Inspection device

Abstract

To provide an inspection device that can take a proper action in accordance with a type of failure of a printed matter, and to provide an image formation system and an inspection program.SOLUTION: An inspection device for a printed matter with an imaged output by an image formation part includes: an inspection part for inspecting a failure of a printed matter on the basis of a read result of the printed matter; and a switching part for switching the control of the image formation part in accordance with a type of failure that is detected by the inspection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, inspection devices have been known that inspect printed matter from image forming devices for defects. Compared to manual inspection of printed matter, the use of such inspection devices can reduce the number of workers required, shorten inspection time, and reduce the need for pre-printing. In particular, when an inspection device can be connected to an image forming device, real-time inspection becomes possible, making the above-mentioned effects even more pronounced.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which, when a sheet of paper on which an image has been formed is determined to be a defective page, the sheet of paper corresponding to the defective page and other sheets of paper being printed or transported within the machine are discharged as waste paper. With this configuration, the discharge destination for the waste paper is changed from the discharge destination for printed materials related to normal pages, making it easier for the user to remove the waste paper, and if the cause of the waste paper is a printing defect such as dirt, printing can be continued by reprinting without manual intervention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-144627 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in the case of printing in which different control numbers are assigned to each printed item, such as variable printing, it is necessary to check during inspection whether the control numbers assigned to each printed item are printed in the correct order.

[0006] In this case, if a mismatch in the control number occurs during inspection by the inspection device, it is deemed that there is a defect in the printed matter, but in most cases, such a defect is due to a flaw in the image data. Therefore, for example, if a configuration is adopted in which a reprint is performed because there is a defect in the printed matter, the print will not be the desired print when inspected, and the defect in the printed matter will occur again, resulting in repeated reprinting.

[0007] In other words, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 is a configuration that takes the same action regardless of the type of defect in the printed matter, and therefore there is room for improvement in terms of a configuration that can inspect printed matter.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an inspection device that can take appropriate measures depending on the type of defect in a printed matter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The inspection device according to the present invention comprises: An inspection device for a printed matter imaged by an image forming unit, an inspection unit that inspects the printed matter for defects based on the reading result of the printed matter; a switching unit that switches control of the image forming unit depending on the type of the defect inspected by the inspection unit; Equipped with.

[0010] The image forming system according to the present invention comprises: an image forming unit that forms a print by outputting an image onto a recording medium; an inspection unit that inspects the printed matter for defects based on the reading result of the printed matter; a switching unit that switches control of the image forming unit depending on the type of the defect inspected by the inspection unit; Equipped with.

[0011] The inspection program according to the present invention comprises: An inspection program for a printed matter imaged by an image forming unit, On the computer, an inspection process for inspecting defects in the printed matter based on the reading result of the printed matter; a switching process for switching control of the image forming unit depending on the type of the defect inspected in the inspection process; Execute the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to take appropriate measures depending on the type of defect in the printed matter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system including an inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main part of a control system of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for processing to be performed after a defect in a printed matter is detected. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for processing to be performed after a print job is interrupted. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an inspection control operation in the inspection device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation example when control related to interruption processing is executed in the inspection device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation example when control related to a diagnostic process in the inspection device is executed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for the number of times to detect each type of defect in a printed matter. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation example when defect count control is executed in the inspection device. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation example when control related to a diagnostic process in the inspection device is executed. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen on which an inspection level can be variably set for each print job. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic overall configuration of an image forming system 100 equipped with an inspection device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the main parts of a control system of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 1 and a post-processing apparatus 2 from the upstream side along the transport direction of a sheet S, which is an example of a recording medium.

[0016] Image forming apparatus 1 is an intermediate transfer type color image forming apparatus that utilizes electrophotographic process technology. That is, image forming apparatus 1 primarily transfers toner images of each color (Yellow, M, C, and K) formed on photosensitive drum 413 onto intermediate transfer belt 421, and then superimposes the four color toner images on intermediate transfer belt 421, and then secondarily transfers the images onto paper S sent from paper feed tray units 51a to 51c, thereby forming an image.

[0017] In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 employs a tandem system in which photosensitive drums 413 corresponding to the four colors YMCK are arranged in series in the running direction of the intermediate transfer belt 421, and each color toner image is transferred sequentially to the intermediate transfer belt 421 in a single step.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 10, an operation display unit 20, an image processing unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a paper conveying unit 50, a fixing unit 60, and a control unit 101.

[0019] The control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, etc. The CPU 102 reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM 103, loads it into the RAM 104, and works with the loaded program to centrally control the operation of each block of the image forming apparatus 1. At this time, various data stored in the storage unit 72 is referenced. The storage unit 72 is configured, for example, with a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or a hard disk drive.

[0020] The control unit 101 transmits and receives various data to and from an external device (for example, a personal computer) connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) via the communication unit 71. The control unit 101 receives, for example, image data (input image data) transmitted from an external device, and forms an image on a sheet S based on this image data. The communication unit 71 is configured, for example, by a communication control card such as a LAN card.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 10 includes an automatic document feeder 11 called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), an original image scanning device 12 (scanner), and the like.

[0022] The automatic document feeder 11 transports the documents D placed on the document tray using a transport mechanism and sends them to the document image scanning device 12. The automatic document feeder 11 makes it possible to continuously read the images (including both sides) of multiple documents D placed on the document tray all at once.

[0023] The document image scanning device 12 optically scans a document transported onto the contact glass from the automatic document feeder 11 or a document placed on the contact glass, and forms an image of the light reflected from the document on the light receiving surface of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor 12a to read the document image. The image reading unit 10 generates input image data based on the reading result by the document image scanning device 12. This input image data is subjected to predetermined image processing in the image processing unit 30.

[0024] 2, the operation display unit 20 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel, and functions as a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22. The display unit 21 displays various operation screens, image states, operation statuses of various functions, etc., in accordance with a display control signal input from the control unit 101. The operation unit 22 has various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, and accepts various input operations by the user and outputs operation signals to the control unit 101.

[0025] The image processing unit 30 includes a circuit for performing digital image processing according to initial settings or user settings. For example, under the control of the control unit 101, the image processing unit 30 performs gradation correction based on gradation correction data (gradation correction table). In addition to gradation correction, the image processing unit 30 also performs various correction processes such as color correction and shading correction, as well as compression processing. The image forming unit 40 is controlled based on the image data that has undergone these processes.

[0026] 1, the image forming unit 40 forms an image on a sheet S based on the settings of a print job. The image forming unit 40 includes image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K, an intermediate transfer unit 42, and the like, for forming images using color toners of Y, M, C, and K components based on input image data.

[0027] The image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K for the Y, M, C, and K components have the same configuration. For ease of illustration and explanation, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and when distinguishing between them, the reference numerals are suffixed with Y, M, C, or K. In Figure 1, only the components of the image forming unit 41Y for the Y component are denoted by reference numerals, and the components of the other image forming units 41M, 41C, and 41K are not denoted by reference numerals.

[0028] The image forming unit 41 includes an exposure device 411, a developing device 412, a photosensitive drum 413, a charging device 414, a drum cleaning device 415, and the like.

[0029] Photosensitive drum 413 is made of an organic photosensitive body in which a photosensitive layer made of a resin containing an organic photoconductor is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a drum-shaped metal substrate, for example.

[0030] The control unit 101 controls the drive current supplied to a drive motor (not shown) that rotates the photosensitive drum 413, thereby rotating the photosensitive drum 413 at a constant peripheral speed.

[0031] The charging device 414 is, for example, a charger, and generates a corona discharge to uniformly charge the surface of the photoconductive photosensitive drum 413 to a negative polarity.

[0032] The exposure device 411 is configured with, for example, a semiconductor laser, and irradiates the photosensitive drum 413 with laser light corresponding to an image of each color component. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of each color component is formed in the image area on the surface of the photosensitive drum 413 irradiated with the laser light due to the potential difference with the background area.

[0033] The developing device 412 is a two-component reverse type developing device, and visualizes the electrostatic latent image by depositing the developer of each color component onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 413, thereby forming a toner image.

[0034] To the developing device 412, for example, a DC developing bias having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the charging device 414, or a developing bias in which an AC voltage is superimposed with a DC voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the charging device 414, is applied. As a result, reversal development is performed in which toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed by the exposure device 411.

[0035] The drum cleaning device 415 is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 413 and has a flat drum cleaning blade made of an elastic material, and removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 413 without being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421.

[0036] The intermediate transfer unit 42 includes an intermediate transfer belt 421, a primary transfer roller 422, a plurality of support rollers 423, a secondary transfer roller 424, a belt cleaning device 426, and the like.

[0037] The intermediate transfer belt 421 is an endless belt that is stretched around a plurality of support rollers 423 in a loop shape. At least one of the support rollers 423 is a drive roller, and the others are driven rollers. For example, it is preferable that roller 423A, which is disposed downstream of primary transfer roller 422 for the K component in the belt running direction, be the drive roller. This makes it easier to maintain a constant running speed of the belt in the primary transfer section. As drive roller 423A rotates, intermediate transfer belt 421 runs at a constant speed in the direction of arrow A.

[0038] The intermediate transfer belt 421 is a conductive and elastic belt having a high resistance layer on its surface. The intermediate transfer belt 421 is driven to rotate by a control signal from the control unit 101.

[0039] Primary transfer rollers 422 are disposed opposite photosensitive drums 413 of each color component on the inner peripheral side of intermediate transfer belt 421. Primary transfer rollers 422 are pressed against photosensitive drums 413 with intermediate transfer belt 421 sandwiched therebetween, thereby forming a primary transfer nip for transferring a toner image from photosensitive drum 413 to intermediate transfer belt 421.

[0040] Secondary transfer roller 424 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface side of intermediate transfer belt 421, facing backup roller 423B, which is disposed downstream of drive roller 423A in the belt running direction. By sandwiching intermediate transfer belt 421 between secondary transfer roller 424 and backup roller 423B, a secondary transfer nip for transferring a toner image from intermediate transfer belt 421 to paper S is formed.

[0041] When intermediate transfer belt 421 passes through the primary transfer nip, the toner images on photosensitive drum 413 are sequentially superimposed and primarily transferred onto intermediate transfer belt 421. Specifically, a primary transfer bias is applied to primary transfer roller 422, and a charge of the opposite polarity to the toner is applied to the back side of intermediate transfer belt 421, that is, the side that contacts primary transfer roller 422, so that the toner images are electrostatically transferred onto intermediate transfer belt 421.

[0042] Thereafter, when the paper S passes through the secondary transfer nip, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 421 is secondarily transferred onto the paper S. Specifically, a secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 424, and a charge of the opposite polarity to the toner is applied to the back side of the paper S, that is, the side that abuts the secondary transfer roller 424, so that the toner image is electrostatically transferred onto the paper S. The paper S with the transferred toner image is transported towards the fixing unit 60.

[0043] The belt cleaning device 426 removes the residual toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 421 after the secondary transfer.

[0044] The fixing section 60 includes an upper fixing section 60A having a fixing surface side member arranged on the fixing surface of the paper S, i.e., the surface on which the toner image is formed, a lower fixing section 60B having a back surface side support member arranged on the back surface of the paper S, i.e., the surface opposite the fixing surface, and a heating source, etc. When the back surface side support member is pressed against the fixing surface side member, a fixing nip is formed that clamps and transports the paper S.

[0045] The fixing unit 60 fixes the toner image onto the paper S by applying heat and pressure to the paper S, which has been transported after the toner image has been secondarily transferred, at a fixing nip. The fixing unit 60 is disposed as a unit inside the fixing device F.

[0046] Upper fixing section 60A has an endless fixing belt 61, which is a fixing surface side member, a heating roller 62, and a fixing roller 63. Fixing belt 61 is stretched between heating roller 62 and fixing roller 63.

[0047] The lower fixing section 60B has a pressure roller 64 which is a back surface support member. The pressure roller 64 forms a fixing nip between the pressure roller 64 and the fixing belt 61 to sandwich and transport the paper S.

[0048] The paper transport section 50 includes a paper feed section 51, a paper discharge section 52, and a transport path section 53. The three paper feed tray units 51a to 51c that make up the paper feed section 51 store paper S (standard paper, special paper) identified based on basis weight, size, etc., by pre-set type.

[0049] The transport path section 53 has a plurality of transport roller pairs such as a registration roller pair 53a, a normal transport path 53b that passes the paper S through the image forming section 40 and the fixing section 60 and discharges it outside the image forming apparatus 1, and the like.

[0050] The sheets S stored in the sheet feed tray units 51a to 51c are fed one by one from the top and transported to the image forming unit 40 by the transport path unit 53. In the image forming unit 40, the toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 421 are secondarily transferred all at once onto one side of the sheets S, and a fixing process is performed in the fixing unit 60. The sheets S with the images formed thereon are discharged outside the apparatus by the sheet discharge unit 52 equipped with the sheet discharge rollers 52a.

[0051] The post-processing device 2 includes an inspection device 200 that receives the paper S ejected from the image forming device 1 and inspects the paper S (printed matter) on which an image is output by the image forming unit 40. The inspection device 200 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and input / output circuits (not shown). The inspection device 200 is configured to inspect the printed matter for defects based on a preset program.

[0052] The post-processing device 2 is also provided with a first tray 2A and a second tray 2B. Printed matter determined to be normal based on the inspection result of the inspection device 200 is discharged onto the first tray 2A. Printed matter determined to be abnormal based on the inspection result of the inspection device 200 is discharged onto the second tray 2B. The inspection device 200 has an acquisition unit 210, an inspection unit 220, a switching unit 230, a diagnosis unit 240, and a repair unit 250.

[0053] The acquisition unit 210 is a reading unit (for example, a scanner, a camera, or the like) that can read the paper sheet S conveyed inside the post-processing device 2, and acquires the read information of the paper sheet S.

[0054] The inspection unit 220 inspects whether there are any printing defects based on the results of reading the paper S. Specifically, the inspection unit 220 compares the print image (read information) formed on the paper S with the reference image to inspect whether there are any defects in the printed matter.

[0055] The defects in the printed matter include, for example, a predetermined image defect, a mismatch in the control numbers when different control numbers (control data) are assigned to each page in a print job, and the like.

[0056] The predetermined image defects are, for example, image defects that cause stains on the paper S (hereinafter, "stains"), image defects that cause chips in the printed image (hereinafter, "chips"), image defects that cause streaks (vertical lines, horizontal lines, etc.) in the printed image (hereinafter, "streaks"), image defects that cause fireflies (black dots, white dots, etc.) in the printed image (hereinafter, "fireflies"), etc. Note that the predetermined image defects may be other defects as well.

[0057] The reference image is, for example, an image obtained by reading a print image formed in advance on a predetermined sheet of paper using the acquisition unit 210. This image is an image without any defects in the printed matter. The reference image may also be an image based on image data in the image forming unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0058] If the reference image and the printed image match, the inspection unit 220 determines that there is no defect in the printed matter. If the reference image and the printed image formed on the paper S do not match, the inspection unit 220 determines that there is a defect in the printed matter.

[0059] If the inspection unit 220 determines that there is a defect in the printed matter, it inspects the type of image defect in the printed matter. The inspection unit 220 detects the type of defect in the printed matter by detecting whether the image defect is a stain, chip, streak, or firefly based on the difference between the printed image and the reference image. Publicly known techniques can be used to detect these image defects.

[0060] Furthermore, when a different control number (control data for managing printed matter) is assigned to each page of a print job, the inspection unit 220 compares the control number with an inspection area, which is a part of the printed matter image, to inspect whether there are any defects in the printed matter. The inspection area is the area in the printed matter to which the control number is assigned.

[0061] The control number is, for example, linked to each page of the print job and stored in the storage unit 72. The inspection unit 220 determines whether the inspection number in the inspection area of the print image on a predetermined page of the print job matches the control number corresponding to the predetermined page.

[0062] If the inspection number and the control number match, the inspection unit 220 determines that there is no defect in the printed matter. If the inspection number and the control number do not match, the inspection unit 220 determines that there is a defect in the printed matter. In this case, the inspection unit 220 detects a mismatch in the control data as the type of printing defect.

[0063] Furthermore, when the inspection unit 220 detects a type of defect in the printed matter, it performs a process of notifying the user of the defect in the printed matter. The notification process may be any process as long as it can notify the user of the type of defect, such as a process of storing the type of defect in a storage unit or the like so that the user can check it, a process of displaying the defect on a display unit or the like, a process of outputting the content of the defect by voice or the like, a process of outputting information on the content of the defect to an external device, or the like.

[0064] This allows the user to recognize the nature of the defect in the printed matter.

[0065] The switching unit 230 outputs a command to the image forming apparatus 1 to switch control of the image forming unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 1 depending on the type of defect in the printed matter inspected by the inspection unit 220. The command is output, for example, via a communication unit or a network (not shown) capable of sending and receiving data signals to and from the communication unit 71 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0066] The switching unit 230 switches control related to printing by the image forming unit 40 (hereinafter referred to as "print control") based on a pattern that has been set and registered in advance. For example, it is assumed that print control can be set for each type of defect in the printed matter on a setting screen (for example, the setting screen shown in FIG. 3) on a display unit (not shown) of the inspection device 200. Examples of print control include continuing printing, pausing printing, and reprinting. The setting screen may be that of the operation display unit 20 of the image forming device 1, or that of an external device connected via a network.

[0067] Continuing printing means continuing the print job. In other words, when a defect for which continuing printing is set is detected, the switching unit 230 does not change the control of the image forming unit 40, and allows printing of the print job to continue. Therefore, the page with the defect is discharged to the first tray 2A as is. In other words, a printed material that has only a defect for which continuing printing is set is treated as a normal printed material.

[0068] Print interruption means interrupting a print job. In other words, when a malfunction that has been set to interrupt printing is detected, the switching unit 230 stops the image forming unit 40 and interrupts the print job. The printed material that caused the printing interruption is discharged to the second tray 2B, not the first tray 2A.

[0069] Reprinting refers to reprinting the page that caused the defect in the printed matter. In other words, when a defect that has been set to be reprinted is detected, the switching unit 230 causes the page that caused the defect to be reprinted.

[0070] In this case, the page containing the defect is discharged to the second tray 2B. Also, at the time when the page containing the defect is inspected by the inspection unit 220, the paper S that has already been supplied to the image forming apparatus 1 is also discharged to the second tray 2B. As a result, when the page containing the defect is reprinted, the page following that page is not discharged to the first tray 2A. Therefore, the printed material on which the page containing the defect is reprinted is not discharged on top of the printed material related to the page following that page, so the order of the pages on the first tray 2A is not changed.

[0071] Note that once the page containing the defect has been inspected by the inspection unit 220, the inspection unit 220 may also inspect the paper S that has already been supplied to the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, if a defect that warrants interruption of printing is detected for the page corresponding to that paper S, printing may be interrupted without reprinting. Regarding this inspection, the user may be able to set whether or not to perform this inspection, or the inspection unit 220 may perform this inspection automatically.

[0072] For example, suppose the types of printing defects are stains, chips, streaks, fireflies, and mismatch (mismatch in control numbers). In the example setting screen shown in Figure 3, stains and chips are set to reprint, streaks and fireflies are set to continue printing, and mismatch is set to interrupt printing.

[0073] In this case, if the defect detected by inspection unit 220 is a stain or chipping, switching unit 230 ejects the printed material relating to the page causing the defect to second tray 2B and reprints that page. If the defect detected by inspection unit 220 is a streak or a firefly, switching unit 230 continues printing of the print job. If the defect detected by inspection unit 220 is a mismatch, switching unit 230 suspends printing of the print job.

[0074] In this way, the switching unit 230 switches the print control of the image forming unit 40 to continue printing, suspend printing, or reprint depending on the type of defect in the printed matter. This makes it easier to switch the print control to the appropriate control depending on the type of defect in the printed matter in this embodiment.

[0075] Furthermore, the switching unit 230 suspends print control based on the number of reprints performed. For example, the setting screen shown in Fig. 3 has a section on the right side in Fig. 3 where the number of reprints can be input so that the limit on the number of reprints can be set. When reprinting is set on the setting screen, a number can be input in that section. For example, in Fig. 3, the limit on the number of reprints for stains and chips, for which reprinting is set, is set to four times.

[0076] This can prevent multiple reprints due to the same problem.

[0077] In addition, when a print job is interrupted, the switching unit 230 outputs a command to the image forming device 1 to either resume the print job from the second page after the first page that was completed when the print job was interrupted, resume the print job from the third page that caused the print job to be interrupted, or cancel the print job.

[0078] Specifically, after interrupting a print job, if the switching unit 230 acquires a signal related to control specified by the user, or based on the diagnosis results of the diagnosis unit 240, the switching unit 230 outputs an instruction to the image forming device 1 to either resume the print job from the second page, resume the print job from the third page, or cancel the print job.

[0079] 4, when a print job is interrupted, a selection screen for continuing and resuming, re-resuming printing, canceling printing, or performing diagnostic processing is displayed on the setting screen of the display unit (not shown) of the inspection device 200. The setting screen may be that of the operation display unit 20 of the image forming device 1, or that of an external device connected via a network.

[0080] Continuation restart means restarting the print job from the second page after the first page that was printed when the print job was interrupted. Re-print restart means restarting the print job from the third page that caused the print job to be interrupted. Print cancellation means stopping the print job. Diagnosis means performing a diagnostic process on the printed matter by the diagnostic unit 240.

[0081] When the user selects one of continuation restart, re-restart of reprinting, and printing cancellation, the switching unit 230 acquires a signal related to the control selected (specified) by the user, and outputs a command related to the signal to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0082] If a command to resume printing is issued, the first page will be ejected to the second tray 2B, but will have been determined by the user to be a normal printed matter. Therefore, a process may be executed to prompt the user to move the first page to the first tray 2A.

[0083] Furthermore, when the user selects diagnosis, the switching unit 230 outputs to the image forming apparatus 1 a command relating to control in accordance with the diagnosis result of the diagnosing unit 240.

[0084] The diagnostic unit 240 diagnoses defects in the printed matter when, for example, a signal related to a diagnostic command is received from a user after the switching unit 230 has interrupted the print job. The diagnostic unit 240 outputs a command to the image forming apparatus 1 to form a chart image, such as a halftone image, on the paper S in order to identify the cause of the defect in the printed matter.

[0085] The diagnostic unit 240 then analyzes the reading result of the chart image acquired by the acquisition unit 210 and determines whether or not the defect in the printed matter can be automatically repaired. Specifically, for example, if the defect in the printed matter is a streak, the diagnostic unit 240 determines whether or not the defect (streak) in the printed matter can be automatically repaired based on the frequency at which the streaks occur. The criteria for the diagnostic unit 240 can be set as appropriate. The paper S on which the chart image has been formed is discharged to the second tray 2B.

[0086] During the diagnosis by the diagnosis unit 240, the inspection device 200 may execute a process to notify the user that the image forming device 1 is stopped (diagnosing the printed material).

[0087] The repair unit 250 performs repair processing for the defect in the printed matter based on the diagnosis result of the diagnosis unit 240. Specifically, when the diagnosis unit 240 determines that the defect in the printed matter can be automatically repaired, the repair unit 250 outputs a command to the image forming apparatus 1 to repair the defect in the printed matter.

[0088] As a repair process, for example, if the defect in the printed matter is a firefly, a command to change the transfer voltage at the transfer nip is output to the image forming apparatus 1, and if the defect in the printed matter is a streak, a command to automatically clean the charging device 414 is output to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0089] Furthermore, if the diagnosis unit 240 determines that the defect in the printed matter cannot be automatically repaired, it executes a process of notifying the user of the instruction information by, for example, displaying instruction information for repairing the defect in the printed matter on a display unit, etc. The instruction information is, for example, information relating to instructions urging the user to replace or clean a part by themselves.

[0090] Then, when the repair process by the repair unit 250 or the operation related to repairing the printed matter based on the instruction information from the diagnosis unit 240 is completed, the diagnosis unit 240 outputs to the image forming device 1 a command to form a chart image on the paper S to confirm that the defect in the printed matter has been repaired. Note that the completion of the operation related to repairing the printed matter by the user is recognized, for example, by the inspection device 200 acquiring a signal output when the user presses a button indicating completion of the operation.

[0091] Then, for example, when a user inputs an instruction to the inspection device 200 indicating that a defect in the printed matter in the chart image has been repaired, the switching unit 230 outputs an instruction to the image forming device 1 to resume the print job from the third page that caused the print job to be interrupted.

[0092] Furthermore, if the user inputs an instruction to the inspection device 200 indicating that the defect in the printed matter in the chart has not been repaired, the diagnosis unit 240 determines whether to cancel the print job or to diagnose the defect in the printed matter again.

[0093] For example, when a user issues a command to diagnose defects in the printed matter, the diagnostic unit 240 determines to diagnose the defects in the printed matter again. When this determination is made, the diagnostic unit 240 again diagnoses the cause of the defects in the printed matter.

[0094] For example, if a command to cancel the print job is issued by the user, diagnosis unit 240 determines that the print job should be canceled. If so determined, switching unit 230 outputs a command to cancel the print job to image forming apparatus 1.

[0095] Next, an example of the operation when inspection control is executed in the inspection device 200 will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of inspection control in the inspection device 200. The processing in Fig. 5 is executed by the inspection device 200 as appropriate, for example, when the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives an instruction to execute a print job.

[0096] 5, the inspection device 200 acquires read information of a printed matter (step S101). After acquiring the read information of the printed matter, the inspection device 200 inspects the printed matter for defects (step S102).

[0097] Then, the inspection device 200 determines whether or not there is a defect in the printed matter (step S103). If the result of the determination is that there is no defect in the printed matter (step S103, NO), the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if there is a defect in the printed matter (step S103, YES), the inspection device 200 executes notification processing (step S104).

[0098] Next, the inspection device 200 determines whether the print control set for the defect in the printed matter is to continue printing (step S105). If the print control is not to continue printing (step S105, NO), the inspection device 200 determines whether the print control set for the defect in the printed matter is to interrupt printing (step S106).

[0099] If the result of the determination is that the print control is to suspend printing (step S106, YES), the inspection device 200 executes suspension processing to suspend the print job (step S107). Details of the suspension processing will be described later.

[0100] On the other hand, if the print control is not print interruption (step S106, NO), the inspection device 200 counts up the number of reprints (step S108) and determines whether the number of reprints is less than the limit (step S109).

[0101] If the result of the determination is that the number of reprints is not less than the limit (step S109, NO), the inspection device 200 resets the number of reprints (step S110), and the process proceeds to step S107.

[0102] On the other hand, if the number of reprints is less than the limit (step S109, YES), the inspection device 200 rewinds the pages in the print job (step S111), and the process returns to step S101. Rewinding the pages is a process of returning the pages to be printed in the print job to the page that caused the defect in the printed matter related to the reprint, or the page that caused the printing defect to be interrupted when the reprint is resumed.

[0103] Returning to the determination in step S105, if the print control is to continue printing (step S105, YES), the inspection device 200 continues the print job and determines whether or not the ejection of all pages subsequent to the page with the defect in the printed matter has been completed (step S112).

[0104] If the determination result shows that the discharge of all pages has not been completed (step S112, NO), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, if the discharge of all pages has been completed (step S112, YES), the inspection device 200 determines whether printing of all pages of the print job has been completed or whether there is a next page (step S113). If the determination result shows that printing of all pages has not been completed or there is a next page (step S113, NO), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, if printing of all pages has been completed or there is no next page (step S113, YES), this control ends.

[0105] Next, an example of operation when control related to the interruption process is executed in the inspection device 200 will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of operation when control related to the interruption process is executed in the inspection device 200. The process in Fig. 6 is executed appropriately when the inspection device 200 executes the process of step S107 in Fig. 5, for example.

[0106] 6, the inspection device 200 determines whether or not it has received a command to stop printing (step S201). If the determination result shows that it has not received a command to stop printing (step S201, NO), the inspection device 200 determines whether or not it has received a command to resume reprinting (step S202).

[0107] If the determination result shows that a command to execute reprinting has been received (step S202, YES), the process proceeds to step S111 in Fig. 5, where the print job is resumed (restart of reprinting). On the other hand, if a command to execute reprinting has not been received (step S202, NO), the inspection device 200 determines whether a command to execute diagnosis has been received (step S203).

[0108] If the determination result shows that a command to perform diagnosis has not been received (step S203), the process proceeds to step S101 in Fig. 5, where the print job is resumed (continuation and restart). On the other hand, if a command to perform diagnosis has been received (step S203, YES), the inspection device 200 executes diagnostic processing (step S204). Details of the diagnostic processing will be described later.

[0109] Returning to the determination in step S201, if a command to cancel printing has been received (step S201, YES), the print job is canceled and this control ends.

[0110] Next, an example of operation when control related to diagnostic processing is executed in the inspection device 200 will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of operation when control related to diagnostic processing is executed in the inspection device 200. The processing in Fig. 7 is executed appropriately when the inspection device 200 executes the processing of step S204 in Fig. 6, for example.

[0111] 7, the inspection device 200 outputs a command to output a confirmation chart to the image forming device 1 (step S301). After acquiring the read information related to the printed matter of the confirmation chart, the inspection device 200 determines whether the problem can be automatically repaired (step S302).

[0112] If the determination result shows that automatic repair is not possible (step S302, NO), the inspection device 200 outputs instruction information to, for example, a display unit (step S303), and determines whether or not a command to complete repair has been received (step S304).

[0113] If the determination result shows that a command to complete the repair has not been received (step S304, NO), the process of step S304 is repeated. On the other hand, if a command to complete the repair has been received (step S304, YES), the process proceeds to step S306.

[0114] Returning to the determination in step S302, if automatic repair is possible (step S302, YES), the inspection device 200 executes repair processing (step S305).

[0115] Next, the inspection device 200 outputs a command to output a confirmation chart to the image forming device 1 (step S306). After acquiring the read information related to the printed matter of the confirmation chart, the inspection device 200 determines whether the defect has been repaired (step S307). Note that whether the defect has been repaired is determined, for example, by receiving an operational command from the user regarding whether the defect has been repaired.

[0116] If the determination result shows that the defect has been repaired (step S307, YES), the process proceeds to step S111 in Fig. 5, where the print job is resumed (restart of printing). On the other hand, if the defect has not been repaired (step S307, NO), the inspection device 200 determines whether a command to stop printing has been received (step S308).

[0117] If the determination result shows that a command to cancel printing has not been received (step S308, NO), the process returns to step S301. On the other hand, if a command to cancel printing has been received (step S308, YES), the print job is canceled and this control ends.

[0118] According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the switching unit 230 switches the printing control of the image forming unit 40 depending on the type of defect in the printed matter, so that appropriate measures can be taken depending on the type of defect in the printed matter.

[0119] As a result, it is possible to prevent wasteful repetition of the same response (e.g., reprinting) regardless of the type of defect in the printed matter, thereby significantly reducing printing costs.

[0120] Furthermore, since the switching unit 230 switches the printing control based on a pattern that has been set and registered in advance, it is possible to generate a printed matter that has been inspected according to the purpose of the print job (for example, prioritizing image quality, productivity, etc.).

[0121] Furthermore, if the inspection unit 220 detects a defect in the printed matter, it performs a notification process of the defect, allowing the user to recognize the content of the defect.

[0122] Furthermore, since the diagnosis unit 240 diagnoses defects in the printed matter after the print job is interrupted, the cause of the defects in the printed matter can be analyzed. As a result, the defects in the printed matter can be repaired by repair processing in the repair unit 250 or by issuing repair instructions to the user.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the diagnostic unit 240 diagnoses defects in printed matter based on instructions from the user, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the diagnostic unit 240 may automatically diagnose defects in printed matter according to the type of defect detected in the printed matter.

[0124] Specifically, the diagnosis unit 240 automatically diagnoses defects in the printed matter according to the number of times the defect in the printed matter is detected. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the number of times the defect in the printed matter is to be detected can be set for each type of defect in the printed matter on a setting screen of a display unit (not shown) in the inspection device 200. Then, when the diagnosis unit 240 detects a specific defect the set number of times, it diagnoses the defect. The setting screen may be that of the operation / display unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1, or that of an external device connected via a network.

[0125] 8, the number of times that streaks and fireflies appear is set to 20, and the number of times that stains and chips appear is not set. Therefore, even if stains and chips appear, the diagnosis unit 240 does not diagnose a malfunction, but does diagnose a malfunction when streaks and fireflies appear 20 times.

[0126] Next, an example of operation when defect count control is executed in inspection device 200 will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of operation when defect count control is executed in inspection device 200. The process in Fig. 9 is executed as appropriate, for example, between step S104 and step S105 in Fig. 5. Note that the control in Fig. 9 relates to defects in specific printed matter (for example, fireflies, etc.).

[0127] 9, the inspection device 200 counts up the number of times that defects in the printed matter have been detected (step S401). Then, the inspection device 200 determines whether the number of times that defects in the printed matter have been detected has reached a set number (step S402).

[0128] If the result of the determination is that the number of times the malfunction has been detected has not reached the set number of times (step S402, NO), this control ends. On the other hand, if the number of times the malfunction has been detected has reached the set number of times (step S402, YES), the inspection device 200 resets the number of times the malfunction has been detected (step S403) and executes the diagnosis process (step S404). Thereafter, this control ends.

[0129] According to this configuration, switching of print control due to a sudden defect in the printed matter is suppressed, and therefore excessive switching of print control can be suppressed.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the degree of repair after diagnosis by diagnosis unit 240 can be confirmed by the user, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the degree of repair may be automatically confirmed by inspection device 200. For example, it is preferable to be able to set the degree of repair to be confirmed either automatically by inspection device 200 or by the user.

[0131] Next, an example of operation when control related to diagnostic processing is executed in the inspection device 200, including automatic confirmation by the diagnosing unit 240, will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operation when control related to diagnostic processing is executed in the inspection device 200. The processing in Fig. 10 is executed appropriately when the inspection device 200 executes the processing of step S204 in Fig. 6, for example.

[0132] 10, the inspection device 200 outputs a command to output a confirmation chart to the image forming device 1 (step S501). After acquiring the read information related to the printed matter of the confirmation chart, the inspection device 200 determines whether or not the problem can be automatically repaired (step S502).

[0133] If the determination result shows that automatic repair is not possible (step S502, NO), the inspection device 200 outputs instruction information to, for example, a display unit (step S503), and determines whether or not a command to complete repair has been received (step S504).

[0134] If the determination result shows that a command to complete the repair has not been received (step S504, NO), the process of step S504 is repeated. On the other hand, if a command to complete the repair has been received (step S504, YES), the process proceeds to step S506.

[0135] Returning to the determination in step S502, if automatic repair is possible (step S502, YES), the inspection device 200 executes repair processing (step S505).

[0136] Next, the inspection device 200 outputs a command to output a confirmation chart to the image forming device 1 (step S506). After acquiring the read information related to the printed matter of the confirmation chart, the inspection device 200 determines whether or not automatic confirmation is set (step S507).

[0137] If the result of the determination is that automatic confirmation is not set (step S507, NO), the inspection device 200 determines whether the defect has been repaired (step S508). Note that whether the defect has been repaired is determined, for example, by receiving an operation command from the user regarding whether the defect has been repaired.

[0138] If the determination result shows that the malfunction has been repaired (step S508, YES), the process proceeds to step S111 in Fig. 5, where the print job is resumed (restart of reprinting). On the other hand, if the malfunction has not been repaired (step S508, NO), the process proceeds to step S510.

[0139] Returning to the determination in step S507, if automatic confirmation is set (step S507, YES), inspection device 200 determines whether the defect has been repaired by automatic confirmation (step S509).

[0140] If the result of the determination is that the defect has been repaired by the automatic check (step S509, YES), the process proceeds to step S111 in Fig. 5, where the print job is resumed (restart of reprinting). On the other hand, if the defect has not been repaired by the automatic check (step S509, NO), the inspection device 200 determines whether or not a command to stop printing has been received (step S510).

[0141] If the determination result shows that a command to cancel printing has not been received (step S510, NO), the process returns to step S501. On the other hand, if a command to cancel printing has been received (step S510, YES), the print job is canceled and this control ends.

[0142] With this configuration, the inspection device automatically checks the degree of repair, allowing repair processing to be performed without human intervention, which can contribute to improving productivity and reducing manpower.

[0143] Furthermore, although the above embodiment does not refer to the degree of defects (inspection level) in the printed matter, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the inspection level for defects in the printed matter may be variably set, and defects in the printed matter may be detected when the inspection level is reached.

[0144] In this way, depending on the type of paper S, such as one with a high unit price, it may be possible to change the inspection level in the inspection device 200 depending on the circumstances of the print job, such as a print job that requires reducing paper waste, or a print job that requires a large number of prints and requires reducing interruption time, etc.

[0145] Therefore, by making it possible to variably set the inspection level, flexible inspection can be performed according to the convenience of the print job.

[0146] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the inspection level for defects in printed matter can be variably set, the inspection level may be set for each print job, as shown in Fig. 11. In other words, the inspection unit 220 may set the inspection level for each type of defect in printed matter depending on the type of print job.

[0147] 11 shows an example in which the inspection levels for the size and density difference of stains can be set for the first, second, and third jobs. For the first job, the size inspection level is set to 5 and the density difference inspection level is set to 5, for the second job, the size inspection level is set to 3 and the density difference inspection level is set to 5, and for the third job, the size inspection level is set to 5 and the density difference inspection level is set to 3. Defects other than stains are not shown in FIG. 11.

[0148] This configuration allows for more appropriate inspection depending on the type of print job. Also, since the inspection level is set depending on the type of print job, it is possible to eliminate the need to set the inspection level for each print job.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the diagnostic unit 240 performs the diagnostic process using a predetermined check chart, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the diagnostic unit 240 may switch the diagnostic process, such as by changing the type of check chart, depending on the type of defect in the printed matter.

[0150] With this configuration, a more appropriate diagnosis can be performed depending on the nature of the defect in the printed matter.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the inspection device is provided as a post-processing device of the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. The inspection device may be provided in a location separate from the image forming apparatus, or may be a control unit of the image forming apparatus. In this case, the inspection device obtains read information of the printed matter from a reading device such as a scanner, and then inspects the printed matter for defects.

[0152] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the inspection device outputs a command to switch printing control to the image forming device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the image forming device may acquire the inspection results of the inspection unit and have the function of the switching unit.

[0153] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a diagnostic unit and a repair unit are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the diagnostic unit and repair unit do not have to be provided, or they may be provided in a device other than the inspection device (for example, an image forming device, etc.).

[0154] In addition, in the above embodiment, the switching unit switches the printing control of the image forming unit, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may also switch controls other than the printing control of the image forming unit, such as the conveying control of the image forming unit.

[0155] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be carried out in various forms without departing from the gist or main features thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1. Image forming device 2. Post-processing device 40 Image forming unit 100 Image forming system 101 Control section 200 Inspection Equipment 210 Acquisition Department 220 Inspection Department 230 Switching section 240 Diagnostic Department 250 Restoration Department

Claims

[Claim 1] An inspection device for a printed matter imaged by an image forming unit, an inspection unit that inspects the printed matter for defects based on the reading result of the printed matter; a switching unit that suspends the inspection of defects in the printed matter based on the results of the inspection by the inspection unit; Equipped with the inspection device, after suspending the inspection of the defect in the printed matter, performs one of a plurality of controls including control to resume the print job being inspected from the interruption causing page that caused the interruption of the inspection of the defect in the printed matter, and control not to resume the print job being inspected. Inspection equipment.

Images