Image forming system, image forming method, and program

Abstract

Selection of timing for re-forming an image in which a defect is detected is received.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes a reception unit that receives selection of a timing for re-forming an image, and a re-formation control unit that performs control to re-form, on a second conveyance medium at the selected timing, an image determined to have a defect based on read image data obtained by reading an image formed on a first conveyance medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique for detecting defects in an image formed by an image forming apparatus based on the results of reading the image has been disclosed. Also, a technique for re-forming an image in which a defect has been detected is known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for reprinting when it is determined that the print quality of image information on a printing sheet is poor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The conventional technology has a problem in that it is not possible to select the timing for regenerating an image in which a defect has been detected.

[0005] The disclosed technology aims to accept selection of the timing for regenerating an image in which a defect has been detected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The disclosed technology is an image forming system that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a conveying medium, a receiving unit that receives a selection of a timing for reforming the image, and a reforming control unit that controls the reforming of an image that has been determined to be defective based on read image data obtained by reading an image formed on a first conveying medium onto a second conveying medium at the selected timing, wherein the options for the timing for reforming the image include a selection of a separator position, the reforming control unit controls the reforming onto the second conveying medium at the selected separator position, and the options for the separator position include a job separator, a copy separator, and a page spacing specification. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] A selection of the timing for regenerating an image in which a defect has been detected can be accepted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a printer main body. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an inspection apparatus. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the functionality of a DFE. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of a printer main body. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of an inspection device. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining job information items. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image reformation setting screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a printing process without image reformation settings. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a printing process with image reformation settings. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a defect determination process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of image forming processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interleaf sheet. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the result of image reformation according to the first embodiment; [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a defect display screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job list. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a defect detection page list. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a defect detection image. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image reformation setting screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of image forming processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the result of image reformation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a method for discharging an interleaf sheet according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a defect determination process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of image forming processing according to the third embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a first diagram for explaining a method of discharging onto a tray. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a second diagram for explaining the method of discharging onto the tray. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system.

[0011] The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10, a user terminal 30, a management server 40, and a DFE 50.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus for forming an image, such as a color production printer, a laser printer, or an inkjet printer. The image forming apparatus 10 receives image data from the DFE 50 and prints an image on paper based on the received image data. Note that paper is an example of a transport medium on which an image is formed.

[0013] The user terminal 30 is a terminal that receives a user operation and instructs printing of an image. Specifically, the user terminal 30 transmits print job data including image data to the DFE 50 or the management server 40. In addition, in response to a user operation, the user terminal 30 transmits information indicating thresholds for color stabilization processing to the DFE 50. Furthermore, the user terminal 30 receives display control from the DFE 50 and displays a screen indicating the execution status of the color stabilization processing.

[0014] When the management server 40 receives print job data from the user terminal 30, it adds the print job data to a queue in a storage unit that stores print job data waiting to be printed. Then, the management server 40 extracts the print job data from the queue in the order in which it was added to the queue or according to an appropriately set priority, and transmits the data to the DFE 50.

[0015] The DFE 50 is a device, such as a DFE (Digital Front End), that controls the image forming apparatus 10. The DFE 50 is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 10, the user terminal 30, and the management server 40 via a communication network 60.

[0016] When the DFE 50 receives print job data together with a signal instructing the printing of an image from the user terminal 30 or the management server 40, it uses a built-in RIP (Raster Image Processor) engine to convert the data into image data in a format that can be processed by the image forming device 10, and transmits the print job data including the converted image data to the image forming device 10.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a printer main body 11, an inspection device 13, and a stacker 14.

[0019] The printer main body 11 receives print job data including a print image (RIP image) from an external device such as the DFE 50. Then, the printer main body 11 executes printing in response to an execution instruction from the received print job data or an execution instruction from print job data stored in the printer main body 11 by a user operation on the operation panel 12 or the like.

[0020] The printer main body 11 has a configuration in which photosensitive drums 116, 115, 114, and 113 for each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively) are arranged along an intermediate transfer belt 111, which is an endless moving means. Images of each color developed with toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum for each color are superimposed by the intermediate transfer belt 111 to form a full-color image.

[0021] The formed full-color image is transferred onto the surface of a sheet of paper fed from paper feed tray 105 by transfer roller 112 as it is conveyed by a conveyance roller. The sheet is then conveyed further, and the toner is fixed onto the sheet by a fixing roller 117. Note that if interleaf sheets are to be output without being printed, a separate paper feed tray for interleaf sheets or set separators may be provided in paper feed tray 105. A dedicated paper feed device may also be provided in inspection device 13 or between printer main body 11 and inspection device 13.

[0022] When double-sided printing is performed, after an image is formed on the front side, the paper is transported to a reversing path 118 in the transport path, turned over, and then transported again to the position of the transfer roller 112.

[0023] The inspection device 13 is a device that inspects printed paper output by the printer main body 11. The printed paper to be inspected can be said to be the first conveying medium in the present invention. The inspection device 13 includes a first inline sensor 131, a second inline sensor 132, and an operation panel 133. The inspection device 13 does not have to include the operation panel 133. In that case, the inspection device 13 may be configured to receive operation from the operation panel 12 included in the printer main body 11 or a computer connected via a communication network.

[0024] The first inline sensor 131 and the second inline sensor 132 read the images fixed on both sides of the paper after the paper is fixed by the fixing roller 117, and acquire read image data representing the read images. The number of inline sensors does not need to be two; one, three, or more may be sufficient as long as they can read both sides. The inline sensor has a light source and a line image sensor. The line image sensor has multiple imaging elements that irradiate light from the light source onto the paper passing through the reading position, obtain reflected light, and photoelectrically convert the resulting light pixel by pixel to read it. The imaging elements are arranged one-dimensionally in the paper width direction. The inline sensor reads the image printed on the paper as a two-dimensional image by repeatedly reading one line of an image extending in the paper width direction in accordance with the paper passing through the reading position. The line image sensor can also obtain a read image in three colors: RGB (red, green, blue). The inline sensor is an example of an information acquisition unit that acquires information about the image on the paper. The information acquisition unit may acquire information other than the read image data, such as image data or bibliographic information of the image data, as long as the information is for detecting defects.

[0025] The stacker 14 includes a tray 141, and the printed sheets discharged from the printer main body 11 via the inspection device 13 are stacked on the tray 141. The stacker 14 and the tray 141 are used to discharge and stack the printed sheets and slip sheets. The stacker 14 may include multiple trays 141.

[0026] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the RIP image is in CMYK format, 8 bits per color, 600 dpi, and the scanned image is in RGB format, 8 bits per color, 200 dpi, but this is not limiting.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the printer main body.

[0028] The printer main body 11 includes a controller 1110 , a short-range communication circuit 1120 , an engine control unit 1130 , an operation panel 12 , and a network I / F 1150 .

[0029] Of these, the controller 1110 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1101, which is the main part of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 1102, a north bridge (NB) 1103, a south bridge (SB) 1104, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 1106, a local memory (MEM-C) 1107, which is a memory unit, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 1108, and an HD 1109, which is a memory unit.

[0030] The NB 1103 and the ASIC 1106 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 1121 .

[0031] Of these, the CPU 1101 is a control unit that performs overall control of the printer main body 11. The NB 1103 is a bridge that connects the CPU 1101 with the MEM-P 1102, the SB 1104, and the AGP bus 1121, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 1102, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target.

[0032] The MEM-P 1102 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1102a, which is memory for storing programs and data that realize the functions of the controller 1110, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1102b, which is used for expanding the programs and data, and as a drawing memory during memory printing. The programs stored in the RAM 1102b may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD.

[0033] The SB 1104 is a bridge for connecting the NB 1103 with PCI devices and peripheral devices. The ASIC 1106 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing purposes that has hardware elements for image processing, and serves as a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 1121, PCI bus 1122, HDD controller 1108, and MEM-C 1107.

[0034] The ASIC 1106 includes a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 1106, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 1107, a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation and the like using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data between the scanner unit 1131 and the printer unit 1132 via a PCI bus 1122. The ASIC 1106 may be connected via an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394).

[0035] The MEM-C 1107 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer. The HD 1109 is a storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, forms, etc. The HD 1109 controls the reading and writing of data from and to the HD 1109 under the control of the CPU 1101.

[0036] The AGP bus 1121 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphics processing. The AGP bus 1121 can speed up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 1102 with high throughput.

[0037] The short-range communication circuit 1120 also includes a short-range communication antenna 1120a. The short-range communication circuit 1120 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0038] Furthermore, the engine control unit 1130 is made up of a scanner unit 1131 and a printer unit 1132. The operation panel 12 also includes a panel display unit 12a such as a touch panel that displays current setting values, selection screens, etc. and receives input from the operator, and operation keys 12b including a numeric keypad that receives setting values ​​for image formation conditions such as density setting conditions, and a start key that receives a copy start instruction.

[0039] The controller 1110 controls the entire printer main body 11, for example, controlling drawing, communication, input from the operation panel 12, etc. The scanner unit 1131 reads an image formed on a transport medium such as paper and generates image data. The printer unit 1132 includes a transfer unit that transfers an image using color materials such as a toner image onto the transport medium such as paper, a fixing unit that fixes the image, a heating unit or a drying unit, etc., and forms an image on the paper. The scanner unit 1131 or the printer unit 1132 also performs image processing such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

[0040] The network I / F 1150 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network. The short-range communication circuit 1120 and the network I / F 1150 are electrically connected to the ASIC 1106 via a PCI bus 1122.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the inspection device.

[0042] The inspection device 13 includes a first inline sensor 131, a second inline sensor 132, an operation panel 133, a CPU 134, which is configured by a computer, a ROM 135, a RAM 136, an HDD / SSD (Solid State Drive) 137, a network I / F 138, and an external I / F 139.

[0043] The CPU 134 reads out a program stored in the ROM 135 or the HDD / SSD 137 and stores it in the RAM 136. Then, the CPU 134 executes various processes, which will be described later, in accordance with the program stored in the RAM 136.

[0044] The ROM 135 is a non-volatile auxiliary storage device that stores a program that defines the basic operation of the inspection device 13, such as a BIOS.

[0045] The RAM 136 is a volatile main storage device and is used as a working area for the CPU 134.

[0046] The HDD / SSD 137 is a large-capacity nonvolatile auxiliary storage device that stores received scanned image data, various processing programs (described later), setting information, and the like.

[0047] The network I / F 138 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) card or the like, and is a relay for communicating with other devices via a communication network.

[0048] The external I / F 139 is a relay for communicating with devices connected as external devices, specifically, the DFE 50, the printer main body 11, the stacker 14, and the like.

[0049] The DFE 50 has the same hardware configuration as the inspection device 13, except for the first in-line sensor 131, the second in-line sensor 132, and the operation panel 133.

[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the function of the DFE.

[0051] The DFE 50 includes a system control unit 501, a print job receiving unit 502, a storage unit 503, a print job transmitting unit 504, and a display control unit 505. Each of these units is realized by the CPU included in the DFE 50 executing processing defined in a program stored in a ROM or the like.

[0052] The system control unit 501 includes a job information processing unit 551 , a RIP processing unit 552 , a control information storage unit 553 , and a tone correction unit 554 .

[0053] The job information processing unit 551 processes information about the job included in the print job data.

[0054] The RIP processing unit 552 performs predetermined color conversion processing using a RIP engine or the like on the CMYK values ​​or RGB values ​​of the input image data, and converts it into RIP image data in a CMYK format or the like that is compatible with the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0055] The control information storage unit 553 stores the control information handled by the system control unit 501 .

[0056] The gradation correction unit 554 corrects the gradation of the image data converted by the RIP processing unit 552 .

[0057] The print job receiving unit 502 receives print job data from the user terminal 30, the management server 40, or the like via the communication network 60.

[0058] The storage unit 503 stores the received print job data.

[0059] The print job sending unit 504 sends the print job data generated through processing by the system control unit 501 to the image forming apparatus 10. The print job data sent to the image forming apparatus 10 includes job information indicating the attributes of the print job and RIP image data.

[0060] The display control unit 505 controls the display of the display information generated by the system control unit 501 on the display device 51 or the like.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of functions of the printer main body.

[0062] The printer main body 11 includes a system control unit 201, a display control unit 202, a network I / F control unit 203, an external I / F control unit 204, a storage unit 205, a mechanism control unit 206, a print job receiving unit 207, an image processing control unit 208, and a printing control unit 209. Each of these units is realized by the CPU 1101 or the ASIC 1106 executing processing defined in a program stored in the MEM-P 1102 or the MEM-C 1107, etc.

[0063] The system control unit 201 controls the entire printer main body 11. The system control unit 201 includes a job information processing unit 211, a RIP processing unit 212, a job information generating unit 213, a stop control unit 214, a receiving unit 215, and a reformation control unit 216.

[0064] The job information processing unit 211 processes job information included in the print job data transmitted from the DFE 50. Furthermore, when the job information processing unit 211 receives an instruction to stop the print job from the stop control unit 214, it stops processing the job information.

[0065] The RIP processor 212 processes the RIP image data included in the print job data sent from the DFE 50 .

[0066] When the job information generation unit 213 receives information indicating whether interleaf paper is necessary (interleaf paper necessity information) from the inspection device 13, it generates job information for printing interleaf paper if the interleaf paper necessity information indicates necessity. Furthermore, when the job information generation unit 213 receives information indicating whether an image needs to be reformed (reformation necessity information) from the inspection device 13, it generates job information for reforming the image if the reformation necessity information indicates necessity.

[0067] The format of the image printed on the slip sheet is determined in advance. Therefore, the storage unit 205 stores information indicating the format for printing the slip sheet. The format may be determined for each type or size of paper. The format may also be stored in the storage unit 205 in advance, or may be transmitted by the inspection device 13 together with the initial information on whether or not slip sheets are required.

[0068] The slip sheet (insertion sheet) may be a sheet-like transport medium such as paper that can be transported by the printer main body 11. The transport medium may be colored paper, blank paper, or blank paper of a different size from the job paper, as long as it has identification information for the slip sheet (transport medium) and is placed in a paper feed tray provided in the printer main body 11 and transported and output in accordance with an output instruction for the slip sheet. It may also be a film or plastic sheet. Compared to the first transport medium, which is pre-printed paper, the slip sheet can be considered a third transport medium. The identification information for the slip sheet (third transport medium) is printed by the image forming unit of the printer main body 11. Alternatively, the identification information may be originally attached or printed on the slip sheet, or the size or ejection direction of the paper may be used as the identification information for the slip sheet (third transport medium). The image forming unit of the printer main body 11 controls the printer unit 1132 to form an image on the third transport medium, including the identification information for the third transport medium. This allows the user to easily distinguish and distinguish between the slip sheets even when a plurality of defective printed sheets and a plurality of slip sheets corresponding to each of them are discharged onto a tray or the like, and to easily check the defective printed sheets corresponding to each slip sheet.

[0069] The stop control unit 214 controls the stopping of image formation by instructing the job information processing unit 211 to stop the print job when the information indicating the defect determination result (defect determination result information) received from the inspection device 13 indicates the presence of a defect.

[0070] The reception unit 215 receives a selection of the timing for re-forming an image from the user. Specifically, the reception unit 215 receives a selection of a separation position from preset options such as "job separation" and "set separation" as the timing for re-forming an image. The timing for re-forming an image may be the image formation timing when the image forming unit forms an image on the first conveyed medium similar to that on the first conveyed medium that had a defect, or it may be the timing for discharging the first conveyed medium to the tray 141. When the discharge timing is selected, the first conveyed medium may be discharged to a temporary tray after the image is re-formed, and then discharged to the tray 141 at the selected timing, so that the first conveyed medium is inserted collectively between sets or jobs.

[0071] The re-forming control unit 216 controls the re-forming of an image that has been determined to have a defect based on the read image data obtained by reading an image formed on a first conveying medium onto a second conveying medium at a selected timing.

[0072] A display control unit 202 controls the display of various information including job information on the operation panel 12. A network I / F control unit 203 controls the network I / F 1150 and controls connection with a communication network. When another device is connected, an external I / F control unit 204 controls connection with the connected other device. A storage unit 205 stores various information including job information.

[0073] The mechanism control unit 206 controls the operation of the mechanisms of the printer main body 11, including the printer unit 1132, such as the paper transport and transfer process of the printer main body 11. The print job receiving unit 207 receives print job data from the DFE 50 or the like. The image processing control unit 208 processes the print image to be transferred by the mechanism control unit 206. The printing control unit 209 controls image formation on the transport medium. The transport medium here includes paper before image formation, paper on which an image has been formed (first transport medium), paper on which an image has been re-formed (second transport medium), slip sheets (third transport medium), and separator sheets (fourth transport medium). In addition, an information acquisition unit such as an inline sensor may acquire image-related information from an image after toner has been fixed by the fixing roller 117, or may acquire image-related information from an image after transfer by the transfer roller 112 but before it enters the fixing roller 117.

[0074] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functions of the inspection device.

[0075] The inspection device 13 includes a system control unit 301, a display control unit 302, a network I / F control unit 303, an external I / F control unit 304, a storage unit 305, a mechanism control unit 306, a print image reading unit 307, a master image generation unit 308, and a difference image generation unit 309. Each of these units is realized by the CPU 134 or the ASIC 1106 executing processing defined in a program stored in the MEM-P 1102 or the MEM-C 1107, etc.

[0076] The system control unit 301 controls the entire inspection apparatus 13. The system control unit 301 includes a control information storage unit 311, a job information processing unit 312, a defect determination unit 313, a discharge determination unit 314, and a reformation determination unit 315.

[0077] The control information storage unit 311 stores the control information handled by the system control unit 301, and also temporarily stores received job information and the like while it is subject to control.

[0078] The job information processing unit 312 extracts information to be processed by a post-processing device (for example, a device that performs post-processing, such as the stacker 14) from the job information and transmits the information to the post-processing device via the external I / F control unit 304. The job information processing unit 312 also transfers the job information excluding the information to be processed by the post-processing device to the master image generation unit 308, the defect determination unit 313, the print image reading unit 307, and the mechanism control unit 306.

[0079] The display control unit 302 controls the display of various information including test results on the operation panel 133 or other devices.

[0080] The network I / F control unit 303 controls the network I / F 138. The external I / F control unit 304 controls the external I / F 139.

[0081] The storage unit 305 stores various information, such as job execution history information for print jobs for which control has been completed, and differential image data indicating the difference between scanned image data and master image data.

[0082] The mechanism control unit 306 controls the operation of the mechanism of the inspection device 13, such as the transport of paper.

[0083] The print image reading unit 307 controls the first inline sensor 131, the second inline sensor 132, etc. to read an image formed on paper by the printer main body 11, and generates read image data that indicates the read image.

[0084] The master image generating unit 308 generates master image data based on the RIP image data. Specifically, the master image generating unit 308 converts the RIP image data in the CMYK format into master image data in the RGB format.

[0085] The master image data is data that serves as a reference for comparison with the scanned image data, and functions as correct data when printed correctly. The master image data may be created by scanning a sheet of paper on which a reference image is printed using the scanner unit 1131, an inline sensor, a scanner of an external device, or the like.

[0086] The differential image generating unit 309 generates differential image data that indicates the difference between the master image data and the scanned image data.

[0087] The defect determination unit 313 determines whether the printed image has defects by comparing the differential image data with a preset threshold. The threshold is information (value) that serves as a determination criterion for determining whether an image has defects. The defect determination unit 313 references the threshold and determines that an area in the differential image data that exceeds the threshold is a defect. The threshold is, for example, a value indicating that the difference in density value (comparison result) between pixels included in the differential image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined density value, or a value indicating the area of ​​a portion where pixels with a difference equal to or greater than a predetermined density value are consecutive. The threshold can be set by the user to be higher (to make the standard looser) or lower (to make the standard stricter). A defect refers to a portion of the image data that is determined to differ from the image desired by the user (e.g., master image data) when the determination result by the defect determination unit 313 exceeds the threshold. Defects include, for example, stains, streaks, image misalignment, color differences, and omissions.

[0088] In addition to the above-mentioned method of comparing the master image data with the read image data, the defect determination method may also be a determination method in which ideal image data is read before printing and the read image data is used to determine whether the printed image exceeds a set threshold (difference from the ideal image data). Furthermore, before performing the defect determination process, correction processes such as skew correction of the read image data, which corrects the read image data of a medium that has been transported skewed to the correct direction or position, or flare correction, which corrects white light areas in the read image data during reading, may be performed to improve the accuracy of the determination process.

[0089] When the defect determination unit 313 determines that an image has a defect, the discharge determination unit 314 determines whether or not to discharge a slip sheet (third transport medium) indicating the defect. A slip sheet is a sheet that is inserted between stacks of printed sheets stacked in the stacker 14. The criteria for determining whether or not to discharge a slip sheet (third transport medium) are set in advance. Note that the discharge determination unit 314 may always determine to discharge a slip sheet (third transport medium) when a defect is detected (to unconditionally discharge a slip sheet (third transport medium)).

[0090] When the defect determination unit 313 determines that an image has a defect, the reformation determination unit 315 determines whether or not to reform the image determined to have a defect. The criteria for determining whether or not to reform the image are set in advance. Note that the reformation determination unit 315 may always determine to reform the image when a defect is detected (to reform the image unconditionally).

[0091] Next, the information handled by the image forming system 1 will be described.

[0092] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining job information items.

[0093] Job information 901 is information included in print job data generated by the DFE 50 or the printer main body 11. Job information 901 includes, as items, job generation source, generation time, page ID, print side, paper ID, copy ID, job ID, paper type, paper size, job type, and slip sheet ID.

[0094] The value of the item "job generator" indicates the generator of the print job data, and is either a "DFE job" or an "internal job." In the case of job information included in the print job data sent by the DFE 50 to the image forming device 10, the value of the item "job generator" is "DFE job." When the job information generation unit 213 of the printer main body 11 generates print job data for slip sheets or print job data for reforming, the data is generated inside the image forming device 10, and therefore the value of the item "job generator" is "internal job."

[0095] The value of the item "generation time" indicates the time when the generation source generated the job information.

[0096] The value of the item "Page ID" is a number used to identify the print image, and is incremented by 1 for each page output after the power is turned on. A number is set in the item "Page ID" when printing is executed.

[0097] The value of the item "Printing side" is a value used to identify whether the printed image is a single-sided print, the side that is printed on the front side when double-sided printing (double-sided front), or the side that is printed on the back side (double-sided back).

[0098] The value of the "Paper ID" item is a number used to identify the paper, and in the case of double-sided printing, two page IDs correspond to the same paper ID. The value of the "Paper ID" item is incremented by 1 for each sheet of paper processed after the power is turned on. A number is set in the "Paper ID" item when printing is executed.

[0099] The value of the item "Copy ID" is a number used to identify each copy, and is incremented by 1 for each copy that is printed after the power is turned on. A value is set in the item "Copy ID" when printing is executed.

[0100] The value of the item "Job ID" is a number used to identify each print job, and is incremented by one for each completed output of a job from the time the power is turned on. A number is set in the item "Job ID" when printing is executed.

[0101] The value of the item "Paper Type" is a value indicating the type of paper. The value of the item "Paper Size" is a value indicating the size of the paper. Note that the paper on which the slip sheet is printed can be selected to be the same paper as that used for the print job in which the defect was detected, or paper loaded in a specified tray, depending on the settings, etc. By using the same paper as the print job to print the slip sheet, time-consuming processes such as readjusting the fixing temperature are unnecessary, thereby reducing processing time. Furthermore, if the paper on which the slip sheet is printed is paper loaded in a specified tray, it is possible to use, for example, inexpensive paper specifically for slip sheets, thereby reducing costs.

[0102] The value of the item "job type" indicates whether the job is subject to defect detection, not subject to defect detection, an interleaf for defect detection and identification, or image re-formation. When the job information generation unit 213 of the printer main body 11 generates print job data for an interleaf, the value of the item "job type" indicates an interleaf for defect detection and identification. Note that if the value of the item "job type" indicates an interleaf for defect detection and an interleaf for defect detection and identification, processing by the defect determination unit 313 is not performed.

[0103] The value of the item "Interleaf Paper ID" is an identifier for identifying an interleaf paper. The value of the item "Interleaf Paper ID" is notified to the printer main body 11 by the inspection device 13. Note that in the case of a job generated by the DFE 50 or a job other than an interleaf paper generated by the printer main body 11, an interleaf paper ID does not exist, and therefore a value such as "-1" is set in the item "Interleaf Paper ID" to indicate that no interleaf paper ID exists.

[0104] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the image forming system 1. The display control unit 202 of the printer main body 11 displays an image reformation setting screen for the reception unit 215 to receive the selection of the timing for reforming the image.

[0105] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image reformation setting screen according to the first embodiment.

[0106] The image reformation setting screen 902 according to this embodiment includes a reformation / non-reformation selection button 903, a division position selection button 904, and a page number input field 905.

[0107] The re-formation / non-re-formation selection button 903 is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for selecting whether or not to re-form an image in which a defect has been detected. The division position selection button 904 is a GUI for selecting the division position.

[0108] The division position is the position where the image is reformed. Specifically, the division position is the position where the printer main body 11 temporarily stops forming the image in order to synchronize the timing of reforming the image.

[0109] The options for the separator position are "job separator," "copy separator," and "page interval specification," but these are just examples and other options are also possible. For example, when multiple print jobs are accepted, it may be possible to select a position where images are collectively re-formed after all accepted print jobs have been processed.

[0110] The page number input field 905 is an input field for inputting the page number when the selection of the break position is "page interval specification".

[0111] The accepting unit 215 accepts the selection input on the image reformation setting screen 902 and stores setting information indicating the selected setting content in the storage unit 205. The display control unit 202 may display the image reformation setting screen 902 on the operation panel 12 of the printer main body 11 or the display of the DFE 50, or may display it on the screen of the user terminal 30 via the communication network 60.

[0112] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of printing processing without image reformation settings.

[0113] When the print job receiving unit 502 of the DFE 50 receives print job data from the user terminal 30 or the management server 40, the job information processing unit 551 generates job information (bibliographic information related to the print job) for each page. Then, the print job sending unit 504 sends the job information (e.g., page n) to the printer main body 11 (step S101).

[0114] When the print job receiving unit 207 of the printer main body 11 receives the job information (page n), the job information processing unit 211 performs processing such as adding a number indicating the page ID to update the received job information (page n) and transmits it to the inspection device 13 via the external I / F control unit 204 (step S102).

[0115] Furthermore, when the print job receiving unit 502 of the DFE 50 receives print job data from the user terminal 30 or the management server 40, the RIP processing unit 552 of the DFE 50 executes processing to convert the data into RIP image data for each page. The job information processing unit 551 and the RIP processing unit 552 execute processing in parallel, and transmit the job information that is completed first to the printer main body 11 first. For example, before starting to transmit RIP image data (page n), the DFE 50 generates and transmits job information for pages n+1 and n+2. The printer main body 11 then updates the received job information and transmits it to the inspection device 13 (steps S103-S106).

[0116] Thereafter, the RIP processing unit 552 generates RIP image data (page n) corresponding to the job information (page n). The print job sending unit 504 sends the RIP image data (page n) to the printer main body 11 (step S107). The RIP processing unit 212 of the printer main body 11 performs necessary processing on the RIP image data and sends it to the inspection device 13 (step S108).

[0117] The master image generating unit 308 of the inspection device 13 generates master image data (page n) according to the job information (page n) and the RIP image data (page n). Then, the inspection device 13 associates the order of pages detected by the first inline sensor 131 and the second inline sensor 132 with the generated master image data according to the job information, and stores the result in the storage unit 305.

[0118] Furthermore, the image processing control unit 208, the printing control unit 209, and the mechanism control unit 206 of the printer main body 11 execute the printing process in accordance with the job information (page n) (step S109). The printed paper (page n) is transported to the inspection device 13.

[0119] The DFE 50 and the printer main body 11 similarly perform processing on the RIP image data (pages n+1, n+2) (steps S110-S115). Then, the print image reading unit 307 of the inspection device 13 acquires the read image data (pages n, n+1, n+2) read by the first inline sensor 131 and the second inline sensor 132 (steps S116-S118).

[0120] Thereafter, the differential image generating unit 309 of the inspection device 13 generates differential image data for each page, which indicates the difference between the master image data and the read image data. The defect determining unit 313 determines whether or not there is a defect based on the generated differential image data, and generates defect determination information. The inspection device 13 then executes defect determination processing, the details of which will be described later.

[0121] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a printing process with image reformation settings.

[0122] In the printing process with image reformation settings shown in FIG. 10, steps S201 and S202 are the same as steps S101 and S102 in the printing process without image reformation settings shown in FIG.

[0123] If an image reformation setting is enabled, for example, the defect determination unit 313 determines that there is a defect in page n-5, which has already been printed out, and the reformation determination unit 315 determines that the image should be reformed by the defect determination process described below (step S203). The inspection device 13 transmits defect determination result information, slip sheet necessity information, and reformation necessity information to the printer main body 11 (step S204).

[0124] If the received slip sheet necessity information indicates that slip sheets are necessary, the job information generation unit 213 of the printer main body 11 determines the timing to insert slip sheets (for example, inserting them between page n and page n+1) and generates job information (page m).The printer main body 11 then transmits the generated job information (page m) to the inspection device 13 (step S205).

[0125] Next, if the received reformation necessity information indicates reformation, the printer main body 11 generates job information (page m+1).Then, the printer main body 11 transmits the generated job information (page m+1) to the inspection device 13 (step S206).

[0126] Steps S207 and S208 are the same as steps S103 and S104 of the printing process without image reformation settings shown in FIG.

[0127] Also, steps S209 to S211 are the same as steps S107 to S109 of the printing process without image reformation settings shown in FIG.

[0128] When it is time to insert a slip sheet (for example, between page n and page n+1), image processing control unit 208, printing control unit 209, and mechanism control unit 206 of printer main body 11 execute print processing (printing of slip sheets) according to job information (page m) (step S212). Subsequently, image processing control unit 208, printing control unit 209, and mechanism control unit 206 of printer main body 11 re-form the image according to job information (page m+1) (step S213).

[0129] Steps S214-S216 and step S217 are the same as steps S110-S112 and step S116 of the printing process without image reformation settings shown in FIG.

[0130] The print image reading unit 307 of the inspection device 13 acquires the read image data (pages m, m+1) read by the first inline sensor 131 and the second inline sensor 132 (steps S218, S219). The master image generation unit 308 does not generate a master image in the case of a print job for interleaving. The inspection device 13 associates the order of the pages detected by the first inline sensor 131 and the second inline sensor 132 with the generated master image data according to the job information for each page, including pages m and m+1, and stores the associated data in the storage unit 305.

[0131] Furthermore, when the read image data is based on a print job for an interleaf (page m), the inspection device 13 does not perform defect determination processing and discards the read image data.

[0132] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the defect determination process according to the first embodiment.

[0133] When the defect determination process starts, the reformation determination unit 315 acquires defect determination information (step S301). The defect determination information is information generated by the defect determination unit 313 and includes the defect determination result for each printed page.

[0134] The reformation determination unit 315 determines whether or not there is a defect by referring to the defect determination result included in the defect determination information (step S302). If the reformation determination unit 315 determines that there is a defect (step S302: Yes), the discharge determination unit 314 determines whether or not to discharge an interleaf sheet based on preset conditions, and generates interleaf necessity information indicating the determination result. The reformation determination unit 315 also determines whether or not to reform the image based on preset conditions, and generates reformation necessity information indicating the determination result. Then, the inspection device 13 transmits the defect determination result information indicating the presence of a defect, the interleaf necessity information, and the reformation necessity information to the printer main body 11 (step S303).

[0135] If the reformation determination unit 315 determines that there is no defect (step S302: No), the inspection device 13 transmits defect determination result information indicating that there is no defect to the printer main body 11 (step S304).

[0136] Next, the image forming process executed by the printer main body 11 will be described.

[0137] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the image forming process according to the first embodiment.

[0138] When job information processing unit 211 of printer main body 11 processes the job information received from DFE 50, image processing control unit 208, printing control unit 209, and mechanism control unit 206 form an image on a conveyed medium (step S401). Thereafter, printer main body 11 executes the following process for each page included in the print job.

[0139] The stop control unit 214 determines whether or not there is a reformation setting based on the setting information indicating the content of the reformation setting (step S402).

[0140] If the stop control unit 214 determines that there is no reformation setting (step S402: No), the printer main body 11 skips the processes from step S403 to step S409 and executes the process of step S410.

[0141] If the stop control unit 214 determines that reformation is set (step S402: Yes), it determines whether it is a delimiter position or the last page of the print job (step S403). The delimiter position is a position corresponding to the selection of the delimiter position selection button 904 on the image reformation setting screen 902.

[0142] For example, when "job break" is selected, this has the same meaning as the last page, so the stop control unit 214 only determines whether it is the last page of the print job. Also, when "copy break" is selected, the stop control unit 214 determines whether it is the last page of a copy or the last page of the print job if the job includes multiple copies. Also, when "page interval specification" is selected, the stop control unit 214 determines whether the number of pages specified in the page number input field 905 for the print job being printed is a multiple of the number of pages or the last page of the print job.

[0143] If the stop control unit 214 determines that it is not a separation position and that it is not the last page of the print job (step S403: No), the printer main body 11 skips the processes from step S404 to step S409 and executes the process of step S410.

[0144] If the stop control unit 214 determines that the page is a separator or the final page of the print job (step S403: Yes), it stops image formation for the next page and subsequent pages (step S404). Specifically, the stop control unit 214 instructs the job information processing unit 211 to stop processing job information for the next page and subsequent pages.

[0145] Next, the stop control unit 214 determines whether or not defect determination result information for all pages that have been formed has been received (step S405). Note that "all pages that have been formed" refers to pages that have not been subject to processing in step S406 and subsequent steps, which will be described later. In other words, "all pages that have been formed" refers to all pages included in each page group separated by the separation positions.

[0146] If the stop control unit 214 determines that the formed pages include a page for which defect determination result information has not been received (step S405: No), it repeatedly executes the processing of step S405 and waits until it receives defect determination result information.

[0147] When the stop control unit 214 determines that defect determination result information for all formed pages has been received (step S405: Yes), it determines whether the defect determination result information includes any defective pages (step S406).

[0148] If the stop control unit 214 determines that the defect determination result information includes a defective page (step S406: Yes), the printer main body 11 ejects an interleaf sheet if the interleaf necessity information received from the inspection device 13 indicates that an interleaf sheet is necessary (step S407). Specifically, the job information generation unit 213 generates job information for printing an interleaf sheet. Then, the job information processing unit 211 processes the generated job information. As a result, the printer main body 11 prints and ejects the interleaf sheet.

[0149] Next, if the reformation necessity information indicates that reformation is necessary, the printer main body 11 reforms the image of the defective page (step S408). Specifically, the job information generation unit 213 generates job information for reforming the image. Then, the job information processing unit 211 processes the generated job information. As a result, the printer main body 11 reforms the image determined to be defective.

[0150] Subsequently, the stop control unit 214 resumes image formation for the next page and thereafter (step S409). Specifically, the stop control unit 214 instructs the job information processing unit 211 to cancel the stop of processing of job information for the next page and thereafter.

[0151] Furthermore, if the stop control unit 214 determines that the defect determination result information does not include any defective pages (step S406: No), it skips the processes of steps S407 and S408 and resumes image formation for the next page and onward (step S409).

[0152] Following the process of step S409, the stop control unit 214 determines whether it is the final page of the print job (step S410). If the stop control unit 214 determines that it is not the final page of the print job (step S410: No), it returns to the process of step S401 and proceeds to the process of the next page.

[0153] Furthermore, when the stop control unit 214 determines that it is the final page of the print job (step S410: Yes), it ends the image forming process.

[0154] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an interleaf sheet.

[0155] An interleaf ID is printed on the interleaf 906, for example, in two places, top and bottom. Information about the page on which a defect was detected is also printed on the interleaf 906. The information about the page on which a defect was detected includes, for example, the total number of pages on which a defect was detected, the job ID, copy ID, page ID, or location of the page on which the defect was detected for each page on which a defect was detected. This allows the user to visually check whether or not an interleaf has been ejected at the separation position, and, if an interleaf has been ejected, the user can know, based on the printed information, the stacking position of the page on which the defect was detected.

[0156] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the result of image reformation according to the first embodiment.

[0157] Figure 15 shows the behavior when "Reform setting enabled" is selected using the reformation / non-reformation selection button 903 on the image reformation setting screen 902, and "Copy separation" is selected using the separation position selection button 904, and a defect is detected on the 30th page of the third copy of a print job that prints 10 copies of a 200-page image.

[0158] The printer main body 11 temporarily stops forming images at the end of each set. Then, the printer main body 11 prints page 200, the final page of the third set, and stops forming images. Then, it prints and ejects an interleaf sheet, and then re-forms the image of page 30 of the third set where the defect was detected. Note that if the printer is set to eject a separator sheet at the end of each set, the separator sheet for the third set may be ejected after that.

[0159] The user can visually check whether a slip sheet has been ejected at the separation position, and if a slip sheet has been ejected, visually check the re-formed image on the transport medium ejected next to the slip sheet, and if necessary, replace it with the page in which a defect was detected. Note that the printer main body 11 does not forcibly replace the page in which a defect was detected with the re-formed page. Therefore, the user can choose to either swap the page in which a defect was detected with the re-formed page, or not, as needed.

[0160] Furthermore, the inspection device 13 displays a defect display screen that displays information about the detected defects.

[0161] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a defect display screen.

[0162] The defect display screen 907 is a screen that is displayed on the operation panel 133 of the inspection device 13 to display detected defects. The defect display screen 907 includes a "job list" display area 908, a "defect detection page list" display area 909, and a "defect detection image" display area 910.

[0163] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a job list.

[0164] The job list displayed in the "Job List" display area 908 includes the following items: inspection process start time, number of copies of the job, number of pages of the job, and number of pages on which defects were detected for the job. The job list may also display identification information for identifying jobs, such as job names or job IDs, which allow multiple jobs to be checked and identified.

[0165] The value of the item "inspection processing start time" indicates the time when inspection processing for the first page of the print job started.

[0166] The value of the item "number of copies in job" indicates the number of copies output in the print job.

[0167] The value of the item "Number of pages in job" indicates the number of pages included in the print job.

[0168] The value of the item "Number of pages on which defects were detected in a job" indicates the number of pages on which defects were detected in a print job.

[0169] FIG. 18 is a first diagram showing an example of a defect detection page list.

[0170] The defect detection page list displayed in the "Defect Detection Page List" display area 909 includes the following items: the time of defect detection, the number of copies that occurred during the job, the page that occurred during the job, the slip sheet ID immediately before the reformed page, and the positional relationship with the slip sheet.

[0171] The value of the item "defect detection time" indicates the time when a defect was detected for each page.

[0172] The value of the item "number of copies in a job" indicates the number of copies in which defects occurred.

[0173] The value of the item "Occurring Pages During Job" indicates the number of pages on which defects occurred.

[0174] The value of the item "Interleaf ID immediately before the reformed page" indicates the interleaf ID of the interleaf that is discharged immediately before the reformed page that follows the page where the defect was detected.

[0175] The value of the item "Positional relationship with slip sheet" indicates the relationship between the page in which a defect was detected and the stacked position of the slip sheet. It indicates the number of sheets sandwiched between the slip sheet and the defect detection surface (top or bottom). Note that the "Defect Detected Page List" display area 909, which displays the list of defect detected pages, may also display identification information for defective sheets, such as a page ID or a paper ID, or information included in the job information in FIG. 8, such as a job ID, in association with each defect detected page.

[0176] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a defect detection image.

[0177] In the "defect detection image" display area 910, the scanned image data of the print page specified in the defect detection page list shown in FIG. 18 is displayed with an indication 911 indicating the defect detection site added.

[0178] The user can check the defect display screen and understand the page on which the defect was detected and its positional relationship with the slip sheet, etc. This makes it easier for the user to find the page on which the defect was detected, and reduces the burden of replacing the page on which the defect was detected with the page on which the image was re-formed.

[0179] In the past, when it was not possible to specify the separation position, the user had to replace the data each time a print job was reprinted, which meant the user could not leave the printer main body 11 and would take up manpower. However, with the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment, the user can know the replacement position later, so the user can leave the printer main body 11 and would not take up manpower.

[0180] According to the image forming system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to re-form images at convenient points such as job boundaries or copy boundaries. This allows the user to replace only the pages they need after completing a booklet of a bundle of conveyed media on which images have been formed.

[0181] Furthermore, information about the page on which the image has been re-formed can be printed on the inserting sheet, which allows the user to confirm which page needs to be replaced, making the replacement process easier.

[0182] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, when a defect rather than a separation position is detected, the second embodiment includes a function for re-forming an image, for example, immediately after the defect is detected. Therefore, the following description of the second embodiment will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and components having the same functional configuration as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted.

[0183] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an image reformation setting screen according to the second embodiment.

[0184] The image reformation setting screen 902 according to this embodiment further includes a reformation timing selection button 912 in addition to the image reformation setting screen 902 according to the first embodiment.

[0185] The reformation timing selection button 912 is a GUI for selecting the timing to reform an image. Specifically, the user selects whether to reform an image at a delimiter position (same as in the first embodiment) or to reform an image when a defect is detected (this embodiment). Reforming an image when a defect is detected means that image reformation is executed or started immediately after a defect is detected, for example, without waiting for a delimiter position or the like.

[0186] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of image forming processing according to the second embodiment.

[0187] As with the image forming process according to the first embodiment, when job information processing unit 211 of printer main body 11 processes the job information received from DFE 50, image processing control unit 208, printing control unit 209, and mechanism control unit 206 form an image on a conveyed medium (step S501). Thereafter, printer main body 11 executes the following process for each page included in the print job.

[0188] The stop control unit 214 determines whether or not there is a reformation setting based on the setting information indicating the content of the reformation setting (step S502).

[0189] If the stop control unit 214 determines that there is no reformation setting (step S502: No), the printer main body 11 skips the processes from step S503 to step S508 and executes the process of step S509.

[0190] When determining that there is a reformation setting (step S502: Yes), the stop control unit 214 determines whether the defect determination result information received from the inspection device 13 indicates that there is a defect (step S503).

[0191] When the stop control unit 214 determines that the defect determination result information indicates the presence of a defect (step S503: Yes), it stops image formation of the page before feeding (step S504). Specifically, the stop control unit 214 instructs the job information processing unit 211 to stop processing of the job information of the page before feeding. Note that, since it is not possible to stop processing of pages that have already been fed, images are formed on several pages following the page on which the defect was detected.

[0192] Next, if the slip sheet necessity information received from the inspection device 13 indicates that slip sheets are necessary, the printer main body 11 discharges a first slip sheet (step S505). Specifically, the job information generation unit 213 generates job information for printing the slip sheets. Then, the job information processing unit 211 processes the generated job information. As a result, the printer main body 11 prints and discharges the slip sheets.

[0193] Next, if the reformation necessity information indicates that reformation is necessary, the printer main body 11 reforms the image of the defective page (step S506). Specifically, the job information generation unit 213 generates job information for reforming the image. Then, the job information processing unit 211 processes the generated job information. As a result, the printer main body 11 reforms the image determined to have a defect.

[0194] Next, if the slip sheet necessity information indicates that slip sheet is necessary, the printer main body 11 discharges a second slip sheet (step S507). By the printer main body 11 discharging the second slip sheet, it becomes easier to find the reformed transport medium.

[0195] Subsequently, the stop control unit 214 resumes image formation of the page before the paper feed (step S508). Specifically, the stop control unit 214 instructs the job information processing unit 211 to cancel the stop of processing of the job information of the page before the paper feed.

[0196] Furthermore, if the stop control unit 214 determines that the defect determination result information indicates that there is no defect (step S503: No), the printer main body 11 skips the processes from step S504 to step S508 and executes the process of step S509.

[0197] Following the process of step S508, the stop control unit 214 determines whether it is the final page of the print job (step S509). If the stop control unit 214 determines that it is not the final page of the print job (step S509: No), it returns to the process of step S501 and proceeds to the process of the next page.

[0198] Furthermore, when determining that it is the final page of the print job (step S509: Yes), the stop control unit 214 determines whether defect determination result information for all formed pages has been received (step S510).

[0199] Note that, here, "all formed pages" refers to all pages included in the print job. Since defect determination result information is transmitted as needed in accordance with the progress of the defect determination process by the inspection device 13, even when formation of the image of the final page is complete, defect determination result information for all pages included in the print job may not have been transmitted. Therefore, the stop control unit 214 determines whether or not defect determination result information for all formed pages has been received.

[0200] If the stop control unit 214 determines that there is a page for which the defect determination result information has not been received (step S510: No), the stop control unit 214 returns to the processing of step S503 to wait until the defect determination result information is received.

[0201] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the result of image reformation according to the second embodiment.

[0202] Figure 22 shows the behavior when a defect is detected on the 30th page of the third copy of a print job that prints 10 copies of a 200-page image, when "Reform setting enabled" is selected using the reformation / non-reformation selection button 903 on the image reformation setting screen 902 and the setting "Reform image if a defect is detected" is selected using the reformation timing selection button 912.

[0203] The printer main body 11 does not stop forming images at the end of each set. If the inspection device 13 determines that there is a defect based on the scanned image data of the image on page 30 of the third set, it stops forming images from page 41 of the third set onwards, which have not yet been fed at that time. After forming images up to page 40 of the third set that have been retained in the printer, the printer main body 11 ejects the first interleaf, then re-forms the image on page 30 of the third set where the defect was detected, and then ejects the second interleaf. The printer main body 11 then resumes forming images from page 41 of the third set onwards.

[0204] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0205] The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment may further include a purge tray 142. The purge tray 142 is an example of a destination for discharging defective or other problematic paper to a location other than the tray 141 for disposal. The image forming apparatus 10 may discharge paper on which a defect has been detected to the purge tray 142 and discharge paper on which an image has been re-formed to the tray 141, thereby replacing the paper containing the page on which a defect has been detected with the paper on which an image has been re-formed.

[0206] Furthermore, after detecting a defect, image forming apparatus 10 may also discharge to purge tray 142 any paper that has already been fed before the image of the page in which the defect was detected is re-formed, regardless of whether or not the paper contains a defect. In this case, image forming apparatus 10 may replace the image of the page included in the paper that has already been fed by re-forming the image of the page in which the defect was detected and discharging the re-formed image together. This allows image forming apparatus 10 to replace the page in which the defect was detected and the page included in the paper that was fed before the re-formation in the correct page order all at once.

[0207] 24 is a diagram illustrating a method for discharging interleaf sheets according to a modified example of the second embodiment. Interleaf sheet 1 is a sheet that indicates the start of a reformed portion of a printed product. Interleaf sheet 2 is a sheet that serves as a separator between a sheet that has reformed a defective page and a sheet that was fed before the defective page was reformed, within the reformed portion of a printed product. Interleaf sheet 3 is a sheet that indicates the end of a reformed portion of a printed product.

[0208] As described above, image forming apparatus 10 may allow the user to select the position at which to insert the slip sheet when replacing the page in which the defect was detected and the paper containing the page fed before reforming together. For example, in tray 141, a setting screen may be configured to allow the user to select whether to insert the slip sheet below (before) the paper on which the image of the page in which the defect was detected is reformed, between (in the middle) the paper on which the image of the page in which the defect was detected is reformed and the paper on which the image of the page included in the paper fed before reforming is reformed, or above (after) the paper on which the image of the page included in the paper fed before reforming is reformed, and the respective slip sheets may be output at the selected positions.

[0209] According to the image forming system 1 of this embodiment, if a defect is detected in a print job during printing, the image is reformed according to the reformation timing selected by the user. Specifically, instead of specifying a separator position as in the first embodiment, slip sheets are discharged before and after the conveyed medium on which the image has been reformed. This allows the user to easily determine the conveyed medium on which the image has been reformed. Furthermore, since the printer does not stop at the separator position, a decrease in printing speed can be reduced.

[0210] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the inspection device 13 transmits defect determination result information at a timing that coincides with a delimiter position set in the printer main body 11. Therefore, the following description of the third embodiment will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and components having the same functional configuration as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted.

[0211] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the defect determination process according to the third embodiment.

[0212] The reformation determination unit 315 receives the delimiter setting information from the inspection device 13 (step S601). The delimiter setting information is information that indicates the setting of the selected delimiter position. Note that the inspection device 13 may receive and store the delimiter setting information every time the setting is changed in the printer main body 11, so that it does not need to receive the delimiter setting information in the defect determination process.

[0213] Next, the reformation determination unit 315 acquires defect determination information (step S602). Note that the inspection device 13 performs the following process for each target page. Then, the reformation determination unit 315 determines whether or not there is a defect by referring to the defect determination result included in the defect determination information (step S603). If the reformation determination unit 315 determines that there is a defect (step S603: Yes), the discharge determination unit 314 determines whether or not to discharge an interleaf sheet based on preset conditions, and generates interleaf necessity information indicating the determination result. Furthermore, the reformation determination unit 315 determines whether or not to reform the image based on preset conditions, and generates reformation necessity information indicating the determination result. Then, the inspection device 13 generates defect determination result information indicating the presence of a defect, interleaf necessity information, and reformation necessity information (step S604).

[0214] If the reformation determination unit 315 determines that there is no defect (step S603: No), the inspection device 13 generates defect determination result information indicating that there is no defect (step S605).

[0215] Following step S604 or step S605, the inspection device 13 determines whether the target page of the defect determination process is a separator position or the last page of the print job (step S606). If the inspection device 13 determines that the target page of the defect determination process is not a separator position or the last page of the print job (step S606: No), the inspection device 13 returns to the process of step S602 and executes the process for the next page.

[0216] When the inspection device 13 determines that the page to be subjected to the defect determination process is a separator position or the final page of the print job (step S606: Yes), it transmits the generated defect determination result information, and, if generated, information on whether interleaf paper is required and information on whether reformation is required, to the printer main body 11 (step S607).

[0217] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of image forming processing according to the third embodiment.

[0218] The processing from step S701 to step S704 of the image forming processing according to this embodiment is the same as the processing from step S401 to step S404 of the image forming processing according to the first embodiment. Following the processing of step S704, the printer main body 11 receives the defect determination result information and, if transmitted, the slip sheet necessity information and the reformation necessity information (step S705). Because the defect determination result information is supposed to be transmitted in accordance with the setting of the separator position, the printer main body 11 according to this embodiment waits until it receives the defect determination result information.

[0219] Hereinafter, the processes from step S706 to step S710 of the image forming process according to this embodiment are the same as the processes from step S406 to step S410 of the image forming process according to the first embodiment.

[0220] According to the image forming system 1 of this embodiment, the inspection device 13 transmits defect determination result information, information on whether interleaf paper is required, and information on whether reforming is required to the printer main body 11 in accordance with the separation position, thereby reducing the number of communications and the amount of communications compared to when information is transmitted for each page, thereby reducing the load on communication processing and communication lines.

[0221] In the above-described embodiments, an example has been shown in which the image forming apparatus 10 prints interleaf sheets. This makes it possible to generate interleaf sheets with eye-catching colors using inexpensive paper, allows for flexible response to changes in color patterns, and eliminates the need to separately prepare interleaf sheets. Conversely, pre-printed paper or something other than paper may be output as a third transport medium. For example, interleaf IDs may be written on stacks of multiple sheets, and the sheets may be placed in a paper feed tray so that they are output in the order of the interleaf IDs. Interleaf sheets supplied from the paper feed tray may then be inserted between sheets of printed paper. In this case, the cost of printing interleaf sheets is reduced.

[0222] In each of the above-described embodiments, the DFE 50, the inspection device 13, and the printer main body 11 can be configured to share the disclosed processing steps in various combinations. Furthermore, the elements of the DFE 50, the inspection device 13, and the printer main body 11 may be integrated into a single device or may be separated into multiple devices.

[0223] For example, although an example has been shown in which the inspection device 13 determines whether interleaf paper is needed and whether reformation is needed, the printer main body 11 may determine whether interleaf paper is needed and whether reformation is needed. Also, although an example has been shown in which the printer main body 11 accepts the selection of reformation settings and controls reformation, the inspection device 13 may accept the selection of reformation settings and execute the process of controlling reformation.

[0224] In the above-described embodiments, the stop control unit 214 controls the process to stop the formation of an image on the subsequent first conveying medium at the selected timing, and to resume the formation of the stopped image when re-forming on the second conveying medium is performed. However, the stop control unit 214 may also be configured to determine whether the re-formed image on the second conveying medium has a defect when re-forming is performed, and to resume the formation of the stopped image on the first conveying medium if the re-formed image on the second conveying medium has no defect, and to stop the formation of the image if the re-formed image on the second conveying medium has a defect. Furthermore, the stop control unit 214 may also be configured to resume the formation of the stopped image on the first conveying medium when re-forming is performed, regardless of whether the re-formed image on the second conveying medium has a defect.

[0225] In some embodiments, DFE 50 or inspection equipment 13 may be configured as an information processing system including multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster, configured to communicate with each other via any type of communications link, including a network, shared memory, etc., and may perform the processes disclosed herein.

[0226] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to perform each of the above-described functions.

[0227] In the embodiment described above, the stacker 14 has been described as having one tray 141, but it may also have multiple trays 141. For example, the stacker 14 and tray 141 shown in Figures 26 and 27 are configured to discharge and stack printed sheets and slip sheets. In the discharge and stacking method shown in Figure 26, printed sheets, defective printed sheets, slip sheets before reforming, reformed printed sheets, and set sheets are discharged together onto a single tray 141. In this way, even if multiple printed sheets, defective printed sheets, slip sheets before reforming, reformed printed sheets, and set sheets are discharged in sets, they can be easily distinguished from one another.

[0228] Furthermore, when sheets are discharged together onto a single tray, multiple defective printed sheets may be included across multiple jobs or multiple copies of the same job that are discharged consecutively. However, because multiple distinguishable slip sheets are discharged, the user can easily identify the location of defective sheets even when a large number of sheets are discharged. Also, as shown in FIG. 27, printed sheets, defective printed sheets, slip sheets before reforming, reformed printed sheets, and set separators may be discharged by set across multiple trays 141. Printed sheets, defective printed sheets, and corresponding slip sheets before reforming, reformed printed sheets, and set separators may also be output across multiple trays. It is also possible to use slip sheets in an upper tray to indicate the presence of defective sheets in a lower tray.

[0229] 27, if the slip sheets before reforming, the reformed printed sheets, and the set separator sheets are discharged to the topmost position of tray 141, the reformed printed sheets can be easily confirmed by simply turning over the set separator sheets. Furthermore, if the sheets are discharged separately to multiple trays 141, the display control unit 302 may display the identification information of the tray 141 that discharged them (tray A, tray B, ...) and the tray level (first level, second level from the top) for each cover of the defective printed sheets, thereby indicating to which tray 141 the defective sheets and slip sheets have been discharged.

[0230] According to the image forming system 1 of this embodiment, the selection of the timing for reforming an image in which a defect has been detected is accepted, making it easier for the user to know that the reformed second conveyed medium is being discharged at a position corresponding to a pre-set timing (end of a set, end of a job, etc.). As a result, when the user checks the reformed second conveyed medium near the tray, even if many conveyed media have been discharged and stacked, it becomes easy to find the second conveyed medium that the user wants to check, leading to more efficient printing operations.

[0231] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. These requirements can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined depending on the application form. [Explanation of symbols]

[0232] 1. Image forming system 10 Image forming device 11 Printer body 12 Operation panel 13 Inspection equipment 14 Stacker 20 Image forming device 30 User terminals 40 Management Server 50 DFE 51 Display device 60 Communication Network 201 System Control Unit 202 Display control unit 203 Network I / F control unit 204 External I / F control section 205 Storage section 206 Mechanism control unit 207 Print job receiving unit 208 Image processing control unit 209 Printing control section 211 Job information processing unit 212 RIP processing unit 213 Job Information Generation Unit 214 Stop control section 215 Reception 216 Reshaping control section 301 System Control Unit 302 Display control unit 303 Network I / F control unit 304 External I / F control section 305 Storage section 306 Mechanism control unit 307 Print image reading unit 308 Master Image Generation Unit 309 Differential Image Generation Unit 311 Control information storage unit 312 Job information processing unit 313 Defect Judgment Unit 314 Emission determination section 315 Reshaping determination section 501 System Control Unit 502 Print job receiving unit 503 Storage section 504 Print job sending unit 505 Display control unit 551 Job Information Processing Unit 552 RIP processing unit 553 Control information storage unit 554 Gradation Correction Section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0233] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-160284

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on a conveyed medium; a reception unit that receives a selection of a timing for regenerating an image; a re-formation control unit that controls re-forming an image determined to have a defect based on information about the image formed on the first conveying medium onto a second conveying medium at the selected timing; Equipped with said timing options for regenerating the image include selection of the location of the breaks; the reformation control unit controls reformation on the second conveying medium at the position of the selected division; The options for the location of the separation include a job separation, a copy separation, and a page spacing designation. Imaging system.

2. a reception unit that receives a selection of a timing for regenerating an image; a re-formation control unit that controls re-forming an image determined to have a defect based on information about the image formed on the first conveying medium onto a second conveying medium at the selected timing; a stop control unit that temporarily stops the formation of the image on the first conveying medium in accordance with the timing of the re-forming of the image, and when the re-forming is performed, controls the re-start of the formation of the image on the first conveying medium that has been stopped, regardless of whether or not there is a defect in the re-formed image on the second conveying medium; Imaging system.

3. the re-formation control unit controls to discharge a third conveying medium before discharging the second conveying medium on which the image determined to be defective has been re-formed.

3. The image forming system according to claim 1.

4. the reformation control unit controls forming, on the third conveying medium, information on the page including the image determined to be defective. The image forming system according to claim 3 .

5. the selection of when to re-create an image includes selecting when to re-create an image when a defect is detected; the re-formation control unit, when a timing for re-forming an image when a defect is detected, performs control to re-form the image in which a defect is detected on the second conveying medium at the selected timing; The image forming system according to claim 1 .

6. When a selection is made as to when to re-form an image when a defect is detected, the re-formation control unit controls to discharge a third conveying medium before and after discharging the second conveying medium on which the image determined to have a defect is re-formed. The image forming system according to claim 5 .

7. a purge tray for discharging the transport medium on which the image determined to be defective is formed; The image forming system according to claim 1 .

8. The transport medium that has already been fed until the re-forming is discharged to the purge tray regardless of whether or not there is a defect. The image forming system according to claim 7 .

9. An image forming system including an inspection device and a printer main body, The inspection device includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires information about an image formed on a first conveying medium; a defect determination unit that determines whether or not there is a defect based on information about the acquired image, The printer body includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a conveyed medium; a reception unit that receives a selection of a timing for regenerating an image; a re-formation control unit that controls the re-formation of the image determined to be defective by the defect determination unit onto a second conveying medium at the selected timing, the inspection device determines whether or not there is a defect in the reconstructed image of the second conveying medium when the reconstructed image is performed; said timing options for regenerating the image include selection of the location of the breaks; the reformation control unit controls reformation on the second conveying medium at the position of the selected division; The options for the location of the separation include a job separation, a copy separation, and a page spacing designation. Imaging system.

10. the reformation control unit controls to discharge a third conveying medium before discharging the second conveying medium; The inspection device further includes a display control unit that controls display of information indicating the relationship between the positions at which the first conveying medium and the discharged third conveying medium are stacked. The image forming system according to claim 9 .

11. the inspection device further includes a reformation determination unit that transmits the determination result by the defect determination unit for each page; the re-formation control unit determines whether the determination result includes a defective page, and when it determines that the determination result includes a defective page, controls to eject the third conveying medium, re-form the image in which the defect was detected on the second conveying medium, and resume formation of the stopped image. The image forming system according to claim 10.

12. said timing options for regenerating the image include selection of the location of the breaks; When the division position is selected, if the determination results of all pages on which image formation has been completed for each division position have not been obtained, the reformation control unit waits until the determination results are obtained. The image forming system according to claim 11 .

13. The inspection device includes: a reformation determination unit that receives information indicating the positions of the selected separators and transmits information indicating the determination results of the defect determination unit to the printer main body for each of the selected separator positions; The image forming system according to claim 12.

14. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: forming an image on a transport medium; accepting a selection of when to regenerate the image; a step of controlling the re-forming of an image determined to have a defect based on read image data obtained by reading an image formed on a first conveying medium onto a second conveying medium at the selected timing; controlling the reshaping of the second carrier medium at the selected segment location; a step of temporarily stopping the formation of the image on the first conveying medium in accordance with the timing of the re-forming of the image; Equipped with said timing options for regenerating the image include selection of the location of the breaks; The options for the location of the separation include a job separation, a copy separation, and a page spacing designation. Image forming method.

15. On the computer, forming an image on a transport medium; accepting a selection of when to regenerate the image; a step of controlling the re-forming of an image determined to have a defect based on read image data obtained by reading an image formed on a first conveying medium onto a second conveying medium at the selected timing; controlling the reshaping of the second carrier medium at the selected segment location; a step of temporarily stopping the formation of the image on the first conveying medium in accordance with the timing of the re-forming of the image; A program for executing said timing options for regenerating the image include selection of the location of the breaks; The options for the location of the separation include a job separation, a copy separation, and a page spacing designation. program.

Images