Image forming system

Abstract

To enable setting of a discharge destination for sheets that have been inspected when inspecting images printed on the sheets during test printing.SOLUTION: An image forming system comprises: an image forming device that forms images on sheets; a reading unit that reads the images formed on the sheets by the image forming device; an inspection device that inspects the images read by the reading unit; and a button for selecting a discharge destination to which sheets are discharged when inspecting the images on the sheets printed as test printing by the image forming device by the inspection device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system having a print inspection function for inspecting the quality of an image printed on paper. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming devices execute print jobs that generate printed materials by printing an image on paper based on image data representing the image to be printed. In particular, image forming devices used in commercial printing (hereinafter referred to as production printing machines) often print many copies or pages in a single print job. For this reason, it is common to execute a test print in which only specific pages are printed before the actual printing.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that, particularly at large-scale printing sites, a large number of print jobs are assigned sequentially to production printing machines, and multiple machines execute printing processes in parallel. Each machine performs a test print for each print job sent to it before carrying out the actual print.

[0004] A print inspection device connected to an image forming device inspects whether the image printed on paper by the image forming device is formed as specified in the image data. The print inspection device performs print inspection according to inspection settings such as the inspection area and inspection intensity (inspection level) set in advance by the user. However, if the inspection settings are incorrect (different from what the user intended), there is a possibility that the number of sheets of paper that are judged to have print abnormalities (inspection NG) as inspection results during a print job will increase.

[0005] In Patent Document 2, if the print inspection device determines that there is an abnormality (NG) during actual printing, the NG paper is discharged to a dedicated purge tray. Reprinting is then automatically processed. In this way, in actual printing, the NG paper is automatically removed by using a purge tray for discharging NG paper, and printing recovery operations are automatically processed, thereby improving printing efficiency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-184155 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2005-144797 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, when inspecting an image printed on paper in test printing, there has been no method for selecting a destination for ejecting the inspected paper. An object of the present invention is to enable, when inspecting an image printed on paper in test printing, to set a paper discharge destination for the inspected paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The image forming system of the present invention is characterized by having an image forming means for forming an image on paper, a reading means for reading the image formed on the paper by the image forming means, an inspection means for inspecting the image read by the reading means, and a selection means for selecting a paper output destination to which the paper is output when the image on the paper printed as a test print by the image forming means is inspected by the inspection means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when inspecting an image printed on paper in test printing, it is possible to set the discharge destination of the inspected paper. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] Controller configuration diagram. [Figure 3]FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a print setting screen. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an examination result setting screen. [Figure 7] 10 is a flow diagram of a test print inspection process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flow diagram of a test print inspection process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the print inspection process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the print inspection process. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the test result setting screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another modified example of the test result setting screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0012] (Configuration of image forming system) 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system including a print inspection device according to an embodiment. The image forming system 1 includes an operation unit 200, a printer 300 as an image forming unit, a controller 400, an inspection device 500 as an image inspection unit, a stacker 600, and a finisher 700 as a post-processing unit.

[0013] The operation unit 200 is a user interface equipped with an input interface and an output interface. The input interface is, for example, an input key or a touch panel. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. Therefore, the operation unit 200 functions as a means for presenting information through sight and hearing. The operation unit 200 transmits instructions and data input from the input interface to the controller 400. Furthermore, the operation unit 200 outputs information from the output interface in response to instructions from the controller 400.

[0014] The controller 400 controls the operations of the printer 300, the inspection device 500, the stacker 600, and the finisher 700 based on instructions and data input from the operation unit 200 or instructions and data acquired from an external device via a network. For example, when forming an image, the controller 400 transmits an image formation instruction to the printer 300. Details of the controller 400 will be described later.

[0015] (Printer) The printer 300 of this embodiment is a color image forming apparatus that prints color images on paper and functions as a printing unit. The printer 300 includes image forming units Y, M, C, and K, an intermediate transfer body 306, a transfer unit 307, a fuser 308, paper feed cassettes 311 and 312, and a paper feed mechanism. The image forming unit Y forms a yellow (Y) image. The image forming unit M forms a magenta (M) image. The image forming unit C forms a cyan (C) image. The image forming unit K forms a black (K) image. The intermediate transfer body 306 transfers the images of each color formed by the image forming units Y, M, C, and K in a superimposed manner. The transfer unit 307 transfers the image carried on the intermediate transfer body 306 to paper. The fuser 308 fixes the image transferred to the paper. The image forming units Y, M, C, and K have the same configuration and form images by similar operations. Here, the configuration of the image forming unit Y will be described, and descriptions of the configurations of the image forming units M, C, and K will be omitted.

[0016] The image forming unit Y includes a photosensitive drum 301Y, a charger 302Y, an exposure unit 303Y, and a developing unit 304Y. The photosensitive drum 301Y is a drum-shaped photosensitive body having a photosensitive layer on its surface. During operation, the photosensitive drum 301Y rotates in the direction of arrow R around the drum axis. The charger 302Y uniformly charges the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 301Y. The exposure unit 303Y acquires image data representing a yellow image from the controller 400 and emits and outputs a laser beam in accordance with the image data. The laser beam output from the exposure unit 303Y scans the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 301Y in the drum axis direction.

[0017] As the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 301Y is scanned with a laser beam, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to yellow image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 301Y. The developing unit 304Y contains a yellow developer (e.g., toner) and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 301Y with the developer. As a result, a yellow image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 301Y. The developing unit 304Y is configured so that developer can be constantly replenished from a toner cartridge (not shown).

[0018] Similarly, a magenta image is formed on the photosensitive drum 301M of image forming station M. A cyan image is formed on the photosensitive drum 301C of image forming station C. A black image is formed on the photosensitive drum 301K of image forming station K. The intermediate transfer body 306 is an endless belt member that rotates clockwise in the figure. The intermediate transfer body 306 is in contact with the photosensitive drums 301Y, 301M, 301C, and 301K. As the intermediate transfer body 306 rotates, images of each color are transferred from the photosensitive drums 301Y, 301M, 301C, and 301K in order so as to be superimposed on top of each other. This forms a full-color image on the intermediate transfer body 306. As the intermediate transfer body 306 rotates, it transports the full-color image it carries to the transfer unit 307.

[0019] Paper sheets are stored in paper feed cassettes 311 and 312, and are transported from paper feed cassettes 311 and 312 to transfer unit 307 by a feeding mechanism. The paper is transported in accordance with the timing at which the image carried on intermediate transfer body 306 is transported to transfer unit 307. Transfer unit 307 transfers the image from intermediate transfer body 306 to the paper. A cleaner 309 is disposed downstream of transfer unit 307 in the rotation direction of intermediate transfer body 306. Cleaner 309 removes developer remaining on intermediate transfer body 306 after transfer.

[0020] The paper onto which the image has been transferred is transported from transfer unit 307 to fuser 308. Fuser 308 includes a heater and a pressure roller. Fuser 308 melts and fixes the image onto the paper using heat from the heater and pressure from the pressure roller.

[0021] Downstream of the fuser 308 in the paper transport direction are provided transport paths 313, 314, and 315, a duplex transport path 316, and discharge rollers 317. The paper that has passed through the fuser 308 is temporarily transported from transport path 313 to transport path 314. After the trailing edge of the paper passes transport path 313, the transport direction is reversed and the paper is transported from transport path 315 to discharge rollers 317. Through this transport, the paper is discharged from the printer 300 by discharge rollers 317 with the side on which the image has been formed facing downward (face down). The printed matter, which is the paper after image formation and discharged from the printer 300 by discharge rollers 317, is delivered to the inspection device 500.

[0022] When double-sided printing is performed on the paper, the paper transported to transport path 314 has its rear end pass through transport path 313, and then is transported to double-sided transport path 316. The paper is transported again to transfer unit 307 via double-sided transport path 316. By passing through double-sided transport path 316, the side of the paper on which the image has been formed is inverted. The image is formed on the inverted side of the paper by image transfer processing by transfer unit 307 and fixing processing by fixation device 308. The paper with images formed on both sides is discharged from printer 300 by discharge rollers 317 as a printed matter and delivered to inspection device 500.

[0023] (print inspection equipment) The inspection device 500 includes a conveying path 501, an inspection control unit 510, a first reading unit 5051a, a second reading unit 5051b, flow reading glasses 5053a and 5053b, conveying rollers 502 and 503, and a paper detection sensor 504. The inspection control unit 510 controls the operation of the inspection device 500 under the control of the controller 400. Details of the inspection control unit 510 will be described later. The first reading unit 5051a and the second reading unit 5051b are disposed in positions facing each other across the conveying path 501. The conveying rollers 502 and 503 convey the printed material.

[0024] The inspection device 500 detects printed materials transported on the transport path 501 using the paper detection sensor 504, and the first reading unit 5051a and the second reading unit 5051b read the printed images. The first reading unit 5051a and the second reading unit 5051b send the reading results of the printed materials to the inspection control unit 510. The inspection control unit 510 performs a quality inspection of the images printed on the printed materials based on the reading results of the printed materials. Because the first reading unit 5051a and the second reading unit 5051b are arranged opposite each other across the transport path 501, images printed on both sides of the printed materials can be read in a single transport of the printed materials. The printed materials from which the images have been read are transported from the inspection device 500 to the stacker 600.

[0025] (stacker, finisher) The stacker 600 includes a large-capacity tray 610 and a purge tray 620. The stacker 600 discharges printed materials to either the large-capacity tray 610, the finisher 700, or the purge tray 620 based on instructions from the controller 400 and the results of quality inspection by the inspection control unit 510.

[0026] The finisher 700 includes a printed material transport unit 710 including multiple transport rollers and transport paths, an upper discharge tray 701, a middle discharge tray 702, and a lower discharge tray 703. The printed material transport unit 710 includes switching mechanisms 711 and 712 for switching the discharge destination of printed materials. The finisher 700 sequentially receives printed materials from the stacker 600 and discharges them to either the upper discharge tray 701, the middle discharge tray 702, or the lower discharge tray 703 in response to instructions from the controller 400. The stacker 600 and the finisher 700 are equipped with a shift discharge function to make it easier for the operator to distinguish between stacks of paper when discharging. The stacker 600 and the finisher 700 may also be configured to perform post-processing such as stapling to bind multiple printed materials together, binding the bundled printed materials, and trimming the bundled printed materials.

[0027] (controller) 2 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the controller 400. In addition to the printer 300, the inspection device 500, and the operation unit 200, the controller 400 is also connected to a storage 4100 and a power supply control unit 4500. The storage 4100 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The controller 400 includes a storage I / F 4318, an operation unit I / F 4306, a power supply control I / F 4308, an inspection unit I / F 4317, a printer communication I / F 4307, and a printer I / F 4316 as interfaces with these connected units. The controller 400 also includes a communication I / F 4305 for communicating with external devices via a network. The storage I / F 4318 , the operation unit I / F 4306 , the power supply control I / F 4308 , the inspection unit I / F 4317 , the printer communication I / F 4307 , and the communication I / F 4305 are connected to a system bus 4319 .

[0028] The controller 400 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 4301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 4302, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 4303. The CPU 4301 controls the operation of the image forming system 1 by executing computer programs stored in the ROM 4302. The RAM 4303 provides a working area for the CPU 4301 when executing processing. The RAM 4303 is also used as an image memory for temporarily storing image data and the like. The CPU 4301, the ROM 4302, and the RAM 4303 are also connected to a system bus 4319. A non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 4304 and a timer 4309 are also connected to the system bus 4319. The NVRAM 4304 stores various control parameters. The timer 4309 keeps the current time and monitors the passage of a set time.

[0029] The operation unit I / F 4306 controls communication with the operation unit 200. The operation unit I / F 4306 accepts inputs such as print jobs, commands, and print settings from the operation unit 200 to the controller 400 and transmits them to the CPU 4301. The operation unit I / F 4306 displays various screens and the status of the image forming system 1 on the display of the operation unit 200 under the control of the CPU 4301. The printer communication I / F 4307 controls communication with the printer 300 under the control of the CPU 4301. The power supply control I / F 4308 instructs the power supply control unit 4500 to supply / stop various types of power according to commands from the CPU 4301. The power supply control unit 4500 supplies power to the printer 300. The inspection unit I / F 4317 controls communication with the inspection device 500 under the control of the CPU 4301. The storage I / F 4318 controls communication with the storage 4100 under the control of the CPU 4301 .

[0030] The communication I / F 4305 is connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and performs communication control such as sending and receiving e-mails and inputting and outputting PDL data from external devices. The communication I / F 4305 also has an NVRAM (not shown) that stores various parameters related to communication control such as MAC addresses.

[0031] The system bus 4319 is connected to an image bus 4311 via an image bus I / F 4310. The image bus I / F 4310 is a bridge that connects the system bus 4319 and the image bus 4311, which is used to transfer image data to the printer 300. The image bus 4311 is connected to a printer I / F 4316, an image compression unit 4312, an image rotation unit 4313, and a RIP (Raster Image Processor) 4314.

[0032] The image compression unit 4312 performs compression and decompression processing for JPEG, JBIG, MMR, MH, etc. The image rotation unit 4313 performs image rotation processing. The RIP 4314 expands PDL code into a bitmap raster image. The printer I / F 4316 transmits image data to the printer 300. This image data is generated by the controller 400 by performing image processing for the printer 300, such as printer 300 correction and resolution conversion, on image data for print output.

[0033] (Inspection Control Unit) 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an inspection control unit 510 provided in the inspection device 500. The inspection control unit 510 controls the operations of the first reading unit 5051a and the second reading unit 5051b. The inspection control unit 510 performs processes such as analyzing the reading results of the first reading unit 5051a and the second reading unit 5051b, controlling the operation of the inspection device 500, and communicating with the controller 400. The inspection control unit 510 is also connected to the controller 400 and to a storage 5011, which is a storage means for storing misalignment correction profiles and the like.

[0034] The inspection control unit 510 includes a CPU 5001, a ROM 5002, a RAM 5003, a storage I / F 5004, a motor control unit 5009, a read image processing unit 5008, an image processing unit 5006, an RTC 5012, a host I / F 5007, and a sensor control unit 5010. Each unit is connected to a system bus 5005. The read image processing unit 5008 is connected to a first reading unit 5051a via a first reading I / F 5052a, and is connected to a second reading unit 5051b via a second reading I / F 5052b. The RTC 5012 is a real-time clock that holds the current time with high accuracy.

[0035] The host I / F 5007 controls communication with the inspection unit I / F 4317 of the controller 400. When the inspection control unit 510 and the controller 400 communicate with each other, data is sent and received between the host I / F 5007 and the inspection unit I / F 4317. For example, the host I / F 5007 acquires image data used in the image forming operation of the printer 300 from the controller 400. The storage 5011 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The image data can be stored in any location, but in this embodiment it is stored in the storage 5011.

[0036] The CPU 5001 controls the operation of the inspection device 500 by executing a computer program stored in the ROM 5002. The RAM 5003 provides a working area for the CPU 5001 to execute processing. The storage I / F 5004 controls communication with a storage 5011 connected to the inspection control unit 510.

[0037] Under the control of the CPU 5001, the read image processing unit 5008 acquires the read results of the image of the printed material from the first reading unit 5051a via the first reading I / F 5052a. Also, under the control of the CPU 5001, the read image processing unit 5008 acquires the read results of the image of the printed material from the second reading unit 5051b via the second reading I / F 5052b. Under the control of the CPU 5001, the read image processing unit 5008 performs a magnification change process on the read results (read data) of the image of the printed material acquired from the first reading unit 5051a and the second reading unit 5051b to generate read image data and store it in the RAM 5003. The first reading unit 5051a and the second reading unit 5051b are configured with sensor arrays and are capable of reading the entire area of ​​the printed material transported on the transport path 501. The first reading unit 5051a reads an image on the first side of the printed matter, and the second reading unit 5051b reads an image on the second side of the printed matter.

[0038] The first reading unit 5051a and the second reading unit 5051b are composed of a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit is composed of, for example, a white LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the light-receiving unit is composed of, for example, a CMOS sensor with an RGB color filter. Under the control of the CPU 5001, the light-emitting unit irradiates light onto the printed material being transported on the transport path 501. The light-receiving unit separates the light reflected by the printed material into three RGB color components using a color filter and receives the light, and outputs read data as the light-receiving result (reading result). The read data is sent to the read image processing unit 5008.

[0039] The motor control unit 5009 controls the operation of various motors provided in the inspection device 500 under the control of the CPU 5001. The sensor control unit 5010 controls the operation of various sensors provided in the inspection device 500 under the control of the CPU 5001, and notifies the CPU 5001 of the detection results of the sensors. The image processing unit 5006, under the control of the CPU 5001, compares image data stored in the storage 5011 (hereinafter referred to as "reference image data") with the scanned image data stored in the RAM 5003 to inspect the quality of the printed matter. The reference image data is image data used for image formation by the printer 300 and is stored in the storage 5011. Alternatively, the reference image data may be an image obtained by scanning a reference image in advance before the quality inspection is performed. During the comparison, the image processing unit 5006 performs a correction process on the reference image data using parameters obtained by calibration, which will be described later.

[0040] (Print Settings) 4 is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen (print setting screen) that is displayed on the display of the operation unit 200 when instructing the printer 300 to print. The operation screen functions as an information presentation screen for presenting information such as print settings. This operation screen also functions as a reception means for receiving operations from the user, such as starting printing. The user executes printing with the printer 300 using these operation screens displayed on the display. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the color / black and white selection is set to automatic selection, cassette 1 is selected as the cassette, A4 as the paper size, cardboard 2 as the paper type, and 10 copies as the number of copies to print.

[0041] Buttons B101 to B104 are buttons for making print settings, with button B101 being a button for selecting the print color (color / black and white) and button B102 being a button for selecting the print side (single-sided printing / double-sided printing). Button B103 is a paper selection button for selecting the paper type, and button B104 is a paper output selection button for setting the output destination for printed materials, etc. When button B104 is pressed by the user, the display screen transitions to the inspection result setting screen shown in FIG. 6. The number of copies to be printed can also be set using a numeric keypad (not shown).

[0042] Button B105 is a print start button that functions as a first reception means, and when this button B105 is pressed, printing begins with the print settings set by buttons B101 to B104 and the number of copies set by the numeric keypad, that is, actual printing. Button B106 is a test print start button that functions as a second reception means, and when this button B106 is pressed, only one copy of the first page is printed using the print settings set by buttons B101 to B104. Button B107 is a cancel button, and when this button B107 is pressed, the settings already input by the user are canceled and an initial screen (not shown) is displayed on the display of operation unit 200.

[0043] Here, we will explain proof printing. When a proof print is executed after a print job is accepted, the accepted print job remains stored in printable form and the same image as the image indicated by the print job can be printed on paper. When a print job is accepted and printing (full printing) other than proof printing is executed, the print job is discarded after image formation based on the accepted print job is performed. In this case, if you want to print the image indicated by the print job again, you need to accept the print job again. For example, proof printing is a function that prints a specified portion of the multiple pages (e.g., only one page) rather than printing the multiple pages specified through the operation screen. Proof printing may also be a function that prints fewer copies (e.g., only one copy) than the multiple copies included in the previously accepted print job, for example, to check the print results. Alternatively, proof printing may be a function that prints a different number of pages or copies than the specified number of pages or copies.

[0044] An image processing unit 5006 of the inspection device 500 inspects the printed matter in accordance with preset inspection settings. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 4301 of the controller 400 functions as control means. When either button B105 or B106 is pressed, the CPU 4301 controls the printer 300 to print an image on paper, and also controls the inspection device 500 to inspect the printed matter in accordance with the preset inspection settings. When the cancel button B107 is pressed, the settings input by the user are canceled, and an initial screen (not shown) is displayed on the display of the operation unit 200.

[0045] The print setting screen shown in FIG. 4 may display, for example, a selectable check box for selecting whether or not to perform an inspection. The user (operator) can check or uncheck the check box by, for example, touching the check box on the operation screen. When the button B105 (or B106) is pressed with the check box checked, the CPU 4301 controls the printer 300 to print an image on paper and controls the inspection device 500 to inspect the printout (the image printed on paper). On the other hand, when the button B105 (or B106) is pressed with the check box unchecked, the CPU 4301 controls the printer 300 to print an image on paper without performing an inspection by the inspection device 500.

[0046] (Inspection Settings) FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an inspection setting screen for setting inspections for the inspection device 500. The inspection settings include multiple setting items that affect whether or not the inspection results are abnormal. Specifically, these include a priority inspection area, a standard inspection area, a character / barcode inspection area, a QR Code (registered trademark) inspection area, and an inspection exclusion area, as described below. This inspection setting screen functions as a reception unit for receiving instructions from a user to set the inspection area where inspections such as quality inspections are performed by the inspection device 500. In the figure, area B401 displays the print image and inspection setting area, and the inspection area can be arbitrarily set using a mouse, touch panel, or the like. In this example, area B401 displays the document image for the print job, and areas B411 to B416 are shown as inspection areas. Note that while areas B401 and B411 to B416 are each rectangular, any shape, such as a triangle, polygon, or circle, may be specified to match the shape of the area to be inspected.

[0047] Buttons B402 to B405 are buttons for setting the inspection area type. The user can set the inspection area by selecting one of buttons B402 to B405 and setting an area in area B401. FIG. 5 shows four types of buttons for setting the inspection area type. Button B402 is a priority inspection area setting button for setting an area where high-precision inspection will be performed, and button B403 is a standard inspection area button for setting the overall inspection level. Button B404 is a detailed setting button for setting detailed settings for the variable inspection area, which is the area where variable inspection will be performed. The variable inspection area is an area of ​​the entire printed image where data that varies for each page, copy, or sheet is embedded. For example, different numbers or barcodes are formed on each sheet. The presence or absence of an abnormality in the image can be determined based on whether the information represented by the read results of the variable inspection area is consistent with a predetermined rule, such as ascending or descending numerical order. The example in FIG. 5 shows a state in which a character inspection area is selected as the variable inspection area. 5, the character inspection area is an area for inspecting not only character strings but also two-dimensional codes and barcodes. Button B405 is an inspection exclusion area button that specifies an area that is not to be inspected.

[0048] In the example of FIG. 5, an inspection level setting button may be provided for each inspection area to set the inspection accuracy in stages, for example, from level 1 to level 5. Specifically, button B402a is provided as an inspection level setting button for button B402, which is the priority inspection area, and button B403b is provided as an inspection level setting button for button B403, which is the standard inspection area. Therefore, the user can set the inspection level for each of the priority inspection area of ​​button B402 and the standard inspection area of ​​button B403. In the example of FIG. 5, inspection level 1 has the lowest inspection accuracy, and the inspection accuracy increases as the inspection level number increases. In the figure, inspection level 3 is set as the inspection level for the priority inspection area, and inspection level 2 is set as the inspection level for the standard inspection area.

[0049] Button B406 is an inspection start button, and when the user selects and presses this button, the inspection begins. Button B407 is a button for returning to the previous screen, and when the user selects this button, the inspection setting process is canceled and the screen returns to the initial screen (not shown). A dotted rectangle is displayed to the left of button B402, which represents the priority inspection area, visually indicating that the priority inspection area is represented by the dotted rectangle within area B401. Similarly, a solid rectangle is displayed to the left of button B403, which represents the standard inspection area, and the standard inspection area is represented by the solid rectangle within area B401. A dashed-dotted rectangle is displayed to the left of button B404, which represents the character inspection area, and the character inspection area is represented by the dashed-dotted rectangle within area B401. A two-dot-dotted rectangle is displayed to the left of button B405, which represents the non-inspection area, and the two-dot-dotted rectangle within area B401.

[0050] For example, the user can select button B402 and use a mouse or the like to select an area within area B401 that requires focused inspection, thereby arbitrarily selecting the area to be focused on. In the example of FIG. 5, areas B412 and B413, which include human faces, are both represented by dotted rectangles, indicating that these areas are focused inspection areas set by button B402. Area B414 is represented by a solid rectangle, indicating that it is a standard inspection area set by button B403. Areas B415 and B416 are both represented by dashed-dotted rectangles, indicating that they are character inspection areas set by button B404 for inspecting character strings, two-dimensional codes, and barcodes. In the example of FIG. 5, area B415 is an area that includes character strings, and area B416 is an area that includes two-dimensional codes. Area B411, which is a background area and does not require high-precision inspection, is represented by a dashed-dotted rectangle, indicating that it is an area excluded from inspection set by button B405.

[0051] Compared to inspecting the entire image, only the required area can be selected for inspection, which reduces the resources required for inspection, such as the amount of RAM 5003 used in the inspection device 500, the processing load and processing capacity of the CPU 5001, etc. Also, by setting the inspection level in stages, for example, from level 1 to level 5, the resources required for inspection in the image forming device can be reduced compared to when inspection is always performed at a high level of inspection accuracy. Furthermore, by setting multiple areas and individually setting the inspection level, it becomes possible to optimally allocate resources according to the required level of inspection accuracy.

[0052] (Print inspection during trial printing) The test print is used to check whether the print image, the print settings of the printer 300, and the inspection settings of the inspection device 500 are correct.

[0053] For example, if a printed image contains a character string and the user wants to inspect whether the character string printed by the inspection device 500 is correct, the user sets the character string area using the method described above. The inspection device 500 then performs OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing on the printed image in the set area. However, if the area set by the user is incorrect, the inspection result will be abnormal or unacceptable (NG). Examples of this include when an area other than the character string is set as the inspection area for the character string, or when part of the character string is not included in the area set by the user. In the following description, an abnormal or unacceptable inspection result will simply be referred to as "inspection NG" or the like.

[0054] Furthermore, if the inspection level set by the user differs from the inspection accuracy intended by the user, the inspection may be judged as NG even if it is within the user's acceptable range. For example, if the inspection level set is stricter than the inspection accuracy intended by the user, the inspection may be judged as NG against the user's intention. If actual printing is performed under the above conditions, the number of sheets with an "NG inspection" may increase. Furthermore, if the inspection result in actual printing is NG and recovery printing is performed, if there is an error in the settings, the inspection result may repeatedly be NG, resulting in wasted paper and increased downtime of the device. During test printing, recovery printing is not performed even if the inspection result is NG, and the inspection device 500 notifies the user via the operation unit 200 whether there are any errors in the inspection settings.

[0055] (Test result settings) FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the inspection result setting screen for setting the inspection results of the inspection device 500. This inspection result setting screen functions as a reception means for receiving instructions from the user to set recovery printing operations and paper processing methods (such as ejection of NG paper) when an inspection result is NG when the inspection device 500 performs an inspection. In the figure, group B601, which is related to setting the operation to be performed when consecutive NG inspections occur, is composed of radio buttons B601a and B601b and an input field B601c for the number of NG inspections. Radio button B601a sets the “Do not pause inspection” option, while radio button B601b sets the “Pause inspection” option. In this way, group B601 allows the user to set whether to continue or stop printing when an NG inspection is detected by the inspection device 500. Specifically, when radio button B601a is selected, the print job is set to run to completion without stopping printing, even if an NG inspection is detected. Furthermore, when radio button B601b is selected, the printing operation is set to be paused if inspection NG is detected consecutively for the print paper of the setting value entered by the user in input field B601c. In the illustrated example of group B601, the setting is such that inspection and printing are paused if inspection NG paper is detected five times consecutively in the inspection results during printing.

[0056] Here, the function for setting the paper output destination will be explained. In actual printing, it is desirable to output to different trays paper that the inspection results show is abnormal (NG paper) and paper that the inspection results show is normal (OK paper). This is because if both OK paper and NG paper are output to the same output tray in actual printing, it will be time-consuming to remove the NG paper. For this reason, it is desirable to output OK paper and NG paper separately in actual printing. Note that, for example, in actual printing, both OK paper and NG paper may be output to the same tray to make it easier to move paper on which an image has been formed (the product) to the next process.

[0057] On the other hand, various needs can be considered for test printing. For example, when a user (operator) wants to perform a test print to check the print results, the user (operator) needs to remove the paper with the printed image from the tray. In this case, if the paper is discharged to the same tray both when the inspection result of the image printed on the paper during the test print indicates an abnormality (NG paper) and when the inspection result indicates no abnormality (OK paper), it will be easier for the user to remove the paper (the product). Also, for example, if test printing is performed as a final check just before the actual printing, and no NG paper is produced, it is desirable to treat the paper with the image printed during the test print as paper that will indicate no abnormality in the inspection result for the actual printing (OK paper). In this case, the paper with the image printed during the test print is discharged to the tray where paper is discharged for the actual printing.

[0058] When printing a test print, the desired paper output setting (output tray) may differ. However, in conventional image forming systems, it was not possible to switch the output setting (output tray) when a print is judged to be NG between test print and final print. Therefore, the following describes a method for setting the output destination separately for test print and final print.

[0059] Group B602 is an item for setting the operation (print paper discharge control) when an inspection NG is detected, and is made up of subgroups B603 and B604. Subgroup B603 relates to settings for paper discharge control in the regular print mode. Subgroup B604 relates to settings for operation in the test print mode. Subgroup B603 has radio buttons B603a to B603e, and selecting one of the radio buttons allows the user to set a specific paper discharge control.

[0060] Radio button B603a sets "Inspection only." When radio button B603a is selected, all sheets of paper ejected from printer 300 are ejected to the same tray (large capacity tray 610) regardless of the inspection results. This means that when an inspection failure is detected, the NG sheets are ejected to the same tray as large capacity tray 610 to which OK sheets (sheets that are determined not to be NG as a result of the inspection (OK)) are ejected.

[0061] Radio button B603b is set to "Inspection only (1) (shift ejection of NG paper)." When radio button B603b is selected, all paper ejected from printer 300 is ejected to the same tray, regardless of the inspection result. This means that when an inspection NG is detected, NG paper is ejected to the same tray as the OK paper. However, NG paper is shifted in a specified direction relative to the OK paper. This allows for paper ejection control that makes it easy to distinguish between OK paper and NG paper.

[0062] Radio button B603c sets "Inspection only (2) (insert slip sheet when inspection is NG)." When radio button B603c is selected, all sheets ejected from printer 300 are ejected to the same tray regardless of the inspection results. This means that when an inspection NG is detected, the NG sheets are ejected to the same tray as the OK sheets. However, a slip sheet is inserted a predetermined number of pages after the NG sheets. This allows for paper ejection control that makes it easy for the operator to identify NG sheets. Note that the insertion position of the slip sheet is inserted after the paper on which the printer is forming an image, so the insertion position varies depending on the image forming device, paper type, and print settings. For example, if the paper size and print format are "plain paper, A3 size paper, single-sided printing," the insertion position of the slip sheet is set to four pages after the NG sheets.

[0063] Radio button B603d is the setting for "discharge to a tray other than OK." When radio button B603d is selected, the discharge destination for the paper on which the image is printed changes depending on the inspection results. Therefore, NG paper is discharged to a tray (for example, purge tray 620) different from the tray to which OK paper is discharged. This allows for discharge control in which OK paper and NG paper are separated by discharge tray.

[0064] Radio button B603e is the setting for "Recovery printing with paper ejected to a tray other than OK." When radio button B603e is selected, the ejection destination for the paper on which the image is printed changes depending on the inspection results, and printing is restarted starting from the image for which the inspection result was determined to be NG. NG paper is ejected to a tray (e.g., purge tray 620) different from the tray to which OK paper is ejected, and the NG paper is automatically reprinted. Specifically, in the case of a print product consisting of multiple pages, if the inspection result is determined to be NG during printing, all of the paper located upstream of the NG paper along the paper transport path is ejected to purge tray 620. The printer 300 then automatically reprints from the printing position of the NG paper. As a result, all OK paper is stacked in the tray to which the OK paper is ejected in a predetermined page order. This is called recovery printing processing. As described above, the paper discharge control for actual printing is set by the user selecting one of the radio buttons B603a to B603e. In addition to setting the paper discharge destination, such as discharging NG paper to a different purge tray 620 from OK paper, it is also possible to set post-inspection processing, such as shifting NG paper, inserting slip sheets when an inspection fails, or performing recovery printing.

[0065] Subgroup B604 relates to settings for paper discharge control in test printing mode. Subgroup B604 includes radio buttons B604a to B604d and a check box B604e. Paper discharge control in test printing mode is set by selecting one of the radio buttons B604a to B604d, and the paper discharge destination for the selected setting changes depending on whether the check box B604e is checked. The radio buttons B604a to B604d are set to operate in the same way as the radio buttons B603a to B603d, respectively, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] Check box B604e is used to set the forced paper discharge destination, and in this example, it is set to "forced purge tray discharge." When check box B604e is selected (checked), only that discharge destination is forcibly changed. In this example, by checking check box B604e, all sheets, both OK and NG, are forcibly discharged to purge tray 620. Here, purge tray 620 functions as a forced paper discharge tray. For example, if check box B604e is checked while radio button B604d is selected, the setting in check box B604e takes priority, and the setting in radio button B604d to discharge OK and NG sheets to different trays is disabled. The same applies to radio buttons B604a to B604c. Therefore, when check box B604e is checked, the discharge destination settings for OK and NG sheets in radio buttons B604a to B604d are disabled, and the setting in check box B604e takes priority.

[0067] Button B605 is an OK button, and when the user presses this button B605, the test result settings made on the test result setting screen are stored. Button B606 is a button for canceling the test result settings made on the test result setting screen. When the user presses this button B606, the contents of the test result settings are canceled, and the display screen returns to the print setting screen (Fig. 4).

[0068] The test result setting screen displayed on the display of the operation unit 200 may have the configuration shown in Fig. 11. In the test result setting screen shown in Fig. 11, the group B601, radio button B601a, radio button B601b, input field B601c, button B605, and button B606 have been explained in Fig. 6, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.

[0069] Subgroup B1110 includes pull-down buttons B1111a and B1111b for selecting the destination for ejecting sheets of paper on which an image has been formed. When the user presses pull-down button B1111a on the inspection result setting screen, the user can select from multiple paper output trays a tray to which sheets that do not fail the inspection in the actual printing (OK sheets) will be ejected. When the user presses pull-down button B1111b on the inspection result setting screen, the user can select from multiple paper output trays a tray to which sheets that fail the inspection in the actual printing (NG sheets) will be ejected. Here, the multiple paper output trays are the large-capacity tray 610, purge tray 620, paper output tray 701, paper output tray 702, and paper output tray 703 shown in FIG. 1. Note that the user can also set the destination for ejecting OK sheets and NG sheets to the same tray, for example, in the actual printing.

[0070] Subgroup B1120 includes pull-down buttons B1121a and B1121b for selecting a destination for ejecting sheets of paper on which an image has been formed. When the user presses the pull-down button B1121a on the operation screen, the user can select from multiple paper ejection trays a tray to which sheets that are not determined to be NG in the test print (OK sheets) are ejected. Furthermore, when the user presses the pull-down button B1121b on the inspection result setting screen, the user can select from multiple paper ejection trays a tray to which sheets that are determined to be NG in the test print (NG sheets) are ejected. Here, the multiple paper ejection trays are the large-capacity tray 610, purge tray 620, paper ejection tray 701, paper ejection tray 702, and paper ejection tray 703 shown in FIG. 1. The user can also set the destination for ejecting OK sheets and NG sheets to the same tray during test print, for example.

[0071] The test result setting screen displayed on the display of the operation unit 200 may have the configuration shown in Fig. 12. In the test result setting screen shown in Fig. 12, the group B601, radio button B601a, radio button B601b, input field B601c, button B605, and button B606 have been explained in Fig. 6, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.

[0072] The inspection result setting screen shown in FIG. 12 displays a window for setting the paper output destination. Images corresponding to multiple paper output destinations and multiple input fields B1201a, B1201b, B1202a, and B1202b are displayed within the window. The figure also shows the large-capacity tray 610, purge tray 620, output tray 701, output tray 702, and output tray 703. Input field B1201a is a button for selecting a tray to which paper that does not fail the inspection during actual printing (OK paper) is output. Input field B1201b is a button for selecting a tray to which paper that fails the inspection during actual printing (NG paper) is output. Input field B1202a is a button for selecting a tray to which paper that does not fail the inspection during test printing (OK paper). Input field B1202b is a button for selecting a tray to which paper that fails the inspection during test printing (NG paper) is output. If the user touches input field B1201a and then touches any of the output destinations on the image showing multiple output destinations, the output destination last touched is entered into input field B1201a. For example, this output destination can be entered by touching the images of large capacity tray 610, purge tray 620, output tray 701, output tray 702, and output tray 703 in the drawing. The same applies to the other input fields B1201b, B1202a, and B1202b.

[0073] (Proof print inspection process flow) 7 and 8 are flow diagrams of the test printing inspection process. Test printing is a processing step performed to verify whether the print image, the print settings of the printer 300, and the inspection settings of the inspection device 500 are correct. Note that this flow diagram collectively illustrates the processing executed by the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 and the processing executed by the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500. In FIG. 4, when the user presses the test printing start button (button B106), an instruction to execute test printing is given to the CPU 4301 of the controller 400, and test printing is executed in accordance with that instruction.

[0074] When the user presses button B106 via operation unit 200, CPU 4301 of controller 400 transmits job information including information on the paper used in printing, inspection settings, and the paper output destination based on the inspection results to inspection device 500 (S701). CPU 5001 of inspection device 500 receives the job information from controller 400 (S702). After receiving the job information from controller 400, CPU 5001 of inspection device 500 transmits a request to controller 400 to send a reference image for inspection judgment (S704).

[0075] The CPU 4301 of the controller 400 transmits the document image data of the print job as reference image data to the inspection device 500 based on the reference image transmission request from the inspection device 500 (S705). The CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 receives the reference image from the controller 400, stores it in the storage 5011, and notifies the controller 400 that preparation for the print job is complete (S706).

[0076] When the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 receives a notification that the inspection device 500 is ready (S707), it controls the printer 300 to start printing only a portion of the paper (S708). After executing S706, the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 determines whether the paper has arrived at the paper detection position of the paper detection sensor 504 on the conveying path 501 of the inspection device 500 (S710). If the paper has not arrived (S710: No), the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 waits for the paper to arrive. If the paper has arrived (S710: Yes), the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 reads the incoming paper with the first reading unit 5051a and the second reading unit 5051b and instructs the image processing unit 5006 to perform a comparison process with the reference image data received in S706. As a result, the image processing unit 5006 performs the comparison process, and image inspection is performed (S711). Thereafter, the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 transmits the inspection results of the image inspection based on the comparison in the image processing unit 5006 to the controller 400 (S712).

[0077] The CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the inspection result has been received (S714), and if not (S714: No), waits for the inspection result to be received. If the inspection result has been received (S714: Yes), the CPU 4301 determines whether forced purge tray paper discharge is set. Specifically, the CPU 4301 determines whether check box B604e is checked on the inspection result setting screen of FIG. 6. If forced purge tray paper discharge is set (S740: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 notifies the stacker 600 of forced purge paper discharge (S741). The stacker 600 receives this forced purge paper discharge notification (S742).

[0078] If forced purge tray discharge is not set (S740: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls the operation unit 200 to update the inspection screen (not shown) according to the inspection results (S715). The inspection screen is a screen that displays items such as misalignment and dirt on the image to be inspected, and is displayed on a display provided in the operation unit 200. Updating the inspection screen also means changing these items according to the inspection results. Next, the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the inspection results are OK (S720). If the inspection results are OK (S720: Yes), the process proceeds to S732.

[0079] The paper discharge destination is determined by the discharge tray selected using button B104, which is the discharge selection button on the print setting screen of FIG. 4, and the discharge control setting on the inspection result setting screen of FIG. 6. As an example of the settings, in this embodiment, the discharge tray is set to the large capacity tray 610 using button B104 on the print setting screen of FIG. 4, and the inspection result setting is as shown in FIG. 6. In this case, radio button B604a is selected in subgroup B604 in FIG. 6. Therefore, if the inspection result of the inspection device 500 is determined to be OK (S720: Yes), and if a forced purge discharge notification has not been received (S732: No), large capacity tray discharge control is executed (S729) with the large capacity tray as the discharge destination. S732 and S729 will be described in detail later.

[0080] On the other hand, if the inspection result is NG (S720: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the number of consecutive NG detected sheets since the start of test printing is equal to or greater than the set value input by the user via the input field B601c (S743). If it is equal to or greater than the set value (S743: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 suspends printing (S744) and ends processing. If it is not equal to or greater than the set value (S743: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the radio button B604a is selected, i.e., whether "Inspection only" is selected (S721). If it is "Inspection only" (S721: Yes), processing proceeds to S732.

[0081] If not inspection only (S721: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the radio button B604c is selected, that is, whether it is "Inspection only (2) (insertion of slip sheet)" (S722). If it is "Inspection only (2) (insertion of slip sheet)" (S722: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 feeds a slip sheet (S726), and the process proceeds to S732. If not (S722: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the radio button B604b is selected, that is, whether it is "Inspection only (1) (shift discharge)" (S723).

[0082] If it is "inspection only (1) (shift discharge)" (S723, Yes), the process proceeds to S730. If not (S723: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 instructs the stacker 600 to control discharge to the purge tray (S727). Note that the determinations in S721, S722, and S723 are made by the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 by referring to each setting item in the subgroup B604 of FIG. 6.

[0083] Furthermore, if the determination result in S723 is No, discharge control to the purge tray is performed without determining whether or not a forced purge discharge notification has been received. This means that a No determination result in S723 means that radio buttons B604a to B604c have not been selected in the subgroup in FIG. 6, and radio button B603d has been selected. In this case, NG paper is discharged to the purge tray regardless of whether the checkbox in radio button B603e is checked. Therefore, the process of determining whether or not a forced purge discharge notification has been received is omitted in FIG. 6. Note that for OK paper, if the checkbox in radio button B603e is checked in S722, forced purge tray discharge control is performed. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 6, even if radio button B603d is selected and the checkbox in radio button B603e is checked, both NG paper and OK paper are discharged to the forced purge tray.

[0084] In S730, the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the stacker 600 has received a forced purge paper discharge notification. If not (S730: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines the large capacity tray in the stacker 600 as the paper discharge destination and performs large capacity tray shift paper discharge control (S728). In the large capacity tray shift paper discharge control, paper is shifted to the large capacity tray. If the forced purge paper discharge notification has been received (S730: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines the forced purge tray in the stacker 600 as the paper discharge destination and performs forced purge tray shift paper discharge control (S731). In the forced purge tray shift paper discharge control, paper is shifted to the forced purge tray. After S728 and S731, the process proceeds to S716.

[0085] In step 732, the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the stacker 600 has received a forced purge paper discharge notification. If not (S732: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines the large capacity tray in the stacker 600 as the paper discharge destination and performs large capacity tray paper discharge control (S729). If the notification has been received (S732: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines the forced purge tray in the stacker 600 as the paper discharge destination and performs forced purge tray paper discharge control (S733). After S729 and S733, the process proceeds to S716.

[0086] Thereafter, the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether or not there is a next page (S716). If there is a next page (S716: Yes), the process returns to S714. If there is no next page (S716: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls the operation unit 200 to update the inspection screen to display that the inspection has been completed (S717), and ends the process (test print inspection process).

[0087] As explained above, if the check box B604e is selected in the subgroup B604 (S740: Yes), a forced purge paper discharge notification is sent to the stacker 600 (S741). When the stacker 600 receives the forced purge paper discharge notification (S742), all paper discharge trays are controlled to discharge to the purge tray 620, regardless of the settings of the radio buttons B604a, B604b, and B604c (S727, S731, S733).

[0088] In the example of Fig. 6, radio buttons and input fields are set as shown in group B601 and subgroup B604. Therefore, if it is determined in S743 that the number of NG sheets has reached five (S743: Yes), printing is interrupted (S744). On the other hand, if the number of NG sheets has not reached five (S743: No), the determination result in S721 is Yes because "Inspection only" is specified with radio button B604a, and processing proceeds to S732. Because check box B604e is not checked (S732: No), large capacity tray paper discharge control is executed (S729).

[0089] As another example, if radio button B604c of subgroup B604, i.e., "Inspection only (2) (insert slip sheet)," is selected, the determination result in S721 is No and the determination result in S722 is Yes. Therefore, after the determination is made, a process is executed to feed a slip sheet (S726). Then, the process proceeds to S732. If check box B604e is not checked (S732: No), large capacity tray paper discharge control is executed (S729). If check box B604e is checked (S732: Yes), forced purge tray paper discharge control is executed (S733).

[0090] As another example, if "Inspection only (1) (Shift ejection of NG paper)" is selected using the radio button B604b, the determination result in S723 will be Yes, and the process will proceed to S730. If a forced purge ejection notification has not been received (S730: No), large capacity tray shift ejection control (S728) is executed. If a forced purge ejection notification has been received (S730: Yes), forced purge tray shift ejection control is executed (S731).

[0091] In the example of FIG. 6, when check box B604e is checked, the paper is forcibly discharged to the purge tray. For example, when removing printed paper from the tray to check the print results, it is easier to process if both OK and NG paper are discharged to the same tray, so this type of forced discharge is preferable. Note that the forced discharge destination is not limited to the purge tray, and may be another tray. The discharge destination may be the large-capacity tray, or if there are other discharge destinations in addition to the purge tray and the large-capacity tray, one of the other discharge destinations may be set as the forced discharge destination. This is because both OK and NG paper are discharged to the same tray even in this case.

[0092] (Inspection process flow for actual printing) 9 and 10 are flow diagrams of the inspection printing process for actual printing. This flow diagram collectively illustrates the process executed by the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 and the process executed by the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500. In Fig. 4, when the user selects and presses button B105, an instruction to execute inspection printing is issued to the CPU 4301 of the controller 400, and inspection printing is executed in accordance with that instruction.

[0093] When button B105 is selected via operation unit 200, CPU 4301 of controller 400 transmits job information to inspection device 500, including information on the paper used in printing, the inspection contents, and the paper output destination based on the inspection results (S901). CPU 5001 of inspection device 500 receives the job information from controller 400 (S902), and after receiving the job information, transmits a request to controller 400 to send a reference image for inspection judgment (S904). Based on the reference image transmission request from inspection device 500, CPU 4301 of controller 400 transmits document image data of the print job to the inspection device as reference image data (S905). CPU 5001 of inspection device 500 receives the reference image from controller 400, stores it in storage 5011, and notifies controller 400 that preparation for the print job is complete (S906).

[0094] When the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 receives a notification that the inspection device 500 is ready (S907), it controls the printer 300 to start printing (S908). After executing S906, the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 determines whether or not the paper has arrived at the paper detection position of the paper detection sensor 504 on the conveying path 501 of the inspection device 500 (S910). If the paper has not arrived (S910: No), the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 waits for the paper to arrive. If the paper has arrived (S910: Yes), the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 reads the incoming paper with the first reading unit 5051a and the second reading unit 5051b and instructs the image processing unit 5006 to perform a comparison process with the reference image data received in S906. As a result, the image processing unit 5006 performs the comparison process, and image inspection is performed (S911).

[0095] Thereafter, the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 transmits the inspection results of the image inspection based on the comparison in the image processing unit 5006 to the controller 400 (S912). The CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the inspection results have been received (S914), and if not (S914: No), waits for reception of the inspection results. If received (S914: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls the operation unit 200 to update the inspection screen (not shown) according to the inspection results (S915).

[0096] Next, the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the inspection result is normal (OK) (S920). If the inspection result is OK (S920: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls the shift discharge of sheets to the large-capacity tray in the stacker 600 (S930). If the inspection result is not OK (S920: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the number of consecutive NG sheets detected since the start of printing is equal to or greater than the setting value entered by the user through the input field B601c (S943). If it is equal to or greater than the setting value (S943: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 suspends printing (S944), and the process ends. If it is not equal to or greater than the setting value (S943: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the radio button B603e is selected, that is, whether recovery printing is to be performed (S925). If recovery printing is to be performed (S925: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls the stacker 600 to eject the rejected paper and subsequent papers (S931), then instructs reprinting of the rejected paper (S932), and returns the process to S910.

[0097] If it is not recovery printing (S925: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the radio button B603a is selected, i.e., whether it is "inspection only" (S921). If it is "inspection only" (S921: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls large capacity tray paper discharge in the stacker 600 (S929), and then the process proceeds to S916 (described below). Otherwise (S921: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the radio button B603c is selected, i.e., whether it is "inspection only (2) (insertion of slip sheet)" (S922). If it is (S922: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 feeds a slip sheet (S926), and the process proceeds to S929. If not (S922: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the radio button B603b is selected, that is, whether "Inspection only (1) (Shift discharge)" is selected (S923). If so (S923, Yes), the stacker 600 performs large capacity tray shift discharge control (S928), and then the process proceeds to S916. If not (S923: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 instructs the stacker 600 to perform purge tray discharge control (S927), and then the process proceeds to S916.

[0098] In S916, the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether there is a next page. If there is a next page (S916: Yes), the process proceeds to S914. If there is no next page (S916: No), that is, when printing and inspection of all pages has been completed, the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls the operation unit 200 to update the inspection screen to display that the inspection has been completed (S917), and ends this print inspection process.

[0099] 6, radio buttons and input fields are set as shown in group B601 and subgroup B603, the setting value for the number of NG sheets is 5, and radio button B603e is selected. Therefore, if the inspection result is NG (S920: No), and the number of consecutive NG sheets detected since the start of actual printing reaches 5, which is the setting value in input field B601c (S943: Yes), printing is interrupted (S944). On the other hand, if the number of NG sheets detected has not reached 5 (S943: No), recovery printing is specified with radio button B603e (S925: Yes), so the NG sheet and subsequent sheets are ejected to purge tray 620 (S931), and reprinting of the NG sheet is performed (S932). The inspection device 500 then waits until the printed paper arrives again (S910: No), and when it is determined that the reprinted paper has arrived at the inspection device 500 (S910: Yes), image reading and inspection (S911) resume, and the actual printing process continues.

[0100] If radio button B603d is selected in subgroup B603, the determination results of S925, S921, S922, and S923 are all No, and the process proceeds to S927, where the rejected paper is discharged to the purge tray 620, and printing continues. Thereafter, the controller 400 and inspection device 500 repeat S908 to S915 until the final page of the job (S916).

[0101] In the example described above, separate radio buttons for setting "Inspection only" are provided for official printing (radio button B603a) and test printing (radio button B604a) in Fig. 6. However, a common button may be used for official printing and test printing. The same applies to radio buttons B603b to B603d and radio buttons B604b to B604d.

[0102] As described above, according to the present invention, the paper output settings for actual printing and test printing can be set separately. Furthermore, the paper output settings for test printing can be changed with a simple operation of checking a single checkbox, simplifying the operation of the printing device, shortening the operation time, and reducing setting errors.

Claims

1. an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet; a reading means for reading the image formed on the paper by the image forming means; an inspection means for inspecting the image read by the reading means; and a selection means for selecting a paper output destination to which the paper is output when the image on the paper printed as a test print by the image forming means is inspected by the inspection means.

2. the image forming means forms the image based on a print job, the selecting means selects a paper discharge destination to which the paper is discharged when the image formed on the paper in actual printing in which the image forming means executes all of the print job is inspected by the inspecting means. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

3. The selecting means determines the discharge destination of the paper depending on whether the result of the inspection is normal or abnormal. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

4. the selection unit is capable of accepting a forced paper discharge destination setting from a user, in which the paper discharge destination for the test print is a forced paper discharge tray; When the forced paper discharge destination setting is accepted from the user, the forced paper discharge tray is set as the paper discharge destination for the paper printed as the test print. The image forming system according to claim 2 .

5. The discharge destination of the paper determined to be abnormal as a result of the inspection is set to a tray different from the discharge destination of the paper determined to be normal as a result of the inspection. The image forming system according to claim 3 .

6. The setting of the processing to be performed on the paper after the inspection can be received from the user separately for each of the final printing and the trial printing.

5. The image forming system according to claim 2.

7. The process for the paper after the inspection is at least one of shift discharge and slip sheet insertion. The image forming system according to claim 5 .

8. In setting the paper discharge destination, the paper discharge destination for the paper determined to be abnormal as a result of the inspection is set to a tray different from the paper discharge destination for the paper determined to be normal as a result of the inspection.

5. The image forming system according to claim 2.

9. a first receiving unit that receives an operation to instruct execution of the regular printing, and a second receiving unit that receives an operation to instruct execution of the test printing, The inspection means performs the inspection in either case where an operation to instruct execution of the regular printing is received from the first reception means or an operation to instruct execution of the test printing is received from the second reception means.

5. The image forming system according to claim 2.

10. The inspection is performed in both cases of executing the actual printing and executing the test printing.

5. The image forming system according to claim 2.

Images