Inspection device and control method for the same, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: when inspection is conducted on a variable print job and a print job in which one copy has a plurality of sheets in a purge mode, if NG occurs in an inspection result, omission occurs in a print product.SOLUTION: An inspection device compares a printed material with a reference image to conduct inspection of the printed material, and as an inspection mode for the inspection, when the inspection mode includes a mode for switching an ejection destination of a printed material in which a defect is observed, exclusively controls an inspection job for inspecting a printed material in which one copy has a plurality of printed materials or an inspection type for inspecting printed materials with order properties.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an inspection apparatus that reads a printed matter obtained by printing with a printing apparatus and inspects the quality of the printed matter. The inspection apparatus can detect image defects such as dirt and printing omission of the printed matter, character errors, barcode quality, and the like. Therefore, there are several inspection types according to these defects to be detected. Examples of these inspection types include an inspection for checking whether printed characters are correct and an inspection for checking the grade of a printed barcode.

[0003] When a defective printed matter is detected and a printed matter with a defective inspection result (NG) and a printed matter with no detected defect are discharged to the same discharge destination, it becomes impossible to know which printed matter has an NG inspection result. Therefore, Patent Document 1 describes that when a printed product with an NG inspection result is detected, only the printed product (sheet) in which the NG has occurred is discharged to a discharge destination different from the discharge destination where the printed product (sheet) with no detected defect is discharged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when considering a bundle of printed products in which a sheet determined to be NG is missing, for example, when the order of the printed products is important, even in a bundle of printed products with no detected defect, the order of the printed products is not always guaranteed. Therefore, there has been a problem that it is not convenient for a user who handles such printed products.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the above prior art.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique for preventing the ejection destination of a printed matter determined to be NG in inspection results from being switched when there is an order in the printed matter.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an inspection apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, An inspection apparatus that compares a reference image with a printed printed matter to inspect the printed matter, As an inspection mode of the inspection, the inspection mode has a control means for exclusively controlling a mode for switching an ejection destination of a printed matter in which a defect is recognized, an inspection job for inspecting a printed matter composed of a plurality of printed matters in part, or an inspection type for inspecting printed matters having an order.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, when there is an order in the printed matter, in order not to switch the ejection destination of the printed matter determined to be NG in the inspection result, the order of the printed matter is guaranteed in a bundle of printed matters in which no defect is detected.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] The accompanying drawings are included in the specification, form a part thereof, show embodiments of the present invention, and are used to explain the principle of the present invention together with the description.

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a single device or an inspection apparatus composed of a plurality of devices as long as the functions according to the present invention are realized. Also, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to an inspection apparatus that is connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) and processes data as long as the functions of the present invention are realized. That is, the system configuration in which various terminals described in the following embodiments are connected is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the schematic configuration of the inspection system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This inspection system includes an information processing device, an inspection device, and a printing device. Note that the printing device 101 according to Embodiment 1 is described using an electrophotographic printing device, but this printing device may be a printing device using a different image forming method such as an inkjet method or an offset method. The printing device 101 is connected to the information processing device 109 via a cable 112. The information processing device 109 is connected to the client computer 110 via a network 113. The printing device 101 includes a UI (User Interface) panel 102, a paper feed deck 103, and a paper feed deck 104. Further, an optional deck 105 composed of three-stage paper feed decks is connected. The UI panel 102 is a user interface including, for example, a capacitive touch panel. Further, the printing device 101 includes an inspection unit 106 and a large-capacity stacker 107. The inspection unit 106 is connected to the inspection device 108 via a cable 114. The large-capacity stacker 107 includes a main tray and a top tray, and thousands of sheets of paper can be stacked in the main tray at a time.

[0014] The print job is generated by the client computer 110, transmitted to the information processing device 109 via the network 113, and managed by the information processing device 109. Then, the print job is transmitted from the information processing device 109 to the printing device 101 through the cable 112, and the printing device 101 prints on the paper according to the print job. Note that the print job may be generated and managed by the information processing device 109, transmitted to the printing device 101 via the network 112, and managed by the printing device 101.

[0015] The information processing apparatus 109 also manages files containing data such as CSV files used to create jobs on the client computer. In the first embodiment, the variable data will be described as a file in CSV format (CSV file). This CSV file is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 109 via the network 113 and managed by the information processing apparatus 109. Note that the CSV file may also be transmitted to the printing apparatus 101 via the network 113 and managed by the inspection apparatus 108.

[0016] Note that the client computer 110, the information processing apparatus 109, and the inspection apparatus 108 may be connected to the cable 112 so as to be able to communicate with the printing apparatus 101. Also, the inspection apparatus 108 may be connected to the information processing apparatus 109 and the client computer 110 via the network 113. That is, the connection form of the printing apparatus 101, the information processing apparatus 109, and the client computer 110 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various connection forms other than those shown in the first embodiment.

[0017] In addition to the inspection unit 106 and the large-capacity stacker 107, the printing apparatus 101 may be connected to a stapling finisher, a folding machine, a bookbinding machine, or the like.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the printing apparatus 101, the inspection apparatus 108, the large-capacity stacker 107, the information processing apparatus 109, and the client computer 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0019] First, the printing apparatus 101 will be described.

[0020] The CPU (Central Processing Unit / Central Processing Unit) 201 controls the control and calculation in each part within the printing device 101 via the system bus 212. The CPU 201 is responsible for executing the program stored in the storage unit 205 and expanded in the RAM (Random Access Memory) 202. The RAM 202 is a type of general volatile memory device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 201 and is used as the work area of the CPU 201 and other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 205 stores the programs and various data of the printing device 101.

[0021] The engine I / F 209 is responsible for the communication and control with the printer engine 210. The paper feed deck I / F 204 is responsible for the communication and control with the paper feed deck 211. The paper feed deck 211 is a general term for the paper feed decks 103, 104 shown in FIG. 1 and the option deck 105 in terms of hardware configuration. The UI panel 203 is the hardware configuration of the UI panel 102 and is a user interface for performing all operations of the printing device 101. In Embodiment 1, it is assumed that the UI panel 203 includes a capacitive touch panel.

[0022] The network interface (hereinafter referred to as NWI / F) 207 is connected to the NWI / F 238 of the information processing device 109 via the cable 213 and is responsible for the communication between the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101. In this example, the interfaces connected to the system bus are directly connected, but the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101 may be connected in a form such as a network, etc., and the connection form is not limited. The video I / F 206 is connected to the video I / F 233 of the information processing device 109 via the video cable 241 and is responsible for the communication of image data between the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101.

[0023] Furthermore, the connection interface between the information processing apparatus 109 and the printing apparatus 101 may be in a form that integrates the functions of the NWI / F238 and the video I / F233. Also, the connection interface between the printing apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 109 may be in a form that integrates the functions of the NWI / F207 and the video I / F206.

[0024] The accessory I / F208 is connected to the accessory I / F214 and the accessory I / F220 of the inspection unit 106 and the large-capacity stacker 107 via the cable 225. That is, the printing apparatus 101 communicates with the inspection unit 106 and the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / F208, 214, and 220.

[0025] Next, the inspection unit 106 will be described.

[0026] The CPU 216 executes a program stored in the storage unit 247 and expanded in the RAM 217, and performs control and calculation in each part within the inspection unit 106 via the system bus 219. The RAM 217 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 216, and is used as the work area of the CPU 216 and other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 247 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the inspection apparatus 106. The inspection apparatus I / F 215 is connected to the inspection apparatus unit I / F 231 of the inspection apparatus 108 via the cable 248. That is, the inspection unit 106 communicates with the inspection apparatus 108 via the inspection apparatus I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231.

[0027] The imaging unit 218 is equipped with an imaging function equipped with, for example, a contact image sensor (hereinafter, CIS), captures a sheet passing through the inspection unit 106, and transmits the captured image data to the inspection apparatus 108 via the inspection apparatus I / F 215. Note that the CIS for the imaging unit 218 is an example of a sensor, and other types of sensors such as a CCD image sensor may be used, and the imaging method is not limited.

[0028] Next, the large-capacity stacker 107 will be described.

[0029] The CPU 221 executes a program stored in the storage unit 248 and expanded in the RAM 222, and controls each part in the large-capacity stacker 107 via the system bus 224. The RAM 222 is a kind of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 221, and is used as the work area of the CPU 221 and other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 248 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the large-capacity stacker 107 is operating. The paper discharge unit 223 is in charge of the paper discharge operations to the main tray and the top tray, as well as the monitoring and control of the loading status of each of the main tray and the top tray.

[0030] Next, the inspection device 108 will be described.

[0031] The CPU 226 executes a program stored in the storage unit 228 and expanded in the RAM 227, and controls and performs calculations on each part in the inspection device 108 via the system bus 230. The RAM 227 is a kind of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 226, and is used as the work area of the CPU 226 and other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 228 functions as a temporary storage area for the programs and various data of the inspection device 108. The PDL analysis unit 229 reads PDL data such as PDF, PostScript, and PCL received from the client computer 110 and the information processing device 109, and executes an interpretation process. The display unit 245 is, for example, a display connected to the inspection device 108, and receives the operator's input to the inspection device 108 and displays the status of the inspection device 108. The GPU (GraphicS ProceSSing Unit) 249 performs high-speed calculations for image processing in the inspection device 108.

[0032] Next, the information processing device 109 will be described.

[0033] The CPU 234 executes a program stored in the storage unit 236 and expanded in the RAM 235, and controls and performs calculations on each part within the information processing apparatus 109 via the system bus 239. The RAM 235 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 234, and is used as the work area of the CPU 234 and other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 236 stores various programs executed by the CPU 234 of the information processing apparatus 109. The network interface (hereinafter, NWI / F) 237 is connected to the NWI / F 240 of the client computer 110 via a network and communicates with the client computer 110.

[0034] Note that, in Embodiment 1, the information processing apparatus 109 and the inspection apparatus 108 are described in a form where they do not communicate. However, the form of this Embodiment 1 is an example, and the inspection apparatus 108 may have an NWI / F, and the information processing apparatus 109 may communicate with the inspection apparatus 108 via the NWI / F and the NWI / F 237.

[0035] Next, the client computer 110 will be described.

[0036] The CPU 243 executes a program stored in the storage unit 244 and expanded in the RAM 242, and controls and performs operations on each part within the client computer 110 via the system bus 246. The RAM 242 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 243, and is used as the work area of the CPU 243 and other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 244 functions as a storage area for programs executed by the CPU 243.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configurations of the printing apparatus 101, the inspection unit 106, and the large-capacity stacker 107 according to Embodiment 1.

[0038] The printing device 101 receives user input via the UI panel 102 and displays printing and device status. The paper feed decks 103 and 104 can accommodate various types of paper. In each paper feed deck, only the topmost sheet of the accommodated paper can be separated and conveyed to the paper conveyance path 305. The developing stations 301 to 304 form toner images using colored toners of Y, M, C, and K respectively to form color images. The toner images formed here are primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 306. The intermediate transfer belt 306 rotates clockwise in FIG. 3, and the toner images are transferred to the paper conveyed from the paper conveyance path 305 at the secondary transfer position 307. The fixing unit 308 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller. As the paper passes between the rollers, the toner is melted and pressed to fix the toner image on the paper. The paper that has passed through the fixing unit 308 is conveyed to the conveyance path 312 through the paper conveyance path 309. If further melting and pressing are required for fixing depending on the type of paper, the paper that has passed through the fixing unit 308 is conveyed to the second fixing unit 310 using the upper paper conveyance path, and after additional melting and pressing, it is conveyed to the conveyance path 312 through the paper conveyance path 311. Here, in the case of double-sided printing, the paper with one side printed is conveyed to the paper reversal path 313, reversed there, and then conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 314, and the second-side image transfer is performed at the secondary transfer position 307.

[0039] In the inspection unit 106, the CISs 315 and 316 are arranged to face each other. The CIS 315 is a sensor for reading the upper surface of the sheet, and the CIS 316 is a sensor for reading the lower surface of the sheet. The inspection unit 106 scans the sheet using the CISs 315 and 316 at the timing when the sheet conveyed to the sheet conveyance path 317 reaches a predetermined position. The image data obtained by the scan is transmitted to the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231. The CPU 226 of the inspection device 108 determines whether there are defects in the received image data, and notifies the inspection unit 106 of the determined result again via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215. As a result, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 notifies the large-capacity stacker 107 of the received determination result via the accessory I / Fs 214 and 220.

[0040] The large-capacity stacker 107 has a main tray 324 as a tray for stacking sheets. The sheet that has passed through the inspection unit 106 enters the large-capacity stacker 107 through the sheet conveyance path 319. The sheet is stacked on the main tray 324 from the sheet conveyance path 319 via the sheet conveyance path 322. Further, the large-capacity stacker 107 has a top tray 320 as a paper discharge tray. The CPU 221 of the large-capacity stacker 107 discharges the sheet detected to have a defect by the inspection device 108 to the top tray 320. When discharging the sheet to the top tray 320, the sheet is conveyed from the sheet conveyance path 319 to the top tray 320 via the sheet conveyance path 321. The reversing unit 323 reverses the sheet. This reversing unit 323 is used when stacking the sheet on the main tray 324. When stacking on the main tray 324, the sheet is reversed once by the reversing unit 323 so that the orientation of the incoming sheet is the same as the orientation of the sheet at the time of stacking. When conveying to the top tray 320, since the sheet is discharged as it is without flipping at the time of stacking, the reversing operation by the reversing unit 323 is not performed.

[0041] In the first embodiment, as printing jobs with an order for the printed products, a variable printing job and a multi-sheet printing job will be described as examples.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a problem due to occurrence of NG in a printed product of a sequential print job.

[0043] FIG. 4(A) shows the case of a variable print job. This variable printing is a job of printing different numbers or texts, for example, for each sheet. For example, the first sheet, the second sheet, the third sheet, etc. are printed with distinguishable customer names. Therefore, when delivering the sheet, if a sheet in the middle is missing due to NG, the printed product will be sent to the wrong destination. In the example of FIG. 4(A), since NG was detected in the printed matter addressed to Mr. C, the printed product addressed to Mr. C is missing. On the other hand, if the destination names are printed in the original order, the destination of Mr. C will be printed on the printed product addressed to Mr. D. This is inconvenient for the user, and it is assumed that it is desirable to maintain the sequentiality of the printed product.

[0044] FIG. 4(B) shows the case of a print job in which one copy consists of multiple sheets. A print job in which one copy consists of multiple sheets is a print job in which the number of sheets per copy is two or more. At this time, if, for example, the second sheet (P2) of the multiple sheets of one copy becomes NG and is removed, in a post-processing device such as a stapler for subsequent processing, a sheet bundle with the wrong sheet stapled will be formed. Therefore, at the end of printing, it is necessary for the user to reprint the sheet that has become NG in the inspection result and insert the reprinted sheet into the place where it has fallen out. For this reason, it is inconvenient for the user. Therefore, it is assumed that it is desirable to maintain the sequentiality of the printed product at the end of printing.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another example of a problem due to occurrence of NG in a printed product of a sequential print job.

[0046] When performing print consistency inspection and data matching inspection as inspection items of the inspection product, it is assumed that it is desirable that the sequentiality of the printed products is maintained, similar to the variable printing job. Fig. 5(A) is a diagram showing an example of the print consistency inspection, and it inspects whether it is in the preset numerical order. For example, it inspects whether P1 is printed on the first sheet, P2 on the second sheet, and P3 on the third sheet.

[0047] Fig. 5(B) is a diagram showing an example of the data matching inspection. Here, it inspects whether the original data and the character string of the inspection product match. For example, the original data is a number for identifying an individual, and it inspects whether that number is printed. The data matching inspection, for example, when inspecting sheet by sheet and putting the inspected sheets into an envelope while maintaining the sequentiality, it is necessary to maintain the sequentiality of the printed products. In the example of Fig. 5(B), an example is shown where a water usage bill is issued corresponding to the number for identifying an individual.

[0048] In Embodiment 1, discharging to the top tray 320 of the large-capacity stacker 107 is called "purging". In Embodiment 1, purging is performed according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the printing and inspection processes by the printing apparatus 101 according to Embodiment 1. Note that the processes shown in this flowchart are achieved by the CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 101 executing the program expanded in the RAM 202, and the processes of the inspection unit 106 are achieved by the CPU 216 executing the program expanded in the RAM 217.

[0050] In S601, the CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 101 receives a printing job from the information processing apparatus 109 and starts printing. Next, it proceeds to S602 where the CPU 201 determines whether the printing of all the sheets to be printed by that printing job has been completed. If not, it proceeds to S603, and if so, this process ends. In S603, the CPU 201 prints an image on the paper (sheet) according to the printing job.

[0051] Next, it proceeds to S604, and the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 receives the paper printed by the printing device 101, and scans the image printed on the paper by the CISs 315 and 316. Next, it proceeds to S605, and the CPU 216 transmits the image data obtained by scanning in S604 to the inspection device 108 via the inspection unit I / F 231 through the inspection device I / F 215.

[0052] Next, in S606, the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 determines whether a jam has been detected. If a jam has been detected, it proceeds to S607. At this time, the jam may occur anywhere inside the printing device 101, the inspection unit 106, and the large-capacity stacker 107, and the location is not limited. Also, if a jam occurs in the inspection unit 106 or the large-capacity stacker 107, the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 shall acquire the jam information and the jam position via the accessory I / Fs 214, 220, and 208.

[0053] In S607, the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 notifies the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 and the CPU 221 of the large-capacity stacker 107 of the jam state via the accessory I / Fs 0208, 214, and 220. This jam state includes jam position information that can be determined by a sensor (not shown) inside the printing device 101, the inspection unit 106, or the large-capacity stacker 107 detecting the paper. Also, since the CPU 201 can detect that the paper has been discharged outside the printing device 101 after printing on the paper, it can detect which paper a jam has occurred in. Therefore, the information of the paper on which the jam has occurred is also included in the jam state.

[0054] Next, it proceeds to S608, and the CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 101 notifies the information processing apparatus 109 of the jam state via NWI / F207 and NWI / F238. As a result, the information processing apparatus 109 can know which sheet of the paper used in the print job has jammed, that is, from where recovery printing should be performed. Next, it proceeds to S609, and the CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 101 cancels the currently executing print job. Next, it proceeds to S610, and the CPU 201 instructs the inspection unit 106 and the mass storage unit 107 via the accessory I / Fs 214, 208, and 220 to discharge the paper that has already been fed from the paper feed decks 103 and 104 and is on the paper conveyance path to a storage space within the printing apparatus 101 or the top tray 320. After the paper is retracted in S610, the CPU 201 transmits print stop information to the inspection unit 106 and the mass storage unit 107 via the accessory I / Fs 208, 214, and 220. Then, in S611, the CPU 201 waits until all the jammed paper within the printing apparatus 101 is processed. Thus, when a jam occurs, the execution of the print job is stopped in S607 to S611 until the processing for the jam is completed.

[0055] After all the jammed paper within the printing apparatus 101 is processed in this way, it proceeds to S612, and the CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 101 notifies the inspection unit 106 and the mass storage unit 107 of the release of the jam via the accessory I / Fs 208, 214, and 220. Also, the CPU 201 notifies the client computer 110 via NWI / F208 and 238 that the jam has been released.

[0056] Then, it proceeds to S613, and the CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 101 receives the print job after the jammed paper from the information processing apparatus 109 and continues printing, and proceeds to S614. Also, when no jam occurs in S606, it also proceeds to S614.

[0057] In S614, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 determines whether it has received a purge instruction when the inspection result from the inspection device 108 is NG. If it has received the purge instruction, it proceeds to S615; if not, it proceeds to S626. In S626, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 instructs the high-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 214 and 220 to discharge the paper to the paper discharge destination specified in the print job, and then proceeds to S602.

[0058] On the other hand, in S615, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 instructs the high-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 214 and 220 to discharge the paper with an NG inspection result to the top tray 320.

[0059] Next, in S616, the CPU 216 determines whether it has received a print stop instruction from the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231. If it has not received the print stop instruction at this time, it proceeds to S602. On the other hand, if it has received the print stop instruction, it proceeds to S617, and the CPU 216 notifies via the accessory I / Fs 214, 208, and 220 that it is in a jam state. This jam state includes jam position information known when a sensor (not shown) inside the inspection unit 106 detects the paper. Next, it proceeds to S618, and the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 assumes that the paper has been discharged outside the machine but the jam mechanism is used pseudo. Also, the CPU 201 can detect which paper is jammed, and this paper information is also included in the jam state. Then, in S618, the CPU 201 notifies the information processing device 109 of the jam state via the NWI / Fs 208 and 238. Thereby, the information processing device 109 can know which sheet of the paper used in the print job has jammed, that is, from where recovery printing should be performed.

[0060] Then it proceeds to S619, and the CPU 201 cancels the current printing job. Next, it proceeds to S620, and the CPU 201 notifies the inspection unit 106 that printing has stopped. Then it proceeds to S621, and the CPU 201 instructs to discharge all the papers in the machine to the top tray 320 of the large-capacity stacker 107. Then, in S622, when all the papers to be discharged have been discharged, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 transmits via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231 to the inspection device 108 that the paper discharge has been completed.

[0061] Next, in S623, the CPU 216 waits via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231 until it acquires information from the inspection device 108 that the inspection has resumed. When the inspection resumes, it proceeds to S624, and the CPU 216 notifies the printing device 101 and the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 214, 208, and 220 that the jam has been cleared. Then it proceeds to S625. When the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 receives a printing job for printing the papers after the papers with NG inspection results from the information processing device 109, it proceeds to S602 again, and repeats the processing from S602 to S625 until the inspection of all the papers is completed. When the inspection of all the papers is thus completed and the printing is also completed, this process ends.

[0062] Note that in Embodiment 1, it has been described that when a jam occurs, the CPU 226 of the inspection device 108 stops printing. However, for example, the CPU 226 of the inspection device 108 may instruct the printing device 101, the inspection unit 106, and the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 208, 214, and 220 to discharge all the papers that have already been fed from the paper feed decks 103 and 104 and are on the paper conveyance path to the top tray 320.

[0063] Note that in Embodiment 1, it has been assumed that the papers with NG inspection results are discharged to the top tray 320 of the large-capacity stacker 107. However, for example, they may be discharged to a tray different from the designated paper discharge destination of the printing job, and the form is not limited to the top tray 320.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the inspection process in the inspection apparatus 108 according to Embodiment 1. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is achieved by the CPU 226 of the inspection apparatus 108 executing a program developed in the RAM 227.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen of an inspection application displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection apparatus 108 according to Embodiment 1.

[0066] First, in S701, when the CPU 226 starts the inspection application developed in the RAM 227, for example, it displays the home screen of the inspection application shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 245. Next, it proceeds to S702, and the CPU 226 waits for the new creation button 801 to be pressed on the screen of FIG. 8. When the new creation button 801 is pressed, it newly creates an inspection job and saves the inspection job in the storage unit 228. The details of S702 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. Here, the inspection job has a data structure including an inspection job name, the number of sheets per part, the number of printed copies, the paper type, an array of area settings, and a reference image. Next, it proceeds to S703. When the CPU 226 detects that the application setting button 804 has been pressed on the screen of FIG. 8, it performs the settings of the inspection application saved in the storage unit 228 and overwrites the storage unit 228. The details of S703 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17. Further, when it detects the pressing of the inspection job setting button 803 on the screen of FIG. 8, it reads out the inspection job selected in the inspection job list 802 from the storage unit 228. Then it performs the settings of the inspection job and overwrites the storage unit 228. Then it proceeds to S704. When the CPU 226 detects the pressing of the inspection button 805 on the screen of FIG. 8, it executes the inspection job to perform an inspection and writes the inspection result in the storage unit 228. The details of S704 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15.

[0067] Here, when the new creation button 801 on the screen of FIG. 8 is selected, a screen for creating a new inspection job, as shown in FIG. 10 for example, is displayed. In the inspection job list 802, a list of inspection jobs stored in the storage unit 228 is displayed, and the user selects a desired inspection job from those displayed in this inspection job list. The inspection job setting button 803 displays a screen for setting the selected inspection job. The application setting button 804 displays a screen for setting the inspection mode of the inspection application, as shown in FIG. 13 for example. Also, the copy button 806 is a button for creating a copy of the currently selected inspection job. The file button 807 is used for report output of inspection results and the like. The help button 808 is used to call up the help of the inspection application.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the process when newly creating the inspection job of S702 in FIG. 7.

[0069] Also, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen displayed on the display unit 245 when creating a new job, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the registration screen displayed on the display unit 245 when registering a reference image.

[0070] In S901, when the CPU 226 detects the pressing of the new creation button 801 on the screen of FIG. 8, it proceeds to S902 where the CPU 226 displays the job setting screen shown in FIG. 10 on the display unit 245. The settings made on the screen of FIG. 10 are the print settings for printing an image to register a reference image and are also the print settings used when printing for inspection.

[0071] Figure 10 shows an example of a job setting screen where the inspection job name 1002 is "New Inspection Job". Further, the CPU 226 secures a memory area for the inspection job in the RAM 227 at S902. In the example of Figure 10, the number of sheets per copy 1003 is 5 sheets, the number of printed copies 1004 is 100 copies, and the paper size 1005 is A4. That is, the number of sheets per copy 1003, the number of printed copies 1004, and the paper size 1005 are the paper information of the print job. In Embodiment 1, since the inspection application does not receive the information of the print job from the printing device 101, it is manually input via the screen of Figure 10, but it may be in a form where it communicates with the printing device 101 and automatically sets it.

[0072] Next, proceeding to S903, when the OK button 1006 is pressed on the screen of Figure 10 with the inspection job name 1002, the number of sheets per copy 1003, the number of printed copies 1004, and the paper size 1005 input, the CPU 226 detects the completion of job setting. The job ID 1001 is an identification number of the inspection job that is uniquely determined for each inspection job. When the cancel button 1007 is pressed, the CPU 226 discards the memory area for the inspection job secured in the RAM 227, displays the home screen of the inspection application in Figure 8, and returns to the state before S901. Then, proceeding to S904, the CPU 226 writes the information of the job ID, inspection job name, number of sheets per copy, number of printed copies, and paper size set on this screen into the memory area for the inspection job secured in the RAM 227. Then, proceeding to S905, the CPU 226 displays, for example, the registration screen of the reference image shown in Figure 11 on the display unit 245.

[0073] Figure 11 shows an example of a registration screen for registering a reference image. Here, a read start button for instructing the start of image scanning and an image read end button 1102 for instructing the end of the start of image scanning are displayed to register the reference image.

[0074] Next, it proceeds to S906. When the CPU 226 receives an instruction to start reading an image from the user by pressing the start reading button 1101 on the screen of FIG. 11, it proceeds to S907. In S907, the CPU 226 receives the image data of the document scanned by the CISs 315 and 316 of the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection apparatus I / F 215. Then, it proceeds to S908. The CPU 226 stores the image data received in S907 as a reference image in the memory area for the inspection job secured in S902. Also, when the cancel button 1103 on the screen of FIG. 11 is pressed, the CPU 226 discards the memory area for the inspection job, displays the home screen of the inspection application in FIG. 8, and returns to the state before S901.

[0075] Then, it proceeds to S909. The CPU 226 repeats S906 to S908 on the screen of FIG. 11 until the image reading end button 1102 is pressed, that is, until the image reading of all sheets is completed. When it is determined that the image reading end button 1102 has been pressed in this way, it proceeds to S910. In S910, the CPU 226 stores the inspection job name, the number of sheets per copy, the number of copies, the paper type, and the reference image stored in the memory area for the inspection job secured in S902 in the storage unit 228 as an inspection job. Then, it proceeds to S911. The CPU 226 switches the screen to the home screen of the inspection application in FIG. 8. At this time, "New Inspection Job" is added and displayed in the inspection job list 802 in FIG. 8. This concludes the explanation of the new inspection job creation process.

[0076] Note that the example shown here is just an example. For example, the user's instruction to start reading an image on the display unit 245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with the instruction to start printing on the printing apparatus 101, the information processing apparatus 109, or the client computer 110, and the form is not limited. Also, the user's instruction to end reading an image on the display unit 245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with the end of printing on the printing apparatus 101, and the form is not limited.

[0077] Further, for example, the inspection apparatus 108 may be configured to read a plurality of images for the same page and register the synthesis result as a reference image.

[0078] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of parameters used for setting an inspection job in the inspection apparatus 108 according to Embodiment 1.

[0079] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when setting an inspection mode of an inspection application in the inspection apparatus 108 according to Embodiment 1, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an inspection area and a reader of an image when inspecting an inspection item in an inspection job. The inspection mode and the inspection job are set according to the flowchart of FIG. 17. In Embodiment 1, elements related to inspection, namely, inspection job names 1202 to area setting arrays 1206 and area IDs 1207 to reference data 1211 included in area settings 1213 which are elements of the area setting array 1206, are called inspection job settings. Also, the combination of the inspection mode 1201 and the inspection job settings 1212 which are settings of the inspection application is called inspection settings. This inspection settings is stored in the storage unit 228. In Embodiment 1, depending on the inspection mode 1201, the timing at which the inspection unit I / F 231 transmits a signal and the type of the signal to be transmitted are different, and the operation of the printing apparatus 101 when NG occurs in the inspection result is determined.

[0080] In Embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 12, there are three types of inspection modes: a purge mode, a log only mode, and a purge & recovery mode. In the purge mode, when the inspection result is NG, a purge instruction at S614 is transmitted to the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231, and a print stop instruction at S615 is not transmitted. Therefore, the inspection unit 106 is instructed to perform a purge, but printing continues without performing recovery printing.

[0081] In the log - only mode, when the inspection result is NG, the purge instruction at S614 is not sent to the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F231, so the inspection unit 106 does not issue a purge instruction. However, in the log - only mode, since the inspection results are left as logs, the inspection results can be confirmed by viewing the logs.

[0082] In the purge & recovery mode, when the inspection result is NG, a purge is instructed to the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F231, and a print stop instruction is issued to perform the purge and print stop. After all the papers in the machine are discharged to the top tray, a recovery print instruction is output to execute the recovery print. The inspection mode 1201 is set to the log - only mode by default.

[0083] The inspection job settings 1212 include the inspection job name 1202, the number of sheets per copy 1203, the number of printed copies 1204, and the paper size 1205, which are the values set on the screen for creating a new inspection job shown in FIG. 10. The area setting array 1206 is an empty array by default.

[0084] The inspection mode 1201 is set on the application settings screen of FIG. 13.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the inspection mode of the inspection application displayed on the inspection device 108 according to Embodiment 1.

[0086] On this screen, when it detects the pressing of the OK button 1302, the CPU226 sets the inspection mode by writing the inspection mode selected by the radio button of the inspection mode 1301 to the storage unit 228. When the cancel button 1303 is pressed, the CPU226 discards the memory area for inspection job settings secured in the RAM227 and displays the home screen of the inspection application in FIG. 8.

[0087] Also, the inspection job settings 1212 and the area settings 1213 in FIG. 12 are set on the screen of FIG. 14.

[0088] On the screen of FIG. 14, when the area selection icon 1401 is pressed, a pull-down menu for selecting multiple inspection types is displayed on the display unit 245. When an inspection type is selected here and a rectangular area is drawn on the reference image 1402, the CPU 226 creates an area ID corresponding to each area. Then, the CPU 226 adds the area settings of the created area ID to the area setting array 1206 in FIG. 12, and stores the selected inspection type as the setting of the inspection job in the memory area for inspection job settings. Further, the CPU 226 stores the upper left coordinates and the area size of the drawn coordinates in the memory area for inspection job settings as the inspection job settings.

[0089] For the setting 1403 of the data inspection area, when values to be referred to are input into the blanks respectively in the case where the inspection type is the print consistency inspection or the data collation inspection, the start page number or the CSV path as the reference data is stored in the memory for inspection job settings as the inspection job settings. When the path of the barcode reader or the path of the font file is input into the blank of the reader type 1404, the value is stored in the memory area for inspection job settings as the reader type.

[0090] When the edit icon 1405 is pressed, operations such as image scaling and area copying are performed during the setting of the inspection area. When the cancel button 1406 is pressed, the settings on this screen are canceled, the memory area for inspection job settings secured in the RAM 227 is discarded, and the process transitions to the home screen of the inspection application. When the completion button 1407 is pressed, the inspection job settings saved in the memory area for inspection job settings of the RAM 227 are copied to the storage unit 228.

[0091] The area setting 1213 in FIG. 12 is set on the setting screen of the inspection job in FIG. 14. When the setting screen of the inspection job is opened, the CPU 226 secures a memory area for the inspection job setting in the RAM 227 and copies the setting of the inspection job from the storage unit 228. On the setting screen of the inspection job in FIG. 14, when the area selection icon 1401 is pressed, the CPU 226 displays a pull-down menu of a plurality of inspection types from which the inspection type can be selected on the display unit 245. When the inspection type is selected here and a rectangular area is drawn on the reference image 1402, the CPU 226 creates an area ID corresponding to each area. Then, the CPU 226 adds the area setting of the created area ID to the area setting array 1206, and stores the selected inspection type as the setting of the inspection job in the memory area for the inspection job setting. Further, the CPU 226 stores the upper left coordinates and the area size of the drawn coordinates as the inspection job setting in the memory area for the inspection job setting.

[0092] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the process (S704) when the inspection device 108 according to Embodiment 1 performs an inspection. The process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 226 executing the program developed in the RAM 227.

[0093] First, in S1501, when the CPU 226 detects that the inspection button 805 has been pressed on the screen in FIG. 8, it proceeds to S1502. In S1502, the CPU 226 reads the inspection setting of the inspection job selected in the inspection list 802 on the home screen in FIG. 8 from the storage unit 228 into the RAM 227. Next, it proceeds to S1503, and the CPU 226 receives the image data obtained by scanning with the CISs 315 and 316 of the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215. Then, it proceeds to S1504, and the CPU 226 reads out the reference image of the corresponding page from the RAM 227. Then, the CPU 226 compares the read reference image with the scanned image data of the inspection target received in S1503.

[0094] In this comparison, first, the characteristic points of the image are used as the reference points for alignment to align the image positions of the reference image and the scanned image data of the inspection target. Next, in the scanned image data of the inspection target, the four corners of the paper and the alignment reference points of the scanned image data are analyzed to detect whether there is any misalignment of the image with respect to the paper. Next, the density values of the reference image and the scanned image data of the inspection target are compared pixel by pixel. As a result of the above, if no defect is detected, the inspection result is OK.

[0095] Next, in S1505, the CPU 226 performs inspection. The details of the processing in S1505 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16. Next, it proceeds to S1506 where the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection result is NG. If it is NG, it proceeds to S1507, and if it is not NG, it proceeds to S1514. In S1507, the CPU 226 acquires the inspection mode stored in the RAM 227 and proceeds to S1508. In S1508, the CPU 226 determines whether the acquired inspection mode is the log-only mode. If so, it proceeds to S1514. On the other hand, if the inspection mode is other than the log-only mode, it proceeds to S1509.

[0096] In S1509, the CPU 226 notifies the inspection unit 106 that the inspection result is NG via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215, and proceeds to S1510. In S1510, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection mode acquired in S1507 is the purge & recovery mode. If so, it proceeds to S1511, but if it is not the purge & recovery mode, it proceeds to S1514. In S1511, the CPU 226 instructs the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215 to stop printing. Subsequently, it proceeds to S1512, where the CPU 226 instructs the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215 to discharge all the sheets that have already been fed from the paper feed decks 103 and 104 and are on the paper conveyance path after the sheet with the NG inspection result to the top tray 320 of the high-capacity stacker 107. When receiving from the inspection unit 106 that the paper discharge has been completed, the CPU 226 proceeds with the processing to S1513, instructs the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215 to start recovery printing, and proceeds to S1514.

[0097] In S1514, the CPU 226 writes the inspection result written in the RAM 227 into the log held by the storage unit 228. Then, it proceeds to S1515, where the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection of all sheets has been completed. If it determines that it has not been completed, it proceeds to S1503, but if it determines that the inspection of all sheets has been completed, this process ends. Note that the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection of all sheets has been completed by receiving an instruction from the user to end the image reading via the inspection end button (not shown) displayed on the display unit 245.

[0098] FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the inspection process of S1505 in FIG. 15.

[0099] In S1601, the CPU 226 performs grayscale processing on the scanned image data used in the comparison in S1504. Subsequently, it proceeds to S1602 where the CPU 226 acquires the coordinate information 1208 in the inspection job settings stored in the RAM 227. Then, it cuts out the inspection area of the scanned image data using this coordinate information 1208. After that, it proceeds to S1603 where the CPU 226 acquires the type 1209 of the reader from the settings of the inspection job stored in the RAM 227 and calls the reader from the storage unit 228. Then, it decodes the cut-out inspection area using this reader. Subsequently, it proceeds to S1604 where the CPU 226 acquires the inspection type 1210 from the settings of the inspection job in the RAM 227 and determines whether the inspection type is a data readability inspection for inspecting whether the data of the inspection area can be identified. If it is determined to be a data readability inspection here, it proceeds to S1609, and if it is determined not to be, it proceeds to S1605.

[0100] In S1605, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection type is a print consistency inspection. At this time, the CPU 226 acquires reference data from the settings of the inspection job stored in the RAM 227. If it is determined in S1605 that the inspection type is a print consistency inspection, it proceeds to S1606, and if it is determined that the inspection type is not a print consistency inspection, that is, it is a data collation inspection, it proceeds to S1607. In S1606, the CPU 226 adds the acquired reference data and the current number of copies to calculate the correct data and proceeds to S1608. On the other hand, in S1607, the CPU 226 reads the correct data from the storage unit using the acquired reference data and proceeds to S1608. In S1608, the CPU 226 compares the correct data acquired in S1606 or S1607 with the decoding result acquired in S1603. As a result of this comparison, if they match, it proceeds to S1612, and if they do not match, it proceeds to S1611.

[0101] When it is determined in S1604 that the inspection type is a data readability inspection, the process proceeds to S1609, and the CPU 226 writes the decoding result to the RAM 227. Then, the process proceeds to S1610, and the CPU 226 determines whether an error occurred during the decoding in S1603 and whether the decoding was successful. If it is determined here that the decoding was successful, the process proceeds to S1612. If it is determined that the decoding failed, the process proceeds to S1611. In S1611, the CPU 226 rewrites the inspection result in the RAM 227 to NG and proceeds to S1612. In S1612, the CPU 226 determines whether all inspections of the elements of the area setting array 1206 of the inspection job setting read into the RAM 227 have been completed. If it is determined that all element inspections have been completed, the process proceeds to S1613. If it is determined that not all element inspections have been completed, the process returns to S1603. Then, in S1613, the CPU 226 records the inspection result in the RAM 227 and ends this process.

[0102] Note that the example shown here is just an example. For example, the user's image reading start instruction on the display unit 245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with the print start instruction in the printing apparatus 101, the information processing apparatus 109, or the client computer 110, and the form is not limited. Also, the user's image reading end instruction on the display unit 245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with the print end in the printing apparatus 101, and the form is not limited.

[0103] FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the inspection mode and inspection job setting process of S703 in FIG. 7 by the inspection apparatus 108 according to Embodiment 1. Note that the process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 226 executing the program developed in the RAM 227. In this flowchart, it will be described as a process of setting each parameter shown in FIG. 12.

[0104] When the CPU 226 detects at S1701 that the application setting button 804 on the screen of FIG. 8 displayed on the display unit 245 has been pressed, it proceeds to S1702. At S1702, the CPU 226 displays the application setting screen shown in FIG. 12 on the display unit 245. Then the CPU 226 secures a memory area for the inspection mode in the RAM 227. Then it proceeds to S1703 where the CPU 226 detects that the user has selected the radio button of the inspection mode 1301 and pressed the OK button 1302 on the screen of FIG. 13. Thereby, the CPU 226 stores the mode selected on that screen as the parameter of the inspection mode 1201 in the memory area for the inspection mode of the RAM 227. After that, the CPU 226 copies from the memory area for the inspection mode of the RAM 227 to the memory area of the storage unit 228 that stores the inspection mode, and releases the memory area for the inspection mode of the RAM 227. Then, it closes the application setting screen of FIG. 13 and transitions to S1704.

[0105] When the CPU 226 detects the pressing of the inspection job setting button 0803 on the screen of FIG. 8 in S1704, the CPU 226 secures a memory area for inspection settings in the RAM 227. In this memory area for inspection job settings, the CPU 226 copies and stores the inspection job settings from the storage unit 228. Then, it proceeds to S1705 where the CPU 226 displays, for example, the inspection job setting screen shown in FIG. 14 on the display unit 245. And it proceeds to S1706 where the CPU 226 accepts the user's inspection job settings via the display unit 245. When the CPU 226 detects that the area selection icon 1401 has been pressed on the inspection job setting screen of FIG. 14, the CPU 226 displays a pull-down menu of inspection types that can be selected on the display unit 245. When an inspection type is selected from the pull-down menu here, a rectangular area is drawn on the reference image 1402. Then the CPU 226 creates the area ID and stores it in the area ID 1207. And the CPU 226 adds the created area ID to the area setting array 1206, and stores the selected inspection type in the inspection type 1210 of the memory area for inspection job settings. Further, the CPU 226 stores the upper left coordinates and the area size of the drawn coordinates in the coordinate information 1208. Also, when the data inspection setting 1403 is input by the user, the CPU 226 stores the type of reader 1209 and the reference data 1211 in the RAM 227 accordingly. And it proceeds to S1707 where the CPU 226 first acquires the values of the inspection settings stored in the RAM 227 in order to save these inspection settings in the storage unit 228.

[0106] Next, proceeding to S1708, the CPU 226 checks the inspection mode 1201 and determines whether it is the purge mode. If it is determined here that it is the purge mode, it proceeds to S1709, and if it is determined that it is not the purge mode, it proceeds to S1714. In S1709, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection job stored in the RAM 227 is a printing job consisting of a plurality of sheets for one part. If it is determined here that it is a printing job for one sheet, it proceeds to S1710, and if it is determined that it is a printing job for a plurality of sheets, it proceeds to S1711. In S1710, the CPU 226 checks the inspection type 1210 stored in the RAM 227 and determines whether the inspection job includes a print consistency inspection or a data collation inspection. Here, the inspection types including the print consistency inspection or the data collation inspection are printing jobs corresponding to variable printing jobs. Therefore, printing jobs including these inspection types need to perform exclusive control with the purge mode. Therefore, when it is determined that this inspection job does not include both inspections, it proceeds to S1714 to display the home screen. However, when it is determined that it includes either or both of the print consistency inspection and the data collation inspection, it proceeds to S1711, and the CPU 226 displays a warning 1801 shown in FIG. 18, for example, on the display unit 245 and proceeds to S1712.

[0107] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection apparatus 108 in S1711 of FIG. 17.

[0108] And in S1712, the CPU 226 receives an input from the user. Here, when the No (Purge Mode) button 1803 is pressed, the process transitions to S1714. Also, when the Yes button 1802 is pressed, the process transitions to S1713. Here, the No (Purge Mode) button 1803 is used in a partial data verification check. The data verification check is variable. For example, in the case of printing in a windowed envelope, even if there is a missing part in the printed product, it can be reprinted later. In S1713, the CPU 226 displays, on the display unit 245, for example, the application setting screen shown in FIG. 13. Here, the CPU 226 waits for the user to set the inspection mode again and press the OK button 1302. When the determination of the inspection mode of the application is made via the OK button 1302, the CPU 226 rewrites the storage unit 228 again with the application settings selected here. In S1714, the CPU 226 copies all the inspection settings set so far and written in the RAM 227 to the storage unit 228, and releases the memory area for the inspection settings in the RAM 227. Then, the home screen of the inspection application in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit 245.

[0109] As described above, in Embodiment 1, in the purge mode where the order of the printed products cannot be guaranteed, the types of inspections that can be used are restricted. Specifically, since the purge mode and the inspection of variable printing jobs or printing jobs where one part consists of multiple sheets are not set simultaneously, the order of the printed products can be guaranteed.

[0110] As described above according to Embodiment 1, when an NG occurs in the inspection result, exclusive control can be performed between an inspection where there is a risk that the orderliness cannot be ensured, such as a print alignment inspection or a data verification check, and the purge mode. Thereby, even when an NG occurs in the inspection result, since the sheet is not purged, it is possible to prevent a missing part from occurring in the printed product.

[0111] [Embodiment 2] In the above-described Embodiment 1, an example in which the user reselects the inspection mode after the inspection type in the inspection mode of the inspection application is determined was described. In Embodiment 2, an example of controlling the selection of the inspection type for the inspection application will be described with reference to FIG. 19. Note that since the hardware configurations of the system and each device according to Embodiment 2 are the same as those of the aforementioned Embodiment 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the setting process of the inspection mode and inspection job by the inspection device 108 according to Embodiment 2. Note that the process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 226 executing the program expanded in the RAM 227. This process corresponds to FIG. 17 of the aforementioned Embodiment 1, and in this flowchart, it will be described as a process of setting each parameter shown in FIG. 12. Note that in FIG. 19, S1901 to S1906 are the same as S1701 to S1705 and S1707 in FIG. 17 described above.

[0113] In S1907, the CPU 226 checks the inspection mode 1201 stored in the RAM 227 and determines whether it is the purge mode. If it is determined that it is not the purge mode, the process proceeds to S1911, and if it is determined that it is the purge mode, the process proceeds to S1908. In S1908, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection job is a print job with a plurality of sheets per part of the inspection settings stored in the RAM 227 based on the number of sheets per part 1203 of the inspection settings. If it is determined here that the print job has a plurality of sheets per part, the process proceeds to S1910, and if the print job has one sheet per part, the process proceeds to S1909. In S1909, as shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 226 grays out and displays the parts of the print consistency inspection and data collation inspection in the pull-down 2001 and the setting 2002 of the data inspection area, and then proceeds to S1911. On the other hand, in S1910, the CPU 226 re-sets the inspection mode of the application in the same manner as S1713 and then proceeds to S1911.

[0114] With this process, in the case of the purge mode and when the number of sheets per copy is 1, only the data readability check can be performed, and it is possible to prevent the selection of check types where the order of the printed products is important, such as the print consistency check and the data collation check. Also, in the case of the purge mode and when the number of sheets per copy is more than 1, the user can be prompted to reset the check mode.

[0115] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an inspection job, which is displayed on the display unit 245 in S1909 of FIG. 19.

[0116] In FIG. 20, when the area selection icon 1401 is pressed, a pull-down menu 2001 for selecting multiple inspection types is displayed. In this pull-down menu 2001, only the data readability check can be set, and the print consistency check and the data collation check are grayed out and cannot be set. Also, in the data inspection setting 1403, the settings for the print consistency check and the data collation check are grayed out and cannot be set.

[0117] Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1911, and the CPU 226 accepts the user's inspection job settings via the display unit 245 in the same manner as in S1706. However, here, the print consistency check and the data collation check that were grayed out in S1909 remain grayed out and cannot be selected. Then, the process proceeds to S1912, and the CPU 226 displays the home screen of the inspection application on the display unit 245 in the same manner as in S1714, and ends this process.

[0118] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, the order of the inspection types and the application settings can be interchanged. Also, the exclusive control methods are diverse. It is possible to let the user select an available inspection mode according to the inspection type later as in Embodiment 1, or it is possible to gray out and prevent the setting of inspection types that are not available for the set inspection mode as in Embodiment 2.

[0119] 0][Embodiment 3] In the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, the setting of the inspection application has an inspection mode such as a purge mode or a log-only mode, and the form of controlling according to it was described. On the other hand, when the inspection application has an inspection mode, when the inspection mode is switched, the mode switch also occurs for other jobs. Therefore, in Embodiment 3, an example in which the inspection job has the setting of the inspection mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21. Note that since the hardware configurations of the system and each device according to Embodiment 3 are the same as those of Embodiment 1 described above, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the setting process of the inspection mode and inspection job by the inspection device 108 according to Embodiment 3. Note that the process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 226 executing the program expanded in the RAM 227. This process corresponds to FIG. 17 of Embodiment 1 described above, and in this flowchart, it will be described as a process of setting each parameter shown in FIG. 12. In FIG. 21, S2101, S2102, and S2103 are the same as S1704, S1705, and S1706 in FIG. 17 described above. However, regarding the inspection mode in FIG. 12, in Embodiment 3, it is included in the setting of the inspection job instead of the setting of the application.

[0121] In S2103, when the CPU 226 receives the input that the setting of the inspection job for all areas is completed, it proceeds to S2104, and the CPU 226 receives the user's inspection mode selection via the pull-down 2201 in FIG. 22.

[0122] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an inspection job, which is displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection device 108 in S2104 of FIG. 21.

[0123] In FIG. 22, when the area selection icon 1401 is pressed, a pull-down 2201 of the inspection mode in which a plurality of inspection modes can be selected is displayed.

[0124] In S2105, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection mode selected by the user on the screen is the purge mode. If it is the purge mode, it proceeds to S2106; otherwise, it proceeds to S2112. In S2106, the CPU 226 acquires the inspection job setting 1212 stored in the RAM 227 and determines whether the selected job is a print job with multiple sheets in one part. If it is a print job with multiple sheets in one part, it proceeds to S2110 to display a warning and then proceeds to S2111. If it is not a print job with multiple sheets, it proceeds to S2107. In S2107, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection job setting 1212 stored in the RAM 227 includes a print alignment inspection or a data verification inspection for which sequentiality is important as the inspection type. If it is determined here that the print alignment inspection or the data verification inspection is included, it proceeds to S2108, and the CPU 226 displays a warning on the display unit 245 and then proceeds to S2109. In S2109, if the CPU 226 determines that the user reselects the inspection type, it proceeds to S2103; if the user does not reselect the inspection type, it proceeds to S2112. Also, in S2111, the CPU 226 determines whether the user reselects the inspection mode. When reselecting, it returns to S2104; if the user does not reselect the inspection mode, it proceeds to S2112. Regarding S2112 and S2113, since they are the same as S1706 and S1714 in FIG. 17 respectively, their descriptions are omitted.

[0125] As described above, according to Embodiment 3, the inspection mode can be included in the setting of the inspection job, and there is an effect that the switching of the inspection mode can be independently performed for each job.

[0126] [Embodiment 4] In the aforementioned Embodiment 3, an example in which the inspection mode is associated with the inspection job and the inspection job is determined after determining the inspection mode has been described. In contrast, in Embodiment 4, an example of controlling the selection of the inspection mode according to the inspection type will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 23. Note that since the hardware configurations of the system and each device according to Embodiment 4 are the same as those of Embodiment 1 described above, their descriptions are omitted.

[0127] FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the inspection mode and the setting process of the inspection job by the inspection apparatus 108 according to Embodiment 4. Note that S2301, S2302, and S2303 in FIG. 23 are the same as S1704, S1705, and S1706 in FIG. 17. However, regarding the inspection mode in FIG. 12, in Embodiment 4, it is included in the inspection job setting instead of the application setting.

[0128] In S2304, the CPU 226 acquires the setting of the inspection job stored in the RAM 227, and determines from the number of sheets per copy 1203 whether the print job is a multi-sheet per copy job. If it is determined that the print job is a multi-sheet per copy job, the process proceeds to S2310. If it is determined that the print job is a single-sheet per copy job, the process proceeds to S2305. In S2305, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection type 1210 of the setting of the inspection job stored in the RAM 227 includes a print consistency inspection or a data verification inspection job. If it is determined here that the print consistency inspection or the data verification inspection is included, the process proceeds to S2306. If it is determined that it is not included, the process proceeds to S2312.

[0129] In S2306, the CPU 226 displays a warning on the display unit 245 to indicate that the purge mode cannot be set. Then, the process proceeds to S2307, where the CPU 226 determines whether an instruction to change the inspection type has been received from the user. If the instruction is received, the process returns to S2303. On the other hand, if an instruction to change the inspection type from the user is not received and the pull-down display is selected, the process proceeds to S2308. In S2308, the CPU 226 displays a setting screen for the inspection type, for example, as shown in FIG. 24.

[0130] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the inspection type, which is displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection apparatus 108 in S2308 of FIG. 23.

[0131] In FIG. 24, the purge mode of the setting pull-down 2401 is grayed out so that it cannot be selected.

[0132] Then it proceeds to S2309, and the CPU 226 waits for the selection of the log - only mode or the purge & recovery mode from the setting pull - down 2401, accepts it, and proceeds to S2313.

[0133] On the other hand, in S2304, when it is a printing job of multiple sheets for one part, it proceeds to S2310. Similar to S2308, the purge mode of the setting pull - down 2401 is grayed out so that it cannot be selected. Then it proceeds to S2111, and the CPU 226 accepts the selection of the log - only mode or the purge & recovery mode from the setting pull - down 2401 and proceeds to S2313. Since S2313 and S2314 are the same as S1706 and S1714 in FIG. 17 respectively, their descriptions are omitted.

[0134] As described above, according to Embodiment 4, the priority order of the inspection type and the inspection mode setting can be swapped.

[0135] (Other Embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above - described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. Also, it can be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0136] The present invention is not limited to the above - described embodiments, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, in order to publicize the scope of the present invention, the following claims are attached.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0137] 101... Printing device, 106... Inspection unit, 107... High - capacity stacker, 108... Inspection device, 109... Information processing device, 110... Client computer

Claims

【Claim 1】 An inspection apparatus for inspecting a printed matter by comparing a reference image with the printed matter, as an inspection mode of the inspection, a control means for exclusively controlling the inspection mode to be a mode for switching a paper discharge destination of a printed matter in which a defect is recognized, an inspection job for inspecting a printed matter in which a part is composed of a plurality of printed matters, or an inspection type for inspecting a printed matter having orderliness, The inspection apparatus characterized by comprising the same.

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