Inspection device, inspection system, and control method of inspection system

Abstract

To solve the problem that it is necessary for a user to look out and then delete a print job related to a deleted inspection job, from a job list, which deteriorates convenience of the user.SOLUTION: An inspection system, which is constituted of an image formation device having image formation means that forms an image on a recording sheet on the basis of a printing job, an information processing device that transmits the printing job to the image formation device and an inspection device that inspects the image on the basis of an inspection job, comprises one or a plurality of memorizing parts that memorizes the printing job and the inspection job and a control part that when receiving an instruction for deleting the first printing job memorized in the memorizing part, deletes the first printing job from the memorizing part. When receiving the instruction for deleting the first printing job, the control part performs control so that one or a plurality of inspection jobs related to the first printing job is deleted from the memorizing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device, an inspection system, and a control method for an inspection system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the inspection of printed matter has been performed manually, but in recent years, devices that perform inspection automatically as post-processing of printing machines have been used. In such an inspection device, first, reference image data is registered. Next, the input image data is printed on paper by an image forming device, and the data printed on the paper is read by an inspection sensor configured inside the inspection device. The image data read by the inspection sensor is compared with the reference image data initially registered to detect abnormal images in the printed matter. Hereinafter, the inspection that detects abnormal images in the picture portion of the printed matter is referred to as print image inspection. In print image inspection, when print settings and inspection settings are changed to perform print image inspection, multiple print jobs and inspection jobs are generated. For this reason, when a large number of print image inspections are used, the capacity of the storage device is strained by the creation and storage of many print jobs and inspection jobs, and the print image inspection may become unusable. In addition, there are print jobs and inspection jobs that must be deleted from a security perspective. In order to avoid such strain on the capacity of the storage device and information leakage, the user needs to select and delete the print jobs and related inspection jobs one by one.

[0003] Patent document 1 proposes a technology that deletes from the storage unit inspection jobs that are determined to meet certain conditions, such as an update history before a reference date or a frequency of use below a specified value, when the amount of data of stored inspection jobs reaches or exceeds a specified amount. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-49899 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the method of Patent Document 1, inspection jobs that satisfy a certain condition are deleted, but related print jobs are not deleted. Therefore, the user must search for and delete print jobs related to the deleted inspection job from the job list, which reduces user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is an inspection system composed of an image forming device having an image forming means for forming an image on a recording sheet based on a print job, an information processing device for transmitting the print job to the image forming device, and an inspection device for inspecting the image based on an inspection job, the inspection system having one or more memory units for storing the print job and the inspection job, and a control unit for deleting the first print job from the memory unit when a deletion instruction is received for a first print job stored in the memory unit, wherein the control unit controls the deletion of one or more inspection jobs related to the first print job from the memory unit when a deletion instruction is received for the first print job. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, when a print job or inspection job is deleted, the associated print job or inspection job is deleted in conjunction, eliminating the need for the user to search for jobs related to the deleted job, improving user convenience when deleting jobs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an inspection system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an example of an internal configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] An example of a print job management UI screen in this embodiment. [Figure 4]1 is an example of a trash can UI screen for a print job according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is an example of an inspection job management UI screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is an example of a trash can UI screen for an inspection job according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of an entire inspection process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart showing a process for deleting a print job according to a first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a deletion job list update screen in the first embodiment; FIG. 1B is a diagram showing another example of a deletion job list update screen; FIG. 1C is a diagram showing another example of a deletion job list update screen; [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for deleting a print job according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of a deletion job list update screen in the second embodiment; FIG. 13B is a diagram showing another example of the deletion job list update screen; FIG. 13C is a diagram showing another example of the deletion job list update screen; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the 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.

[0010] (First embodiment) <System configuration> 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an inspection system for explaining this embodiment. The inspection system in this embodiment is composed of an image forming apparatus 100, an inspection PC 110, a client PC 120, a printer server 130, a network 140, and a communication cable 150. In this embodiment, the client PC 120 and the printer server 130 are also called information processing apparatuses.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 100 performs print output based on various input data, for example, print job data sent from a client PC 120 or a printer server 130. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image processing apparatus 101, an inspection apparatus 102, and a finisher 103, and is connected to the image processing apparatus 101, the inspection apparatus 102, and the finisher 103 via a communication cable which is an internal bus.

[0012] The image processing device 101 performs image processing on various input data in accordance with print settings, and performs processing to form an image on a recording sheet based on the image processing in accordance with a print job. Then, the recording sheet on which the image has been formed is output as a printout.

[0013] The inspection device 102 receives the printed matter output from the image processing device 101, and acquires image data for inspecting whether or not there is an abnormal image in the received printed matter. Here, the abnormal image is an image that reduces the quality of the printed matter. For example, it is a round abnormal image (dot) that occurs when coloring material adheres to an unintended place during printing, a color loss that occurs when sufficient coloring material does not adhere to an intended place, and a linear abnormal image (streak). The acquired image data is transferred to the inspection PC 110 described later via the communication cable 150, and the inspection PC 110 inspects whether or not there is an abnormal image in the printed matter, and acquires the inspection result from the inspection PC 110. The finisher 103 receives the output paper inspected by the inspection device 102, and switches the paper discharge destination based on the inspection result of the inspection device 102, and performs post-processing (bookbinding, etc.) as necessary.

[0014] Image forming apparatus 100 is connected to inspection PC 110, client PC 120, and printer server 130 via network 140. Then, image forming apparatus 100 is connected to inspection PC 110 via communication cable 150, and communicates image data and inspection results when inspecting. In this embodiment, inspection is performed by inspection PC 110, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and an in-line inspection machine that consistently performs image formation, inspection, post-processing, and paper discharge may also be used. The detailed configuration of image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0015] The inspection PC 110 is a PC for inspecting an image read from a printed material using the inspection device 102, and includes a device control unit 111 and a user interface unit 118 (hereinafter referred to as a UI unit) as a display unit. Furthermore, the device control unit 111 is composed of a controller board, and a CPU 112, RAM 113, ROM 114, communication I / F unit 115, storage unit 116, and inspection processing unit 117 are implemented on the device control unit. In this embodiment, it is assumed that communication between the modules is performed via an internal system bus (not shown). The inspection PC 110 may be configured to be built into the inspection device 102.

[0016] The CPU 112 reads out a main program from the storage unit 116 according to an initial program in the storage unit 116 and stores it in the RAM 113. The RAM 113 is used as a main memory for storing programs and for working. The ROM 114 is used to temporarily store data created during the processing of the program. The communication I / F unit 115 is used when communicating via the network 140 or the communication cable 150. The storage unit 116 is used to store large-volume data such as data of programs, image data, and inspection jobs. The inspection processing unit 117 calculates a difference value between a reference image stored in the RAM 113 as a correct image and a scanned image to be inspected in order to inspect whether or not there is an abnormal image such as a stain or a color loss in the image data acquired by the inspection device 102. Next, the inspection processing unit 117 performs inspection by comparing the calculated difference value with the inspection threshold value (contrast and size) of each inspection item for each pixel. The results of the inspection are stored in the RAM 113, such as information on whether or not there is an abnormal image in the print, and position information of the abnormal image when the type of detected abnormal image (such as a dot or a streak) is displayed on the UI unit 118. The inspection results are then transmitted to the inspection device 102 via the communication cable 150.

[0017] The UI unit 118 is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and other input / output devices, and is a device that allows various setting values ​​or designated values ​​to be input.

[0018] The client PC 120 is a PC that is communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus 100, the inspection PC 110, and the printer server 130 via the network 140 and is used to operate each of the connected devices, and includes a device control unit 121 and a UI unit 128. Furthermore, the device control unit 121 is configured from a controller board, and a CPU 122, a RAM 123, a ROM 124, a communication I / F unit 125, and a storage unit 126 are implemented on the device control unit. Note that the roles of each device within the client PC 120 are similar to those of the inspection PC 110, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0019] The printer server 130 performs RIP processing on print data and document data to convert them into bitmap data. It is also a server for controlling printing by the image forming device 100 and managing print jobs, and includes a device control unit 131 and a UI unit 138 as a display unit. Furthermore, the device control unit 131 is composed of a controller board, and a CPU 132, a RAM 133, a ROM 134, a communication I / F unit 135, a storage unit 136, and an image processing unit 137 are implemented on the device control unit. The roles of the devices inside the printer server 130 are the same as those of the inspection PC 110, except for the storage unit 136 and image processing unit 137, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0020] The storage unit 136 is used to store large-volume data such as program data, image data, print jobs, etc. The image processing unit 137 performs RIP processing to convert print data and document data sent from the client PC 120 into bitmapped image data according to the intended use and print settings. For example, in the RIP processing for printing print data, image data is generated at a resolution of 600 dpi.

[0021] The above is a description of the overall system configuration including the inspection device in the embodiment of the present invention. Note that the image forming device 100, the inspection PC 110, the client PC 120, and the printer server 130 can communicate with each other via the network 140. This is not limited to the present embodiment, and may be realized in a form in which each device is connected to another device via a network.

[0022] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image processing apparatus 101, an inspection apparatus 102, and a finisher 103. The image processing apparatus 101 further includes a device control unit 200, a printer unit 210, a scanner unit 220, a UI unit 230, and a paper feed unit 250.

[0024] The device control unit 200 receives images and documents from the network 140 and converts them into print data. The device control unit 200 is equipped with a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a storage unit 203, a communication I / F unit 204, a ROM 205, and an image processing unit 206. The role of each device is the same as that of the printer server 130, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0025] The image processing unit 206 acquires the PDL data stored in the RAM 202 and performs image processing to convert it into print data. The image processing to convert it into print data means, for example, converting the PDL data into multi-value bitmap data by performing RIP processing on the PDL data, and converting it into binary bitmap data by performing known screen processing or the like. The binary bitmap data obtained by the image processing unit 206 is transmitted to the printer unit 210 via the communication I / F unit 204.

[0026] The printer unit 210 conveys paper from the paper feed unit 250, receives binary bitmap data generated by the device control unit 200, and prints on the paper using color materials. At this time, an instruction is issued to the printer unit 210 based on the print settings specified by the user. For example, in the case of a print setting using coated paper, the CPU 211 issues an instruction to print using a paper cassette (not shown) in the paper feed unit 250 in which coated paper is stored. Various processes from the reception of the above-mentioned PDL data to printing on the paper are controlled by the device control unit 200 and the printer unit 210, and a full-color toner image is formed on the paper. The printer unit 210 is equipped with a CPU 211, a RAM 212, a communication I / F unit 214, and a ROM 215. The role of each device is the same as that of the device control unit 200, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] The scanner unit 220 is a device for illuminating an original image with a light source (not shown), reading the original reflected image through a lens and obtaining a read signal from a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or the like as multi-value image data of red, green, and blue.

[0028] The UI unit 230 is a device that is configured with, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and other input / output devices, and can input various setting values ​​or designated values. The paper feed unit 250 has one or more cassettes for setting paper to be printed, and is a device for feeding paper from a cassette corresponding to the paper size designated in the print settings, and transporting the paper to the printer unit 210.

[0029] The inspection device 102 includes a device control unit 260 and an image reading unit 270. The image reading unit 270 is an image reading unit that reads the printed matter conveyed from the printer unit 210.

[0030] The device control unit 260 controls the transfer of image data acquired by the image reading unit 270 to the inspection PC 110 (described later) via the communication cable 150. The transferred image data is then inspected on the inspection PC 110 to determine whether or not there is an abnormal image in the printed matter, and the inspection result is acquired from the inspection PC and transmitted to the finisher 103. The device control unit 260 is equipped with a CPU 261, a RAM 262, a communication I / F unit 264, and a ROM 265. Note that the role of each device is the same as that of the device control unit 200, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0031] The finisher 103 includes a device control unit 280 and a paper discharge unit 290. The device control unit 280 determines the paper discharge control to be performed by the paper discharge unit 290, taking into consideration print settings and inspection results. The device control unit 280 is equipped with a CPU 281, a RAM 282, a communication I / F unit 284, and a ROM 285. The role of each device is the same as that of the device control unit 200, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0032] The paper discharging unit 290 is a device for switching the paper discharge destination of the printed matter conveyed from the inspection device 102 according to the printing settings and based on the post - processing (e.g., bookbinding, etc.) and inspection results. For example, it is conceivable to switch the paper discharge destination according to whether there is an abnormal image in the printed matter. At this time, the finisher 103 uses the inspection result received from the inspection device 102 to discharge the printed matter without an abnormal image to the normal paper discharge tray, and the printed matter with an abnormal image to a tray different from the normal paper discharge tray.

[0033] The above is the description of the image forming apparatus 100 in the embodiment of the present invention. Not limited to this embodiment, any configuration may be used as long as it can print print data and read an image for inspecting whether there is an abnormal image in the printed matter.

[0034] <Configuration of the UI unit> FIG. 3 is an example of a print job management screen 300 displayed on the UI unit 138 in the printer server 130. A print job is a job for giving a print command to the image forming apparatus 100, and includes print data, document data, and print settings. The print settings include, for example, the number of pages, the number of printed copies, the paper type, and whether to perform print image inspection. When a print job is generated, a 7 - digit ID is assigned. The upper 4 digits are non - overlapping with existing print jobs, and the lower 3 digits are assigned 001. A print job for reference image registration is a print job for registering a reference image that is the correct image for print image inspection. A print job for inspection is a print job for outputting a printed matter for performing print image inspection. The print job for inspection may use the print job for reference image registration. The print job for inspection and the print job for reference image registration do not necessarily need to be distinguished on the printer server 130.

[0035] The print job management screen 300 is displayed when the printer server 130 is started. Alternatively, it is displayed when an application is started from the UI unit 138 by a user operation. Button 301 is a button for hiding the display of screen 300. Button 302 is a button for printing a print job selected in the print job list 310. Button 303 is a button for creating a new print job. When a new print job is created, a number equivalent to the top four digits of the job ID is issued. In this embodiment, the job ID is referred to as an identification number. The identification number is a number common to related jobs and is assigned to the related jobs.

[0036] Button 304 is a button for editing the properties of a print job selected in print job list 310. Button 305 is a delete button, which deletes a print job selected in print job list 310 from print job list 310, or moves the print job to a print job trash can list 405, which will be described later. Button 306 is a trash can button, and pressing button 306 transitions to a print job trash can screen 400, an example of which is shown in FIG.

[0037] The job ID 307 is an ID for identifying a print job. This job ID is stored in the storage unit in association with the print job or the inspection job. In this embodiment, the first four digits are recognized as related print jobs or inspection jobs, and the last three digits are used to identify the print job among related print jobs. The print job 308 is displayed in gray when the related print job or inspection job is deleted. The icon 309 is displayed when the related print job or inspection job is deleted. In the print job list 310, the user can recognize that the related print job or inspection job has been deleted by the gray-out display method of the print job 308 and the display method of the icon 309. In this embodiment, the print job is stored in the storage unit 136 of the printer server 130, and the inspection job is stored in the storage unit 116 of the inspection PC 110, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the print job and the inspection job may be configured to be stored in the storage unit of a server that manages jobs.

[0038] 4 is an example of a print job trash can screen 400 displayed on the UI unit 138. The print job trash can screen 400 is displayed when the button 306 is pressed on the print job management screen 300. The screens displayed on the UI unit 138 are switched by the CPU 132 as a display control unit.

[0039] Button 401 is a button for hiding the display of screen 400. Button 402 is a button for transitioning to a print job management screen. Button 403 is a delete button, which deletes a print job selected in print job trash bin list 405 from print job trash bin list 405. Button 404 is a restore button, which moves a print job selected in print job trash bin list 405 to print job list 310.

[0040] 5 is an example of an inspection job management screen 500 displayed on the UI unit 118 in the inspection PC 110. An inspection job refers to a job that includes at least a reference image, an inspection job name, an inspection date and time, an inspection setting, an inspection result, an inspection report, and the like.

[0041] The inspection job management screen 500 is displayed when the inspection PC 110 is started up. Alternatively, it is displayed when an application is started up by a user operation from the UI unit 118. From the inspection job management screen 500, it is possible to transition to each process of reference image registration, inspection setting, and inspection, or to the inspection job trash can screen. Button 501 is a button for closing the display of screen 500. Button 502 is a button for creating a new inspection job and registering a reference image.

[0042] Button 503 is a button for duplicating an inspection job that has already been created, and duplicates an inspection job selected in inspection job list 511. By making a duplication, the reference image and inspection settings can be duplicated and a new inspection can be performed. Button 504 is a delete button, and deletes an inspection job selected in inspection job list 511 from inspection job list 511, or moves it to inspection job trash list 605 described below. Button 505 is an inspection setting button, and performs inspection settings for an inspection job for which reference image registration has been completed. Button 506 is an inspection button, and performs inspection for an inspection job for which reference image registration and inspection settings have been completed.

[0043] Button 507 is a trash can button, and pressing button 507 transitions to an inspection job trash can screen 600, an example of which is shown in Fig. 6. Job ID 508 is an ID for identifying an inspection job, and in this embodiment, those with the same first four digits are recognized as related print jobs or inspection jobs, and the last three digits are described as an ID for identifying an inspection job among related inspection jobs.

[0044] Inspection job 509 is displayed grayed out when a related print job or inspection job has been deleted. Icon 510 is an icon that is displayed when a related print job or inspection job has been deleted. In inspection job list 511, the user can recognize that a related print job or inspection job has been deleted by the way inspection job 509 is displayed grayed out and the way icon 510 is displayed.

[0045] 6 is an example of an inspection job trash can screen 600 displayed on the UI unit 118. The inspection job trash can screen 600 is displayed when a button 507 is pressed on the inspection job management screen 500. A button 601 is a button for hiding the display of the screen 600. A button 602 is a button for transitioning to a job management screen. A button 603 is a delete button, which deletes an inspection job selected in the inspection job trash can list 605 from the inspection job trash can list 605. A button 604 is a restore button, which moves an inspection job selected in the inspection job trash can list 605 to the inspection job list 511.

[0046] <Overall inspection flow> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the process flow from when a user registers a reference image and inspection settings in the inspection system until the inspection is performed, or the process flow from when an existing inspection job is used until the inspection is performed, and is performed by the user operating the printer server 130 and the inspection PC 110.

[0047] At this time, the processing of the inspection PC 110 is executed by loading the program code stored in the storage unit 116 into the RAM 113 and controlling the device control unit 111 by the CPU 112. The processing of the printer server 130 is executed by loading the program code stored in the storage unit 136 into the RAM 133 and controlling the device control unit 131 by the CPU 132. The processing of the image forming apparatus 100 is executed by loading the program code stored in the storage unit 203 into the RAM 202 and controlling the device control unit 200 by the CPU 201.

[0048] In step S701, the CPU 112 determines whether to register a reference image or to use an existing inspection job. If the button 502 on the inspection job management screen 500 displayed on the UI unit 118 is pressed, it determines that the reference image is to be registered (YES in step S701) and proceeds to step S702. If an inspection job is selected from the inspection job list 511 and the button 506 is pressed, it determines that the existing inspection job is to be used (NO in step S701) and proceeds to step S704.

[0049] In step S702, the CPU 112 registers a reference image that will be a correct image for inspection. The inspection PC 110 waits in a reference image reading mode, and executes a print job for registering the reference image from the printer server 130. The print job for registering the reference image used here may be newly created by pressing the button 303, or an existing print job may be used from the print job list 310. When printing is executed, the inspection device 102 detects the transportation of the printed matter and scans the printed matter with the image reading unit 270, and the scanned image is stored in the storage unit 116 of the inspection PC 110 as a reference image for the inspection job.

[0050] Furthermore, CPU 112 sets the top four digits of the ID of the print job for registering the reference image executed by printer server 130 as the top four digits of the ID of the newly generated inspection job. The last three digits of the inspection job are set as an ID for identifying the inspection job between related inspection jobs (the number of related inspection jobs), and are stored in storage unit 116 of inspection PC 110, thereby associating the print job with the inspection job. For example, if the ID of the print job for registering the reference image is 0002001, and there are existing inspection jobs with IDs of 0002001 and 0002002, the ID of the newly generated inspection job will be 0002003. In other words, when an existing print job in print job list 310 is used for the print job for registering the reference image, there will be multiple inspection jobs corresponding to the print job.

[0051] In step S703, the CPU 112 stores various inspection setting values ​​such as the inspection area and inspection level of the inspection job in the storage unit 116 of the inspection PC 110 according to the inspection settings received from the user on the reference image displayed on the UI unit 118.

[0052] In step S704, the CPU 112 that has received the instruction to use an existing inspection job transmits the upper four digits of the inspection job ID selected in step S701 to the CPU 132 in the printer server 130. The CPU 132 sets the upper four digits of the inspection job ID received from the CPU 112 as the upper four digits of the inspection print job ID. The inspection print job used here may be newly created by pressing the button 303, or an existing print job may be used from the print job list 310. The lower three digits of the ID are set as an ID (the number of related print jobs) for identifying the print job among related print jobs, and the ID of the print job is updated. For example, if the inspection job ID selected in step S701 is 0003001 and a print job with ID 0003001 exists among the existing print jobs, the ID of the inspection print job becomes 0003002. Note that if the upper four digits of the inspection print job ID match the upper four digits of the inspection job ID already selected in S701, the ID does not need to be updated. In other words, if the upper four digits of the ID of the print job for inspection do not match the upper four digits of the ID of the inspection job selected in step S701, then there are multiple print jobs corresponding to the inspection job.

[0053] In step S705, the CPU 112 receives from the printer server 130 the print job used for registering the reference image in step S702, or the print job for inspection used in step S704. Next, the transport of the paper is detected, the paper is scanned by the image reading unit 270, and the scanned image is stored in the RAM 113 of the inspection PC 110. Then, the reference image and inspection setting values ​​of the inspection job stored in the storage unit 116 in steps S702 and S703, or the reference image and inspection settings of the existing inspection job selected in S701, are read into the RAM 113. An inspection is performed on the image scanned by the image reading unit 270 and the reference image read from the storage unit 116 to the RAM using the inspection setting values ​​read from the storage unit 116 to the RAM, and the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0054] In this embodiment, the reference image is registered by scanning it with the image reading unit 270, but this is not limited to the above. For example, an image RIP-processed by the printer server 130 or the image processing unit 206 of the image forming apparatus 100 may be registered as the reference image. In this case, in the RIP process for the reference image, for example, a resolution of 600 dpi is converted to 300 dpi to generate an image. The RIP-processed image data is transferred to the inspection PC 110 via the network 140 or the communication cable 160 and used as the reference image for inspection. In addition, the print job and the inspection job are associated with each other using an ID, but any method may be used as long as the print job and the inspection job can be associated with each other.

[0055] <Print job deletion flow> Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation when a user deletes a print job stored in the storage unit 136 in the printer server 130. By executing this process, it is possible to delete an associated inspection job when deleting a print job. Each process in Fig. 8 is executed by a user operating the UI unit 138. At this time, the program code stored in the storage unit 136 is loaded into the RAM 133, and executed by the device control unit 131 controlled by the CPU 132. Also, the process of the inspection PC 110 is executed by the program code stored in the storage unit 116 being loaded into the RAM 113, and executed by the device control unit 111 controlled by the CPU 112.

[0056] In step S801, CPU 132 determines that a print job has been selected from print job list 310 on print job management screen 300 displayed on UI unit 138, and that Delete button 305 has been pressed. In other words, CPU 132 determines whether a delete instruction has been issued for the selected print job. CPU 132 deletes the print job stored in storage unit 136 from storage unit 136 based on the fact that Delete button 305 has been pressed.

[0057] In step S802, CPU 132 transmits a notice that the print job has been deleted and the ID of the print job to CPU 112 in the inspection PC.

[0058] Here, when CPU 112 receives the notification that the print job has been deleted and the ID of the print job sent in step S802, it creates an empty deleted job list. Then, it searches storage unit 116 for an inspection job ID whose first four digits match the ID of the received print job. If an inspection job with the corresponding ID exists, it is added to the deleted job list. For example, if the ID of the deleted print job is 0002001 and storage unit 116 contains inspection jobs with IDs of 0002001, 0002002, and 0003001, it adds the inspection jobs with IDs 0002001 and 0002002 to the deleted job list. After completing the search, CPU 112 transmits the created deleted job list information to CPU 132.

[0059] In step S803, CPU 132 receives the deletion job list information from CPU 112 and determines whether the corresponding ID job exists as a result of the search in step S802. If the deletion job list is not empty (YES in step S803), the process proceeds to step S804. If the deletion job list is empty (NO in step S803), the process of this flowchart ends.

[0060] In step S804, CPU 132 displays a deletion job list update screen on UI unit 138. Fig. 9 shows an example of the deletion job list update screen displayed on UI unit 138. Fig. 9(a) is a dialog for confirming whether to delete all related jobs. At this time, the deletion job list information may be displayed in a list as shown in Fig. 9(b). Fig. 9(c) is a dialog that displays the deletion job list information in a list and allows the user to select whether or not to delete each job using a check box. Note that if the deletion job list update screen is not displayed, this step is not performed and the process moves from step S803 to step S807.

[0061] In step S805, the CPU 132 judges whether or not to update the deleted job list. Here, the judgment is made by pressing the "Yes" buttons 901 and 903 or the "No" buttons 902 and 904 shown in Figs. 9A and 9B. Also, the judgment is made by whether or not the "OK" button 906 is pressed when there is no checker mark in the checkbox 905 shown in Fig. 9C. If the "No" buttons 902 and 904 are pressed (YES in step S805), it is judged that the deleted job list is to be updated, and the process proceeds to step S806. If the "Yes" button is pressed (NO in step S805), it is judged that the deleted job list is not to be updated, and the process proceeds to step S807. Also, if the "OK" button 906 is pressed when there is not at least one checker mark in the checkbox 905 (YES in step S805), it is judged that the deleted job list is to be updated, and the process proceeds to step S806. If all checkboxes 905 have check marks (NO in step S805), it is determined that the deleted job list is not to be updated, and the process proceeds to step S807.

[0062] 9A and 9B, in step S804, CPU 132 empties the deleted job list and transmits the deleted job list to CPU 112. Alternatively, in step S804, CPU 132, in step S804, when the deleted job list update screen is displayed in the embodiment of Fig. 9C, deletes jobs that do not have a checkmark in check box 905 from the deleted job list and transmits the deleted job list to CPU 112. CPU 112 updates the deleted job list created in step S802 to the received deleted job list.

[0063] In step S807, CPU 132 transmits an instruction to CPU 112 to delete all inspection jobs in the deletion job list from storage unit 116, and ends the process of this flowchart. Here, upon receiving the instruction to delete transmitted in step S807, CPU 112 deletes all inspection jobs in the deletion job list from storage unit 116.

[0064] In the above, an example has been described in which the user is prompted to decide whether or not to delete related inspection jobs. If all related inspection jobs are to be deleted uniformly, steps S804 to S806 may be skipped, and the corresponding ID job may be deleted in S807 without displaying the screen in Fig. 9. In this way, by deleting the associated inspection jobs in conjunction with deleting a print job, user convenience when deleting a print job is improved.

[0065] Second Embodiment <Print job deletion flow> In the first embodiment, a method for improving user convenience when deleting a print job by deleting an associated inspection job in conjunction with the print job is described. Next, in the present embodiment, a method for deleting both an associated print job and an inspection job when deleting a print job is described. Below, the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment described above are described. Note that the parts not described in detail are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0066] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation when a user deletes a print job stored in storage unit 136 in printer server 130. By executing this process, it becomes possible to delete both the associated print job and inspection job when deleting a print job.

[0067] 10 is executed by the user operating the UI unit 138. At this time, the program code stored in the storage unit 136 is loaded into the RAM 133, and executed by the device control unit 131 controlled by the CPU 132. Also, the process of the inspection PC 110 is executed by the program code stored in the storage unit 116 being loaded into the RAM 113, and executed by the device control unit 111 controlled by the CPU 112.

[0068] Step S1001 is similar to step S801 shown in FIG. 8, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] In step S1002, CPU 132 creates an empty deleted job list (1) and searches storage unit 136 for other print job IDs whose first four digits match the ID of the print job deleted in step S1001. If a print job with the corresponding ID exists, it is added to deleted job list (1). For example, assume that the ID of the deleted print job is 0004002, and that print jobs with IDs 0004001, 0004003, and 0005001 exist in storage unit 136. In this case, the print jobs with IDs 0004001 and 0004003 are added to deleted job list (1).

[0070] In step S1003, CPU 132 transmits a notice that the print job has been deleted and the ID of the print job to CPU 112 in the inspection PC.

[0071] Here, when CPU 112 receives the notification that the print job has been deleted and the ID of the print job sent in step S1003, it creates an empty deleted job list (2). Then, it adds the inspection job with the corresponding ID to deleted job list (2). The specific method is the same as the method described in FIG. 8, so the description will be omitted.

[0072] In step S1004, CPU 132 determines whether or not a job with the corresponding ID exists as a result of the searches in steps S1002 and S1003. If either the deletion job list (1) created in step S1002 or the deletion job list (2) received in step S1003 is not empty (YES in step S1003), the process proceeds to step S1004. If both the deletion job list (1) created in step S1002 and the deletion job list (2) received in step S1003 are empty (NO in step S1003), the process of this flowchart ends.

[0073] In step S1005, CPU 132 displays a deletion job list update screen on UI unit 138. Fig. 11 shows an example of the deletion job list update screen displayed on UI unit 138. Fig. 11(a) is a dialog for confirming whether to delete all related jobs. At this time, as shown in Fig. 11(b), information on deletion job list (1) and information on deletion job list (2) may be displayed in a list. Fig. 11(c) is a dialog that displays information on deletion job list (1) and information on deletion job list (2) in a list, and allows the user to select whether or not to delete each job by using a check box. Note that if the deletion job list update screen is not displayed, this step is not performed, and the process proceeds from step S1004 to step S1008.

[0074] In step S1006, the CPU 132 determines whether or not to update the deleted job list (1) and the deleted job list (2). Here, the determination is made by pressing the "Yes" buttons 1101 and 1103 or the "No" buttons 1102 and 1104 shown in Figs. 11A and 11B. Also, the determination is made by pressing the "OK" button 1106 when the check box 1105 shown in Fig. 11C does not have a checker mark. If the "No" buttons 1102 and 1104 are pressed (YES in step S1006), it is determined that the deleted job list (1) and the deleted job list (2) are to be updated, and the process proceeds to step S1007. If the "Yes" buttons 1101 and 1103 are pressed (NO in step S1006), it is determined that the deleted job list (1) and the deleted job list (2) are not to be updated, and the process proceeds to step S1008. If the "OK" button 1106 is pressed when there is not one or more check marks in the check boxes 1105 (YES in step S1006), it is determined that the deleted job list (1) and the deleted job list (2) are updated, and the process proceeds to step S1007. If all check marks are in the check boxes 1105 (NO in step S1006), it is determined that the deleted job list (1) and the deleted job list (2) are not updated, and the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0075] In step S1007, if the CPU 132 displayed the deleted job list update screen in step S1005 in the embodiment of Fig. 11(a) and (b), it empties both deleted job list (1) and deleted job list (2). Then, it transmits deleted job list (2) to CPU 112. Also, if the CPU 132 displayed the deleted job list update screen in step S1005 in the embodiment of Fig. 11-(c), it deletes jobs that do not have a check mark in check box 1105 from the corresponding deleted job list (1) or (2). Then, it transmits deleted job list (2) to CPU 112. CPU 112 updates deleted job list (2) created in step S1003 to the received deleted job list (2).

[0076] In step S1008, CPU 132 deletes all print jobs in deleted job list (1) from storage unit 136. Furthermore, CPU 132 transmits an instruction to CPU 112 to delete the inspection jobs in deleted job list (2) from storage unit 116, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0077] Here, when the CPU 112 accepts the instruction transmitted from the CPU 132 in S1008, it deletes from the storage unit 116 all the inspection jobs present in the deleted job list (2).

[0078] In this way, by deleting both the associated print job and inspection job in conjunction with each other when deleting a print job, user convenience when deleting a print job is improved.

[0079] (Third embodiment) <Print job deletion flow> In the first embodiment, a method for improving user convenience when deleting a print job by deleting an associated inspection job in conjunction with the print job deletion has been described. In this embodiment, a method for making it possible to distinguish an inspection job that has not been deleted in conjunction with the print job deletion will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Steps S801 to S806 shown in Fig. 8 are the same as in this embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] In step S807, the CPU 132 transmits an instruction to the CPU 112 to delete all the inspection jobs in the deletion job list from the storage unit 116, and ends the processing of this flowchart. Here, when the CPU 112 receives the instruction to delete transmitted in step S807, it deletes all the inspection jobs in the deletion job list from the storage unit 116. Furthermore, at this time, the following processing is performed for the inspection jobs that have differences as a result of updating the deletion job list in step S806. An icon 510 is displayed for the inspection job that has differences on the inspection job management screen 500 displayed on the UI unit 118. Or, like the inspection job 509, it is displayed grayed out. In this way, by displaying an icon or graying out, a job whose related job has been deleted can be distinguished from other jobs. Move from the inspection job list 511 to the inspection job trash can list 605 on the inspection job trash can screen 600. For example, in step S801, the ID of the deleted print job is 0024001, and inspection jobs with IDs 0024001 and 0024002 are added to the deleted job list. At this time, if the inspection jobs with IDs 0024001 and 0024002 are deleted from the deleted job list in step S806, they are displayed in a grayed-out state like the inspection job 509. They may also be moved to the inspection job trash list 605 like the inspection job with ID 0024002.

[0081] Step S807 shown in Fig. 8 is the same as in this embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. In this way, when a print job is deleted, it is possible to delete the associated inspection job in conjunction, and even if the associated inspection job is not deleted, it is possible to tell that the associated print job has already been deleted. This improves user convenience when deleting a print job and when deleting an inspection job.

[0082] The above is an explanation of the process when deleting a print job in this embodiment. Any configuration may be used, as long as it is possible to delete related print jobs and inspection jobs when a print job is deleted, and it is possible to determine that the related print job has already been deleted even if the related inspection job is not deleted.

[0083] In addition, in this embodiment, when a print job is deleted, the associated inspection job can be deleted in conjunction with the print job, and even if the associated inspection job is not deleted, it is possible to distinguish that the print job that is the starting point of the linked deletion has already been deleted. Here, consider combining this with the second embodiment. This makes it possible to delete the associated print job and inspection job in conjunction with the print job when a print job is deleted, and even if the associated print job and inspection job are not deleted, it is possible to distinguish that the print job that is the starting point of the linked deletion has already been deleted. At this time, the fact that the print job that is the starting point of the linked deletion has already been deleted is displayed in the same way as the inspection job management screen 500. That is, even in the print job management screen 300, it is possible to distinguish by graying out the print job 308, or by moving the icon 309, or the print job list 310 to the print job trash list 405 of the print job trash screen 400.

[0084] <Other embodiments> In the above three embodiments, when a print job stored in the storage unit 136 is deleted, both the associated print job and the inspection job are deleted in conjunction with each other. Furthermore, even if the associated print job and the inspection job are not deleted, it is possible to determine that the print job that is the deletion starting point has already been deleted.

[0085] However, this is not limited to the process when a print job is deleted. For example, assume that an inspection job is selected from the inspection job list 511 of the inspection job management screen 500 displayed on the UI unit 118, and the button 504 is pressed to delete the inspection job from the storage unit 116. At this time, the upper four digits of the ID of the deleted inspection job are searched for in the storage unit 116 or the storage unit 136 in the same manner as in steps S1001 and S1002, and the associated print job and inspection job are added to the deleted job list. As a result, both the print job and the inspection job associated with the deleted inspection job may be deleted in conjunction with each other in the same manner as in step S1008. Also, the deleted job list update screen shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 11 may be displayed on the UI unit 118 instead of the UI unit 138. Furthermore, even if the print job and the inspection job associated with the deleted inspection job are not deleted in conjunction with each other, the following method may be used to easily distinguish that the inspection job that started the deletion has already been deleted. A method of displaying a grayed-out display such as a print job 308 and an inspection job 509, or an icon 309, 510 on the print job management screen 300 or the inspection job management screen 500. Alternatively, a method of moving from the print job list 310 to the print job trash list 405 on the print job trash screen 400, or from the inspection job list 511 to the inspection job trash list 605 on the inspection job trash screen 600.

[0086] In addition, in the three embodiments, the print job is stored in the storage unit 136, and the inspection job is stored in the storage unit 116, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the print job may be stored in the storage unit 126 of the client PC 120, or may be stored in the storage unit 203 of the image forming apparatus 100. The inspection job may be stored in the storage unit 203 of the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the print job management screen 300 and the print job trash can screen 400 may be displayed on the UI unit 128 of the client PC 120, or may be displayed on the UI unit 230 of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, the inspection job management screen 500 and the inspection job trash can screen 600 may be displayed on the UI unit 230 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0087] In this way, when deleting a print job or inspection job, it is possible to delete the associated print job or inspection job in conjunction. Furthermore, even if the associated print job or inspection job is not deleted, it is possible to tell that the associated print job or inspection job has already been deleted. This improves the user's convenience when deleting a print job and the user's convenience when deleting an inspection job.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, if there is an inspection job that satisfies a certain condition but should not be deleted, even if there is a function to delete an inspection job that is determined to satisfy the certain condition from the storage unit, it is necessary to disable the function. Then, when deleting an inspection job with this function disabled, it is necessary to find and delete the inspection job to be deleted and the related print jobs and inspection jobs from the job list. In this embodiment, even in such a situation, the above configuration can improve user convenience.

[0089] (Other embodiments) Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific descriptions within this specification.

[0090] 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.

Claims

1. An inspection system including an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image on a recording sheet based on a print job, an information processing apparatus for transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus, and an inspection apparatus for inspecting the image based on an inspection job, one or more storage units for storing the print job and the inspection job; a control unit that, when receiving a deletion instruction for a first print job stored in the storage unit, deletes the first print job from the storage unit; having When a deletion instruction is received for the first print job, the control unit controls to delete one or more inspection jobs related to the first print job from the storage unit.

1. An inspection system comprising:

2. an assigning unit that assigns an identification number to a print job for registering a reference image when the print job for registering the reference image is generated; the storage unit includes a first storage unit that stores the print job and a second storage unit that stores the inspection job; the first storage unit stores the assigned identification number and the print job in association with each other; The second storage unit stores an identification number assigned to a print job for registering the reference image in association with an inspection job for performing an inspection of the image using the reference image generated by the print job for registering the reference image.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1 .

3. When a second inspection job for performing a new inspection is created based on a first inspection job that has executed an inspection, the second storage unit stores the second inspection job in association with the identification number assigned to the first inspection job.

3. The inspection system according to claim 2, wherein:

4. When the control unit receives a deletion instruction for the first print job, the control unit controls to delete a print job having the same identification number as the first print job and an inspection job having the same identification number as the first print job from the storage unit.

3. The inspection system according to claim 2.

5. A display control means for displaying a screen on a display unit is provided, the display control means displays a screen for receiving a deletion instruction for one or more jobs related to the first print job stored in the storage unit; When the control unit receives a delete instruction for the one or more related jobs via the screen, the control unit controls to delete the job for which the delete instruction is received from the storage unit.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1 .

6. The one or more jobs include the print job and the inspection job.

6. The inspection system according to claim 5.

7. Among the one or more jobs, a job for which the deletion instruction is not received is not deleted from the storage unit.

6. The inspection system according to claim 5.

8. A display unit for displaying a screen is provided. A deletion instruction for the first print job is received from a job list of print jobs including the first print job displayed on the display unit.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1 .

9. In the job list, a job whose related job has been deleted is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other jobs.

9. The inspection system according to claim 8,

10. A control method for an inspection system including an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image on a recording sheet based on a print job, an information processing apparatus for transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus, and an inspection apparatus for inspecting the image based on an inspection job, comprising: a first storage unit that stores the print job and a second storage unit that stores the inspection job; a control step of deleting the first print job from the first storage unit when a deletion instruction is received for the first print job stored in the first storage unit; Equipped with In the control step, when a deletion instruction is received for the first print job, control is performed so that one or more inspection jobs related to the first print job are deleted from the second storage unit.

23. A method for controlling an inspection system comprising:

11. An inspection system including an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image on a recording sheet based on a print job, an information processing apparatus for transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus, and an inspection apparatus for inspecting the image based on an inspection job, a storage unit that stores the print job and the inspection job; a control unit that, when receiving a deletion instruction for a first inspection job stored in the storage unit, deletes the first inspection job from the storage unit; having When the control unit receives a deletion instruction for the first inspection job, the control unit controls to delete one or more print jobs related to the first inspection job from the storage unit.

1. An inspection system comprising:

12. an identification number assigning unit for assigning an identification number to a print job for registering a reference image when the print job for registering the reference image is generated; having the storage unit includes a first storage unit that stores the print job and a second storage unit that stores the inspection job; the first storage unit stores the assigned identification number and the print job in association with each other; The second storage unit stores an identification number assigned to a print job for registering the reference image in association with an inspection job for performing an inspection of the image using a reference image generated by the print job for registering the reference image. The inspection system of claim 11 .

13. When a second print job for performing new printing is created based on a first print job that has been printed, the first storage unit stores the second print job in association with the identification number assigned to the first print job.

13. The inspection system according to claim 12, characterized in that

14. When the control unit receives a deletion instruction for the first inspection job, the control unit controls to delete an inspection job having the same identification number as the first inspection job and a print job having the same identification number as the first inspection job from the storage unit.

13. The inspection system of claim 12.

15. A control method for an inspection system including an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image on a recording sheet based on a print job, an information processing apparatus for transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus, and an inspection apparatus for inspecting the image based on an inspection job, comprising: a first storage unit that stores the print job and a second storage unit that stores the inspection job; a control step of deleting the first inspection job from the second storage unit when a deletion instruction is received for the first inspection job stored in the second storage unit; Equipped with The control step performs control such that, when a deletion instruction is received for the first inspection job, one or more print jobs related to the first inspection job are deleted from the first storage unit.

23. A method for controlling an inspection system comprising:

16. An image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image on a recording sheet based on a print job, and an inspection apparatus communicably connected to an information processing apparatus that transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus, an inspection means for inspecting the image based on an inspection job; a receiving means for receiving information indicating that the first print job has been deleted by the information processing device and an identification number of the first print job; a control means for deleting the inspection job having the same identification number as the received identification number; An inspection device comprising:

Images