Quality inspection system and method

Abstract

To provide a quality inspection system that improves convenience in selecting a quality inspection device that can execute desired quality inspection.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus in a quality inspection system comprises: acquisition means that acquires information on quality inspection devices included in an image forming system; receiving means that receives information on quality inspection to be executed by the quality inspection device; display means that, on the basis of the information on the quality inspection devices acquired by the acquisition means, performs display so that a user can select the quality inspection device that can execute the quality inspection corresponding to the information received by the receiving means; and transmission means that transmits, to the image forming system, an instruction to cause the quality inspection device selected by the user to execute the quality inspection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a quality inspection system and method for performing a quality inspection. [Background technology]

[0002] Commercial printed materials such as catalogs and pamphlets have high customer requirements for stains, misalignment of the front and back, and differences in color, and therefore require highly accurate inspection and image adjustment. Meanwhile, the inspection process before delivery to the customer requires a lot of manpower and time for inspection and recovery work, such as visually checking the printed image and reprinting pages with output defects. In addition, to consistently produce high-quality deliverables, users need to have skilled skills and spend a lot of time adjusting images before and during printing.

[0003] To meet these demands, quality inspection devices that can add inspection functions to image processing devices are known. One type of quality inspection device is an inline sensor built into an image forming device. Another type is a sensing unit that is retrofitted to an image processing device. These quality inspection devices make it possible to automatically perform color measurement tasks that were previously done manually, as well as adjustment tasks for the image positions and colors on the front and back of a sheet. In addition, to maintain optimal conditions at all times during printing, it is possible to automatically correct the image positions and colors on the front and back of a sheet by comparing them with the settings.

[0004] In order to automate quality inspection using such quality inspection devices, the quality inspection system needs to use quality inspection devices that match the user's purpose. Patent Document 1 describes a method that presents whether the measuring device can perform the color measurement desired by the user based on chart configuration information and the specification information of the selected measuring device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-16499 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, Patent Document 1 does not mention selecting an appropriate measuring device from among multiple measuring devices based on conditions other than the chart configuration information. There is a demand for further improving the convenience when selecting a quality inspection device that can perform a desired quality inspection.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a quality inspection system and method that improves convenience when selecting a quality inspection device capable of performing a desired quality inspection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the quality inspection system of the present invention is a quality inspection system including an information processing device and an image forming system, wherein the information processing device comprises an acquisition means for acquiring information of a quality inspection device included in the image forming system, a reception means for receiving information of a quality inspection to be performed by the quality inspection device, a display means for displaying a quality inspection device capable of performing a quality inspection corresponding to the information received by the reception means based on the information of the quality inspection device acquired by the acquisition means so that a user can select a quality inspection device capable of performing a quality inspection corresponding to the information received by the reception means, and a transmission means for transmitting an instruction to the image forming system to perform a quality inspection using the quality inspection device selected by the user, and the image forming system comprises an execution means for performing the quality inspection using the quality inspection device based on the instruction transmitted by the transmission means. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience when selecting a quality inspection device capable of performing a desired quality inspection. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system and an apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between an image forming apparatus and a quality inspection apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a color chart and a measuring instrument. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional block configuration of the quality inspection system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 illustrates a database and a user interface screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates data communicated between systems. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a quality inspection device. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a quality inspection device. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a process in the printing company system. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a display process of a quality inspection result report. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a color verification result database. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a quality inspection device. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a quality inspection device. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing communication data and a user interface screen. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 20] FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 23] 13 is a flowchart showing a display process of a quality inspection result report. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a user interface screen and communication data. [Diagram 25] FIG. [Figure 26] 13 is a flowchart showing a display process of supplemental information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0012] 1(a) is a block diagram showing the configuration of a quality inspection system in this embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, the system may be a single device system or a system consisting of multiple devices, as long as the quality inspection system described in this embodiment can perform its operations. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the system may be a system in which processing is performed by connecting via a network such as a LAN or WAN, as long as the quality inspection system described in this embodiment can perform its operations.

[0013] The system in this embodiment includes a web system 101 and a printer system 103, and the two systems are connected to each other via a network 100 such as the Internet. The network 100 may be a wired network, a wireless network, or a network including both. The web system 101 includes an information processing device 102. The information processing device 102 is a device that can communicate with the printer system 103, and may be a device configured as a cloud, for example. The printer system 103 is an image forming system including information processing devices 104 and 107 and image forming devices 106 and 108. The image forming device 106 is controlled under a group of programs that run on the information processing device 104, and processes the print settings and print data received from the web system 101 to produce printed matter. The image forming device 108 is controlled under a group of programs that run on the information processing device 107, and processes the print settings and print data received from the web system 101 to produce printed matter. The information processing device 104 is connected to an image forming device 106 via a communication path 105, and the information processing device 107 is connected to an image forming device 108 via a communication path 109. The communication paths 105 and 109 may be a network or a cable for one-to-one connection.

[0014] In this embodiment, the system shown in FIG. 1(a) allows the information processing device 102 to remotely control and execute quality inspections such as color verification. In this embodiment, it is assumed that four steps are executed as a quality inspection. That is, in the first step, a type of test is selected. In this embodiment, the selection of a color verification test is described as an example. In the second step, a quality inspection device capable of executing the selected test is selected. In the third step, the quality inspection is executed. For example, in this embodiment, color measurement of the patch is executed. In the fourth step, the quality inspection is completed. In FIG. 1(a), two combinations of information processing devices and image forming devices in the printing company system 103 are shown, but one combination or three or more combinations may be configured.

[0015] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting the selection of a quality inspection test type. A quality inspection test selection screen 1500 is displayed on the information processing device 102. On the quality inspection test selection screen 1500, a menu 1501 accepts the selection of an image forming device. Furthermore, a menu 1502 accepts the selection of a quality inspection test type. In this embodiment, a case where a selection of color validation is accepted as a quality inspection type will be described as an example.

[0016] FIG. 1(b) is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing devices 102, 104, and 107. The information processing device 102 will be described below as a representative example of the information processing devices 102, 104, and 107. In FIG. 1(b), a CPU 201 executes an operating system (OS) and general application programs stored in a program ROM of a ROM 203 or loaded from a HDD 210 to a RAM 202. The ROM 203 has a font ROM and a data ROM. The RAM 202 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The operation of the information processing device 102 in this embodiment is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0017] An operation unit controller 205 controls input from an operation unit 208 such as a keyboard or a pointing device. A display controller 206 controls display on a display unit 209. A disk controller 207 controls access to a HDD 210 that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, etc. A network controller 212 is connected to a network and executes communication control processing with other devices connected to the network. The network controller 212 may have a configuration according to the medium of the network and may be capable of different types of communication. A bus 204 connects the CPU 201, the RAM 202, the ROM 203, and various controllers so that they can communicate with each other, and carries data signals and control signals.

[0018] In this embodiment, the information processing devices 102, 104, and 107 are described as having the configuration shown in FIG. 2, but each device may include executable blocks as appropriate depending on the device to which it is applied. For example, when a mobile phone is applied, a touch panel controller or the like is configured. Also, a large-capacity storage device may be provided instead of the HDD 210. Furthermore, the network controller 212 has a different internal configuration depending on whether the network to which it is connected is a wired LAN or a wireless LAN, or whether both are provided. However, these differences due to the internal configuration are hidden inside the network controller 212, and the other modules shown in FIG. 2 are configured to be equivalent so as to be able to control the system.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between an image forming apparatus and a quality inspection device. In this embodiment, it is possible to add the functions of a quality inspection device, such as color measurement and color adjustment, to an image forming apparatus. There are several methods for adding the functions of a quality inspection device to an image forming apparatus. One method is to add the functions of a quality inspection device by incorporating a quality inspection device in the image forming apparatus. Another method is to add the functions of a quality inspection device by attaching an external quality inspection device to the image forming apparatus.

[0020] Measuring device 302 is a quality inspection device, such as an in-line sensor, built into the transport path of paper (an example of a recording medium) in image forming device 106. Measuring device 302 has a plurality of sensors 306-309. Measuring device 305 is a quality inspection device, such as an in-line sensor, built into the transport path of paper in image forming device 108. Measuring device 305 has a plurality of sensors 312-315.

[0021] The quality inspection device 300 is a quality inspection device that can be externally attached to the image forming device 106, and is, for example, a sensing unit having a color measurement function, a registration misalignment correction function, and a color adjustment function. The quality inspection device 300 has a sensor 310 inside a measuring device 303. The quality inspection device 301 is a quality inspection device that can be externally attached to the image forming device 106 or the quality inspection device 300, and is, for example, an inspection device having an inspection function. The quality inspection device 301 has a sensor 311 inside a measuring device 304. Note that the measuring devices 302 and 305 may each have a single sensor, and the measuring devices 303 and 304 may each have multiple sensors.

[0022] The built-in quality inspection device and the external quality inspection device each have different quality inspection functions, and the user can add a quality inspection device according to the needs of the business. The user needs to select an appropriate quality inspection device according to the quality inspection work to be performed. Note that, although an example of the image forming device 108 not having an external quality inspection device attached thereto is shown in FIG. 2, an external quality inspection device may be attached thereto.

[0023] 3(a) and 3(b) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the color chart and the measuring instrument. FIG. 3(a) shows the relationship between the measuring instrument and the color chart in a built-in quality inspection device. The color chart 400 includes four color strips 401-404. The measuring instrument 302 includes four sensors 306-309. In this embodiment, in the case of a built-in quality inspection device, the sensors are fixed and installed on the transport path of the paper. When the color chart 400 is transported downstream inside the image forming device 106, the sensors 306-309 fixed inside the measuring instrument 302 of the image forming device 106 print the color chart 400 and read each of the color strips at the corresponding positions while transporting it downstream. For example, the sensor 306 reads the color strip 401.

[0024] FIG. 3(b) shows the relationship between the measuring device and the color chart in an external quality inspection device. The measuring device 303 of the quality inspection device 300 has a variable sensor 310. Color strips 401 to 404 are printed from the image forming device 106 and taken into the quality inspection device 300. Then, the measuring device 303 reads the color strips of the color chart 400 while moving the sensor 310 in a horizontal direction relative to the paper transport direction. In general, reading a color chart with four sensors allows for faster color measurement than with one sensor. On the other hand, in the case of four sensors, there are individual differences in color measurement accuracy for each sensor. Therefore, when performing accurate color measurement while taking into account in-plane unevenness, a quality inspection device with one sensor is selected.

[0025] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block configuration of the quality inspection system shown in Fig. 1(a). The information processing device 102 includes an instruction receiving unit 500, a quality inspection device determination unit 501, a quality inspection instruction creating unit 502, a quality inspection report creating unit 503, a communication unit 504, a quality inspection device database (DB) 505, a color verification result database (DB) 506, and a quality inspection control unit 511.

[0026] An instruction receiving unit 500 receives an instruction for quality inspection from a user. A quality inspection device determination unit 501 determines a quality inspection device for performing the quality inspection based on input data input by the user in the instruction receiving unit 500. A quality inspection instruction creation unit 502 creates a quality inspection instruction to be given to quality inspection processing units 507 and 509.

[0027] A quality inspection report creation unit 503 creates a quality inspection report based on quality inspection results transmitted from quality inspection processing units 507 and 509 of the printing company system 103. A communication unit 504 performs communication processing with the quality inspection processing units 507 and 509 for transmitting and receiving quality inspection instructions and quality inspection results.

[0028] The quality inspection device database 505 stores information about the functions of the quality inspection device. The color verification result database 506 stores the quality inspection results received by the quality inspection control unit 511 from the quality inspection processing units 507 and 509. In this embodiment, color verification will be described as an example of quality inspection, so the color verification results are stored. The quality inspection control unit 511 mainly controls the overall processing in the quality inspection system with respect to the following three points:

[0029] As one point, the quality inspection control unit 511 acquires information on a quality inspection device available in the quality inspection system from the quality inspection processing units 507 and 509. For example, in the case of a built-in quality inspection device, the quality inspection control unit 511 acquires information on a measuring device in the image forming device. As another point, when the quality inspection control unit 511 receives an instruction for quality inspection from the instruction receiving unit 500, the quality inspection control unit 511 causes the quality inspection device determination unit 501 to determine a quality inspection device, and further causes the quality inspection instruction creation unit 502 to create a quality inspection instruction, and transmits the created quality inspection instruction to the specified information processing device. As another point, when the quality inspection control unit 511 receives a quality inspection result from the quality inspection processing units 507 and 509, the quality inspection control unit 511 causes the quality inspection report creation unit 503 to create a quality inspection report, and displays a screen based on the created quality inspection report.

[0030] The information processing device 104 includes a quality inspection processing unit 507 and an image processing unit 508, and the information processing device 107 includes a quality inspection processing unit 509 and an image processing unit 510. When the quality inspection processing units 507 and 509 receive a quality inspection instruction from the information processing device 102, they control the designated quality inspection device to execute a quality inspection. When the quality inspection device completes the processing, they transmit the processing result as a quality inspection result to a quality inspection control unit 511 via a communication unit 504 of the information processing device 102. The image processing units 508 and 510 convert the print data into image data and transmit it to the image forming devices 106 and 108. The data conversion includes, for example, color space conversion.

[0031] FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of the quality inspection device database 505. Column 601 indicates quality inspection devices registered in the quality inspection device database 505. For example, in FIG. 5(a), an in-line sensor, a sensing unit, and an inspection device are shown. Row 602 indicates quality inspection functions. For example, in FIG. 5(a), spectrophotometric colorimetry (high speed, high quality), density analysis, registration adjustment, inspection, engine calibration, and media calibration are shown as the functions of color verification. In the quality inspection device database 505, whether each function in row 602 can be performed is defined for each quality inspection device in column 601. The quality inspection device database 505 may be prepared in advance in the quality inspection system as a static database, or may be created or updated by acquiring the result of acquiring the installation status of the quality inspection device by the processing of the flowchart described later or the capability information of each quality inspection device.

[0032] Fig. 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of a color verification setting screen displayed on the information processing device 102. The color verification setting screen 700 in Fig. 5(b) is a screen displayed after color verification is selected in the menu 1502 of the quality inspection test selection screen 1500 in Fig. 13. The color verification setting screen 700 is displayed by the instruction receiving unit 500, and is a screen for receiving from the user the selection of a quality inspection device to be used in color verification in the second step described above.

[0033] A display area 701 shows the above-mentioned steps in color verification. In this embodiment, a color verification test is selected in the first step. Then, in the second step, a measuring device is selected as a quality inspection device, in the third step, colorimetry of a patch is performed as a quality inspection, and in the fourth step, colorimetry is completed. In this manner, color verification is performed.

[0034] The button 702 is a button for receiving an instruction to start colorimetry in the color verification test. When the button 702 is pressed, a screen (not shown) for the subsequent third step is displayed. When the colorimetry in the color verification is completed, the report of the color verification result in FIG. 6 is displayed. The drop-down 703 receives an instruction for the accuracy desired by the user in the colorimetry in the color verification. For example, if the user wishes to eliminate in-plane unevenness in the colorimetry, the Quality Level is set to a high level. In this embodiment, for example, three levels such as High, Mid, and Low can be selected, and a case will be described in which the user wishes to eliminate in-plane unevenness in the colorimetry when High is selected. Note that the options are not limited to the example in FIG. 5(b), and options corresponding to reduction of in-plane unevenness, measurement of the same patch multiple times, etc. may be prepared.

[0035] Drop-down 704 displays, in a selectable manner, quality inspection devices capable of performing quality inspection with the accuracy (standard) selected in drop-down 703. Drop-down 704 displays a list of quality inspection devices attached to or built into the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, if a manual measuring device is attached to the image forming apparatus, that measuring device may also be displayed. If there are multiple quality inspection devices capable of performing quality inspection with the standard selected in drop-down 703, they are displayed in a selectable list, but if there is only one, only that quality inspection device is displayed.

[0036] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a color verification result screen displayed on the information processing device 102. A color verification result screen 800 includes display areas 801, 802, 803, and 804. The color verification result screen 800 is displayed based on a quality inspection report created by the quality inspection report creation unit 503.

[0037] Display area 801 displays information about the color verification. For example, the test name, the name of the image forming device, the date and time the color verification was performed, the quality inspection device used, etc. are displayed. Display area 802 displays the Lab values ​​(expected values) of the inspection standard used in the color verification. Display area 803 displays the Lab values ​​(actual values) of the color chart measured in the color verification. The difference between each row of display area 802 and display area 803 is displayed in the ΔE column. The smaller ΔE is, the smaller the difference between the expected value and the actual value, and therefore the better the result.

[0038] A display area 804 shows the result of the color verification, and displays, for example, either Passed or Failed. For example, if Failed is displayed, it means that the image forming device is in a state where it cannot print the color desired by the user. In that case, the user will perform maintenance work such as calibrating the image forming device or adjusting the color settings.

[0039] 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams showing an example of data communicated between the Web system 101 and the printing company system 103 when performing quality inspection. In this embodiment, JDF (Job Definition Format) established by CIP4, a standardization organization for commercial printing, will be described as an example of data. CIP4 is an abbreviation for The International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress Organization.

[0040] 7(a) shows an example of a JDF representing a quality inspection instruction sent from the web system 101 to the printing company system 103. In the JDF 900, the image forming device to be used in the quality inspection is specified by information 902. In this example, the image forming device 106 is specified. Note that a device other than the image forming device, such as a post-processing device, may also be specified. Furthermore, if the quality inspection device is a device independent of the image forming device, such as being an optional device for the image forming device, the quality inspection device itself may also be specified.

[0041] The information 903 specifies the quality inspection to be performed. In this example, Colorimetry, which represents colorimetry, is specified. Other quality inspections such as misregistration correction, density inspection, and image inspection may also be specified. The information 904 specifies print data of the color chart to be measured. In this example, the image forming device 106 uses print data specified by the path of the information 904. The information 905 specifies the quality inspection device to be used in color verification. The information 905 is specified when specifying a quality inspection device that is optionally installed in the image forming device. For example, when using the measuring device 302 built into the image forming device 106 in FIG. 2, the ID of the measuring device 302 is specified in the information 905.

[0042] 7(b) shows an example of a JDF representing quality inspection results sent from the printing company system 103 to the web system 101. In the JDF 901, information 906 describes the image forming device used in the quality inspection. Information 907 describes the quality inspection that was performed. Information 908 describes the quality inspection device used in the quality inspection. Information 909 describes the colorimetric results of color measurement in color verification.

[0043] 7C shows an example of request data for acquiring the installation status of a quality inspection device, which is sent from the Web system 101 to the printing company system 103. In this embodiment, JMF (Job Messaging Format) established by CIP4, a standardization organization for commercial printing, will be described as an example of data.

[0044] 7(d) shows an example of response data sent from the printing company system 103 to the Web system 101 in response to the JMF 910. Information 912 of the JMF 911 describes information about the device that processed the JMF 910. For example, the ID of the image forming device 106 is described. Information 913 describes the ID of the quality inspection device installed in the image forming device 106. Information 914 describes a URL indicating the location where the help file for the quality inspection device installed in the image forming device 106 is stored.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a quality inspection device, which is executed in the information processing device 102. The process in Fig. 8 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing the program.

[0046] In S1000, the CPU 201 acquires the installation status of the quality inspection device through the quality inspection control unit 511. The quality inspection control unit 511 transmits the JMF 910 of FIG. 7C to the information processing devices 104 and 107 via the communication unit 504. After receiving the JMF 910, the quality inspection processing unit 507 of the information processing device 104 communicates with the image forming device 106 to collect the installation status of the quality inspection device. Then, the quality inspection processing unit 507 generates the JMF 911 of FIG. 7D and transmits it to the quality inspection control unit 511. The same applies to the information processing device 107. That is, after receiving the JMF 910, the quality inspection processing unit 509 of the information processing device 107 communicates with the image forming device 108 to collect the installation status of the quality inspection device. Then, the quality inspection processing unit 509 generates the JMF 911 of FIG. 7D and transmits it to the quality inspection control unit 511. This process may be performed when the image forming apparatus is registered in the quality inspection system, or may be performed at regular intervals after the image forming apparatus is registered, or may be performed in response to a user instruction.

[0047] In S1001, the CPU 201 receives a criterion from the user through the instruction receiving unit 500. For example, the criterion 703 in FIG. 5B is selected to receive the criterion. In S1002, the CPU 201 determines whether the quality criterion is a high-quality inspection result through the quality inspection device determination unit 501. For example, when High is selected in the criterion 703 in FIG. 5B, it determines that the inspection result is high-quality. If it is determined that the inspection result is high-quality, the process proceeds to S1003, and if it is determined that the inspection result is not high-quality, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0048] In S1003, the CPU 201 executes a quality inspection device determination process, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 9, using the quality inspection device determination unit 501. In S1005, the CPU 201 determines a quality inspection device (default quality inspection device) that is set in advance in the quality inspection system as the quality inspection device to be used for quality inspection, using the quality inspection device determination unit 501. The default quality inspection device may be determined when the installation status of the quality inspection device is acquired, or may be determined by the user on a setting screen or the like.

[0049] In S1004, the CPU 201 generates a quality inspection instruction by the quality inspection instruction creation unit 502 based on the quality inspection device determined by the quality inspection device determination unit 501. The JDF file 900 in Fig. 7(a) corresponds to the quality inspection instruction generated here. After S1004, the process in Fig. 8 ends.

[0050] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the process of S1003. Here, it is assumed that the user has selected High in the criterion 703 in Fig. 5(b) in order to reduce in-plane unevenness during measurement.

[0051] In S1100, the CPU 201, by using the quality inspection device determination unit 501, refers to the quality inspection device database 505 and identifies a quality inspection device capable of executing the quality inspection quality standard that is currently being executed. For example, since the setting is performed using the color verification setting screen 700 in Fig. 5(b), the quality inspection currently being executed is color verification (colorimetry). Therefore, in Fig. 5(a), two items, an inline sensor and a sensing unit, are identified as quality inspection devices capable of executing color verification.

[0052] In S1101, the CPU 201 determines, via the quality inspection device determination unit 501, whether or not the two quality inspection devices identified in S1100 can satisfy the quality standard selected by the user in the criterion 703 in FIG. 5B. Here, only sensing units that support High Quality can perform measurements that take into account in-plane unevenness. Therefore, the quality inspection device determination unit 501 determines that the quality standard selected in the criterion 703 can be satisfied. If it is determined in S1101 that the quality standard can be satisfied, the process proceeds to S1102, and if it is determined that the quality standard cannot be satisfied, the process proceeds to S1105.

[0053] In S1102, the CPU 201 determines whether there is only one quality inspection device that has been determined to be capable of satisfying the quality standard by the quality inspection device determination unit 501. If it is determined that there is only one quality inspection device, the process proceeds to S1103, and if it is determined that there are multiple quality inspection devices, the process proceeds to S1104.

[0054] In S1103, the CPU 201 determines the quality inspection device as a quality inspection device to be displayed as a selection candidate by the quality inspection device determination unit 501. The quality inspection device determined here is displayed in the drop-down list 704. Then, the processing in FIG. 9 ends.

[0055] In S1104, the CPU 201 causes the quality inspection device determination unit 501 to determine, from among the multiple quality inspection devices, the quality inspection device with the higher performance as the quality inspection device to be displayed as a selection candidate. For example, the quality inspection device equipped with a higher accuracy sensor is preferentially determined as the quality inspection device to be displayed as a selection candidate. The quality inspection device determined here is displayed in the drop-down list 704. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 9 ends.

[0056] In S1105, the CPU 201 determines, via the quality inspection device determination unit 501, a quality inspection device that is preset in the quality inspection system (default quality inspection device) as a quality inspection device to be displayed as a selection candidate. The default quality inspection device may be determined when the installation status of the quality inspection device is acquired, or may be determined by the user on a setting screen or the like. The quality inspection device determined here is displayed in the drop-down list 704. After that, the processing in FIG. 9 ends.

[0057] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing in the printing company system 103 that executes the quality inspection. The processing in Fig. 10 can be executed in both the information processing device 104 and the information processing device 107. In the following, as a representative example, the processing will be described as being executed in the information processing device 104. In other words, the processing will be described as being executed on the image forming device 106. The processing in Fig. 10 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 104 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0058] In S1200, the CPU 201 receives a quality inspection instruction from the quality inspection control unit 511 of the Web system 101 via the communication unit 504, using the quality inspection processing unit 507. For example, the JDF 900 in Fig. 7A corresponds to the quality inspection instruction here.

[0059] In S1201, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a quality inspection device is specified in the received quality inspection instruction by the quality inspection processing unit 507. For example, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is a Module element of the information 905 in the JDF 900 in Fig. 7(a). If it is determined that a quality inspection device is specified, the process proceeds to S1202, and if it is determined that no specification is specified, the process proceeds to S1209.

[0060] In S1202, the CPU 201 determines whether or not only one quality inspection device is specified in the quality inspection instruction by the quality inspection processing unit 507. If it is determined that only one quality inspection device is specified, the process proceeds to S1203, and if it is determined that multiple quality inspection devices are specified, the process proceeds to S1207.

[0061] In S1203, the CPU 201 determines, as a device that performs the quality inspection, the designated quality inspection device by the quality inspection processing unit 507. In S1204, the CPU 201 causes the quality inspection processing unit 507 to perform the quality inspection using the quality inspection device determined in S1203.

[0062] In S1205, the CPU 201 generates a quality inspection result based on the inspection data obtained as a result of executing the quality inspection by the quality inspection processing unit 507. For example, the CPU 201 generates the JDF 901 in Fig. 7(b). In S1206, the CPU 201 transmits the quality inspection result generated in S1205 by the quality inspection processing unit 507 to the quality inspection control unit 511. Thereafter, the processing in Fig. 10 ends.

[0063] In S1207, the CPU 201 acquires information on the multiple quality inspection devices described in the quality inspection instruction through the quality inspection processing unit 507, and determines the execution order of the quality inspections in the order described in the quality inspection instruction. For example, in the case of a quality inspection instruction 2300 in Fig. 20(a) described below, the execution order of the quality inspections is determined to be quality inspection device 2302, followed by quality inspection device 2303. In S1208, the CPU 201 controls each quality inspection device through the quality inspection processing unit 507 to execute the quality inspections in order according to the execution order and quality inspection devices determined in S1207. After S1208, the process proceeds to S1205 described above.

[0064] In S1209, the CPU 201 controls the quality inspection processing unit 507 to execute quality inspection on a preset default quality inspection device. After S1209, the process proceeds to S1205 described above.

[0065] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a display process of a quality inspection result report executed by the web system 101 that received the quality inspection result transmitted in S1206 of Fig. 10. The process of Fig. 11 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it. Here, an example will be described in which the quality inspection is executed by the image forming device 106.

[0066] In S1300, the CPU 201 receives the quality inspection result from the quality inspection processing unit 507 via the communication unit 504 through the quality inspection control unit 511. For example, the quality inspection control unit 511 receives the JDF 901 in FIG. 7B. The quality inspection control unit 511 passes the received quality inspection result to the quality inspection report creation unit 503.

[0067] In S1301, the CPU 201 causes the quality inspection report creation unit 503 to store the quality inspection results in the color verification result database 506. The method of storing the results may be to store the files as they are, or to store the results as a database in table format.

[0068] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the color verification result database 506 in table format. Column 1401 in the database 1400 stores identification information of the image forming apparatus that was the subject of the quality inspection. Column 1402 stores information on the quality inspection apparatus used in the quality inspection. Column 1403 stores information indicating the inspection standard used in the quality inspection. Here, FOGRA (German printing related group certification body) and GRACOL (General Requirements for applications in Commercial Offset Lithography) are stored as examples of information indicating the color verification standard. Also, column 1404 stores the name of the quality inspection test. Column 1405 stores the start time of the color verification, and column 1406 stores the end time of the color verification.

[0069] In S1302, the CPU 201 creates a quality inspection report using the quality inspection report creation unit 503. The quality inspection report created here includes, for example, information on the color verification result screen 800 in FIG.

[0070] In S1303, the CPU 201 displays, for example, the color verification result screen 800 in Fig. 6 based on the quality inspection report created in S1302 by the quality inspection report creation unit 503. Thereafter, the process in Fig. 11 ends.

[0071] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a quality inspection device is installed in an image forming apparatus, a quality inspection device that satisfies the quality standard selected by the user and that the user desires to achieve can be determined and presented to the user. Then, a quality inspection can be performed using the quality inspection device and a quality inspection report can be displayed.

[0072] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first embodiment. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user desires to use the same type of quality inspection device as another image forming apparatus in order to eliminate the difference in color measurement performance.

[0073] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a color verification setting screen displayed on the information processing device 102 in this embodiment. A dropdown 1604 and a button 1603 on a color verification setting screen 1600 are similar to the dropdown 703 and the button 702 in FIG. 5(b), and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0074] Check box 1602 is a check box for receiving an instruction as to whether or not to use the same type of quality inspection device as in the color verification executed by another image forming apparatus. When check box 1602 is turned ON, a quality inspection device determination process, which will be described later, is performed, and the determined quality inspection device is displayed in drop-down 1601. Also, on color verification setting screen 1600, when check box 1602 is turned ON, drop-down 1604 may be displayed in gray so that the user cannot operate it. This is because the quality standards that the user wants to achieve in color verification differ between drop-down 1604 and check box 1602.

[0075] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a quality inspection device, which is executed in the information processing device 102. The process in Fig. 15 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing the program.

[0076] S1700 and S1701 are the same as those in S1000 and S1001 in FIG. 8, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0077] In S1702, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the same type of quality inspection device is used by the quality inspection device determination unit 501. For example, if the check button 1602 in Fig. 14 is ON, it is determined that the same type of quality inspection device is used. If it is determined that the same type of quality inspection device is used, the process proceeds to S1704, and if it is determined that the same type of quality inspection device is not used, the process proceeds to S1703. S1703, S1706, and S1705 are the same as those in S1002, S1005, and S1004 in Fig. 8, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0078] If it is determined in S1702 that the same type of quality inspection device is to be used, then in S1704, the process shown in Fig. 16 is executed as the quality inspection device determination process. Note that if it is determined in S1702 that the same type of quality inspection device is not to be used and if it is determined in S1703 that the quality standard is high, then in S1704, the process shown in Fig. 9 is executed as the quality inspection device determination process.

[0079] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing of S1704. In S1800, the CPU 201, through the quality inspection device determination unit 501, refers to the color verification result database 506 and acquires data of an image forming device other than the image forming device for which the user desires to execute the quality inspection. That is, it acquires data of an image forming device other than the image forming device selected in the drop-down list 1501 of the quality inspection test selection screen 1500 in Fig. 13. For example, when the image forming device for executing the quality inspection is the image forming device 106, it refers to the column 1401 in Fig. 12 and acquires data other than the image forming device 106, that is, data of the row of "Printer 109" (rows of ID3 and ID4).

[0080] In S1801, the CPU 201 determines whether data of another image forming apparatus has been acquired as a result of performing the process of S1800 by the quality inspection apparatus determination unit 501. If it is determined that data has been acquired, the process proceeds to S1802, and if it is determined that data has not been acquired, the process proceeds to S1804.

[0081] In S1802, the CPU 201, by using the quality inspection device determination unit 501, references the color verification result database 506 and attempts to extract data using the same quality standard from the acquired data of other image forming devices. For example, in Fig. 12, data (row ID3) using the same standard as the color verification standard (FOGRA) of the Printer 106 is extracted. If data is extracted in S1802, the process proceeds to S1803, and if data is not extracted, the process proceeds to S1804.

[0082] In S1803, the CPU 201 causes the quality inspection device determination unit 501 to refer to the color verification result database 506 and determine, as a selection candidate, the quality inspection device described in the data extracted in S1802. For example, since an inline sensor is used in the image forming device 109 in Fig. 12, it is determined that the inline sensor will also be used in the quality inspection of the image forming device 106, and the inline sensor is determined as a selection candidate. The quality inspection device determined here is displayed in the drop-down list 1601. Thereafter, the processing in Fig. 16 ends.

[0083] In S1804, the CPU 201 determines, via the quality inspection device determination unit 501, a quality inspection device that is preset in the quality inspection system (default quality inspection device) as a quality inspection device to be displayed as a selection candidate. The default quality inspection device may be determined when the installation status of the quality inspection device is acquired, or may be determined by the user on a setting screen or the like. The quality inspection device determined here is displayed in the drop-down list 1601. Thereafter, the processing of FIG. 16 ends.

[0084] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to display, as selection candidates, quality inspection devices of the same type as the quality inspection device in another image forming apparatus on which quality inspection has been performed.

[0085] [Third embodiment] The following describes the differences from the first and second embodiments. In the first and second embodiments, it has been described that the quality inspection device to be used in the quality inspection is determined on the Web system 101 side and the quality inspection is then performed. In this embodiment, a quality inspection device determination process will be described for a case where the quality inspection device to be used in the quality inspection is defined in advance on the printing company system 103 side. The following describes the information processing device 104 and image forming device 106 as examples.

[0086] 17A is a diagram showing an example of a color verification setting screen displayed on the information processing device 102 when the quality inspection device used in the quality inspection is predefined on the printing service system 103 side. A dropdown 1901 on the color verification setting screen 1900 displays the quality inspection device in a selectable manner. When the user selects "Printer Default" on the dropdown 1901, a quality inspection instruction is created to perform the quality inspection using the quality inspection device predefined on the printing service system 103 side.

[0087] Fig. 18(a) is a diagram showing an example of a quality inspection instruction created when the user selects "Printer Default." Unlike JDF900 in Fig. 7(a), in JDF2000, the quality inspection parameters are specified in information 2001, but the quality inspection device is not specified. In this embodiment, this case is considered to be an instruction to use the quality inspection device defined on the printing company system 103 side for the quality inspection.

[0088] 18(c) and 18(d) are diagrams showing an example of a quality inspection setting screen displayed on the information processing device 104 that controls the image forming device 106. On the information processing device 104, a user can set the quality inspection to be performed on the image forming device 106.

[0089] Screen 2100 in Fig. 18(c) is a diagram showing an example of a quality inspection setting screen. A list of set quality inspection settings is displayed on the quality inspection setting screen 2100. On screen 2100, the user can check quality inspection settings that have already been created. In addition, the user can create a new quality inspection setting by pressing an add button 2101, change an existing quality inspection setting by pressing an edit button 2102, and delete an existing quality inspection setting by pressing a delete button 2103.

[0090] An edit screen 2104 in FIG. 18(d) is an edit screen for quality inspection settings selected on the quality inspection setting screen 2100. A list of tasks executable by the quality inspection device attached to the image forming apparatus 106 is displayed on the edit screen 2104. A task 2105 represents engine calibration, a task 2106 represents media calibration, and a task 2107 represents color verification. A user can set a quality inspection device 2108 and a medium 2110 to be used for a task that the user wishes to execute. Then, the user turns ON (enables) a check box 2109 corresponding to the task that the user wishes to execute. Note that the information created in FIG. 18(c) and FIG. 18(d) is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 102 in S1000 in FIG. 8, for example.

[0091] When a quality inspection instruction in JDF2000 in FIG. 18A is received from the information processing device 102, the quality inspection is carried out using the quality inspection device set on the quality inspection setting screen 2100 and the editing screen 2104.

[0092] 17(b) is a diagram showing another example of a color verification setting screen that is displayed when quality inspection settings are predefined on the printing service provider system 103 side. The names of quality inspection settings predefined on the printing service provider system 103 side are displayed in a drop-down list 1902 on a color verification setting screen 1901. The user can explicitly specify a quality inspection setting by selecting a quality inspection setting in the drop-down list 1902.

[0093] 18B is a diagram showing an example of a quality inspection instruction that is created when quality inspection settings are selected from the drop-down list 1902. In JDF2002, the UID attribute of information 2003 describes the quality inspection settings identifier "ACT1."

[0094] When a quality inspection instruction in JDF2002 in FIG. 18B is received from the information processing apparatus 102, a quality inspection is performed according to the quality inspection settings made on the quality inspection setting screen 2100 and the edit screen 2104.

[0095] As described above, according to this embodiment, if the quality inspection device to be used for the quality inspection is defined in advance on the printing company system 103 side, the quality inspection can be performed using that quality inspection device.

[0096] [Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first to third embodiments. In this embodiment, a quality inspection process executed when multiple quality inspection devices are selected in the information processing device 102 will be described. In this embodiment, the execution of quality inspection in the image forming device 106 will be described as an example.

[0097] 19 is a diagram showing an example of a color verification setting screen displayed on the information processing apparatus 102. In a color verification setting screen 2200, multiple quality inspection devices to be used in color verification are specified. A column 2201 shows the quality inspection devices attached to the image forming apparatus 106. An "in-line sensor" corresponds to the measuring instrument 302 in FIG. 2, a "sensing unit" corresponds to the quality inspection device 300 in FIG. 2, and an "inspection unit" corresponds to the quality inspection device 301 in FIG. 2.

[0098] Columns 2202, 2203, and 2204 indicate quality inspections that can be performed by the above quality inspection devices. Column 2202 indicates color verification, column 2203 indicates registration adjustment, and column 2204 indicates inspection. For example, check boxes indicate that color verification in column 2202 can be performed by measuring device 302 and quality inspection device 300. No check box is displayed for quality inspection device 301, which cannot perform color verification. The user can select a quality inspection device by turning on a check box.

[0099] In this embodiment, the user can select multiple quality inspection devices for one quality inspection on the color verification setting screen 2200. For example, for color verification in column 2202, the user can turn on the check boxes for "inline sensor" and "sensing unit."

[0100] 20A is a diagram showing an example of a quality inspection instruction created when multiple quality inspection devices are specified. In JDF 2300, the "inline sensor" and "sensing unit" specified for color verification in column 2202 on the color verification setting screen 2200 in FIG. 19 are specified by information 2302 and information 2303, respectively.

[0101] 20B is a diagram showing an example of a quality inspection report transmitted from the information processing device 104 when multiple quality inspection devices are specified. In the JDF 2301, color verification results are described in information 2304 and information 2305 for each quality inspection device specified on the color verification setting screen 2200 in FIG.

[0102] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a color verification result screen displayed on the information processing device 102 that has received the color verification result of Fig. 20(b). A color verification result screen 2400 in Fig. 21 is an example of a color verification result screen when multiple quality inspection devices are specified for color verification. Display 2401 and display 2402 each display the results of color verification performed using different quality inspection devices. The user can compare the verification results of the multiple quality inspection devices on the color verification result screen 2400 and select a quality inspection device that is closer to the user's expectations. When a button 2403 is pressed, the display switches to a different view shown in Fig. 22(a) based on the color verification result.

[0103] A color verification result screen 2500 in FIG. 22(a) is a color verification result screen in another display mode that is displayed when the button 2403 in FIG. 21 is pressed. In the color verification result screen 2500, the measurement results (Color Measurement) of each quality inspection device displayed in the color verification result screen 2400 in FIG. 21 are averaged to form a single value. For example, an averaged color measurement value is displayed. This allows the user to analyze the average color tone when a quality inspection is performed on the image forming apparatus 106, regardless of the instrumental error of the quality inspection device attached to the image forming apparatus 106.

[0104] 22(b) is a diagram showing an example of a color verification result screen when the same quality inspection device is specified for multiple quality inspections. Display 2601 displays the color verification results, and display 2602 displays the results of misregistration correction.

[0105] Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing a process of creating a color verification report and displaying a color verification result when multiple quality inspection devices are specified, which is executed in the information processing device 102. The process in Fig. 23 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0106] S2700 to S2702 are the same as those in S1300 to S1302 in FIG. 11, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0107] In S2703, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a view switching instruction has been received from the quality inspection report creation unit 503. For example, the CPU 201 determines that a view switching instruction has been received when the button 2403 on the color verification result screen 2400 is pressed. If it is determined that a view switching instruction has been received, the process proceeds to S2704, and if it is determined that a view switching instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to S2705.

[0108] In S2704, the CPU 201 creates a quality inspection result report based on the quality inspection results, using the quality inspection report creation unit 503, for displaying different views using the same quality inspection results, such as the color verification result screen 2500 in Fig. 22. For example, as described above, the CPU 201 calculates an average value of the Color Measurements of each quality inspection device, and creates a quality inspection result report for displaying the calculation result.

[0109] In S2705, the CPU 201 displays a color verification result screen based on the quality inspection report through the quality inspection report creation unit 503. If an instruction to switch the view is received, the display is based on the quality result report created in S2704, and if an instruction to switch the view is not received, the display is based on the quality result report created in S2702. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 23 ends.

[0110] As described above, according to this embodiment, when multiple quality inspection devices are specified, the quality inspection can be performed using the specified quality inspection devices. Then, the quality inspection report can be displayed by switching between multiple types of views.

[0111] [Fifth embodiment] The fifth embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first to fourth embodiments. In the first to fourth embodiments, the configuration in which the name of the quality inspection device is displayed on the screen for selecting the quality inspection device is described. In this embodiment, a configuration in which supplemental information is also displayed when the user selects a quality inspection device will be described.

[0112] 24(a) is a diagram showing an example of a color verification setting screen displayed on the information processing device 102. A color verification setting screen 2800 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which supplemental information is added and displayed when a quality inspection device is selected by the user.

[0113] In the drop-down 2801, the quality inspection devices attached to the image forming apparatus 106 are expanded and displayed as a list. Information 2802 is an example of supplementary information displayed when the mouse is hovered over the name of the quality inspection device displayed in the drop-down 2801. The information 2802 displays information explaining the quality inspection that can be performed by the "Inline Sensor" that is hovered over with the mouse and the characteristics of the quality inspection device. The information displayed here is information acquired based on the information 914 (Manufacturer URL) of the JMF 911 in FIG. 7(d). That is, the supplementary information exemplified in the information 2900 in FIG. 24(b) is acquired from the URL indicated in the information 914. The information 2900 in FIG. 24(b) is information expressed in the JSON format that is generally used in web systems, but may be information expressed in the HTML format or the XML format.

[0114] Although not shown in Fig. 4, the database 3000 in Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a supplementary information database configured in the information processing device 102. The supplementary information database 3000 stores the above-mentioned supplementary information, and the storage destination of the supplementary information is described in information 914 (Manufacturer URL) in Fig. 7(d).

[0115] Column 3001 is the file name of the supplementary information, and corresponds to the quality inspection device. Column 3002 is the update date and time of the supplementary information. Column 3003 indicates the data type of the supplementary information, and in FIG. 25, it is shown that it is saved as Blob (Binary Large Object) data type. Column 3004 is the file size of the supplementary information.

[0116] Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing the display processing of supplemental information. The processing of Fig. 31 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0117] In S3100, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the instruction receiving unit 500 has caused the mouse to hover over the name of a quality inspection device listed in the drop-down 2801 of the color verification setting screen 2800. If it is determined that the mouse has been hovered over, the process proceeds to S3101, and if it is determined that the mouse has not been hovered over, the process in FIG.

[0118] In S3101, CPU 201 acquires a URL of the supplemental information described in the JMF acquired from the image forming apparatus via instruction receiving unit 500. In S3102, CPU 201 acquires the supplemental information stored in the URL acquired in S3101 via instruction receiving unit 500. For example, information 2900 in FIG. 24(b) is acquired.

[0119] In S3103, CPU 201 displays the supplemental information acquired in S3102 via instruction receiving unit 500. Note that the supplemental information may be displayed as a tool tip of the quality inspection device hovered over with the mouse, or may be displayed as a separate dialog box, or may be displayed as a separate frame within the currently displayed screen.

[0120] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the user selects a quality inspection device, supplemental information about the quality inspection device is additionally displayed, thereby enabling the user to more easily select a desired quality inspection device.

[0121] 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.

[0122] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following quality inspection system and method. (Item 1) A quality inspection system including an information processing device and an image forming system, The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring information on a quality inspection device included in the image forming system; a receiving means for receiving information on a quality inspection to be performed by the quality inspection device; a display means for displaying, based on the information on the quality inspection device acquired by the acquisition means, a quality inspection device capable of performing a quality inspection corresponding to the information received by the reception means so as to enable a user to select the quality inspection device; a transmission means for transmitting to the image forming system an instruction to execute a quality inspection using the quality inspection device selected by the user; Equipped with The image forming system includes: an execution means for executing the quality inspection by the quality inspection device based on the instruction transmitted by the transmission means; A quality inspection system comprising: (Item 2) 2. The quality inspection system according to item 1, wherein the information on the quality inspection includes the grade of the quality inspection. (Item 3) 3. The quality inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information on the quality inspection includes information on using the quality inspection device that performed the quality inspection. (Item 4) The quality inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that when the receiving means receives information that a predetermined quality inspection device is to be used as information for the quality inspection, the transmitting means transmits the instruction to perform the quality inspection using the predetermined quality inspection device. (Item 5) The image forming system includes: The system further includes a setting unit for setting the predetermined quality inspection device, the acquiring means acquires information on the predetermined quality inspection device set by the setting means. 5. The quality inspection system according to item 4, (Item 6) The information processing device includes: A second acquisition means for acquiring a result of the quality inspection performed by the execution means; A second display means for displaying a screen showing a result of the quality inspection based on the result of the quality inspection acquired by the second acquisition means; 6. The quality inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: (Item 7) a generating unit for generating the instruction based on a quality inspection device selected by the user; The transmission means transmits the instruction generated by the generation means to the image forming system. 7. The quality inspection system according to item 6, (Item 8) 8. The quality inspection system according to item 7, wherein, when a plurality of quality inspection devices are selected by the user, the generating means generates instructions to perform quality inspection on the plurality of quality inspection devices. (Item 9) 9. The quality inspection system according to item 8, wherein the execution means executes the same quality inspection in the multiple quality inspection devices. (Item 10) 9. The quality inspection system according to item 8, wherein the execution means executes different quality inspections in each of the plurality of quality inspection devices. (Item 11) 11. The quality inspection system according to any one of items 8 to 10, wherein the instructions define an order in which the instructions are to be executed by the execution means of the multiple quality inspection devices. (Item 12) 12. The quality inspection system according to any one of items 8 to 11, further comprising a switching means for switching the display mode of the second display means based on the results of quality inspections performed by the multiple quality inspection devices acquired by the second acquisition means. (Item 13) Item 13. The quality inspection system according to item 12, wherein when the same quality inspection is performed for the multiple quality inspection results, the switching means switches the display mode of the second display means between a first display mode and a second display mode. (Item 14) 14. The quality inspection system according to item 13, wherein the first display mode is a mode for displaying results of quality inspection corresponding to each of the multiple quality inspection devices. (Item 15) The quality inspection system described in item 13 or 14, characterized in that the second display mode is a mode of displaying results obtained from quality inspection results corresponding to each of the multiple quality inspection results. (Item 16) The quality inspection system described in item 15, characterized in that in the second display mode, information corresponding to an average of the quality inspection results corresponding to each of the multiple quality inspection results is displayed. (Item 17) 17. The quality inspection system of claim 16, wherein the information corresponding to the average includes an average of color measurement values. (Item 18) 18. A quality inspection system as described in any one of items 1 to 17, characterized in that the display means displays the information about the quality inspection device acquired by the acquisition means as supplementary information that supplements the name of the quality inspection device. (Item 19) 19. The quality inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 18, wherein the quality inspection device includes at least one of an in-line sensor, a sensing unit, and an inspection device. (Item 20) 20. The quality inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, and the quality inspection device includes a quality inspection device built into the image forming apparatus. (Item 21) 21. The quality inspection system according to item 20, wherein the quality inspection device includes a quality inspection device connected to the image forming apparatus. (Item 22) A method executed in a quality inspection system including an information processing device and an image forming system, comprising: The information processing device, acquiring information on a quality inspection device included in the image forming system; a receiving step of receiving information on a quality inspection to be performed by the quality inspection device; a display step of displaying, based on the information on the quality inspection device acquired in the acquisition step, a quality inspection device capable of performing a quality inspection corresponding to the information received in the receiving step so as to be selectable by a user; a transmission step of transmitting to the image forming system an instruction to execute a quality inspection using the quality inspection device selected by the user; The image forming system includes: an execution step of executing the quality inspection by the quality inspection device based on the instruction transmitted in the transmission step; The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

[0123] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 102, 104, 107 information processing device: 106, 108 image forming device: 201 CPU: 202 RAM: 203 ROM

Claims

1. A quality inspection system including an information processing device and an image forming system, The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring information on a quality inspection device included in the image forming system; a receiving means for receiving information on a quality inspection to be performed by the quality inspection device; a display means for displaying, based on the information on the quality inspection device acquired by the acquisition means, a quality inspection device capable of performing a quality inspection corresponding to the information received by the reception means so as to enable a user to select the quality inspection device; a transmission means for transmitting to the image forming system an instruction to execute a quality inspection using the quality inspection device selected by the user; Equipped with The image forming system includes: an execution means for executing the quality inspection by the quality inspection device based on the instruction transmitted by the transmission means; A quality inspection system comprising:

2. 2. The quality inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the information on the quality inspection includes a grade of the quality inspection.

3. 2. The quality inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the information on the quality inspection includes information that the quality inspection device that has executed the quality inspection is to be used.

4. The quality inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the receiving means receives information that a predetermined quality inspection device is to be used as information about the quality inspection, the transmitting means transmits the instruction to perform the quality inspection using the predetermined quality inspection device.

5. The image forming system includes: The system further includes a setting unit for setting the predetermined quality inspection device, the acquiring means acquires information on the predetermined quality inspection device set by the setting means.

5. The quality inspection system according to claim 4.

6. The information processing device includes: a second acquisition means for acquiring a result of the quality inspection performed by the execution means; a second display means for displaying a screen showing a result of the quality inspection based on the result of the quality inspection acquired by the second acquisition means; The quality inspection system of claim 1 further comprising:

7. a generating unit for generating the instruction based on a quality inspection device selected by the user; The transmission means transmits the instruction generated by the generation means to the image forming system.

7. The quality inspection system according to claim 6.

8. 8. The quality inspection system according to claim 7, wherein, when a plurality of quality inspection devices are selected by the user, the generating means generates an instruction for performing quality inspection by the plurality of quality inspection devices.

9. 9. The quality inspection system according to claim 8, wherein said execution means executes the same quality inspection in said plurality of quality inspection devices.

10. 9. The quality inspection system according to claim 8, wherein said execution means executes different quality inspections in each of said plurality of quality inspection devices.

11. 9. The quality inspection system according to claim 8, wherein the instructions define an order in which the quality inspection devices are to be executed by the execution means.

12. The quality inspection system according to claim 8, further comprising a switching means for switching the display mode of the second display means based on the results of quality inspections performed by the multiple quality inspection devices acquired by the second acquisition means.

13. The quality inspection system according to claim 12, characterized in that, when the same quality inspection is performed for the multiple quality inspection results, the switching means switches the display mode of the second display means between a first display mode and a second display mode.

14. 14. The quality inspection system according to claim 13, wherein the first display mode is a mode for displaying results of quality inspections corresponding to each of the plurality of quality inspection devices.

15. 14. The quality inspection system according to claim 13, wherein the second display mode is a mode of displaying results obtained from quality inspection results corresponding to each of the plurality of quality inspection results.

16. 16. The quality inspection system according to claim 15, wherein in the second display mode, information corresponding to an average of the quality inspection results corresponding to each of the plurality of quality inspection results is displayed.

17. The quality inspection system of claim 16 , wherein the information corresponding to the average comprises an average of colorimetric values.

18. 2. The quality inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays the information on the quality inspection device acquired by the acquisition means as supplementary information that supplements a name of the quality inspection device.

19. 2. The quality inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the quality inspection device includes at least one of an in-line sensor, a sensing unit, and an inspection device.

20. 2. The quality inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, and the quality inspection device includes a quality inspection device built into the image forming apparatus.

21. The quality inspection system according to claim 20 , wherein the quality inspection device includes a quality inspection device connected to the image forming apparatus.

22. A method executed in a quality inspection system including an information processing device and an image forming system, comprising: The information processing device, acquiring information on a quality inspection device included in the image forming system; a receiving step of receiving information on a quality inspection to be performed by the quality inspection device; a display step of displaying, based on the information on the quality inspection device acquired in the acquisition step, a quality inspection device capable of performing a quality inspection corresponding to the information received in the receiving step so as to be selectable by a user; a transmission step of transmitting to the image forming system an instruction to execute a quality inspection using the quality inspection device selected by the user; The image forming system includes: an execution step of executing the quality inspection by the quality inspection device based on the instruction transmitted in the transmission step; The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images