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 device, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Inspection devices are known that read printed materials produced by a printing device and inspect the quality of the printed material. Inspection devices can detect image defects such as stains and missing prints, character errors, and barcode quality. Therefore, there are several types of inspections available to suit the type of defect you are trying to detect. These types of inspections include, for example, an inspection to check whether the printed characters are correct and an inspection to check the grade of the printed barcode.

[0003] If printed matter for which defects have been detected and the inspection result has been NG and printed matter for which no defects were detected are discharged to the same discharge destination, it becomes impossible to know which printed matter has been NG. Therefore, Patent Document 1 describes that when a printed matter for which the inspection result has been NG is detected, only the printed matter (sheet) for which the NG has occurred is discharged to a discharge destination different from the discharge destination for printed matter (sheet) for which no defects were detected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-41430 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When controlling paper output by switching the output destination of paper that has been judged as OK from that of paper that has been judged as NG, the data acquired for each printed sheet is inspected using collated data that has a sequence. If printing continues after an NG result is obtained, the paper that has been judged as OK will be ejected to the output destination. The order of the printed output is not guaranteed. Therefore, This has been problematic in terms of convenience for users who handle printed output. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an inspection device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: An inspection system in which at least an inspection device, a printing device, and an information processing device are communicably connected, The information processing device includes: a transmission means for transmitting to the printing device a print job for generating a printout in which an image is printed on a recording medium and verification data having a sequence used in inspection by the inspection device; The inspection device includes: a data inspection means for acquiring data for each recording medium from a read image of each recording medium of the printed matter, and inspecting the acquired data based on the collation data; The printing device a printing means for generating a print based on the print job; a paper discharge control means for discharging a recording medium for which the inspection result by the data inspection means is normal to a first paper discharge destination, and discharging a recording medium for which the inspection result is defective to a second paper discharge destination; The printing means stops generating printed matter corresponding to a recording medium subsequent to the recording medium with the defective inspection result in response to the defective inspection result being obtained in the inspection by the data inspection means. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, In data inspection using sequential matching data In a batch of prints in which no defects are detected, the order of the prints is guaranteed.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an inspection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the printing apparatus, inspection apparatus, large-capacity stacker, information processing apparatus 109, and client computer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the printing apparatus, inspection unit, and large-capacity stacker according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a problem caused by a NG occurrence in a print product of a print job that has a sequence. [Figure 5]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another example of a defect caused by a NG occurrence in a print product of a print job that has a sequence. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart illustrating printing and inspection processing by the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an inspection process in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a home screen of an inspection application displayed on a display unit of the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 8 is a flowchart for explaining the process of creating a new inspection job in step S702 of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a setting screen displayed on a display unit when a new job is created in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on the display unit when registering a reference image in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of parameters used to set an inspection job in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when setting an inspection mode of an inspection application in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a setting screen for setting an inspection area and a reader of an image when performing inspection in an inspection job in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing (S704) when the inspection device according to the first embodiment performs an inspection. [Figure 16] 16 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection process in S1505 of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 8 is a flowchart for explaining the inspection mode and inspection job setting process in S703 of FIG. 7 performed by the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the inspection device in S1711 of FIG. 17. [Figure 19]10 is a flowchart illustrating a setting process of an inspection mode and an inspection job performed by an inspection device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an inspection job, which is displayed on the display unit of the inspection device in S1909 of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the setting process of an inspection mode and an inspection job by an inspection device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an inspection job, which is displayed on the display unit of the inspection device in S2104 of FIG. 21. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the setting process of an inspection mode and an inspection job by an inspection device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the type of inspection, which is displayed on the display unit of the inspection device in S2308 of FIG. 23. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the present invention can be applied to an inspection device consisting of a single device or multiple devices, as long as the functions of the present invention are realized. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the present invention can be applied to an inspection device that is connected and performs processing via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), as long as the functions of the present invention are realized. In other words, the system configuration in which various terminals are connected, as described in the following embodiments, is merely an example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of an inspection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The inspection system includes an information processing device, an inspection device, and a printing device. While the printing device 101 according to the first embodiment is described as an electrophotographic printing device, the 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 an information processing device 109 via a cable 112. The information processing device 109 is connected to a 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. An optional deck 105 consisting of three paper feed decks is also connected. The UI panel 102 is a user interface equipped with, for example, a capacitive touch panel. The printing device 101 also includes an inspection unit 106 and a large-capacity stacker 107. The inspection unit 106 is connected to an inspection device 108 via a cable 114. The large-capacity stacker 107 has a main tray and a top tray, and the main tray can hold several thousand sheets of paper at a time.

[0012] A print job is generated by a client computer 110, transmitted to an information processing device 109 via a network 113, and managed by the information processing device 109. The print job is then transmitted from the information processing device 109 to the printing device 101 via a cable 112, and the printing device 101 prints on paper in accordance with the print job. Note that the print job may also 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.

[0013] The information processing device 109 also manages files containing data such as CSV files used to create jobs on client computers. In the first embodiment, variable data will be described as files in CSV format (CSV files). These CSV files are transmitted to the information processing device 109 via the network 113 and managed by the information processing device 109. The CSV files may also be transmitted to the printing device 101 via the network 113 and managed by the inspection device 108.

[0014] The client computer 110, information processing device 109, and inspection device 108 may be connected to a cable 112 to communicate with the printing device 101. The inspection device 108 may also be connected to the information processing device 109 and client computer 110 via a network 113. That is, the connection configuration of the printing device 101, information processing device 109, and client computer 110 shown in FIG. 1 is one example, and it goes without saying that there are various other connection configurations besides that shown in the first embodiment.

[0015] Furthermore, in addition to the inspection unit 106 and the large-capacity stacker 107, the printing apparatus 101 may be configured to be connected to a stapleable finisher, a folding machine, a bookbinding machine, and the like.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating 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.

[0017] First, the printing device 101 will be described.

[0018] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 controls and performs calculations in each section of the printing device 101 via a system bus 212. The CPU 201 executes programs stored in a storage unit 205 and deployed in a RAM (Random Access Memory) 202. The RAM 202 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 201, and is used as a work area for the CPU 201 and as a temporary data storage area. The storage unit 205 stores programs and various data for the printing device 101.

[0019] The engine I / F 209 controls communication with and control of the printer engine 210. The paper feed deck I / F 204 controls communication with and control of the paper feed deck 211. The paper feed deck 211 is a collective term for the paper feed decks 103 and 104 and the option deck 105 shown in FIG. 1 as a hardware configuration. The UI panel 203 is a hardware configuration of the UI panel 102, and is a user interface for performing overall operations of the printing apparatus 101. In the first embodiment, the UI panel 203 is equipped with a capacitive touch panel.

[0020] The network interface (hereinafter referred to as NWI / F) 207 is connected to the NWI / F 238 of the information processing device 109 via a cable 213, and controls communication between the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101. Note that in this example, the interfaces connected to the system bus are directly connected to each other, but the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101 may also be connected via a network or the like, and the connection format is not limited thereto. The video I / F 206 is connected to the video I / F 233 of the information processing device 109 via a video cable 241, and controls communication of image data between the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101.

[0021] The connection interface between the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101 may be a combination of the functions of the NWI / F 238 and the video I / F 233. The connection interface between the printing device 101 and the information processing device 109 may be a combination of the functions of the NWI / F 207 and the video I / F 206.

[0022] The accessory I / F 208 is connected to the inspection unit 106 and the accessory I / F 214 and accessory I / F 220 of the large-capacity stacker 107 via a cable 225. That is, the printing device 101 communicates with the inspection unit 106 and the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 208, 214, and 220.

[0023] Next, the inspection unit 106 will be described.

[0024] The CPU 216 executes programs stored in the storage unit 247 and deployed in the RAM 217, and performs control and calculations on each component within the inspection unit 106 via the system bus 219. The RAM 217 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 216, and is used as a work area for the CPU 216 and as a temporary data storage area. The storage unit 247 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the inspection device 106 is in operation. The inspection device I / F 215 is connected to the inspection device unit I / F 231 of the inspection device 108 via a cable 248. That is, the inspection unit 106 communicates with the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231.

[0025] The photographing unit 218 has a photographing function equipped with, for example, a conduct image sensor (hereinafter, CIS), photographs the paper passing through the inspection unit 106, and transmits the photographed image data to the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215. Note that the CIS for the photographing unit 218 is an example of a sensor, and other types of sensors such as a CCD image sensor may also be used, and the photographing method is not limited.

[0026] Next, the large-capacity stacker 107 will be described.

[0027] The CPU 221 executes programs stored in the storage unit 248 and expanded in the RAM 222, and controls each unit in the large-capacity stacker 107 via the system bus 224. The RAM 222 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 221, and is used as a work area for 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 in operation. The paper discharge unit 223 is responsible for the paper discharge operation to the main tray and top tray, and for monitoring and controlling the loading status of each of the main tray and top tray.

[0028] Next, the inspection device 108 will be described.

[0029] The CPU 226 executes programs stored in the memory unit 228 and loaded into the RAM 227, and controls and performs calculations in each component of the inspection device 108 via the system bus 230. The RAM 227 is a type of general volatile storage device directly accessible by the CPU 226 and is used as a work area for the CPU 226 and as a temporary data storage area. The memory unit 228 functions as a temporary storage area for 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 or the information processing device 109 and performs interpretation processing. The display unit 245 is, for example, a display connected to the inspection device 108, and accepts operator inputs 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.

[0030] Next, the information processing device 109 will be described.

[0031] The CPU 234 executes programs stored in the storage unit 236 and expanded in the RAM 235, and controls and performs calculations on each unit in the information processing device 109 via a 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 a work area for the CPU 234 and other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 236 stores various programs to be executed by the CPU 234 of the information processing device 109. The network interface (hereinafter referred to as NWI / F) 237 is connected to an NWI / F 240 of the client computer 110 via a network, and communicates with the client computer 110.

[0032] In the first embodiment, the information processing device 109 and the inspection device 108 do not communicate with each other. However, the first embodiment is merely an example, and the inspection device 108 may have an NWI / F, and the information processing device 109 may communicate with the inspection device 108 via the NWI / F and the NWI / F 237.

[0033] Next, the client computer 110 will be described.

[0034] The CPU 243 executes programs stored in the storage unit 244 and deployed in the RAM 242, and controls and performs calculations on each unit in 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 a work area for 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, etc.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the printing apparatus 101, the inspection unit 106, and the large-capacity stacker 107 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] The printing device 101 accepts user input and displays printing and device status via a UI panel 102. Various types of paper can be stored in paper feed decks 103 and 104. Each paper feed deck can separate only the topmost sheet of paper from the stack and transport it to a paper transport path 305. Development stations 301-304 form toner images using Y, M, C, and K color toners, respectively, to form color images. The toner images formed here undergo primary transfer onto an intermediate transfer belt 306. The intermediate transfer belt 306 rotates clockwise in FIG. 3 , and the toner image is transferred to paper transported from the paper transport path 305 at a secondary transfer position 307. The fixing unit 308 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller. The toner is melted and pressed onto the paper as the paper passes between these rollers, thereby fixing the toner image to the paper. After passing through the fixing unit 308, the paper is transported to a transport path 312 via a paper transport path 309. If further fusing and pressing are required for fixing depending on the type of paper, the paper that has passed through fixing unit 308 is transported to second fixing unit 310 using the upper paper transport path, where additional fusing and pressing are performed, and then transported to transport path 312 via paper transport path 311. In the case of double-sided printing, the paper with one side printed is transported to paper inversion path 313, where it is inverted, and then transported to double-sided transport path 314, where the image on the second side is transferred to secondary transfer position 307.

[0037] In the inspection unit 106, CISs 315 and 316 are arranged facing each other. CIS 315 is a sensor for reading the top surface of a sheet of paper, and CIS 316 is a sensor for reading the bottom surface of the sheet of paper. In the inspection unit 106, when a sheet of paper transported along a sheet transport path 317 reaches a predetermined position, the CISs 315 and 316 are used to scan the sheet. The image data obtained by the scan is sent 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 the received image data contains defects and notifies the inspection unit 106 of the determination result via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215 again. In response, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 notifies the received determination result to the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 214 and 220.

[0038] The large-capacity stacker 107 has a main tray 324 as a tray for stacking sheets. Sheets that have passed through the inspection unit 106 enter the large-capacity stacker 107 via a sheet transport path 319. The sheets travel from the sheet transport path 319 to a sheet transport path 322 and are then stacked on the main tray 324. The large-capacity stacker 107 also has a top tray 320 as a sheet output tray. The CPU 221 of the large-capacity stacker 107 ejects sheets for which defects have been detected by the inspection device 108 to the top tray 320. When ejecting sheets to the top tray 320, the sheets are transported from the sheet transport path 319 to the top tray 320 via a sheet transport path 321. The inverting unit 323 inverts the sheets. This inverting unit 323 is used when sheets are stacked on the main tray 324. When stacking sheets on the main tray 324, the sheets are inverted once in the inverting unit 323 so that the orientation of the incoming sheets is the same as the orientation of the sheets when stacked. When conveying the sheets to the top tray 320, the sheets are discharged as they are without being flipped when stacked, and therefore the reversing operation at the reversing unit 323 is not performed.

[0039] In the first embodiment, a variable print job and a multi-sheet print job will be described as examples of print jobs in which the print deliverables are ordered.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a problem caused by a NG occurrence in a print result of a print job that has a sequence.

[0041] FIG. 4A shows a variable print job. This variable printing is a job that prints different numbers or text on each sheet, for example. For example, an identifiable customer name is printed on the first, second, and third sheets. Therefore, when delivering these sheets, if a sheet is missing due to a NG, the printed product will be sent to the wrong destination. In the example of FIG. 4A, the printed product addressed to Mr. C is missing because a NG was detected in the printed product addressed to Mr. C. However, if the addresses were printed in the original order, Mr. C's address would be printed on the printed product addressed to Mr. D. This is inconvenient for users, and it is desirable to maintain the order of the printed products.

[0042] Figure 4(B) shows a print job where one copy consists of multiple sheets. A print job where one copy consists of multiple sheets is one where the number of sheets per copy is two or more. In this case, if, for example, the second sheet (P2) of one copy of multiple sheets is rejected and removed, the subsequent post-processing device, such as a stapler, will staple the incorrect sheets into a stack of sheets. Therefore, to complete printing, the user must manually reprint the rejected sheets and insert the reprinted sheets in the places where they were omitted. This makes it difficult for the user to use. Therefore, it is considered desirable to maintain the order of the printed output at the end of printing.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of a problem caused by a NG occurrence in a print result of a print job that has a sequence.

[0044] When print consistency inspection and data matching inspection are performed as inspection items, it is expected that the order of the printed output will be maintained, just as with variable print jobs. Figure 5(A) shows an example of a print consistency inspection, which checks whether the pre-set numerical order is correct. For example, it checks whether P1 is printed on the first sheet, P2 on the second sheet, and P3 on the third sheet.

[0045] FIG. 5(B) is a diagram showing an example of a data matching inspection. Here, it is inspected whether the original data matches the character string to be inspected. For example, the original data is a number that identifies an individual, and it is inspected whether that number is printed. For example, the data matching inspection is performed sheet by sheet, and if the inspected sheets are placed in an envelope that maintains the order, it is necessary to maintain the order of the printed output. The example in FIG. 5(B) shows an example in which a water usage bill is issued corresponding to a number that identifies an individual.

[0046] In the first embodiment, the case of discharging onto the top tray 320 of the large-capacity stacker 107 is called "purging." In the first embodiment, purging is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0047] 6 is a flowchart illustrating printing and inspection processing by the printing device 101 according to embodiment 1. Note that, in the processing shown in this flowchart, the processing by the printing device 101 is achieved by the CPU 201 executing a program loaded in the RAM 202, and the processing by the inspection unit 106 is achieved by the CPU 216 executing a program loaded in the RAM 217.

[0048] In S601, the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 receives a print job from the information processing device 109 and starts printing. Next, the process proceeds to S602, where the CPU 201 determines whether printing of all sheets to be printed by the print job has been completed. If not, the process proceeds to S603, and if completed, the process ends. In S603, the CPU 201 prints an image on a paper sheet in accordance with the print job.

[0049] Next, the process proceeds to S604, where 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 using the CIS 315 and CIS 316. Next, the process proceeds to S605, where the CPU 216 transmits the image data obtained by scanning in S604 to the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231.

[0050] Next, in S606, the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 determines whether a jam has been detected, and if a jam has been detected, the process proceeds to S607. At this time, the jam may have occurred anywhere inside the printing device 101, the inspection unit 106, or the large-capacity stacker 107, and there is no limit to the location. Furthermore, if a jam occurs in the inspection unit 106 or the large-capacity stacker 107, the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 acquires the jam information and jam location via the accessory I / Fs 214, 220, and 208.

[0051] In S607, the CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 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 208, 214, and 220. This jam state includes jam position information that can be determined by detecting paper with sensors (not shown) inside the printing apparatus 101, the inspection unit 106, or the large-capacity stacker 107. In addition, the CPU 201 can detect that paper ejection is complete when paper is printed on and ejected outside the printing apparatus 101, and therefore can detect which paper has jammed. Therefore, information about the paper on which the jam occurred is also included in the jam state.

[0052] Next, the process proceeds to S608, where the CPU 201 notifies the information processing device 109 of the jam status via the NWI / F 207 and NWI / F 238. This allows the information processing device 109 to know which sheet of paper used in the print job has jammed, i.e., where recovery printing should begin. Next, the process proceeds to S609, where the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 cancels the print job being executed. Next, the process proceeds to S610, where the CPU 201 instructs the inspection unit 106 and the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 214, 208, and 220 to eject the paper that has already been fed from the paper feed decks 103 and 104 and is on the paper transport path to an evacuation space within the printing device 101, the top tray 320, or the like. Then, after evacuating the paper in S610, the CPU 201 sends printing stop information to the inspection unit 106 and the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 208, 214, and 220. Then, in S611, the CPU 201 waits until all jammed paper has been cleared from the printing device 101. When a jam occurs, in S607 to S611, the execution of the print job is stopped until the processing for the jam is completed.

[0053] When all jammed paper in the printing device 101 has been cleared in this way, the process proceeds to S612, where the CPU 201 notifies the inspection unit 106 and the large-capacity stacker 107 that the jam has been cleared via the accessory I / Fs 208, 214, and 220. The CPU 201 also notifies the client computer 110 via the NWI / Fs 208 and 238 that the jam has been cleared.

[0054] The process then proceeds to S613, where the CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 101 receives the print job for the jammed paper and subsequent pages from the information processing apparatus 109, continues printing, and then proceeds to S614. Also, if no jam has occurred in S606, the process proceeds to S614.

[0055] In S614, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 determines whether or not a purge instruction has been received from the inspection device 108 in case the inspection result is NG, and if a purge instruction has been received, the process proceeds to S615, and if not, the process proceeds to S626. In S626, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 instructs the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 214 and 220 to discharge the paper to the discharge destination specified in the print job, and then proceeds to S602.

[0056] On the other hand, in S615, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 instructs the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 214 and 220 to eject the paper for which the inspection result is NG onto the top tray 320.

[0057] Next, in S616, the CPU 216 determines whether a print stop instruction has been received from the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231. If a print stop instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to S602. On the other hand, if a print stop instruction has been received, the process proceeds to S617, where the CPU 216 notifies the information processing device 109 of a jam state via the accessory I / Fs 214, 208, and 220. This jam state includes jam position information that is determined by a sensor (not shown) inside the inspection unit 106 detecting paper. Next, the process proceeds to S618, where the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 uses a pseudo jam mechanism, even though the paper has been ejected outside the machine. The CPU 201 can also detect which paper has 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. This allows the information processing apparatus 109 to know which sheet of paper used in the print job has jammed, that is, where recovery printing should be performed.

[0058] The process then proceeds to S619, where the CPU 201 cancels the current print job. Next, the process proceeds to S620, where the CPU 201 notifies the inspection unit 106 that printing has been stopped. The process then proceeds to S621, where the CPU 201 instructs the inspection unit 106 to eject all of the paper sheets in the machine to the top tray 320 of the large-capacity stacker 107. Then, in S622, when all of the paper sheets to be ejected have been ejected, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 notifies the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231 that the paper ejection has been completed.

[0059] Next, in S623, the CPU 216 waits until it receives information from the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231 that the inspection has resumed. Once the inspection has resumed, the process proceeds to S624, where 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, in S625, the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 receives from the information processing device 109 a print job to print the sheets following the one for which the inspection result was NG, and proceeds again to S602, where the processes of S602 to S625 are repeated until inspection of all sheets has been completed. Once inspection of all sheets has been completed in this way, printing also ends, and this process ends.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the CPU 226 of the inspection device 108 is described as stopping printing when a jam occurs. 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 eject all sheets of paper that have already been fed from the paper feed decks 103 and 104 and are on the paper transport path to the top tray 320.

[0061] In the first embodiment, paper that is found to be NG in the inspection result is discharged to the top tray 320 of the large-capacity stacker 107, but it may also be discharged to a tray other than the designated discharge destination of the print job, and the form is not limited to the top tray 320.

[0062] 7 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection process in the inspection device 108 according to embodiment 1. The process shown in the flowchart in FIG. 7 is achieved by the CPU 226 of the inspection device 108 executing a program loaded in the RAM 227.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen of an inspection app displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection device 108 according to the first embodiment.

[0064] First, in S701, the CPU 226 launches the inspection app deployed in the RAM 227, and displays, for example, the home screen of the inspection app shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 245. Next, the process proceeds to S702, where the CPU 226 waits for the New Creation button 801 on the screen of FIG. 8 to be pressed. When the New Creation button 801 is pressed, the CPU 226 creates a new inspection job and saves the inspection job in the storage unit 228. Details of S702 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. Here, the inspection job has a data structure including the inspection job name, the number of sheets per copy, the number of copies to be printed, the paper type, an array of area settings, and a reference image. Next, the process proceeds to S703, where the CPU 226, upon detecting that the App Settings button 804 on the screen of FIG. 8 has been pressed, configures the inspection app saved in the storage unit 228 and overwrites the settings in the storage unit 228. Details of S703 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17. Furthermore, when it is detected that the inspection job setting button 803 has been pressed on the screen of Fig. 8, the inspection job selected in the inspection job list 802 is read from the storage unit 228. Then, the inspection job is set and overwritten in the storage unit 228. Then, the process proceeds to S704, and when the CPU 226 detects that the inspection button 805 has been pressed on the screen of Fig. 8, the CPU 226 executes the inspection job, performs the inspection, and writes the inspection results to the storage unit 228. Details of S704 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 15.

[0065] Here, when a new creation button 801 on the screen of FIG. 8 is selected, a screen for creating a new inspection job, such as that shown in FIG. 10, is displayed. An inspection job list 802 displays a list of inspection jobs stored in the storage unit 228, and the user selects a desired inspection job from those displayed in this inspection job list. An inspection job setting button 803 displays a screen for setting the selected inspection job. An application setting button 804 displays a screen for setting the inspection mode of the inspection application, such as that shown in FIG. 13. A duplicate button 806 is a button for creating a duplicate of the selected inspection job. A file button 807 is used to output a report of the inspection results, etc. A help button 808 is used to call up help for the inspection application.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process of creating a new inspection job in S702 of FIG.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit 245 when creating a new job, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on the display unit 245 when registering a reference image.

[0068] In S901, when the CPU 226 detects that the new creation button 801 has been pressed on the screen of Fig. 8, the process proceeds to S902, where the CPU 226 displays the job setting screen shown in Fig. 10 on the display unit 245. The settings set on the screen of Fig. 10 are print settings for printing an image to register a reference image, and are also print settings used when printing for inspection.

[0069] FIG. 10 shows an example of a setting screen for a job in which the inspection job name 1002 is "new inspection job." Furthermore, in step S902, the CPU 226 allocates a memory area for the inspection job in the RAM 227. In the example of FIG. 10, the number of sheets per copy 1003 is 5 sheets, the number of copies to be printed 1004 is 100 copies, and the paper size 1005 is A4. In other words, the number of sheets per copy 1003, the number of copies to be printed 1004, and the paper size 1005 are paper information for the print job. In the first embodiment, the inspection app does not receive print job information from the printing apparatus 101, so the information is manually input via the screen of FIG. 10, but it may also be configured so that the information is automatically set by communicating with the printing apparatus 101.

[0070] Next, the process proceeds to S903, and when the OK button 1006 is pressed with the inspection job name 1002, number of sheets per copy 1003, number of copies to be printed 1004, and paper size 1005 entered on the screen of FIG. 10, the CPU 226 detects the completion of job setting. The job ID 1001 is an inspection job identification number 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 app of FIG. 8, and returns to the state before S901. The process proceeds to S904, and the CPU 226 writes the information set on this screen—the job ID, inspection job name, number of sheets per copy, number of copies to be printed, and paper size—into the memory area for the inspection job secured in the RAM 227. The process proceeds to S905, and the CPU 226 displays, for example, a reference image registration screen shown in FIG. 11 on the display unit 245.

[0071] 11 shows an example of a registration screen for registering a reference image. In this screen, a start reading button 1102 is displayed to instruct the start of scanning an image to register the reference image, and an end image reading button 1102 is displayed to instruct the end of scanning the image.

[0072] Next, the process proceeds to S906, where the CPU 226 accepts an instruction to start reading an image from the user by pressing the read start button 1101 on the screen of Fig. 11 and then proceeds to S907. In S907, the CPU 226 receives image data of the document obtained by scanning with the CIS 315 and CIS 316 of the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215. The process then proceeds to S908, where 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. Furthermore, 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 app of Fig. 8, and returns to the state before S901.

[0073] The process then proceeds to S909, where the CPU 226 repeats S906 to S908 until the image reading end button 1102 on the screen of FIG. 11 is pressed, that is, until image reading for all sheets is completed. If it is determined that the image reading end button 1102 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S910. In S910, the CPU 226 saves the inspection job name, number of sheets per copy, number of copies, paper type, and reference image saved in the memory area for the inspection job secured in S902 as an inspection job in the storage unit 228. The process then proceeds to S911, where the CPU 226 switches the screen to the home screen of the inspection app in FIG. 8. At this time, a "New Inspection Job" is added and displayed in the inspection job list 802 in FIG. 8. This concludes the description of the new inspection job creation process.

[0074] Note that the example shown here is merely an example, and the user's instruction to start image reading on the display unit 245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with an instruction to start printing in the printing device 101, the information processing device 109, or the client computer 110, and the form is not limited thereto. Also, the user's instruction to end image reading on the display unit 245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with the end of printing in the printing device 101, and the form is not limited thereto.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, the inspection device 108 may read a plurality of images for the same page and register the composite image as a reference image.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of parameters used to set an inspection job in the inspection device 108 according to the first embodiment.

[0077] FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen used to set the inspection mode of the inspection application in the inspection device 108 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 14 shows an example of a screen used to set the inspection area and reader of an image when performing inspection by an inspection job. The settings of the inspection mode and inspection job are set according to the flowchart in FIG. 17. In the first embodiment, the elements related to the inspection, such as the inspection job name 1202 to the area setting array 1206, and the area ID 1207 to the reference data 1211 included in the area setting 1213, which is an element of the area setting array 1206, are referred to as the inspection job settings. The inspection mode 1201 and the inspection job setting 1212, which are settings of the inspection application, are collectively referred to as the inspection settings. These inspection settings are stored in the storage unit 228. In the first embodiment, the timing at which the inspection unit I / F 231 transmits a signal and the type of signal to be transmitted differ depending on the inspection mode 1201, and the operation of the printing device 101 when an NG inspection result is detected is determined.

[0078] In the first embodiment, there are three types of inspection modes: purge mode, log-on mode, and purge & recovery mode, as shown in Fig. 12. In purge mode, if the inspection result is NG, a purge instruction is sent to the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 in S614, and a printing stop instruction is not sent in S615. Therefore, although a purge instruction is sent by the inspection unit 106, recovery printing is not performed and printing continues.

[0079] In the log-on mode, if the test result is NG, the purge instruction in S614 is not sent to the test unit 106 via the test unit I / F 231, and therefore the test unit 106 does not issue a purge instruction. However, in the log-on mode, the test results are saved as a log, so the test results can be confirmed by viewing the log.

[0080] In the purge & recovery mode, if the inspection result is NG, the inspection unit 106 is instructed to purge via the inspection unit I / F 231, and a print stop instruction is issued to purge and stop printing. After that, after all the paper in the machine has been ejected to the top tray, a recovery print instruction is output to execute recovery printing. The inspection mode 1201 is set to the log-on single mode by default.

[0081] The inspection job settings 1212 include an inspection job name 1202, number of sheets per copy 1203, number of copies to print 1204, and 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.

[0082] The inspection mode 1201 is set on the application setting screen of FIG.

[0083] 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 the first embodiment.

[0084] When the CPU 226 detects that an OK button 1302 has been pressed on this screen, it 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 CPU 226 discards the memory area reserved in the RAM 227 for setting the inspection job, and displays the home screen of the inspection application shown in FIG.

[0085] 12. The inspection job setting 1212 and area setting 1213 in FIG. 12 are set on the screen in FIG.

[0086] When the area selection icon 1401 is pressed on the screen of Fig. 14, an inspection type pull-down menu from which multiple inspection types can be selected 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. The CPU 226 then adds the area setting of the created area ID to the area setting array 1206 of Fig. 12 and stores the selected inspection type as an inspection job setting in a memory area for inspection job settings. Furthermore, the CPU 226 stores the upper left coordinate of the drawn coordinates and the area size in a memory area for inspection job settings as an inspection job setting.

[0087] When the inspection type is a print consistency inspection or a data verification inspection, if a reference value is entered in the blank for the data inspection area setting 1403, the start page number or CSV path is stored as reference data in the inspection job setting memory as an inspection job setting. When a barcode reader path or a font file path is entered in the blank for reader type 1404, the value is stored as the reader type in the memory area for inspection job setting.

[0088] Pressing the edit icon 1405 allows you to enlarge or reduce the image or copy the area when setting the inspection area. Pressing the cancel button 1406 cancels the settings on this screen, discards the memory area for inspection job settings secured in the RAM 227, and transitions to the home screen of the inspection application. Pressing the complete button 1407 copies the inspection job settings saved in the memory area for inspection job settings in the RAM 227 to the storage unit 228.

[0089] The area setting 1213 in FIG. 12 is set on the inspection job setting screen in FIG. 14. When the inspection job setting screen is opened, the CPU 226 allocates a memory area for inspection job setting in the RAM 227 and copies the inspection job setting from the storage unit 228. On the inspection job setting screen in FIG. 14, when the area selection icon 1401 is pressed, the CPU 226 displays a pull-down menu of multiple inspection types on the display unit 245, from which the inspection type can be selected. When an inspection type is selected and a rectangular area is drawn on the reference image 1402, the CPU 226 creates an area ID corresponding to each area. The CPU 226 then adds the area setting of the created area ID to the area setting array 1206 and stores the selected inspection type as an inspection job setting in the memory area for inspection job setting. Furthermore, the CPU 226 stores the upper left coordinate and area size of the drawn coordinates in the memory area for inspection job setting as an inspection job setting.

[0090] 15 is a flowchart illustrating the process (S704) when the inspection device 108 according to the embodiment 1 performs an inspection. The process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 226 executing a program loaded in the RAM 227.

[0091] First, in S1501, when the CPU 226 detects that the Inspection button 805 on the screen of FIG. 8 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1502. In S1502, the CPU 226 reads the inspection settings for the inspection job selected in the inspection list 802 on the home screen of FIG. 8 from the storage unit 228 into the RAM 227. Next, the process proceeds to S1503, where the CPU 226 receives image data obtained by scanning with the CIS 315 and CIS 316 of the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215. Then, the process proceeds to S1504, where the CPU 226 reads out the reference image of the corresponding page from the RAM 227. The CPU 226 then compares the read-out reference image with the scanned image data of the inspection target received in S1503.

[0092] In this comparison, first, characteristic points on the images are used as reference points for alignment to align the image positions of the reference image and the scanned image data of the object to be inspected. Next, the four corners of the paper and the alignment reference points of the scanned image data of the object to be inspected are analyzed to detect any misalignment of the image relative to the paper. Next, the density values ​​of the reference image and the scanned image data of the object to be inspected are compared pixel by pixel. If no defects are detected as a result of the above, the inspection result is deemed to be OK.

[0093] Next, in S1505, the CPU 226 performs inspection. Details of the processing of S1505 will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 16. Next, the flow proceeds to S1506, where the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection result is NG, and if NG, the flow proceeds to S1507, and if not NG, the flow 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 logon-ly mode, and if so, the flow proceeds to S1514. On the other hand, if the inspection mode is other than the logon-ly mode, the flow proceeds to S1509.

[0094] In S1509, the CPU 226 notifies the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215 that the inspection result is NG, and the process proceeds to S1510. In S1510, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection mode acquired in S1507 is purge & recovery mode, and if so, the process proceeds to S1511, but if not, the process 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. Next, the process proceeds to S1512, instructing the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215 to eject all sheets that have already been fed from the paper feed decks 103 and 104 and are on the paper transport path, after the sheet whose inspection result is NG, to the top tray 320 of the large-capacity stacker 107. When the CPU 226 receives notification from the inspection unit 106 that paper ejection has been completed, the process proceeds to S1513, where it instructs the inspection unit 106 to start recovery printing via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215, and the process proceeds to S1514.

[0095] In S1514, the CPU 226 writes the inspection results written to the RAM 227 to a log held in the storage unit 228. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1515, where the CPU 226 determines whether inspection of all sheets has been completed. If it determines that inspection has not been completed, the process proceeds to S1503, but if it determines that inspection of all sheets has been completed, the process ends. Note that the CPU 226 determines whether inspection of all sheets has been completed by receiving an instruction to end image reading from the user using an inspection end button (not shown) displayed on the display unit 245.

[0096] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection process in S1505 of FIG.

[0097] In S1601, the CPU 226 performs grayscale processing on the scanned image data used in the comparison in S1504. Next, in S1602, the CPU 226 acquires coordinate information 1208 from the inspection job settings stored in RAM 227. Then, using this coordinate information 1208, it cuts out an inspection area from the scanned image data. Then, in S1603, the CPU 226 acquires a reader type 1209 from the inspection job settings stored in RAM 227 and calls a reader from the storage unit 228. Then, it decodes the cut-out inspection area using this reader. Next, in S1604, the CPU 226 acquires an inspection type 1210 from the inspection job settings in RAM 227 and determines whether the inspection type is a data readability inspection, which inspects whether the data in the inspection area can be identified. If it is determined to be a data readability inspection, the process proceeds to S1609; if it is determined not to be a data readability inspection, the process proceeds to S1605.

[0098] 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 inspection job settings stored in the RAM 227. If it is determined in S1605 that the inspection type is a print consistency inspection, the process proceeds to S1606. If it is determined that the inspection type is not a print consistency inspection, i.e., a data comparison inspection, the process proceeds to S1607. In S1606, the CPU 226 adds the acquired reference data to the current number of copies to calculate the correct data, and then proceeds to S1608. Meanwhile, in S1607, the CPU 226 reads the correct data from the storage unit using the acquired reference data, and then proceeds to S1608. In S1608, the CPU 226 compares the correct data acquired in S1606 or S1607 with the decoded result acquired in S1603. If the comparison results in a match, the process proceeds to S1612; if they do not match, the process proceeds to S1611.

[0099] If it is determined in S1604 that the inspection type is a data readability inspection, the process proceeds to S1609, where the CPU 226 writes the decoded results to the RAM 227. Then, the process proceeds to S1610, where the CPU 226 determines whether the decoding in S1603 was successful and no errors occurred. If it is determined 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 inspection of all elements in the area setting array 1206 of the inspection job setting loaded into the RAM 227 has been completed. If it is determined that inspection of all elements has been completed, the process proceeds to S1613; if it is determined that inspection of all elements has not been completed, the process returns to S1603. In S1613, the CPU 226 records the inspection results in the RAM 227 and ends this process.

[0100] Note that the example shown here is merely an example, and the user's instruction to start image reading on the display unit 245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with an instruction to start printing in the printing device 101, the information processing device 109, or the client computer 110, and the form is not limited thereto. Also, the user's instruction to end image reading on the display unit 245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with the end of printing in the printing device 101, and the form is not limited thereto.

[0101] 17 is a flowchart for explaining the inspection mode and inspection job setting process of S703 in FIG. 7 by the inspection device 108 according to the first embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 226 executing a program loaded in the RAM 227. In this flowchart, the process is explained as setting the parameters shown in FIG. 12.

[0102] In S1701, the CPU 226 detects that the application setting button 804 on the screen of FIG. 8 displayed on the display unit 245 has been pressed, and the process proceeds to S1702. In S1702, the CPU 226 displays the application setting screen shown in FIG. 12 on the display unit 245. The CPU 226 then allocates a memory area for the inspection mode in the RAM 227. The process proceeds to S1703, where the CPU 226 detects that the user has selected the radio button for the inspection mode 1301 on the screen of FIG. 13 and pressed the OK button 1302. As a result, the CPU 226 saves the mode selected on that screen in the memory area for the inspection mode in the RAM 227 as a parameter for the inspection mode 1201. Thereafter, the CPU 226 copies the mode from the memory area for the inspection mode in the RAM 227 to the memory area in the storage unit 228 where the inspection mode is saved, and releases the memory area for the inspection mode in the RAM 227. The application setting screen of FIG. 13 is then closed, and the process proceeds to S1704.

[0103] In S1704, when the CPU 226 detects that the inspection job setting button 0803 on the screen of FIG. 8 has been pressed, the CPU 226 allocates a memory area for inspection settings in the RAM 227. The CPU 226 copies and saves the inspection job settings from the storage unit 228 to this memory area for inspection job settings. Then, the process proceeds to S1705, where the CPU 226 displays, for example, the inspection job setting screen shown in FIG. 14 on the display unit 245. Then, the process proceeds to S1706, where the CPU 226 accepts the user's inspection job settings via the display unit 245. Then, 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 an inspection type pull-down menu on the display unit 245 from which multiple inspection types can be selected. When an inspection type is selected from the pull-down menu, a rectangular area is drawn on the reference image 1402. The CPU 226 then creates an area ID for that area and stores it in the area ID 1207. The CPU 226 then adds the created area ID to the area setting array 1206 and stores the selected inspection type in the inspection type 1210 in the memory area for inspection job settings. Furthermore, the CPU 226 stores the upper left coordinate of the drawn coordinates and the area size in the coordinate information 1208. When the user inputs data inspection settings 1403, the CPU 226 stores the reader type 1209 and reference data 1211 in the RAM 227 accordingly. The process then proceeds to S1707, where the CPU 226 first acquires the values ​​of the inspection settings stored in the RAM 227 in order to store these inspection settings in the storage unit 228.

[0104] Next, the flow proceeds to S1708, where the CPU 226 checks the inspection mode 1201 to determine whether the mode is purge mode. If it is determined to be purge mode, the flow proceeds to S1709; if it is determined not to be purge mode, the flow proceeds to S1714. In S1709, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection job stored in the RAM 227 is a print job consisting of multiple sheets per copy. If it is determined to be a single-sheet print job, the flow proceeds to S1710; if it is determined to be a multiple-sheet print job, the flow proceeds to S1711. In S1710, the CPU 226 checks the inspection type 1210 stored in the RAM 227 to determine whether the inspection job includes a print consistency inspection or a data verification inspection. In this case, inspection types that include a print consistency inspection or a data verification inspection are print jobs that correspond to variable print jobs. Therefore, print jobs that include these inspection types must be subject to exclusive control with the purge mode. Therefore, if it is determined that the inspection job does not include both inspections, the flow proceeds to S1714, where the home screen is displayed. However, if it is determined that either or both of the print consistency check and the data matching check are included, the process proceeds to S1711, where the CPU 226 displays, for example, a warning 1801 shown in FIG. 18 on the display unit 245, and the process proceeds to S1712.

[0105] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection device 108 in S1711 of FIG.

[0106] Then, in S1712, the CPU 226 accepts input from the user. If the No (Purge Mode) button 1803 is pressed, the process transitions to S1714. If the Yes button 1802 is pressed, the process transitions to S1713. Here, the No (Purge Mode) button 1803 is used for a partial data verification inspection. The data verification inspection is variable, but for example, in the case of printing to be inserted into a window envelope, if any gaps occur in the printed product, it can be reprinted later. In S1713, the CPU 226 displays, for example, the application setting screen shown in FIG. 13 on the display unit 245. Here, the CPU 226 waits for the user to set the inspection mode again and press the OK button 1302. When the application inspection mode is determined via the OK button 1302, the CPU 226 rewrites the storage unit 228 with the application settings selected here. In S1714, the CPU 226 copies all of the inspection settings that have been set up to this point and written to the RAM 227 to the storage unit 228, and releases the memory area for inspection settings in the RAM 227. Thereafter, the home screen of the inspection application in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit 245.

[0107] In this way, in embodiment 1, the types of inspection that can be used are limited in purge mode, which cannot guarantee the order of print products. Specifically, purge mode and inspection of variable print jobs or print jobs where one copy consists of multiple sheets cannot be set at the same time, so the order of print products can be guaranteed.

[0108] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to exclusively control the purge mode and the print consistency inspection or data verification inspection, which may cause the order of printing to be lost if the inspection result is NG. This prevents omissions in the print product because the paper is not purged even if the inspection result is NG.

[0109] [Embodiment 2] In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which the user reselects the inspection mode after the inspection type of the inspection mode in the inspection app has been determined. In the second embodiment, an example in which the selection of the inspection type is controlled for the inspection app will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Note that the hardware configuration of the system and each device according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] Fig. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the setting process of an inspection mode and an inspection job by the inspection device 108 according to the second embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 226 executing a program loaded in the RAM 227. This process corresponds to Fig. 17 of the first embodiment described above, and will be described in this flowchart as the process for setting the parameters shown in Fig. 12. In Fig. 19, steps S1901 to S1906 are the same as steps S1701 to S1705 and S1707 in Fig. 17 described above.

[0111] In S1907, the CPU 226 checks the inspection mode 1201 stored in the RAM 227 to determine whether the mode is purge mode. If it is determined that the mode is not purge mode, the process proceeds to S1911; if it is determined that the mode is purge mode, the process proceeds to S1908. In S1908, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection job is a print job for multiple sheets per copy based on the number of sheets per copy 1203 in the inspection settings stored in the RAM 227. If it is determined that the print job is a print job for multiple sheets per copy, the process proceeds to S1910; if it is a print job for one sheet per copy, the process proceeds to S1909. In S1909, the CPU 226 grays out the print consistency inspection and data verification inspection sections in the pull-down menu 2001 and the data inspection area setting 2002, as shown in FIG. 20, and then proceeds to S1911. Meanwhile, in S1910, the CPU 226 resets the inspection mode of the application, as in S1713, and then proceeds to S1911.

[0112] This process allows only a data readability inspection to be performed when the print job is in purge mode and there is one sheet per copy, and prevents the specification of inspection types for which the order of printouts is important, such as print consistency inspection and data verification inspection. Also, when the print job is in purge mode and there are multiple sheets per copy, the user can be prompted to reset the inspection mode.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 20, pressing the area selection icon 1401 displays an inspection type pull-down menu 2001 that allows selection of multiple inspection types. Only the data readability inspection can be set in this pull-down menu 2001, with the print consistency inspection and data verification inspection grayed out and unavailable for setting. In the data inspection settings 1403, the print consistency inspection and data verification inspection settings are also grayed out and unavailable for setting.

[0115] Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1911, where the CPU 226 accepts the user's inspection job settings via the display unit 245, as in S1706. However, here, the print consistency inspection and data verification inspection, which were grayed out in S1909, remain grayed out and cannot be selected. The process then proceeds to S1912, where the CPU 226 displays the home screen of the inspection app on the display unit 245, as in S1714, and ends this process.

[0116] As described above, according to embodiment 2, the order of test types and application settings can be reversed. There are also various exclusive control methods, such as allowing the user to select an available test mode according to the test type later as in embodiment 1, or graying out test types that cannot be used for the set test mode so that they cannot be set as in embodiment 2.

[0117] [Embodiment 3] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the inspection application has an inspection mode such as a purge mode or a log-on mode, and the inspection application is controlled accordingly. On the other hand, if the inspection application has an inspection mode, switching the inspection mode also causes mode switching for other jobs. Therefore, in the third embodiment, an example in which the inspection mode setting is set for the inspection job will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 21. Note that the hardware configuration of the system and each device according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting an inspection mode and an inspection job by the inspection device 108 according to the third embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 226 executing a program loaded in the RAM 227. This process corresponds to FIG. 17 of the first embodiment, and will be described in this flowchart as the process of setting the parameters shown in FIG. 12. In FIG. 21, steps S2101, S2102, and S2103 are the same as steps S1704, S1705, and S1706 of FIG. 17. However, in the third embodiment, the inspection mode in FIG. 12 is included in the inspection job settings, not the application settings.

[0119] When the CPU 226 receives an input indicating that the inspection job settings for all areas have been completed in S2103, the process proceeds to S2104, where the CPU 226 receives the user's selection of an inspection mode via the pull-down menu 2201 in FIG.

[0120] 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.

[0121] In FIG. 22, when the area selection icon 1401 is pressed, an inspection mode pull-down menu 2201 is displayed, allowing selection of a plurality of inspection modes.

[0122] In S2105, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection mode selected by the user on that screen is the purge mode. If it is the purge mode, the process proceeds to S2106; otherwise, the process proceeds to S2112. In S2106, the CPU 226 acquires the inspection job settings 1212 stored in the RAM 227 and determines whether the selected job is a print job for one copy of multiple sheets. If it is a print job for one copy of multiple sheets, the process proceeds to S2110, where a warning is displayed, and the process proceeds to S2111. If it is not a print job for multiple sheets, the process proceeds to S2107. In S2107, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection job settings 1212 stored in the RAM 227 include a print consistency inspection or a data verification inspection, in which order is important, as an inspection type. If it is determined here that a print consistency inspection or a data verification inspection is included, the process proceeds to S2108, where the CPU 226 displays a warning on the display unit 245, and the process proceeds to S2109. If the CPU 226 determines in S2109 that the user will reselect the test type, the process proceeds to S2103, and if the user will not reselect the test type, the process proceeds to S2112. In addition, in S2111, the CPU 226 determines whether the user will reselect the test mode, and if so, returns to S2104, and if not, proceeds to S2112. S2112 and S2113 are the same as S1706 and S1714 in Figure 17, respectively, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0123] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the inspection mode can be included in the settings of the inspection job, and the inspection mode can be switched independently for each job.

[0124] [Embodiment 4] In the above-described third embodiment, an example was described in which an inspection mode is associated with an inspection job, and the inspection job is determined after the inspection mode is determined. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, an example in which the selection of the inspection mode is controlled depending on the inspection type will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 23. Note that the hardware configuration of the system and each device according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] Fig. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the setting process of the inspection mode and the inspection job by the inspection device 108 according to the fourth embodiment. Note that S2301, S2302, and S2303 in Fig. 23 are similar to S1704, S1705, and S1706 in Fig. 17. However, the inspection mode in Fig. 12 is included in the inspection job setting, not the application setting, in the fourth embodiment.

[0126] In S2304, the CPU 226 acquires the inspection job settings stored in RAM 227 and determines whether one copy is a print job with multiple sheets based on the number of sheets per copy 1203. If it determines that one copy is a print job with multiple sheets, the process proceeds to S2310, and if it determines that one copy is a print job with one sheet, the process proceeds to S2305. In S2305, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection type 1210 in the inspection job settings stored in RAM 227 includes a print consistency inspection or a data verification inspection job. If it determines that a print consistency inspection or a data verification inspection is included, the process proceeds to S2306, and if it determines that it is not included, the process proceeds to S2312.

[0127] In S2306, the CPU 226 displays a warning on the display unit 245 to indicate that the purge mode cannot be set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S2307, where the CPU 226 determines whether an instruction to change the test type has been received from the user, and if such an instruction has been received, the process returns to S2303. On the other hand, if an instruction to change the test type has not been received from the user and the pull-down display has been selected, the process proceeds to S2308. In S2308, the CPU 226 displays a test type setting screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 24.

[0128] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the type of inspection, which is displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection device 108 in S2308 of FIG.

[0129] In FIG. 24, the purge mode in the setting pull-down menu 2401 is grayed out and cannot be selected.

[0130] Then, the process proceeds to S2309, where the CPU 226 waits for the logon new mode or purge & recovery mode to be selected from the setting pull-down menu 2401, accepts the selection, and proceeds to S2313.

[0131] On the other hand, if S2304 determines that one copy is a print job with multiple sheets, the process proceeds to S2310, where, as in S2308, the purge mode in the settings pull-down menu 2401 is grayed out to make it unselectable. The process then proceeds to S2111, where the CPU 226 accepts the selection of the log-on single mode or purge & recovery mode from the settings pull-down menu 2401, and proceeds to S2313. S2313 and S2314 are the same as S1706 and S1714 in Fig. 17, respectively, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0132] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the priorities of the test type and test mode settings can be swapped.

[0133] (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. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0134] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 101...printing device, 106...inspection unit, 107...large capacity stacker, 108...inspection device, 109...information processing device, 110...client computer

Claims

1. An inspection system in which at least an inspection device, a printing device, and an information processing device are communicably connected, The information processing device includes: a transmission means for transmitting to the printing device a print job for generating a printout in which an image is printed on a recording medium and verification data having a sequence used in inspection by the inspection device; The inspection device includes: a data inspection means for acquiring data for each recording medium from a read image of each recording medium of the printed matter, and inspecting the acquired data based on the collation data; The printing device a printing means for generating a print based on the print job; a paper discharge control means for discharging a recording medium for which the inspection result by the data inspection means is normal to a first paper discharge destination, and discharging a recording medium for which the inspection result is defective to a second paper discharge destination, An inspection system characterized in that the printing means stops producing printed matter corresponding to recording media subsequent to the recording medium with the inspection result of ``defective'' when the inspection by the data inspection means results in the inspection result of ``defective.''

2. The inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing means, when the inspection result by the data inspection means indicates a defect, stops producing printed matter corresponding to a recording medium subsequent to the recording medium with the defect inspection result, and then resumes producing printed matter from the image corresponding to the recording medium with the defect inspection result.

3. The inspection system described in claim 2, characterized in that, when the inspection by the data inspection means results in a defective inspection result, the printing means stops producing printed matter corresponding to the recording medium subsequent to the recording medium with the defective inspection result, and then ejects the recording medium remaining inside the printing device to the second paper ejection destination before resuming production of printed matter from the image corresponding to the recording medium with the defective inspection result.

4. 2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the inspection device further comprises a notification means for notifying a result of inspection of the recording medium by the data inspection means while printing is being performed on the subsequent recording medium.

5. the inspection device has a display means for displaying the first setting and the second setting on the same screen, the first setting is a setting in which the discharge control means discharges the recording medium for which the inspection result is normal to the first discharge destination and discharges the recording medium for which the inspection result is defective to the second discharge destination, and the printing means resumes generating a printed matter from an image corresponding to the recording medium for which the inspection result is defective; The inspection system described in claim 3, characterized in that the second setting is a setting in which the paper discharge control means discharges the recording medium with the inspection result of normal to the first paper discharge destination and discharges the recording medium with the inspection result of defective to the second paper discharge destination, and the printing means does not resume generating printed matter from the image corresponding to the recording medium with the inspection result of defective.

6. 6. The inspection system according to claim 5, wherein the second setting cannot be set when the print job is inspected by the data inspection means.

7. 6. The inspection system according to claim 5, wherein when the print job is inspected by the data inspection means, and when the second setting is set, the display means displays a warning.

8. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inspection device acquires data for each recording medium from a code image or a character string included in a scanned image of each recording medium of the printed matter.

9. 9. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the collation data is page number data.

10. 9. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the collation data is character string data.

Images