button I504 is made in a state where it can be pressed. When the selection of diagnosing with all detection items is selected, the judgment item setting button I504 is displayed in gray and cannot be pressed. When the judgment item button I504 is pressed, the image diagnosis necessity item setting screen I510 is displayed. When the OK button I505 is pressed, the set contents are saved in the HDD 256 and the image diagnosis environment setting screen I500 is closed. If the user does not want to save the settings made on the image diagnosis environment setting screen I500, the user presses the cancel button I506 to close the screen.

[0057] FIG. 5B is an example of a screen displayed for setting an item for determining the necessity of image diagnosis. The image diagnosis necessity setting screen I510 is composed of judgment item settings I511, I512, and I513, an OK button I514, and a cancel button I515. The judgment item settings I511, I512, and I513 are items for setting whether or not to determine the necessity of image diagnosis according to the cause item of the print defect when the inspection NG occurs. The judgment item setting I511 is an item for setting whether or not to perform image diagnosis when the inspection result is a defect in which the position of image formation is shifted relative to the print medium. The judgment item setting I512 is an item for setting whether or not to perform image diagnosis when the inspection result is a defect such as streaky stains or print defects. Streaky stains and print defects can occur in both the vertical and horizontal directions of the print result depending on the cause, but here, both vertical and horizontal streaks are targeted. The judgment item setting I513 is an item for setting whether or not to perform image diagnosis when the result of the inspection shows that spot stains or printing omissions have occurred in the read image. The judgment item settings I511, I512, and I513 can be set to diagnosis or not, and the diagnosis selection and non-diagnosis selection for each item are displayed as a toggle. In addition, when each judgment item setting I511, I512, and I513 is set to diagnosis, the color to be diagnosed can be set. The target color can be set individually to the color used in image formation, and in this case, each toner color of Y, M, C, and K can be set individually. Each toner color is selected when pressed once, and deselected when pressed again. When the OK button I514 is pressed, the setting contents are saved in the HDD 210, the image diagnosis necessity item setting screen I510 is closed, and the image diagnosis environment setting screen I500 is returned to. If the user does not want to save the settings made on the image diagnosis necessity item setting screen I510, the user presses the cancel button I515 to return to the image diagnosis environment setting screen I500.

[0058] 6 is an example of a screen related to the operation of image diagnosis in this embodiment, and is displayed on the display unit 241. In addition, this image diagnosis environment setting screen may be displayed on the display 225 of the printing device 107 or the display 212 of the external controller 102.

[0059] FIG. 6A is an example of a screen displayed to instruct the execution of image diagnosis. The image diagnosis setting screen I600 is composed of image diagnosis target settings I601, I602, and I603, paper setting I604, diagnosis execution button I605, and close button I606. The image diagnosis target settings I601, I602, and I603 are displays for specifying the target factors for which image diagnosis is to be performed. The image diagnosis target setting I601 can set whether to perform image diagnosis for the position shift factor, the image diagnosis target setting I602 for the dirt (streak) factor, and the image diagnosis target setting I603 for the dirt (spot) factor. Each can be set to diagnose or not diagnose, and the selection of diagnosis or not for each item is displayed as a toggle. In addition, when each image diagnosis target setting is set to diagnose, the color of the target to be diagnosed can be set. The target color can be set individually to the color used in image formation, and here, each toner color of Y, M, C, and K can be set individually. Each toner color is selected when pressed once, and deselected when pressed again. The Paper Settings I604 is a button for setting the paper to be used in image diagnosis, and a description of the settings. When the Paper Settings button I604 is selected, a Paper Settings screen is opened, where the paper to be used in image diagnosis can be set, and the settings are described in the Settings. Here, an example is shown in which paper is set by tray, and the state in which A4 size for tray 1 is selected is displayed. Pressing the Diagnosis Execution button I605 instructs that image diagnosis be performed with the settings of the Image Diagnosis Target Settings I601, I602, and I603 and the Paper Settings I604. Pressing the Close button I606 closes the Image Diagnosis Settings screen I610 without performing image diagnosis, and switches the display to the previous screen.

[0060] 6B, 6C, and 6D are examples of screens displayed to show the results of image diagnosis. The image diagnosis result screen I610 in FIG. 6B is a screen when the result of image diagnosis is normal, and is composed of a diagnosis date and time I611, a result for each diagnosis item I612, an image diagnosis result I613, and a close button I614. The diagnosis date and time I611 displays the date and time when the image diagnosis is performed and the result is confirmed. The result for each diagnosis item I612 displays detailed diagnosis results for each diagnosis item that is the target of image diagnosis. Each diagnosis item displays more detailed results for each diagnosis item set in the image diagnosis target settings I601, I602, and I603. Here, the results of each diagnosis item are displayed, and the display of the results is displayed as "normal", "abnormal", "automatic repair", or "-" indicating that the item is not the target of diagnosis. The image diagnosis result I613 is a column that displays the result of image diagnosis based on the result for each diagnosis item I612. Here, a message is displayed as a specific wording so that the user can understand. When the close button I614 is pressed, the image diagnosis result screen I610 is closed and the display of the previous screen is switched.

[0061] The image diagnosis result screen 620 in Fig. 6(C) is an example of a screen when a print defect due to misalignment is detected as a result of performing image diagnosis and the misalignment is automatically repaired. The item of vertical and horizontal misalignment, which is the item to be automatically repaired in the result for each diagnosis item I612, displays "Automatic repair will be performed," and the image diagnosis result I613 displays the contents of the automatic repair that was performed.

[0062] The image diagnosis result screen I630 in Fig. 6(D) is an example of a screen that is displayed when an abnormality is detected in vertical streaks among the stain (streaks) items as a result of performing image diagnosis. "Abnormality present" is displayed in the stain (streaks) vertical streaks item where an abnormality was detected in the results for each diagnosis item I612, and the image diagnosis result I613 displays the cause of the abnormality and a countermeasure method in addition to the diagnosis item where the abnormality was found.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the inspection device 109 detects image defects in images on multiple sheets, it determines the necessity of image diagnosis and executes image diagnosis according to the determination. When an image defect is detected, the inspection device 109 detects the cause of the defect in the read image read by the image reading sensor (reading unit), and determines the necessity of image diagnosis from the defect occurrence status in the print job and the usage status of the parts of the printing device 107.

[0064] 7 is a flow chart of a process for performing image diagnosis following inspection processing. A series of processes in this flow chart is executed by the CPU 238 of the inspection device 109 present in the system. The processing on the inspection device 109 is executed by the control program that the CPU 238 reads from the HDD 256 and loads into the memory 239.

[0065] When a control program executed by a CPU 238 of the inspection device 109 receives an instruction from a user to start execution of an inspection job, an instruction to start printing is executed from the external controller 102 to the printing device 107. A recording sheet on which an image is formed by the printing device 107 is conveyed from the printing device 107 to the inspection device 109 via an inserter 108.

[0066] In S701, the CPU 238 conveys a sheet on which an image to be inspected is formed to a conveying path.

[0067] In S702, the CPU 238 instructs the image reading sensor (reading unit) to read the sheet in accordance with the sheet transport timing, and executes the inspection operation. In the inspection operation, the read image is stored in the HDD 256, and the inspection result is judged as to whether an image defect has occurred, and if so, the cause of the defect, and recorded as the inspection result. The confirmed inspection result is recorded in the memory 239, and the process proceeds to S703.

[0068] In S703, the CPU 238 judges whether the inspection result of the inspection process is OK or NG. If the inspection result is OK, the process proceeds to S710, and if the inspection result is NG, the process proceeds to S704.

[0069] In S704, the CPU 238 executes an image diagnosis necessity determination process for determining the necessity of image diagnosis from the inspection result. The details of the image diagnosis necessity determination process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 8. After this process is executed and the diagnosis of the necessity of image diagnosis is completed and the result is obtained, the process proceeds to S705.

[0070] In S705, the CPU 238 checks whether the determination result of the necessity of the image diagnosis was that the image diagnosis should be performed. If it is determined that the image diagnosis should be performed (predetermined conditions for performing the image diagnosis are satisfied), the process proceeds to S706, and if not, the process proceeds to S710.

[0071] In S706, the CPU 238 judges whether or not to automatically execute image diagnosis. The CPU 238 reads out the operation setting I502 for when it is judged that image diagnosis is necessary when an NG occurs in the environmental setting of image diagnosis recorded in the memory 239, and judges whether or not it is set to automatically execute image diagnosis. If it is judged that image diagnosis is to be automatically executed, the process proceeds to S708, and if not, the process proceeds to S707.

[0072] In S707, the CPU 238 displays (controls the display of) a button for instructing to perform image diagnosis (an instruction unit for instructing image diagnosis) on the inspection result screen displayed on the display unit 241. Here, the inspection result screens in this embodiment are an inspection result list screen I400 and an inspection result confirmation screen I410. On the inspection result list screen I400, the diagnosis item column of the corresponding inspection job in the inspection result list 401 and the image diagnosis execution button I403 are enabled, and on the inspection result confirmation screen I410, the image diagnosis execution button I414 is enabled. When the button is displayed and an instruction to execute image diagnosis processing is accepted, the process proceeds to S708.

[0073] In S708, the CPU 238 executes image diagnosis processing. The image diagnosis processing will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 9. When this processing is executed, the image diagnosis is completed and the result is obtained, the process proceeds to S709.

[0074] In S709, the CPU 238 determines whether or not the image diagnosis executed in S708 has a result indicating an abnormality. If the image diagnosis has a result indicating an abnormality, the process proceeds to S711, and if no abnormality has occurred, the process proceeds to S710.

[0075] In S710, the CPU 238 determines whether the inspection job is continuing based on whether there is a sheet to be inspected. If there is a sheet to be inspected, the process proceeds to S701. If there is no sheet to be inspected, the process ends.

[0076] In S711, the CPU 238 transmits an image formation stop notification to the CPU 222 of the printing apparatus 107 to stop the inspection job, and the process proceeds to S712.

[0077] In S712, the CPU 238 waits for the user to perform an operation to eliminate the abnormality in the image diagnosis result. Here, if a notification is received from the CPU 222 of the printing device 106 that a user operation has occurred, or if an operation is performed on the operation unit 242 of the inspection device 109, it is determined that a user operation has occurred, and the process proceeds to S713. Here, the user operation refers to replacement of parts of the printing device 107, cleaning of parts, or operation / change of part information to eliminate the cause of the abnormality in the image diagnosis result.

[0078] In S713, the CPU 238 checks whether the abnormality in the image diagnosis result has been resolved by the user's operation received in S712. For example, if the procedure for resolving the abnormality in the image diagnosis result was a part replacement, the printing device 107 detects that the part has been replaced and notifies the printing device 107 that the part has been replaced, or the user notifies the printing device 107 that the part has been replaced. If the abnormality in the image diagnosis result has been resolved at this time, the process proceeds to S710, and if the abnormality has not been resolved, the process proceeds to S712.

[0079] Fig. 8 is a flowchart for executing the image diagnosis necessity determination process of S704 in Fig. 7 in this embodiment. Note that this series of processes is performed by the CPU 238 on the inspection device 109 according to a control program read from the HDD 256 and loaded into the memory 239.

[0080] In S801, the CPU 238 records the inspection result recorded in S702 as inspection NG information in the memory 239, and proceeds to S802. The inspection NG information recorded here also records previous inspection NG information as history.

[0081] In S802, the CPU 238 reads out the inspection NG information recorded in S801 and acquires detailed information about the recorded inspection NG. Here, the type of NG (spot, streak, misalignment) and the location of occurrence are acquired as detailed information about the inspection NG. After acquiring the detailed information, the acquisition result is recorded in the memory 239, and the process proceeds to S803.

[0082] In S803, the CPU 238 executes a process of analyzing the detailed information of the inspection NG acquired in S802. Here, the CPU 238 analyzes whether the same NG factor occurs by checking against the occurrence pattern of each NG factor, and analyzes the occurrence frequency and period of the NG factor. For example, if there is the same type of image defect at the same position in the main scanning direction, it is determined to be the same NG factor, and if there is an image defect such as a dot or a streak periodically in the sub-scanning direction, it is determined to be the same NG factor. For example, as a periodicity judgment, if the same inspection NG factor occurs every certain number of printed sheets, or if stains (streaks) or stains (dots) occur at certain distances based on the size of the printed paper and the distance between the conveyed printed paper, it is determined that a periodic NG occurs. If the result of the analysis of the detailed information of the inspection NG is the number of the same NG factors or the periodicity of each NG factor, it is recorded in the memory 239 as the analysis result, and the process proceeds to S804.

[0083] In S804, the CPU 238 reads out the analysis result recorded in S803, and checks whether or not it has been determined that the NG cause has periodicity. If it has been determined that the NG cause has periodicity, the process proceeds to S809, and if not, the process proceeds to S805.

[0084] In S805, the CPU 238 reads the analysis results recorded in S803 and performs a judgment based on the number of occurrences of each NG cause and a threshold. Here, the threshold for the number of occurrences of each NG cause may be a value set in the control program, or may be a setting item that can be set by the user and may be used by accepting settings from the user. If the number of NG causes of the same type is equal to or greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to S809, and if not, the process proceeds to S806.

[0085] In S806, the CPU 238 reads the analysis result recorded in S803 and acquires the NG cause that has occurred. Then, the CPU 238 reads a list of parts related to the cause of the NG cause from the HDD 256, and acquires a list of parts that affect the NG cause by identifying the related parts from the NG cause. After acquiring the list of parts that affect the NG cause, the process proceeds to S807.

[0086] In S807, the CPU 238 instructs the CPU 222 of the printing device 107 to acquire life information of the list of parts that affect the NG cause acquired in S806. Here, life information of all parts may be acquired from the printing device 107 and only life information of the relevant related parts may be read out, or related parts may be specified and their life information may be acquired individually. After acquiring the life information of the related parts, the process proceeds to S808.

[0087] In S808, the CPU 238 determines whether or not there is any part whose remaining life is less than a threshold value among the life information of the related parts acquired in S807. Some parts may continue to be used beyond their lifespan, in which case the remaining lifespan is treated as 0. If there is a part whose remaining life is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to S809, and if not, the process proceeds to S811.

[0088] In S809, the CPU 238 reads out the image diagnosis necessity judgment setting set on the image diagnosis necessity judgment item screen I510 from the HDD 256, and judges whether the inspection NG cause is set to be diagnosed in the read judgment item setting. If the NG cause occurring in the inspection NG is included in the judgment item, the process proceeds to S810, and if not, the process proceeds to S811.

[0089] In S810, the CPU 238 records in the memory 239 that imaging diagnosis is necessary as the necessity. In addition, among the items recorded as the inspection NG factors from the inspection NG information, the items set to be diagnosed in the imaging diagnosis necessity judgment item read out in S809 are recorded as imaging diagnosis target factors. After recording the necessity of imaging diagnosis, this flowchart is ended. Note that the predetermined condition for performing imaging diagnosis is, for example, a condition where any of S804, S805, and S808 is Yes.

[0090] In S811, the CPU 238 records in the memory 239 the fact that imaging diagnosis is not required as the necessity of imaging diagnosis, and ends this flowchart.

[0091] Fig. 9 is a flowchart for executing the image diagnosis necessity determination process of S708 in Fig. 7 in this embodiment. Note that this series of processes is performed by the CPU 238 on the inspection device 109 according to a control program read from the HDD 256 and loaded into the memory 239.

[0092] In S901, the CPU 238 instructs the CPU 222 of the printing device 107 to output a test chart (chart image). The output instruction here is determined based on the diagnosis item set on the image diagnosis setting screen I600, or the diagnosis item when it is determined in step S706 that image diagnosis is to be automatically executed. For example, this is an operation to instruct to print an individual test chart for each color specification of the diagnosis item. The image data to be output as the test chart may be data stored in the HDD 221 of the printing device 107, or data stored in the HDD 256 of the inspection device 109 may be sent together with the print instruction. When a response to start outputting the test chart is received from the CPU 222 of the printing device 107, the process proceeds to S902.

[0093] In S902, the CPU 238 instructs the image reading sensor to read the sheet in accordance with the timing of the conveyance of the sheet on which the conveyed test chart is output. Since the number of conveyed test charts varies depending on the setting of the diagnostic items, the CPU 238 executes the reading process for the number of test charts instructed to be output in S901. After recording the read results in the HDD 256, the process proceeds to S903.

[0094] In S903, the CPU 238 checks whether or not an image defect exists in the image read in S902. Here, the same determination of the existence of an image defect may be performed for all images read in S902, or the cause of the image defect to be determined for each test chart according to the setting of the diagnostic items may be determined and the existence of an image defect corresponding to the test chart may be confirmed. If it is determined that an image defect exists, the process proceeds to S904, and if it is determined that an image defect does not exist, the process proceeds to S912.

[0095] In S904, the CPU 238 judges the type of the image defect from the read image in which it was judged in S903 that the image defect exists. Here, the judgment of the type of the image defect is a process of judging whether or not the image defect occurring on the read image in which it was judged that the image defect exists is each of the image defects such as misalignment, vertical streaks, horizontal streaks, and stains (dots). Here, the judgment of the type of the image defect may be made by judging whether the characteristic of each defect occurs on the read image, or by comparing the image read in S902 with a reference image of a test chart stored in the HDD 256 of the inspection device 109 and judging from the difference. In addition, the type of the image defect may be judged by judging each read image in which the image defect exists, or may be judged collectively for a plurality of read images. As the judgment result of the type of the image defect, whether it is abnormal or normal for each type of the image defect is recorded. When the judgment of the type of the image defect is decided, the process proceeds to S905.

[0096] In S905, the CPU 238 executes a process of extracting feature amounts corresponding to the type of image defect from the read image. For example, if the type of image defect is vertical streaks, the feature amounts extracted here are the streak position, streak width, streak number, streak period, etc. After the feature amount extraction is completed, the feature amount is recorded in the memory 239, and the process proceeds to S906.

[0097] In S906, the CPU 238 determines whether or not an image defect that may have periodicity has occurred based on the type of image defect determined in S904 and the feature amount extracted in S905. If an image defect that may have periodicity has occurred, the process proceeds to S907, and if not, the process proceeds to S908.

[0098] In S907, the CPU 238 performs periodicity analysis based on the type of image defect determined in S904 and the feature amount extracted in S905. For example, if the type of image defect is vertical streaks, the positions and number of streaks that have occurred are read out as feature amounts, and the occurrence interval is analyzed as the streak occurrence period. If the analysis of the streak occurrence period shows periodicity, the occurrence interval is recorded in the memory 239 as the analysis result, and the process proceeds to S908.

[0099] In S908, the CPU 238 executes a process of identifying the cause of the image defect based on the type of image defect determined in S904, the feature amount extracted in S905, and the analysis result of the periodicity if there is a periodicity. Here, for example, the cause of the image defect can be identified by selecting the corresponding cause from a correspondence table of the feature amount analyzed for each type of image defect and the cause. If the cause of the image defect is identified as a result of the process of identifying the cause of the image defect, the process records it in the memory 239 and proceeds to S909.

[0100] In S909, the CPU 238 reads out the cause of the problem identified in S908 and determines a policy for dealing with the cause of the problem. The cause of the problem and its policy are determined by, for example, storing a correspondence table and selecting a policy that corresponds to the cause of the problem. As a policy for dealing with the problem, for example, part replacement, part cleaning, automatic repair, or the like may be determined according to the cause of the problem. Once the policy for dealing with the problem has been determined, the process proceeds to S910.

[0101] In S910, the CPU 238 determines whether or not an automatic restoration item is included in the response policy determined in S912. If an automatic restoration factor is included, the process proceeds to S911, and if not, the process proceeds to S912.

[0102] In S911, the CPU 238 determines the content of automatic repair to be executed as an automatic repair item of the response policy determined in S912, and instructs the CPU 222 of the printing device 107 to execute the automatic repair. Then, when a notification of completion of execution of the automatic repair is received from the CPU 222 of the printing device 107, the CPU 238 records completion in the automatic repair item of the response policy recorded in the memory 239, and proceeds to S912.

[0103] In S912, the CPU 238 displays the results of the image diagnosis on the display unit 241. Here, if no image defects occur as a result of the image diagnosis, the diagnosis result is determined to be normal. If an image defect occurs, the diagnosis items where no defects occur are determined to be normal, and the items where defects occur are determined to be abnormal, depending on the image defect type determination. If an abnormality is determined to exist and automatic repair is performed, it is determined that automatic repair has been performed. The results determined here for each diagnosis item are displayed. Then, in the image diagnosis result I613, if an abnormality exists in a diagnosis item, the diagnosis result and the cause are recorded as abnormal, if automatic repair is performed, the items that were automatically repaired are recorded, and if only the diagnosis items are normal, it is recorded that the diagnosis result was normal. When the image diagnosis result screen can be displayed on the display unit 241, this flowchart ends.

[0104] According to the above embodiment, when an image defect occurs during inspection, the user can execute image diagnosis processing to identify the cause of the image defect. This allows the user to automatically solve the problem when an image defect occurs, and execute the cause identification processing only for the necessary image defect problem.

[0105] In this embodiment, a control program for inspection and image diagnosis is executed on the CPU 238 of the inspection device 109. However, the image read by the inspection device 109 may be transmitted to the printing device 107, the external controller 102, or the PC 103, and the control program may be executed in the device at the transmission destination.

[0106] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 101 Image forming device 107 Printing device 109 Inspection Equipment 238 CPU 241 Display section 242 Operation section

Claims

1. An inspection device connected to an image forming apparatus, An inspection means for checking whether an image abnormality has occurred in the image data to be inspected, which is obtained by reading the printed material printed on a recording sheet by the image forming apparatus based on a print job, and which is read by the reading unit. A diagnostic means for determining whether an image abnormality has occurred in the image data of the object to be inspected, which is obtained by reading the chart image printed on a recording sheet by the image forming apparatus using the reading unit, and for diagnosing the cause of the abnormality of the image forming apparatus based on the type of image abnormality that occurs in the image data, A setting means for setting the timing of the diagnostic means performing a diagnosis of the cause of the abnormality of the image forming apparatus based on the execution of the inspection by the inspection means, An inspection device characterized by having the following features.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the diagnostic means performs the diagnosis when predetermined conditions are met at a timing set by the setting means.

3. The predetermined conditions are that any of the following states occur: a periodic abnormality is detected as a result of inspection by the inspection means; a predetermined number of identical abnormality factors are present in the printed material as a result of inspection by the inspection means; or the remaining lifespan of the component related to the abnormality factor among the components of the image forming apparatus falls below a threshold. The inspection apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the diagnostic means automatically performs the diagnosis when the predetermined conditions are met at a timing set by the setting means.

4. Having a display means for receiving user operations, The inspection apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the predetermined conditions are that any of the following states occur: a periodic abnormality is detected as a result of inspection by the inspection means; a predetermined number of identical abnormality factors are found in the printed material as a result of inspection by the inspection means; or the remaining lifespan of a component related to the abnormality factor among the components of the image forming apparatus falls below a threshold; and the inspection apparatus accepts the pressing of a button displayed on the display means for instructing the execution of the diagnosis when any of the above states occur.

5. The image data to be inspected is image data corresponding to multiple pages, The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the timing set by the setting means is during the inspection of the image data to be inspected by the inspection means, and the inspection result for one of the multiple pages indicates an image abnormality.

6. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the timing set by the setting means is during the inspection of multiple pages of image data to be inspected by the inspection means, and the timing is when an image abnormality is detected as an inspection result for one of the multiple pages.

7. The inspection device according to claim 4, characterized in that the display means does not display the button in a selectable manner when none of the above states are met.

8. The inspection apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the screen displaying the inspection results displays at least the number of images inspected and the number of images with abnormalities.

9. The inspection apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the screen displaying the inspection results is a screen that displays at least the number of images inspected and the number of images with abnormalities.

10. The inspection apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the screen on which the inspection results are displayed is a screen on which at least an image indicating an image abnormality is displayed.

11. The inspection apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the screen displaying the inspection results is a screen that displays at least an image indicating an image abnormality.

12. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the diagnostic means performs a process to diagnose the cause of the abnormality of the image forming apparatus with respect to the image abnormality inspection items by the inspection means.

13. The inspection apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the setting means is capable of setting the inspection items for the image abnormality by the inspection means.

14. An inspection system including an image forming apparatus having printing means for printing an image on a recording sheet based on a print job, A reading means that reads the image printed on the record sheet by the printing means and generates image data, An inspection means for checking whether an image abnormality has occurred in the image data generated by the reading means, A diagnostic means for determining whether an image anomaly has occurred in the image data generated by reading the chart image printed on the recording sheet by the printing means using the reading means, and for diagnosing the cause of the anomaly in the image forming apparatus based on the type of image anomaly occurring in the image data, A setting means for setting the timing of the diagnostic means performing a diagnosis of the cause of the abnormality of the image forming apparatus based on the execution of the inspection by the inspection means, An inspection system characterized by having the following features.

Images