Control device, image forming device and program

Abstract

To reduce time and effort for deleting an unnecessary inspection report.SOLUTION: A control device (an image inspection device 20) is provided with: a memorizing part 24 that memorizes a read image and inspection reports which include an inspected result by an inspection part that determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the read image or not by comparing the read image obtained by reading an image formed on a recording medium with a reference image; and a control part (a CPU 21) that determines an inspection report to be deleted, on the basis of a property of the read image, of the inspection reports memorized in the memorizing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, an image forming apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an inspection report is generated for an image formed on paper by an image forming apparatus. Specifically, the inspection report is generated by comparing a scanned image generated by scanning the formed image with a reference image that serves as the inspection standard as a normal image. The inspection report is stored in a storage unit.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that in order to avoid the storage capacity of the storage unit being overwhelmed by the reference images, unnecessary reference images are deleted by determining whether or not the data can be deleted under predetermined conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-184992 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Each time an inspection report is generated, it is stored in the storage unit, and eventually the inspection reports will take up space in the storage unit, so the user needs to delete unnecessary inspection reports. However, it is time-consuming for users to manually select and delete unnecessary inspection reports from the large volume of inspection reports that is taking up space in the system. Furthermore, if users delete all the reports at once, the most recent inspection reports and inspection reports that users want to keep will also be deleted. Patent Document 1 merely deletes the reference image, not the inspection report, and does not solve the problem of storage space being constrained by the inspection report.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to reduce the effort required to delete unnecessary inspection report information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the control device according to the present invention comprises: a storage unit for storing an inspection report including an inspection result by an inspection unit that reads an image formed on a recording medium and compares the read image with a reference image to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the read image; and the read image; a control unit that determines an inspection report to be deleted from the inspection reports stored in the storage unit based on attributes of the scanned image; Equipped with.

[0008] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; a storage unit that stores an inspection report including an inspection result by an inspection unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the read image by comparing the read image obtained by reading the image formed by the image forming unit with a reference image, and the read image; a control unit that determines an inspection report to be deleted from the inspection reports stored in the storage unit based on attributes of the scanned image; Equipped with.

[0009] In addition, the program according to the present invention is a computer of a control device including a storage unit that stores an inspection report including an inspection result by an inspection unit that reads an image formed on a recording medium and compares the read image with a reference image to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the read image; and the read image; The storage unit functions as a control unit that determines an inspection report to be deleted from the inspection reports stored in the storage unit based on the attributes of the scanned image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the effort required to delete unnecessary examination report information can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an examination report information deletion process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an examination report information deletion process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0013] [First embodiment: Overview of image forming system] First, the configuration of an image forming system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming system 100. The image forming system 100 is configured to include an image forming device 10 that performs image forming processing on paper P, and an image inspection device 20 (control device) that inspects the paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 10.

[0014] [Image forming equipment] The image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on a sheet P in accordance with image formation conditions received from an external information processing terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) via a communication network. The image forming apparatus 10 conveys the sheet P after the image formation to the image inspection apparatus 20. The image forming device 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Unit) 13, a storage unit 14, a paper feed unit 15, a first image reading unit 16, an image forming unit 17, an operation display unit 19, a communication I / F (InterFace) 110, etc.

[0015] The CPU 11 reads out a program stored in the ROM 12, loads it into the RAM 13, and controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 10 in cooperation with the loaded program. The ROM 12 is configured by a non-volatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores the system program, various processing programs that can be executed on the system program, various data, and the like. The RAM 13 is configured by a volatile semiconductor memory or the like, and forms a work area for temporarily storing programs read from the ROM 12, input or output data, parameters, and the like during various processes executed by the CPU 11.

[0016] The storage unit 14 is configured by a hard disk drive (HDD), a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, or the like, and stores various data.

[0017] The paper feed unit 15 has multiple paper feed trays T1 to T3 that can store paper P of different sizes, types (paper grades), basis weights, etc., and supplies the paper P stored in the set paper feed trays T1 to T3 to the image forming unit 17.

[0018] The first image reading unit 16 reads the document and generates image data. Specifically, the first image reading unit 16 reads light that is emitted from a light source and reflected by the document using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or the like.

[0019] The image forming unit 17 forms an image on the paper P. The image forming unit 17 charges a photosensitive member in a charging unit, exposes and scans the photosensitive member with a laser beam emitted from an exposure unit based on image data to form an electrostatic latent image, develops the electrostatic latent image with toner in a developing unit, transfers the toner image to the paper P in a transfer unit, and fixes the toner image to the paper P in a fixing unit (fixing device).

[0020] The operation display unit 19 includes a display unit configured with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays various screens, and an operation unit configured with a touch panel and various keys stacked on the display unit. The operation display unit 19 outputs operation signals input by touch operation or key operation to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11.

[0021] The communication I / F 110 is configured with a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, etc., and transmits and receives data to and from the image inspection device 20, a PC (Personal Computer), etc.

[0022] [Image inspection equipment] The image inspection device 20 generates a read image by reading information formed as an image on the paper P. Then, the image inspection device 20 inspects the information formed as an image on the paper P by comparing the read image with a reference image linked to the read image, and generates inspection report information. The reference image is a correct image generated by the image inspection device 20 by reading information formed as an image on the paper P before inspection. The image inspection device 20 is also a control device that executes an inspection report information deletion process that deletes the accumulated inspection report information in accordance with predetermined conditions. The image inspection device 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a storage unit 24, a paper transport unit 25, an operation display unit 26, a second image reading unit 27, a communication I / F 28, and the like.

[0023] The CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 are the same as the CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13, except that the object controlled by the CPU 21 is the image inspection device 20. The CPU 21 functions as an inspection unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in a read image by comparing the read image obtained by reading an image formed on a recording medium with a reference image. As an inspection unit, the CPU 21 generates an inspection result. Here, the inspection results include a judgment result (OK / NG), the number of detected stains, the number of detected streaks, the number of detected color loss (dot-like noise), etc. If the number of detected stains, streaks, or color loss is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value set for each item, the CPU 21 judges the judgment result as NG (poor inspection result). The CPU 21 functions as a control unit that determines, from among the examination reports (examination report information) stored in the storage unit 24, an examination report to be deleted based on the attributes of the read image. Here, the attributes of the scanned image refer to the properties and characteristics of the scanned image, and include, for example, the inspection results of the scanned image, the image formation conditions, etc. Furthermore, the inspection report information includes not only the inspection results but also the scanned image, the image formation conditions, etc.

[0024] The storage unit 24 is configured by a HDD, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, or the like, and stores various data such as a collation information management table. The storage unit 24 stores the examination report information.

[0025] The paper transport section 25 is made up of a plurality of transport rollers provided along a transport path, and transports the paper P carried in from the image forming apparatus 10.

[0026] The operation display unit 26 includes a display unit configured with an LCD that displays various screens, and an operation unit configured with a touch panel and various keys stacked on the display unit. The operation display unit 26 outputs operation signals input by touch operation or key operation to the CPU 21.

[0027] The communication I / F 28 is configured with a NIC, a modem, etc., and transmits and receives data to and from the image forming apparatus 10, a PC, etc.

[0028] The second image reading unit 27 reads the paper P carried in from the image forming apparatus 10 and generates image data (read image, reference image). The second image reading unit 27 can read both sides of the paper P. Specifically, the second image reading unit 27 reads light that is irradiated from a light source and reflected by the document using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or the like. The second image reading unit 27 is capable of not only reading the paper P but also detecting defects such as stains, streaks, and color loss.

[0029] [Case 1: Inspection report information deletion process] 3, a flow of the examination report information deletion process executed by the CPU 21 will be described. The examination report information deletion process starts at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is as follows: When the unused storage capacity of the storage unit 24 falls below a predetermined value (e.g., 5% of the total capacity) - When the number of tests exceeds the specified value (e.g., 50 times) - If a certain period of time (e.g. 10 days) has passed since the last report information deletion process

[0030] First, the CPU 21 acquires certain examination report information (step S11).

[0031] Next, the CPU 21 determines whether the examination report information includes a predetermined examination result as a predetermined condition (step S12). If the CPU 21 determines that the predetermined examination result is included (step S12; YES), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S14 for the examination report information deletion process. If the CPU 21 determines that the predetermined examination result is not included (step S12; NO), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S13 for the examination report information deletion process.

[0032] Here, the predetermined test results will be specifically described. For example, a predetermined inspection result is when the number of detected stains is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, and the inspection result is poor due to the detection of stains. Furthermore, for example, a predetermined inspection result is when the number of detected streaks is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, and the inspection result is poor due to the detection of stains. Furthermore, for example, a predetermined inspection result is when the number of detected color loss is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, and the inspection result is poor due to the detection of stains. Furthermore, for example, the predetermined inspection result is that the number of detected stains is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value that is different from the first predetermined value. Furthermore, for example, the predetermined inspection result is that the number of detected streaks is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value different from the first predetermined value. Furthermore, for example, the predetermined test result is that the number of detected color loss is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value different from the first predetermined value. For convenience, the threshold value for determining whether an inspection result is defective is referred to as the first predetermined value, and the other threshold values ​​are referred to as the second predetermined value. The first predetermined value may be the same as the second predetermined value. The first predetermined value and the second predetermined value may be different values ​​for each item (stains, discoloration, streaks).

[0033] Next, the CPU 21 deletes the examination report information (step S13).

[0034] Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is next examination report information (step S14). If the CPU 21 determines that there is next examination report information (step S14; YES), the CPU 21 proceeds with the examination report information deletion process to step S11. If the CPU 21 determines that there is no next examination report information (step S14; NO), the CPU 21 ends the examination report information deletion process.

[0035] This allows unnecessary examination report information to be deleted based on a predetermined condition of whether or not the examination report information contains a predetermined examination result, thereby reducing the effort required to delete unnecessary examination report information. Furthermore, for example, by setting the second predetermined value to a value smaller than the first predetermined value, it is possible to leave inspection report information when the inspection result is not a defect but there is a certain degree of dirt or the like.

[0036] [Case 2: Inspection report information deletion process] In case 1, the decision to delete is made based on whether the inspection report information contains specified inspection results, while in case 2, the decision to delete is made based on whether the inspection report information contains specified image formation conditions. 4, a flow of the examination report information deletion process executed by the CPU 21 will be described. The processes other than step S22 described below are the same as the processes in the corresponding case 1.

[0037] The CPU 21 determines whether the inspection report information includes predetermined image forming conditions as the predetermined conditions (step S22). If the CPU 21 determines that the inspection report information includes the predetermined image forming conditions (step S22; YES), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S24 for the inspection report information deletion process. If the CPU 21 determines that the inspection report information does not include the predetermined image forming conditions (step S22; NO), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S23 for the inspection report information deletion process.

[0038] Here, the predetermined image forming conditions will be specifically described. For example, the predetermined image forming conditions are image forming conditions that include pre-printing settings. Furthermore, for example, the predetermined image forming condition is that the paper type is one of matte PP (Poly-Propylene), coated paper, and coated paper. Furthermore, for example, the predetermined image forming condition is that the paper size is equal to or larger than a predetermined size. Furthermore, for example, the predetermined image forming condition is that the distribution ratio of the color elements that make up the image is a predetermined value. The color elements are, for example, YMCK (yellow, magenta, cyan, black), etc.

[0039] [others] In the above description, the image inspection device 20 is a control device that executes the inspection report information deletion process, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when the CPU 11 of the image forming device 10 acquires inspection report information from the image inspection device 20 and stores (accumulates) it in the memory unit 14, the image forming device 10 may function as a control device that executes the inspection report information deletion process. Furthermore, when a CPU of an information processing device (not shown) such as a personal computer acquires inspection report information from the image inspection device 20 and stores (accumulates) it in a storage unit, the information processing device may function as a control device that executes the inspection report information deletion process. In this case, the configuration including the information processing terminal may be considered as an image forming system. Furthermore, the CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, storage unit 24, and operation display unit 26 of the image inspection device 20 described above may be shared with the CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, storage unit 14, and operation display unit 19 of the image forming device 10. The inspection report information deletion process may be executed using these shared components.

[0040] [effect] As described above, the control device (image inspection device 20) includes a memory unit 24 that stores an inspection report including the read image and the inspection results by an inspection unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the read image by comparing the read image obtained by reading an image formed on a recording medium with a reference image. The control device (image inspection device 20) also includes a control unit (CPU 21) that determines which inspection reports to delete from the inspection reports stored in the memory unit based on the attributes of the read image. This reduces the effort required to delete unnecessary inspection report information.

[0041] The image forming apparatus 10 also includes an image forming unit 17 that forms an image on a recording medium. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a storage unit 14 that stores an inspection report including the read image and an inspection result by an inspection unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the read image by comparing the read image obtained by reading the image formed by the image forming unit with a reference image. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a control unit (CPU 11) that determines which inspection reports to delete from the inspection reports stored in the storage unit based on the attributes of the read image. This reduces the effort required to delete unnecessary inspection report information.

[0042] The program also causes a computer of a control device (image inspection device 20) that has a memory unit 24 that stores inspection results from an inspection unit that determines whether or not there are any abnormalities in the read image by comparing the read image obtained by reading an image formed on a recording medium with a reference image, and an inspection report that includes the read image, to function as a control unit (CPU 21) that determines which inspection report to delete from the inspection reports stored in the memory unit based on the attributes of the read image. This reduces the effort required to delete unnecessary inspection report information.

[0043] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the image forming system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these. The detailed configurations and operations of the components constituting the image forming system can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0044] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the case where paper P is used as the sheet has been described, but the material of the sheet is not limited to paper, and it may be sheet-shaped resin or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10 Image forming device 20 Image inspection device (control device) 21 CPU (inspection unit, control unit) 24 Memory section 27 Second image reading unit 100 Image forming system

Claims

1. a storage unit for storing an inspection report including an inspection result by an inspection unit that reads an image formed on a recording medium and compares the read image with a reference image to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the read image; and the read image; a control unit that determines an inspection report to be deleted from the inspection reports stored in the storage unit based on attributes of the scanned image; A control device comprising:

2. the attributes include inspection results by the inspection unit; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines not to delete an examination report that includes a predetermined examination result.

3. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined inspection result includes a failure of the inspection result due to detection of dirt.

4. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined inspection result includes a defective inspection result due to the detection of a streak.

5. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined inspection result includes a failure of the inspection result due to detection of color loss.

6. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined inspection result includes a detection result of a number of stains equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

7. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined inspection result includes a number of detected streaks being equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

8. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined inspection result includes a number of detected color defects being equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

9. the attributes include image forming conditions for an image formed on the recording medium, The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines not to delete the inspection report including the scanned image generated by scanning the image under predetermined image forming conditions.

10. The control device according to claim 9 , wherein the predetermined image forming conditions include an overprint setting.

11. 10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined image forming conditions include a condition that the paper type is one of matte PP (Poly-Propylene), coated paper, and coated paper.

12. The control device according to claim 9 , wherein the predetermined image forming condition includes that the paper size is equal to or larger than a predetermined size.

13. The control device according to claim 9 , wherein the predetermined image forming conditions include a predetermined distribution ratio of color elements that constitute an image.

14. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; a storage unit that stores an inspection report including an inspection result by an inspection unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the read image by comparing the read image obtained by reading the image formed by the image forming unit with a reference image, and the read image; a control unit that determines an inspection report to be deleted from the inspection reports stored in the storage unit based on attributes of the scanned image; An image forming apparatus comprising:

15. a computer of a control device including a storage unit that stores an inspection report including an inspection result by an inspection unit that reads an image formed on a recording medium and compares the read image with a reference image to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the read image; and the read image; a program that functions as a control unit that determines an inspection report to be deleted from the inspection reports stored in the storage unit based on attributes of the scanned image;

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