Image forming system

Abstract

To appropriately present a cause of an abnormal inspection result to a user.SOLUTION: An image forming system comprises: a printer that forms an image on a sheet on the basis of image data; a reading unit that reads the image formed on the sheet; an operation unit that can set inspection conditions for inspecting the image read by the reading unit; an inspection device; and a display that displays inspection results. The inspection device performs inspection of a reading result of the image by the reading means in accordance with the set inspection conditions. When an inspection result for a first sheet by the inspection means is abnormal, a message prompting confirmation of the inspection settings is displayed on the display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

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] An image forming device generates printed matter 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 sites often print a large number of copies or pages at once. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for performing a test print in which only specific pages are printed before the actual printing.

[0003] A print inspection device inspects whether an image printed on paper by an image forming device is formed as specified in image data. In this inspection, the image data is used as reference data, and the scanned data obtained by reading the image printed on paper with a sensor such as a scanner is used as test image data, and the two sets of data are compared. The print inspection device judges the print quality of the printed matter based on the degree of match between the reference data and the test image data.

[0004] A print inspection device performs a print inspection according to inspection settings, such as the inspection area and inspection intensity, that are set in advance by the user. However, if the user's inspection settings are incorrect (different from what the user originally intended), the inspection result may be determined to be abnormal (inspection NG). In such a case, even if the print is reprinted using recovery printing, the inspection result will still be NG, resulting in unnecessary paper consumption. In Patent Document 2, the device determines whether the data read during printing is blank for the inspection setting area set by the user. Note that blank data means that no image is formed in the inspection area. If the data is blank, the user is notified of an error in the inspection settings. Furthermore, if the read data is not blank and a barcode image is formed in the inspection area, but the read barcode cannot be decoded, recovery printing is performed, as it is highly likely that there is a print defect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-184155 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-053819 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in this case, even if recovery printing is performed, the inspection may still fail, so the user must determine the cause: whether there was an error in the inspection settings or a printing defect, which increases the user's workload.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the main object of the present invention is to make it possible to appropriately present to a user the cause of an abnormal test result. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized by having an image forming means for forming an image on paper based on image data, a reading means for reading the image formed on the paper, a setting means for setting inspection conditions for inspecting the image read by the reading means, an inspection means for inspecting the image reading results by the reading means in accordance with the inspection conditions set by the setting means, a display means for displaying the inspection results of the inspection means, and a control means for causing the display means to display a message prompting confirmation of the inspection settings when the inspection result of the first sheet of paper by the inspection means indicates an abnormality. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately present to the user the cause of an abnormal test result. [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. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams of examples of incorrect test settings. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of the operation screen when performing an inspection. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the print inspection process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flow diagram of a test print inspection process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen when an inspection is performed in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a test print inspection process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a test print inspection process according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments can be combined in any manner. Furthermore, these embodiments and variations 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] First Embodiment (Printing system configuration) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system including a print inspection device according to a first 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. 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 visually and aurally. The operation unit 200 transmits instructions and data input via the input interface to the controller 400. The operation unit 200 also outputs information via the output interface in response to instructions from the controller 400.

[0013] 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.

[0014] (Printer) The printer 300 of the first 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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).

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] (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 as conveying means, 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] (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.

[0025] The finisher 700 includes a printed material transport section 710 including a plurality of transport rollers and a transport path, an upper discharge tray 701, a middle discharge tray 702, and a lower discharge tray 703. The printed material transport section 710 includes switching mechanisms 711 and 712 for switching the discharge destination of the printed materials. The finisher 700 sequentially takes in printed materials from the stacker 600 and discharges the printed materials 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 finisher 700 may also be configured to perform post-processing such as stapling to bind multiple printed materials together, bookbinding the bound printed materials, and trimming the bound printed materials.

[0026] (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 .

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 .

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] (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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 the first embodiment, it is stored in the storage 5011.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 magnification processing, gamma correction processing, etc. 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] (Print Settings) FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen displayed on the display of the operation unit 200 when instructing the printer 300 to print. The operation screen functions as an information display screen for displaying information such as print settings. This operation screen also functions as a reception unit for receiving operations from the user, such as starting printing. The user executes printing using the printer 300 using these operation screens displayed on the display. FIG. 4 shows a state in which 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. Buttons B101 to B104 are buttons for setting print settings. Button B101 is a button for selecting the print color (color / black and white), and button B102 is 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 of the printed materials, etc. The number of copies to be printed can also be set using a numeric keypad (not shown). 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 using buttons B101 to B104 and the number of copies set using the numeric keypad, i.e., 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 using buttons B101 to B104. Button B107 is a cancel button, and when this button 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.

[0040] In the first and second embodiments, printing a portion of pages (for example, only one page) rather than printing the number of pages to be printed as instructed through the operation screen is referred to as proof printing, and printing the specified number of pages is referred to as final printing. However, even when all pages are printed, printing fewer copies than the specified number of copies (for example, printing only one copy when multiple copies are required) for the purpose of checking the print results may also be included in "proof printing." Furthermore, printing a specified number of pages or a number of copies different from the specified number of copies, for some purpose such as checking the print results, may also be included in "proof printing."

[0041] The image processing unit 5006 of the inspection device 500 inspects the printed matter according to the preset inspection settings. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 4301 of the controller 400 functions as a control means. Regardless of whether 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 according to the preset inspection settings. When button B107 is pressed, the settings that have already been input are canceled as described above.

[0042] 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.

[0043] (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 inspection conditions. In FIG. 5, the inspection settings include multiple setting items that affect whether or not the inspection results are abnormal. Specifically, the following settings 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. This inspection setting screen functions as a reception unit for receiving instructions from a user for setting 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.

[0044] Buttons B402 to B406 are buttons for setting the inspection area type. The user can set the inspection area by selecting one of buttons B402 to B406 and setting an area within area B401. FIG. 5 shows four 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 setting 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 changes for each page, copy, or sheet of paper, or variable data, is embedded. For example, different numbers or barcodes are formed for each sheet of paper. 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 / barcode inspection area is selected as the variable inspection area. Therefore, in this example, the button B404 is a character / barcode inspection area setting button, the button B405 is a QR code inspection area setting button, and the button B406 is an inspection exclusion area setting button that specifies an area where inspection is not performed.

[0045] 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, in the figure, 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. Note that, although the inspection level can be set for buttons B402 and B403 in the figure, it may also be possible to set the inspection level for buttons B404 to B406 in a similar manner.

[0046] Button B407 is a setting completion button, and when the user selects and presses this button, the inspection setting is completed. Button B408 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). In addition, a dotted rectangle is displayed to the left of button B402, visually indicating that the priority inspection area is represented by a dotted rectangle. Similarly, a solid rectangle is displayed to the left of button B403, indicating that the standard inspection area is represented by a solid rectangle. A dashed-dotted rectangle is displayed to the left of button B404, indicating that the character / barcode inspection area is represented by a dashed-dotted rectangle. A double-lined rectangle is displayed to the left of button B405, which is a setting button for the QR code inspection area, indicating that the QR code inspection area is represented by a double-lined rectangle. A two-dot chain rectangle is shown to the left of the button B406 for setting the inspection exclusion area, indicating that the inspection exclusion area is represented by a two-dot chain rectangle within the area B401.

[0047] 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. Area B415 is represented by a dashed-dotted rectangle, indicating that it is a character / barcode inspection area set by button B404. Area B416 is represented by a double-lined rectangle, indicating that it is a QR code inspection area set by button B405. 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 B406.

[0048] 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.

[0049] (Print inspection during trial printing) Test printing is performed to check whether the printed image, the print settings of the printer 300, and the inspection settings of the inspection device 500 are correct. For example, there may be a case where the printed image contains a character string, and it is desired to inspect whether the character string printed by the inspection device 500 is correct. In this case, it is necessary to set an area (hereinafter referred to as the inspection area) in which the inspection device 500 will perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing to identify the character string.

[0050] However, if the inspection area is incorrect, the character string cannot be identified and the inspection result will be abnormal (inspection NG). If the inspection fails during actual printing, recovery printing is normally performed, but if there is a setting error, inspection NG will occur repeatedly. This leads to unnecessary paper consumption and increased downtime of the device. In this embodiment, when test printing is performed, if an inspection fails, recovery printing is not performed and a screen prompting the user to check the inspection settings is displayed on the operation unit 200.

[0051] 6(a) to 6(c) are explanatory diagrams of inspection settings. FIG. 6(a) shows an example of correct inspection settings. In the figure, a QR code (registered trademark) B501 is provided in area B401, which is the print image and inspection setting area display area. Area B502 is provided so that the QR code B501 is located within its internal region and functions as a QR code inspection region. As shown in the figure, area B502 is represented by a double-lined rectangle and is set as the QR code inspection region. In the example of FIG. 6(a), area B502 is positioned so that the entire QR code B501 is included within its internal region, and is set as a QR code inspection region that allows reading of the QR code (registered trademark). Therefore, in this example, correct inspection suitable for reading the QR code is possible.

[0052] Figure 6(b) shows an example of an inspection setting error due to an inspection setting area misalignment. In this example, area B502 is set as the QR code inspection area for QR code B501, but the position is misaligned, with part of QR code B501 extending outside area B502. As a result, when the inspection is performed, part of the QR code cannot be read, resulting in an inspection failure.

[0053] Figure 6(c) shows an example of an incorrect inspection setting type. In this example, area B503 is positioned so that the entire QR code B501 is included within its internal area. However, area B503 is a dashed-dotted rectangle, and a dashed-dotted rectangle is displayed to the left of button B404, with the character / barcode inspection area set as the barcode inspection area. However, because area B416 (barcode inspection area) is set for QR code B501, the inspection fails when it is performed.

[0054] If the first test print fails, it is likely that the inspection setting area is misaligned with the range of the inspection target, as shown in Fig. 6(b), or that the inspection setting type is incorrect, as shown in Fig. 6(c). Because the inspection settings are likely to be inappropriate in this way, a screen prompting the user to check the inspection settings is displayed on the operation unit 200.

[0055] (Explanation of the operation screen of the operation unit when performing an examination) 7(a) and 7(b) are explanatory diagrams showing the display contents of the operation screen during inspection. In this case, the operation screen functions as an inspection screen. In the figure, area B601 displays the scanned image. Area B602 displays the inspection status, such as the number of completed inspections, the number of NG inspections, the NG inspection rate, and the type of NG. Area B603 displays the status, such as waiting, inspecting, and inspection completed. When the printer 300 is not printing, as shown in FIG. 7(a), area B603 displays the message "Stopped," indicating that the inspection is paused. On the other hand, as described above, if an inspection fails on the first test print, the inspection settings are likely inappropriate. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7(b), area B603 displays the message "Please check the inspection settings" to prompt you to check the inspection settings.

[0056] As described above, by checking the contents written in the status display area of ​​area B603 on the inspection screen when the inspection is being performed, the user can easily check whether the inspection settings are incorrect during test printing or whether there is a high possibility of a device malfunction.

[0057] (Print inspection process flow) Fig. 8 is a flow diagram of the actual printing. 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. When the user presses the print start button (button B105) in Fig. 4, the CPU 4301 is instructed to execute the actual printing, and the actual printing inspection processing is executed in accordance with this instruction.

[0058] When button B105 is selected via operation unit 200, CPU 4301 of controller 400 transmits job information including information on the paper used in printing, inspection settings, discharge destination, etc. to inspection device 500 (S901). CPU 5001 of inspection device 500 receives the job information from controller 400 (S902). 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 (S904).

[0059] 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 (S905). 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 (S906).

[0060] 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). Thereafter, the CPU 4301 controls the operation unit 200 to display an inspection screen on the display, and displays a message on the inspection screen indicating that the original print will be inspected (S909). For example, the message is displayed in area B603 on the inspection screen. This example is not limiting. For example, the CPU 4301 may display a message on the inspection screen indicating that the inspection of the original print will begin when it receives a notification that the inspection device 500 is ready, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, display a message indicating that the inspection of the original print is being performed. In this case, until the predetermined time has elapsed, a cancel button for the inspection may be displayed on the screen together with a message indicating that the inspection of the original print will begin, and the user may press the cancel button to cancel the inspection of the original print.

[0061] After executing S906, the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 determines whether or not the paper has arrived at the paper detection sensor 504 of 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).

[0062] 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) and determines whether all inspections have been completed (S913). If the inspections have not been completed (S913: No), the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 terminates the process. The process returns to S910 again. If the inspections have been completed (S913: Yes), the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 terminates the process. Meanwhile, the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the inspection results have been received (S914). If the inspection results have not been received (S914: No), the controller 400 waits for the reception of the inspection results. If the inspection results have been received (S914: Yes), the controller 400 controls the operation unit 200 to update the inspection screen according to the inspection results (S915).

[0063] Thereafter, the controller 400 determines whether there is a next page (S916). If there is a next page (S916: Yes), the controller 400 and inspection device 500 repeat the processes of S908 to S916 again. If there is no next page (S916: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the final page of the job has been processed and printing and inspection of all pages has been completed (S917). If the inspection has not been completed (S917: No), S914 is executed again. If the inspection has been completed (S917: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls the operation unit 200 to display on the inspection screen that the inspection has been completed, and ends the processing. This ends the print inspection processing.

[0064] (Proof print inspection process flow) FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of the test print inspection process. This control diagram collectively illustrates the processes executed by the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 and the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500. When the user presses the test print start button (button B106) in FIG. 4, the CPU 4301 is instructed to execute test print, and test print inspection is executed in response to that instruction. In both the first embodiment and the second embodiment described below, when test print inspection is performed, an image is printed only on the first page. However, if multiple copies are to be printed, the image is printed on multiple sheets of paper so that only one copy is printed, and the images on the multiple sheets are inspected. In both the first and second embodiments, when test print is performed on multiple sheets of paper, information including the cause of the inspection result is displayed depending on the number of sheets in the test print that were determined to be abnormal. In particular, the first embodiment shows an example in which the inspection result of the first test print is determined to be abnormal (inspection NG).

[0065] When the user selects and 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, discharge destination, etc. to inspection device 500 (S1001). CPU 5001 of inspection device 500 receives the job information from controller 400 (S1002). 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 (S1004).

[0066] 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 (S1005). 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 (S1006).

[0067] When the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 receives a notification that the inspection device 500 is ready (S1007), it controls the printer 300 to start printing only the first page (S1008). Thereafter, the CPU 4301 controls the operation unit 200 to display the inspection screen and indicates on the inspection screen that the test print inspection is being performed (S1009). For example, this indication is displayed in area B603 of the inspection screen. Note that this is not a limitation. For example, the CPU 4301 may display a message on the inspection screen indicating that the test print inspection will begin when it receives a notification that the inspection device 500 is ready, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, display a message indicating that the test print inspection is being performed. In this case, until the predetermined time has elapsed, a message indicating that the test print inspection will begin and a cancel button for the actual print inspection may be displayed on the screen, allowing the user to cancel the actual print inspection by pressing the cancel button.

[0068] After executing S1006, 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 (S1010). If the paper has not arrived (S1010: No), the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 waits for the paper to arrive. If the paper has arrived (S1010: Yes), the CPU 5001 of the inspection device 500 sequentially reads the fed 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 S1006. As a result, the image processing unit 5006 performs the comparison process, and image inspection is performed (S1011).

[0069] 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 (S1012). The CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the inspection results have been received (S1014), and if not (S1014: No), waits for reception of the inspection results. If the inspection results have been received (S1014: Yes), the CPU 4301 proceeds to S1015 and determines whether the first sheet failed the inspection (S1015).

[0070] If the first sheet fails the test (S1015: Yes), the CPU 4301 determines whether the test failure indicates an abnormality related to the variable inspection (S1016). If the test failure indicates an abnormality related to the variable inspection (S1016: Yes), the CPU 4301 controls the operation unit 200 to display a message on the inspection screen prompting the user to confirm the inspection settings (S1017), stops image formation, and ends the process. If the test failure is not an abnormality (S1015: No), the CPU 4301 controls the operation unit 200 to update the inspection screen according to the inspection results (S1018). Thereafter, the CPU 4301 determines whether all inspections are complete (S1019). If not complete (S1019: No), the process returns to S1014. As a result, the CPU 4301 repeats the processes from step S1014 to step S1017 until all images set in the test print are formed on paper. If all the tests have been completed (S1019: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls the operation unit 200 to display on the test screen that the tests have been completed, and ends the process.

[0071] Furthermore, in step S1016, if the inspection NG indicates an abnormality other than the variable inspection (S1016: No), the CPU 4301 proceeds to step S1018. The processing from step S1018 onward is performed according to the flow described above. This completes the test print inspection processing. The cause of an inspection failure tends to be human error rather than machine failure. Therefore, in the first embodiment, if the inspection fails on the first sheet, information including the cause (inspection settings) of the abnormal inspection result, which is set by the user, is displayed on the display of the operation unit 200, prompting the user to confirm the inspection settings. In addition, if the inspection settings are NG on the first sheet (S1015: Yes), the CPU 4301 may be configured to determine whether the inspection settings include a variable inspection, and if they do, display a message on the inspection screen prompting the user to confirm the inspection settings.

[0072] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the entire device configuration is the same as in the first embodiment, with only the display on the operation unit screen according to the test print test results and the corresponding processing flow being different. Therefore, in the second embodiment below, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0073] (Print inspection during trial printing) If the test fails on the second or subsequent test sheets, the first test sheet passed inspection, so it is unlikely that the test settings are abnormal. Therefore, the operation unit 200 notifies the user to check whether the device is inappropriate.

[0074] (Explanation of the test execution screen of the operation unit 200) Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the operation unit screen after inspection has been performed in the second embodiment. As described above, if an inspection NG occurs on the second or subsequent test print, it is unlikely that the inspection settings are inappropriate, and therefore, as shown in Fig. 10, the operation unit 200 displays a message saying "Please check for device abnormality," which prompts the user to check for a device abnormality.

[0075] (Proof print inspection process flow) Figure 11 is a flow diagram of the test printing process. Note that 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 Figure 4, when the user selects and presses button B106, which is the test printing start button, an instruction to execute test printing is given to the CPU 4301, and test printing inspection is executed in accordance with that instruction. In Figure 11, the processes from S1101 to S1114 are the same as the processes from S1001 to S1014 in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] After executing S1114, the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the first sheet will fail the inspection (S1115). If the first sheet will fail the inspection (S1115: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls the operation unit 200 to display content on the inspection screen prompting the user to confirm the inspection settings (S1116), as in the first embodiment, and executes the process of S1119, which will be described later. If not (S1115: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 determines whether the second or subsequent sheets will fail the inspection (S1119).

[0077] As described above, when multiple sheets are inspected, the inspection settings, such as the inspection level setting and area layout, are common to all sheets printed on. If the inspection result is not NG (S1119: No), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 executes the process of S1117, which will be described later. If the inspection result is NG (S1119: Yes), the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls the operation unit 200 to display a message on the inspection screen urging the user to check for device abnormalities (S1120), and controls the operation unit 200 to update the inspection screen according to the inspection result (S1117). Thereafter, the CPU 4301 of the controller 400 controls the operation unit 200 to display on the inspection screen that the inspection has been completed (S1118). This completes the test print inspection process.

[0078] As described above, a high probability of an inspection failing is due to human error, resulting from incorrect user settings. However, as explained in FIG. 5, the inspection settings are common to all documents. Therefore, if an inspection fails on the second or subsequent documents, it means that there are documents that passed the inspection before the document that failed the inspection. From this, if an inspection fails on the second or subsequent documents in S1119, it is unlikely that an inspection setting area shift, as shown in FIG. 6(b), or an inspection setting error in the inspection type, as shown in FIG. 6(c), has occurred. Therefore, in the second embodiment, information including the cause of the abnormal inspection result (apparatus abnormality) is displayed on the display of the operation unit 200, urging the user to check for the apparatus abnormality. This allows for more appropriate guidance as to the cause of the inspection failing.

[0079] <Third embodiment> In the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, if the inspection result of the first sheet in test printing indicates an NG, a message urging the user to check the inspection settings is displayed on the inspection screen. However, if actual printing is performed without test printing, the image forming apparatus may be controlled as follows. In the flow chart of Fig. 12, the processes of S1001 to S1007, S1010 to S1014, and S1018 to S1019 are the same as those in the flow chart of Fig. 9, and a description of these will be omitted. Furthermore, the processes of S1018 and S1009 in Fig. 9 are not executed in the flow chart of Fig. 12.

[0080] 12, if the inspection result is received in S1014 (S1014: Yes), actual printing is performed without performing test printing. If the inspection result is NG for the first sheet (S3000: Yes), the CPU 4301 determines whether the NG inspection indicates an abnormality related to the variable inspection (S3001). If the NG inspection indicates an abnormality related to the variable inspection (S3001: Yes), the CPU 4301 controls the operation unit 200 to display a message on the inspection screen prompting the user to confirm the inspection settings (S3002), stops image formation, and ends the process. If the inspection result is not NG (S3001: No), the CPU 4301 executes the processes from S1018 onwards.

[0081] In this way, according to the present invention, it is possible to check whether there are any errors in the inspection settings by performing a test print before the actual printing. This prevents the occurrence of NG paper due to a print inspection failure caused by an error in the inspection settings during the actual printing. It also prevents the need to go back and review the inspection settings after the actual printing.

[0082] Furthermore, depending on the type of image forming device, etc., there may be other causes of an inspection failure that are likely to occur when inspecting the first sheet. In that case, in S1016 of FIG. 9, other causes of an inspection failure that are likely to occur when inspecting the first sheet may be displayed. The details of the inspection settings and device abnormality confirmation are displayed visually. However, instead of this, the details can also be presented by a sound (auditory) or vibration pattern (tactile) corresponding to the inspection settings confirmation or device abnormality.

Claims

1. an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data; a reading means for reading the image formed on the paper; a setting means for setting inspection conditions for inspecting the image read by the reading means; an inspection means for inspecting the result of reading the image by the reading means in accordance with the inspection conditions set by the setting means; a display means for displaying the inspection results of the inspection means; and a control means for causing the display means to display a message prompting confirmation of inspection settings when the inspection result of the first sheet by the inspection means indicates an abnormality. Imaging system.

2. the setting means is capable of setting a variable inspection that causes the inspection means to inspect an area of ​​the image formed on the paper that changes for each paper, The control means is characterized in that, when the inspection result for the first sheet by the inspection means indicates an abnormality related to the variable inspection, the control means causes the display means to display a message prompting the user to confirm inspection settings. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

3. the setting means is capable of setting a variable inspection that causes the inspection means to inspect an area of ​​the image formed on the paper that changes for each paper, The control means is characterized in that, when the inspection result of the first sheet by the inspection means indicates an abnormality and the variable inspection is set by the setting means, the control means causes the display means to display a message prompting confirmation of the inspection setting. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

4. further comprising a receiving means for receiving an instruction for test printing; the control means causes the display means to display a message prompting the user to confirm the inspection settings when the inspection result for the first sheet of the paper in the test printing executed in accordance with the instruction indicates an abnormality. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

5. When the inspection result of the inspection means for the first sheet indicates an abnormality, image formation by the image forming means is stopped. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

6. The control means is characterized in that, when the test printing is performed, if the inspection result is determined to be abnormal for the second or subsequent sheets, the control means causes the display means to display a message prompting the user to check for an apparatus abnormality. The image forming system according to claim 4 .

7. The inspection conditions include a plurality of setting items each of which affects the determination of whether the inspection result is abnormal. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

8. In the test print, a part of the pages to be printed is printed. The image forming system according to claim 4 .

9. The control means is characterized in that the display means indicates whether the printing is being performed as a test print or a non-test print. The image forming system according to claim 4 .

Images