Inspection device, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: when inspection is conducted on a variable print job and a print job in which one copy has a plurality of sheets in a purge mode, if NG occurs in an inspection result, omission occurs in a print product.SOLUTION: An inspection device compares a printed material with a reference image to conduct inspection of the printed material, and as an inspection mode for the inspection, when the inspection mode includes a mode for switching an ejection destination of a printed material in which a defect is observed, exclusively controls an inspection job for inspecting a printed material in which one copy has a plurality of printed materials or an inspection type for inspecting printed materials with order properties.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an inspection device that reads a printed matter obtained by a printing device and inspects the quality of the printed matter. The inspection device can detect image defects such as stains on the printed matter or printing omissions, character errors, barcode quality, etc. Therefore, there are several types of inspections according to the defects to be detected. These types of inspections include, for example, an inspection to check whether the printed characters are correct, an inspection to check the grade of the printed barcode, etc.

[0003] If a print product for which a defect has been detected and the inspection result has been NG and a print product for which no defects were detected are discharged to the same discharge destination, it becomes impossible to know which print product has been NG. Therefore, Patent Document 1 describes that when a print product for which the inspection result has been NG is detected, only the print product (sheet) for which the NG has occurred is discharged to a discharge destination different from the discharge destination for print products (sheets) for which no defects were detected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-41430 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when considering a stack of print products that is missing a sheet that has been determined to be NG, for example, if the order of the print products is important, the order of the print products is not necessarily guaranteed even for a stack of print products in which no defects have been detected. Therefore, there is a problem that it is not convenient for users who handle such print products.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the above-mentioned conventional techniques.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for preventing switching of the discharge destination of printed matter that has been determined to be NG in the inspection result, when the printed matter has a certain order. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an inspection device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: An inspection device for inspecting a printed matter by comparing a reference image with the printed matter, As an inspection mode of the inspection, Normal print destination and Switching the output destination of printed materials that have defects And discharge the printout in which the defect is found without performing recovery printing. mode A first setting means capable of setting and an inspection job for inspecting a printout that is made up of multiple prints or is in order Inspection of printed matter with a specific number job and , setting the discharge mode and a control means for exclusively controlling the Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, when there is a sequence of printed matter, the output destination of printed matter that has been determined to be NG as an inspection result is not changed, so that the sequence of printed matter is guaranteed in a stack of printed matter in which no defects have been detected.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar features throughout the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an inspection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the printing apparatus, the inspection apparatus, the large-capacity stacker, the information processing apparatus 109, and the client computer according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the printing apparatus, the inspection unit, and the large-capacity stacker according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a defect caused by a NG occurrence in a print product of a print job that has a sequence. [Diagram 5] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating another example of a defect caused by a NG occurrence in a print product of a print job having a sequence. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart for explaining printing and inspection processing by the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an inspection process in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a home screen of an inspection application displayed on a display unit of the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 8 is a flowchart for explaining the process of creating a new inspection job in step S702 of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a setting screen displayed on a display unit when a new job is created in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on a display unit when a reference image is registered in the inspection device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of parameters used to set an inspection job in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing example screens when setting an inspection mode of an inspection application in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 4 is a view showing an example of a setting screen for setting an inspection area and a reader of an image when performing inspection in an inspection job in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15]6 is a flowchart for explaining a process (S704) when the inspection device according to the first embodiment performs an inspection. [Figure 16] 16 is a flowchart for explaining the inspection process in S1505 of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 8 is a flowchart for explaining the inspection mode and inspection job setting process in S703 of FIG. 7 by the inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the inspection device in S1711 of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a process for setting an inspection mode and an inspection job by an inspection device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an inspection job, which is displayed on the display unit of the inspection device in S1909 of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a setting process of an inspection mode and an inspection job performed by an inspection device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22] 21. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an inspection job, which is displayed on the display unit of the inspection device in S2104 of FIG. [Diagram 23] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a setting process of an inspection mode and an inspection job performed by an inspection device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the type of inspection, which is displayed on the display unit of the inspection device in S2308 of FIG. 23. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the present invention can be applied to an inspection device consisting of a single device or a plurality of devices, as long as the functions of the present invention are realized. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the present invention can be applied to an inspection device that is connected and processes via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), as long as the functions of the present invention are realized. In other words, the system configuration in which various terminals are connected, as described in the following embodiment, is one example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of an inspection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The inspection system includes an information processing device, an inspection device, and a printing device. Note that the printing device 101 according to the first embodiment is explained using an electrophotographic printing device, but the printing device may be a printing device of a different image forming method, such as an inkjet method or an offset method. The printing device 101 is connected to an information processing device 109 via a cable 112. The information processing device 109 is connected to a client computer 110 via a network 113. The printing device 101 includes a UI (user interface) panel 102, a paper feed deck 103, and a paper feed deck 104. In addition, an option deck 105 consisting of three paper feed decks is connected. In addition, the UI panel 102 is a user interface equipped with, for example, a capacitive touch panel. Furthermore, the printing device 101 includes an inspection unit 106 and a large-capacity stacker 107. The inspection unit 106 is connected to an inspection device 108 via a cable 114. The large-capacity stacker 107 includes a main tray and a top tray, and the main tray can hold several thousand sheets of paper at one time.

[0014] A print job is generated by the client computer 110, transmitted to the information processing device 109 via the network 113, and managed by the information processing device 109. The print job is then transmitted from the information processing device 109 to the printing device 101 via the cable 112, and the printing device 101 prints on paper in accordance with the print job. Note that the print job may also be generated and managed by the information processing device 109, transmitted to the printing device 101 via the network 112, and managed by the printing device 101.

[0015] The information processing device 109 also manages files in which data such as a CSV file used to create a job on a client computer is described. In the first embodiment, variable data will be described as a CSV format file (CSV file). This CSV file is transmitted to the information processing device 109 via the network 113 and managed by the information processing device 109. The CSV file may also be transmitted to the printing device 101 via the network 113 and managed by the inspection device 108.

[0016] The client computer 110, the information processing device 109, and the inspection device 108 may be connected to a cable 112 to communicate with the printing device 101. The inspection device 108 may also be connected to the information processing device 109 and the client computer 110 via a network 113. That is, the connection form of the printing device 101, the information processing device 109, and the client computer 110 shown in FIG. 1 is one example, and it goes without saying that there are various other connection forms in addition to those shown in the first embodiment.

[0017] Further, in addition to the inspection unit 106 and the large-capacity stacker 107, the printing apparatus 101 may be connected to a finisher capable of stapling, a folder, a bookbinder, and the like.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the printing apparatus 101, the inspection apparatus 108, the large-capacity stacker 107, the information processing apparatus 109, and the client computer 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0019] First, the printing device 101 will be described.

[0020] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 controls and performs calculations in each section of the printing device 101 via a system bus 212. The CPU 201 executes programs stored in a storage unit 205 and deployed in a RAM (Ramdom Access Memory) 202. The RAM 202 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 201, and is used as a work area for the CPU 201 and as a temporary data storage area. The storage unit 205 stores programs and various data for the printing device 101.

[0021] An engine I / F 209 manages communication with and control of a printer engine 210. A paper feed deck I / F 204 manages communication with and control of a paper feed deck 211. The paper feed deck 211 is a collective term for the paper feed decks 103 and 104 and the option deck 105 shown in FIG. 1 as a hardware configuration. A UI panel 203 is a hardware configuration of the UI panel 102, and is a user interface for performing general operations of the printing device 101. In the first embodiment, the UI panel 203 includes a capacitive touch panel.

[0022] A network interface (hereinafter, NWI / F) 207 is connected to an NWI / F 238 of the information processing device 109 via a cable 213, and controls communication between the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101. Note that in this example, the interfaces connected to the system bus are directly connected to each other, but the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101 may be connected, for example, via a network, and the connection format is not limited. A video I / F 206 is connected to a video I / F 233 of the information processing device 109 via a video cable 241, and controls communication of image data between the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101.

[0023] The connection interface of the information processing device 109 with the printing device 101 may be a combination of the functions of the NWI / F 238 and the video I / F 233. The connection interface of the printing device 101 with the information processing device 109 may be a combination of the functions of the NWI / F 207 and the video I / F 206.

[0024] The accessory I / F 208 is connected to the inspection unit 106 and the accessory I / F 214 and accessory I / F 220 of the large capacity stacker 107 via a cable 225. That is, the printing device 101 communicates with the inspection unit 106 and the large capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 208, 214, and 220.

[0025] Next, the inspection unit 106 will be described.

[0026] The CPU 216 executes a program stored in the storage unit 247 and expanded in the RAM 217, and performs control and calculations in each part of the inspection unit 106 via the system bus 219. The RAM 217 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 216, and is used as a work area for the CPU 216 and other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 247 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during operation of the inspection device 106. The inspection device I / F 215 is connected to the inspection device unit I / F 231 of the inspection device 108 via a cable 248. That is, the inspection unit 106 communicates with the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231.

[0027] The photographing unit 218 has a photographing function equipped with, for example, a conduct image sensor (hereinafter, CIS), photographs the paper passing through the inspection unit 106, and transmits the photographed image data to the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215. Note that the CIS for the photographing unit 218 is an example of a sensor, and may be another type of sensor such as a CCD image sensor, and the photographing method is not limited.

[0028] Next, the large-capacity stacker 107 will be described.

[0029] The CPU 221 executes programs stored in the storage unit 248 and expanded in the RAM 222, and controls each unit in the large-capacity stacker 107 via the system bus 224. The RAM 222 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 221, and is used as a work area for the CPU 221 and other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 248 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the large-capacity stacker 107 is in operation. The paper discharge unit 223 is responsible for the paper discharge operation to the main tray and top tray, and for monitoring and controlling the loading status of each of the main tray and top tray.

[0030] Next, the inspection device 108 will be described.

[0031] The CPU 226 executes a program stored in the storage unit 228 and expanded in the RAM 227, and controls and performs calculations in each unit in the inspection device 108 via the system bus 230. The RAM 227 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 226, and is used as a work area for the CPU 226 and other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 228 functions as a temporary storage area for programs and various data of the inspection device 108. The PDL analysis unit 229 reads PDL data, such as PDF, PoStScript, and PCL, received from the client computer 110 or the information processing device 109, and performs interpretation processing. The display unit 245 is, for example, a display connected to the inspection device 108, and accepts inputs from an operator to the inspection device 108 and displays the status of the inspection device 108. The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 249 performs calculations for image processing in the inspection device 108 at high speed.

[0032] Next, the information processing device 109 will be described.

[0033] The CPU 234 executes programs stored in the storage unit 236 and expanded in the RAM 235, and controls and performs calculations for each unit in the information processing device 109 via a system bus 239. The RAM 235 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 234, and is used as a work area for the CPU 234 and other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 236 stores various programs executed by the CPU 234 of the information processing device 109. The network interface (hereinafter, NWI / F) 237 is connected to an NWI / F 240 of the client computer 110 via a network, and communicates with the client computer 110.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the information processing device 109 and the inspection device 108 are described as not communicating with each other. However, the first embodiment is merely an example, and the inspection device 108 may have an NWI / F, and the information processing device 109 may communicate with the inspection device 108 via the NWI / F and the NWI / F 237.

[0035] Next, the client computer 110 will be described.

[0036] The CPU 243 executes programs stored in the storage unit 244 and deployed in the RAM 242, and controls and performs calculations on each part of the client computer 110 via the system bus 246. The RAM 242 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 243, and is used as a work area for the CPU 243 and other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 244 functions as a storage area for programs executed by the CPU 243, etc.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the printing apparatus 101, the inspection unit 106, and the large-capacity stacker 107 according to the first embodiment.

[0038] The printing device 101 accepts user inputs and displays printing and device statuses via a UI panel 102. Various types of paper can be stored in the paper feed decks 103 and 104. In each paper feed deck, only the topmost sheet of paper stored can be separated and transported to a paper transport path 305. The developing stations 301 to 304 form toner images using color toners of Y, M, C, and K, respectively, to form color images. The toner images formed here are primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 306. The intermediate transfer belt 306 rotates clockwise in FIG. 3, and the toner image is transferred to a paper transported from a paper transport path 305 at a secondary transfer position 307. The fixing unit 308 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller, and the toner is melted and pressed by the paper passing between the rollers, thereby fixing the toner image to the paper. The paper that has passed through the fixing unit 308 is transported to a transport path 312 through a paper transport path 309. If further melting and pressing are required for fixing depending on the type of paper, the paper that has passed through fixing unit 308 is transported to second fixing unit 310 using the upper paper transport path, where additional melting and pressing are performed, and then transported to transport path 312 via paper transport path 311. Here, in the case of double-sided printing, the paper with one side printed is transported to paper inversion path 313, where it is inverted, and then transported to double-sided transport path 314, where the image on the second side is transferred to secondary transfer position 307.

[0039] In the inspection unit 106, the CISs 315 and 316 are arranged facing each other. The CIS 315 is a sensor for reading the upper surface of the paper, and the CIS 316 is a sensor for reading the lower surface of the paper. The inspection unit 106 scans the paper using the CISs 315 and 316 when the paper transported on the paper transport path 317 reaches a predetermined position. Image data obtained by scanning is transmitted to the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231. The CPU 226 of the inspection device 108 judges whether the received image data has a defect, and notifies the inspection unit 106 of the judgment result again via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215. In response to this, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 notifies the received judgment result to the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 214 and 220.

[0040] The large-capacity stacker 107 has a main tray 324 as a tray for stacking sheets. Sheets that have passed through the inspection unit 106 enter the large-capacity stacker 107 through a sheet transport path 319. The sheets are stacked on the main tray 324 via the sheet transport path 319 and the sheet transport path 322. The large-capacity stacker 107 also has a top tray 320 as a paper discharge tray. The CPU 221 of the large-capacity stacker 107 discharges sheets for which defects have been detected by the inspection device 108 to the top tray 320. When discharging sheets to the top tray 320, the sheets are transported from the sheet transport path 319 to the top tray 320 via the sheet transport path 321. The inversion unit 323 inverts the sheets. This inversion unit 323 is used when sheets are stacked on the main tray 324. When stacking on the main tray 324, the sheets are inverted once by the inversion unit 323 so that the orientation of the incoming sheets is the same as the orientation of the sheets when stacked. When the sheets are transported to the top tray 320, they are not flipped when stacked and are discharged as is, so that the reversing operation at the reversing unit 323 is not performed.

[0041] In the first embodiment, a variable print job and a multiple-sheet print job will be described as examples of print jobs in which the print results are sequential.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a problem caused by a NG occurrence in a print product of a print job that has a sequence.

[0043] FIG. 4(A) shows the case of a variable print job. This variable printing is a job that prints, for example, different numbers or text on each sheet. For example, an identifiable customer name is printed on the first, second, and third sheets. Therefore, when delivering the sheets, if a sheet is missing due to NG, the printout will be sent to the wrong destination. In the example of FIG. 4(A), NG was detected in the printout addressed to Mr. C, so the printout addressed to Mr. C is missing in the printout. In response to this, if the addresses are printed in the original order, Mr. C's address will be printed on the printout addressed to Mr. D. This is difficult for users to use, and it is assumed that it is desirable to maintain the order of the printouts.

[0044] FIG. 4B shows the case of a print job in which one copy is made up of multiple sheets. A print job in which one copy is made up of multiple sheets is a print job in which the number of sheets per copy is two or more. In this case, if, for example, the second sheet (P2) of the multiple sheets in one copy is rejected and removed, a sheet stack in which the incorrect sheets have been stapled will be created in a subsequent post-processing device such as a stapler. Therefore, at the end of printing, the user must manually reprint the sheets that were rejected as a result of the inspection and insert the reprinted sheets into the places where they were omitted. This makes it difficult for the user to use. Therefore, it is assumed that it is desirable to maintain the order of the printed products at the end of printing.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of a problem caused by a NG occurrence in a print product of a print job that has a sequence.

[0046] When performing print consistency inspection and data matching inspection as inspection items, it is assumed that the order of the printed output is maintained, as with variable print jobs. Figure 5(A) shows an example of a print consistency inspection, which checks whether the pre-set numerical order is followed. For example, it checks whether P1 is printed on the first sheet, P2 on the second sheet, and P3 on the third sheet.

[0047] FIG. 5(B) is a diagram showing an example of data matching inspection. Here, it is inspected whether the original data and the character string to be inspected match. For example, the original data is a number that identifies an individual, and it is inspected whether the number is printed. For example, data matching inspection is performed for each sheet, and when the inspected sheets are placed in an envelope that maintains the order, it is necessary that the order of the printed product is maintained. The example of FIG. 5(B) shows an example in which a water usage invoice is issued corresponding to a number that identifies an individual.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the case of discharging onto the top tray 320 of the large-volume stacker 107 is called "purging." In the first embodiment, purging is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0049] 6 is a flowchart for explaining printing and inspection processing by the printing device 101 according to embodiment 1. Note that, in the processing shown in this flowchart, the processing by the printing device 101 is achieved by the CPU 201 executing a program loaded in the RAM 202, and the processing by the inspection unit 106 is achieved by the CPU 216 executing a program loaded in the RAM 217.

[0050] In S601, the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 receives a print job from the information processing device 109 and starts printing. Next, the process proceeds to S602, where the CPU 201 determines whether printing of all sheets to be printed by the print job has been completed. If not, the process proceeds to S603, and if completed, the process ends. In S603, the CPU 201 prints an image on a paper (sheet) in accordance with the print job.

[0051] Next, the process proceeds to S604, where the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 receives the paper printed by the printing device 101, and scans the image printed on the paper using the CIS 315 and CIS 316. Next, the process proceeds to S605, where the CPU 216 transmits the image data obtained by scanning in S604 to the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231.

[0052] Next, in S606, it is determined whether the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 has detected a jam, and if a jam has been detected, the process proceeds to S607. At this time, the jam may have occurred anywhere inside the printing device 101, the inspection unit 106, or the large-capacity stacker 107, and there is no restriction on the location. Also, if a jam occurs in the inspection unit 106 or the large-capacity stacker 107, the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 acquires the jam information and the jam position via the accessory I / Fs 214, 220, and 208.

[0053] In S607, the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 notifies the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 and the CPU 221 of the large-capacity stacker 107 of the jam state via the accessory I / Fs 208, 214, and 220. This jam state includes jam position information that can be determined by a sensor (not shown) inside the printing device 101, the inspection unit 106, or the large-capacity stacker 107 detecting the paper. The CPU 201 can also detect that paper ejection is complete when paper is printed and ejected outside the printing device 101, and therefore can detect which paper has jammed. Therefore, information about the paper on which the jam occurred is also included in the jam state.

[0054] Next, the process proceeds to S608, and the CPU 201 notifies the information processing device 109 of the jam state via the NWI / F 207 and NWI / F 238. This allows the information processing device 109 to know which sheet of paper used in the print job has become jammed, that is, where recovery printing should be performed. Next, the process proceeds to S609, and the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 cancels the print job being executed. Next, the process proceeds to S610, and the CPU 201 instructs the inspection unit 106 and the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 214, 208, and 220 to eject the paper that has already been fed from the paper feed decks 103 and 104 and is on the paper transport path to an evacuation space in the printing device 101 or the top tray 320. Then, after evacuating the paper in S610, the CPU 201 transmits print stop information to the inspection unit 106 and the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 208, 214, and 220. Then, in S611, the CPU 201 waits until all jammed papers have been cleared from the printing apparatus 101. When a jam has occurred, in S607 to S611, the execution of the print job is halted until the processing for the jam is completed.

[0055] When all jammed papers in the printing device 101 have been cleared in this manner, the process proceeds to S612, in which the CPU 201 notifies the inspection unit 106 and the large-capacity stacker 107 of the clearance of the jam via the accessory I / Fs 208, 214, and 220. The CPU 201 also notifies the client computer 110 via the NWI / Fs 208 and 238 that the jam has been cleared.

[0056] The process then proceeds to S613, where the CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 101 receives the print job following the jammed paper from the information processing apparatus 109, continues printing, and proceeds to S614. Also, if no jam has occurred in S606, the process proceeds to S614.

[0057] In S614, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 determines whether or not a purge instruction has been received from the inspection device 108 when the inspection result is NG, and proceeds to S615 if a purge instruction has been received, and proceeds to S626 if not. In S626, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 instructs the large capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 214, 220 to eject the paper to the ejection destination specified in the print job, and proceeds to S602.

[0058] On the other hand, in S615, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 instructs the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 214 and 220 to eject the paper for which the inspection result is NG onto the top tray 320.

[0059] Next, in S616, the CPU 216 determines whether or not a print stop instruction has been received from the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231. If the print stop instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to S602. On the other hand, if the print stop instruction has been received, the process proceeds to S617, in which the CPU 216 notifies the information processing device 109 of a jammed state via the accessory I / Fs 214, 208, and 220. This jammed state includes jam position information that is obtained by a sensor (not shown) inside the inspection unit 106 detecting a sheet. Next, the process proceeds to S618, in which the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 uses a pseudo jam mechanism, although the sheet has been discharged outside the machine. The CPU 201 can also detect which sheet is jammed, and this sheet information is also included in the jammed state. Then, in S618, the CPU 201 notifies the information processing device 109 of the jammed state via the NWI / Fs 208 and 238. This allows the information processing apparatus 109 to know which sheet of paper used in the print job has become jammed, that is, from which sheet recovery printing should be performed.

[0060] Then the process proceeds to S619, where the CPU 201 cancels the current print job. Next, the process proceeds to S620, where the CPU 201 notifies the inspection unit 106 that printing has been stopped. Then the process proceeds to S621, where the CPU 201 issues an instruction to eject all paper sheets in the machine to the top tray 320 of the large-capacity stacker 107. Then, in S622, when all the paper sheets to be ejected have been ejected, the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 106 notifies the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231 that ejection has been completed.

[0061] Next, in S623, the CPU 216 waits until it receives information that the inspection has been resumed from the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231. Then, when the inspection has been resumed, the process proceeds to S624, where the CPU 216 notifies the printing device 101 and the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 214, 208, and 220 that the jam has been cleared. Then, in S625, the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 receives from the information processing device 109 a print job to print the paper following the paper for which the inspection result is NG, and proceeds again to S602, where the processes of S602 to S625 are repeated until the inspection of all the papers has been completed. When the inspection of all the papers has been completed in this manner, printing also ends, and this process ends.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the CPU 226 of the inspection device 108 stops printing when a jam occurs. However, for example, the CPU 226 of the inspection device 108 may instruct the printing device 101, the inspection unit 106, and the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 208, 214, and 220 to eject all sheets of paper that have already been fed from the paper feed decks 103 and 104 and are on the paper transport path to the top tray 320.

[0063] In the first embodiment, paper that is found to be NG in the inspection is discharged to the top tray 320 of the large-capacity stacker 107, but the paper may be discharged to a tray other than the designated discharge destination of the print job, and the form is not limited to the top tray 320.

[0064] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection process in the inspection device 108 according to embodiment 1. The process shown in the flowchart in Fig. 7 is achieved by the CPU 226 of the inspection device 108 executing a program loaded in the RAM 227.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen of an inspection application displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection device 108 according to the first embodiment.

[0066] First, in S701, the CPU 226 starts the inspection application deployed in the RAM 227, and displays, for example, a home screen of the inspection application shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 245. Next, the process proceeds to S702, and the CPU 226 waits for the New Creation button 801 to be pressed on the screen of FIG. 8, and when the New Creation button 801 is pressed, creates a new inspection job and stores the inspection job in the storage unit 228. Details of S702 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. Here, the inspection job has a data structure including an inspection job name, the number of sheets per copy, the number of copies to be printed, the paper type, an array of area settings, and a reference image. Next, the process proceeds to S703, and when the CPU 226 detects that the App Setting button 804 has been pressed on the screen of FIG. 8, the CPU 226 sets the inspection application stored in the storage unit 228 and overwrites the settings in the storage unit 228. Details of S703 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17. Furthermore, when it is detected that an inspection job setting button 803 is pressed on the screen of Fig. 8, the inspection job selected in the inspection job list 802 is read from the storage unit 228. Then, the inspection job is set and overwritten in the storage unit 228. Then, the process proceeds to S704, and when the CPU 226 detects that an Inspect button 805 is pressed on the screen of Fig. 8, the inspection job is executed, an inspection is performed, and the inspection results are written to the storage unit 228. Details of S704 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 15.

[0067] Here, when a new creation button 801 on the screen of FIG. 8 is selected, a screen for creating a new inspection job, for example as shown in FIG. 10, is displayed. A list of inspection jobs stored in the storage unit 228 is displayed in the inspection job list 802, and the user selects a desired inspection job from the inspection job list. An inspection job setting button 803 displays a screen for setting the selected inspection job. An application setting button 804 displays a screen for setting the inspection mode of the inspection application, for example as shown in FIG. 13. A copy button 806 is a button for creating a copy of the selected inspection job. A file button 807 is used for outputting a report of the inspection results, etc. A help button 808 is used to call up help for the inspection application.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the process of creating a new inspection job in S702 of FIG.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit 245 when creating a new job, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on the display unit 245 when registering a reference image.

[0070] When the CPU 226 detects in S901 that the New button 801 is pressed on the screen of Fig. 8, the process proceeds to S902, where the CPU 226 displays a job setting screen shown in Fig. 10 on the display unit 245. The settings configured on the screen of Fig. 10 are print settings for printing an image to register a reference image, and are also print settings used when printing for inspection.

[0071] 10 shows an example of a setting screen for a job in which the inspection job name 1002 is "new inspection job". Furthermore, in S902, the CPU 226 secures a memory area for the inspection job in the RAM 227. In the example of FIG. 10, the number of sheets per copy 1003 is 5 sheets, the number of copies to be printed 1004 is 100 copies, and the paper size 1005 is A4. That is, the number of sheets per copy 1003, the number of copies to be printed 1004, and the paper size 1005 are paper information for the print job. In the first embodiment, the inspection application does not receive information on the print job from the printing apparatus 101, so the information is manually input via the screen in FIG. 10, but it may be configured to automatically set by communicating with the printing apparatus 101.

[0072] Next, the process proceeds to S903, and when the OK button 1006 is pressed with the inspection job name 1002, the number of sheets per copy 1003, the number of copies to be printed 1004, and the paper size 1005 input on the screen of FIG. 10, the CPU 226 detects the completion of the job setting. The job ID 1001 is an inspection job identification number that is uniquely determined for each inspection job. When the cancel button 1007 is pressed, the CPU 226 discards the memory area for the inspection job secured in the RAM 227, displays the home screen of the inspection application of FIG. 8, and returns to the state before S901. Then, the process proceeds to S904, and the CPU 226 writes the information of the job ID, the inspection job name, the number of sheets per copy, the number of copies to be printed, and the paper size set on this screen into the memory area for the inspection job secured in the RAM 227. Then, the process proceeds to S905, and the CPU 226 displays, for example, a registration screen of the reference image shown in FIG. 11 on the display unit 245.

[0073] 11 shows an example of a registration screen for registering a reference image. In this example, a start reading button 1102 for instructing the start of scanning an image to register the reference image and an end image reading button 1102 for instructing the end of starting and scanning the image are displayed.

[0074] Next, the process proceeds to S906, and when the CPU 226 accepts an instruction to start reading an image from the user by pressing the read start button 1101 on the screen of Fig. 11, the process proceeds to S907. In S907, the CPU 226 receives image data of the document obtained by scanning with the CIS 315 and CIS 316 of the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215. The process proceeds to S908, and the CPU 226 stores the image data received in S907 as a reference image in the memory area for the inspection job secured in S902. Also, when the cancel button 1103 is pressed on the screen of Fig. 11, the CPU 226 discards the memory area for the inspection job, displays the home screen of the inspection application of Fig. 8, and returns to the state before S901.

[0075] Then, the process proceeds to S909, in which the CPU 226 repeats S906 to S908 until the image reading end button 1102 on the screen of FIG. 11 is pressed, that is, until image reading of all sheets is completed. If it is determined that the image reading end button 1102 has been pressed in this manner, the process proceeds to S910. In S910, the CPU 226 stores the inspection job name, the number of sheets per copy, the number of copies, the paper type, and the reference image stored in the memory area for the inspection job secured in S902 in the storage unit 228 as an inspection job. Then, the process proceeds to S911, in which the CPU 226 switches the screen to the home screen of the inspection application in FIG. 8. At this time, "New inspection job" is added and displayed in the inspection job list 802 in FIG. 8. This concludes the description of the new creation process for an inspection job.

[0076] Note that the example shown here is merely an example, and for example, an instruction by the user on the display unit 245 to start image reading may be automatically executed in conjunction with an instruction to start printing in the printing device 101, the information processing device 109, or the client computer 110, and the form is not limited thereto. Also, an instruction by the user on the display unit 245 to end image reading may be automatically executed in conjunction with the end of printing in the printing device 101, and the form is not limited thereto.

[0077] Also, for example, the inspection device 108 may read a plurality of images for the same page and register the composite image as a reference image.

[0078] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of parameters used to set an inspection job in the inspection device 108 according to the first embodiment.

[0079] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when setting the inspection mode of the inspection application in the inspection device 108 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 14 shows an example of a screen for setting the inspection area and reader of an image when inspecting by an inspection job. The settings of the inspection mode and the inspection job are set according to the flowchart of FIG. 17. In the first embodiment, the elements related to the inspection, that is, the inspection job name 1202 to the area setting array 1206, and the area ID 1207 to the reference data 1211 included in the area setting 1213, which is an element of the area setting array 1206, are called the inspection job setting. In addition, the inspection mode 1201 and the inspection job setting 1212, which are the settings of the inspection application, are combined and called the inspection setting. This inspection setting is stored in the storage unit 228. In the first embodiment, the timing when the inspection unit I / F 231 transmits a signal and the type of the signal to be transmitted differ depending on the inspection mode 1201, and the operation of the printing device 101 when an NG is generated in the inspection result is determined.

[0080] In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, there are three types of inspection modes: purge mode, log-on-ly mode, and purge & recovery mode. In the purge mode, if the inspection result is NG, a purge instruction in S614 is sent to the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231, and a print stop instruction in S615 is not sent. Therefore, although a purge instruction is issued by the inspection unit 106, recovery printing is not performed and printing continues.

[0081] In the log-on single mode, if the inspection result is NG, the purge instruction in S614 is not sent to the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231, and therefore the inspection unit 106 does not instruct purging. However, in the log-on single mode, the inspection result is kept as a log, so that the inspection result can be confirmed by looking at the log.

[0082] In the purge & recovery mode, if the inspection result is NG, a purge command is sent to the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231, and a print stop command is issued to purge and stop printing. After that, after all the paper in the machine has been discharged to the top tray, a recovery print command is output to execute recovery printing. The inspection mode 1201 is set to the log-on single mode by default.

[0083] The inspection job settings 1212 include an inspection job name 1202, number of sheets per copy 1203, number of copies to print 1204, and paper size 1205, which are the values ​​set on the screen for creating a new inspection job shown in Fig. 10. The area setting array 1206 is an empty array by default.

[0084] The inspection mode 1201 is set on the application setting screen of FIG.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the inspection mode of the inspection application displayed on the inspection device 108 according to the first embodiment.

[0086] On this screen, when the CPU 226 detects that an OK button 1302 has been pressed, the CPU 226 sets the inspection mode by writing the inspection mode selected by the radio button of the inspection mode 1301 to the storage unit 228. When a cancel button 1303 is pressed, the CPU 226 discards the memory area for setting the inspection job secured in the RAM 227, and displays the home screen of the inspection application in FIG.

[0087] 12. Also, the inspection job setting 1212 and the area setting 1213 in FIG. 12 are set on the screen in FIG.

[0088] When an area selection icon 1401 is pressed on the screen of Fig. 14, a pull-down menu of inspection types from which multiple inspection types can be selected is displayed on the display unit 245. When an inspection type is selected here and a rectangular area is drawn on the reference image 1402, the CPU 226 creates an area ID corresponding to each area. The CPU 226 then adds the area setting of the created area ID to the area setting array 1206 of Fig. 12, and stores the selected inspection type as an inspection job setting in a memory area for inspection job settings. Furthermore, the CPU 226 stores the upper left coordinate of the drawn coordinates and the area size in a memory area for inspection job settings as an inspection job setting.

[0089] When the inspection type is print consistency inspection or data verification inspection, if a reference value is input in the blank for data inspection area setting 1403, the start page number or CSV path is stored as the inspection job setting in the inspection job setting memory as reference data. When a barcode reader path or font file path is input in the blank for reader type 1404, the value is stored as the reader type in the memory area for inspection job setting.

[0090] When an edit icon 1405 is pressed, the image is enlarged or reduced or the area is copied when setting the inspection area. When a cancel button 1406 is pressed, the setting on this screen is canceled, the memory area for inspection job setting secured in the RAM 227 is discarded, and the screen transitions to the home screen of the inspection application. When a complete button 1407 is pressed, the inspection job setting saved in the memory area for inspection job setting in the RAM 227 is copied to the storage unit 228.

[0091] The area setting 1213 in FIG. 12 is set on the inspection job setting screen in FIG. 14. When the inspection job setting screen is opened, the CPU 226 secures a memory area for the inspection job setting in the RAM 227 and copies the inspection job setting from the storage unit 228. On the inspection job setting screen in FIG. 14, when the area selection icon 1401 is pressed, the CPU 226 displays a pull-down of multiple inspection types from which the inspection type can be selected on the display unit 245. When an inspection type is selected here and a rectangular area is drawn on the reference image 1402, the CPU 226 creates an area ID corresponding to each area. Then, the CPU 226 adds the area setting of the created area ID to the area setting array 1206 and stores the selected inspection type as the inspection job setting in the memory area for the inspection job setting. Furthermore, the CPU 226 stores the upper left coordinate and the area size of the drawn coordinates in the memory area for the inspection job setting as the inspection job setting.

[0092] 15 is a flowchart for explaining the process (S704) when the inspection device 108 according to the embodiment 1 performs an inspection. Note that the process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 226 executing a program loaded in the RAM 227.

[0093] First, in S1501, when the CPU 226 detects that the Inspect button 805 on the screen of Fig. 8 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1502. In S1502, the CPU 226 reads the inspection settings of the inspection job selected in the inspection list 802 on the home screen of Fig. 8 from the storage unit 228 into the RAM 227. Next, the process proceeds to S1503, where the CPU 226 receives image data obtained by scanning with the CIS 315 and CIS 316 of the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215. Then, the process proceeds to S1504, where the CPU 226 reads out a reference image of the corresponding page from the RAM 227. Then, the CPU 226 compares the read out reference image with the scanned image data of the inspection target received in S1503.

[0094] In this comparison, first, characteristic points of the images are used as reference points for alignment to align the image positions of the reference image and the scanned image data of the inspection target. Next, the four corners of the paper and the alignment reference points of the scanned image data of the inspection target are analyzed to detect whether there is any misalignment of the image relative to the paper. Next, the density values ​​of the reference image and the scanned image data of the inspection target are compared for each pixel. If no defects are detected as a result of the above, the inspection result is deemed to be OK.

[0095] Next, in S1505, the CPU 226 performs inspection. Details of the processing of S1505 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 16. Next, the process proceeds to S1506, where the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection result is NG, and if NG, the process proceeds to S1507, and if not NG, the process proceeds to S1514. In S1507, the CPU 226 acquires the inspection mode stored in the RAM 227, and proceeds to S1508. In S1508, the CPU 226 determines whether the acquired inspection mode is the log-on remote mode, and if so, proceeds to S1514. On the other hand, if the inspection mode is other than the log-on remote mode, the process proceeds to S1509.

[0096] In S1509, the CPU 226 notifies the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215 that the inspection result is NG, and proceeds to S1510. In S1510, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection mode acquired in S1507 is the purge & recovery mode, and proceeds to S1511 if so, but proceeds to S1514 if not. In S1511, the CPU 226 instructs the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215 to stop printing. Next, the process proceeds to S1512, instructing the inspection unit 106 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215 to eject all sheets on the paper transport path that have already been fed from the paper feed decks 103 and 104 and are on the paper transport path after the sheet with the inspection result of NG, to the top tray 320 of the large-capacity stacker 107. When the CPU 226 receives notification from the inspection unit 106 that the paper ejection has been completed, the process proceeds to S1513, where it instructs the inspection unit 106 to start recovery printing via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215, and proceeds to S1514.

[0097] In S1514, the CPU 226 writes the inspection results written in the RAM 227 to a log held in the storage unit 228. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1515, where the CPU 226 determines whether or not the inspection of all the papers has been completed. If the CPU 226 determines that the inspection of all the papers has not been completed, the process proceeds to S1503, but if the CPU 226 determines that the inspection of all the papers has been completed, the process ends. The CPU 226 determines whether or not the inspection of all the papers has been completed by receiving an instruction from the user to end image reading using an inspection end button (not shown) displayed on the display unit 245.

[0098] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection process in S1505 of FIG.

[0099] In S1601, the CPU 226 performs grayscale processing on the scan image data used in the comparison in S1504. Next, the process proceeds to S1602, where the CPU 226 acquires coordinate information 1208 in the inspection job settings stored in the RAM 227. Then, the CPU 226 cuts out an inspection area of ​​the scan image data using the coordinate information 1208. Then, the process proceeds to S1603, where the CPU 226 acquires a reader type 1209 from the inspection job settings stored in the RAM 227, and calls a reader from the storage unit 228. Then, the CPU 226 performs decoding on the cut-out inspection area using the reader. Next, the process proceeds to S1604, where the CPU 226 acquires an inspection type 1210 from the inspection job settings in the RAM 227, and determines whether the inspection type is a data readability inspection that inspects whether data in the inspection area can be identified. If it is determined to be a data readability inspection, the process proceeds to S1609, and if it is determined not to be a data readability inspection, the process proceeds to S1605.

[0100] In S1605, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection type is a print consistency inspection. At this time, the CPU 226 acquires reference data from the inspection job settings stored in the RAM 227. If it is determined in S1605 that the inspection type is a print consistency inspection, the process proceeds to S1606, and if it is determined that the inspection type is not a print consistency inspection, that is, a data matching inspection, the process proceeds to S1607. In S1606, the CPU 226 adds the acquired reference data to the current number of copies to calculate the correct answer data, and proceeds to S1608. On the other hand, in S1607, the CPU 226 reads the correct answer data from the storage unit using the acquired reference data, and proceeds to S1608. In S1608, the CPU 226 compares the correct answer data acquired in S1606 or S1607 with the decoded result acquired in S1603. If the comparison results in a match, the process proceeds to S1612, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to S1611.

[0101] If it is determined in S1604 that the inspection type is data readability inspection, the process proceeds to S1609, where the CPU 226 writes the decoded result to the RAM 227. Then, the process proceeds to S1610, where the CPU 226 determines whether the decoding in S1603 was successful without any errors. If it is determined that the decoding was successful, the process proceeds to S1612, and if it is determined that the decoding was unsuccessful, the process proceeds to S1611. In S1611, the CPU 226 rewrites the inspection result in the RAM 227 to NG and proceeds to S1612. In S1612, the CPU 226 determines whether all the inspections of the elements of the area setting array 1206 of the inspection job setting read into the RAM 227 have been completed. If it is determined that the inspections of all the elements have been completed, the process proceeds to S1613, and if it is determined that the inspections of all the elements have not been completed, the process returns to S1603. Then, in S1613, the CPU 226 records the inspection result in the RAM 227 and ends this process.

[0102] Note that the example shown here is merely an example, and for example, an instruction by the user on the display unit 245 to start image reading may be automatically executed in conjunction with an instruction to start printing in the printing device 101, the information processing device 109, or the client computer 110, and the form is not limited thereto. Also, an instruction by the user on the display unit 245 to end image reading may be automatically executed in conjunction with the end of printing in the printing device 101, and the form is not limited thereto.

[0103] Fig. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the setting process of the inspection mode and the inspection job in S703 in Fig. 7 by the inspection device 108 according to the first embodiment. Note that the process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 226 executing a program loaded in the RAM 227. In this flowchart, the process is explained as setting each parameter shown in Fig. 12.

[0104] In S1701, when the CPU 226 detects that the application setting button 804 on the screen of FIG. 8 displayed on the display unit 245 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1702. In S1702, the CPU 226 displays the application setting screen shown in FIG. 12 on the display unit 245. Then, the CPU 226 secures a memory area for the inspection mode in the RAM 227. Then, the process proceeds to S1703, where the CPU 226 detects that the user has selected the radio button for the inspection mode 1301 on the screen of FIG. 13 and pressed the OK button 1302. As a result, the CPU 226 saves the mode selected on that screen in the memory area for the inspection mode of the RAM 227 as a parameter of the inspection mode 1201. After that, the CPU 226 copies the memory area for the inspection mode of the RAM 227 from the memory area for the inspection mode of the RAM 227 to the memory area in the storage unit 228 where the inspection mode is saved, and releases the memory area for the inspection mode of the RAM 227. Then, the application setting screen of FIG. 13 is closed, and the process proceeds to S1704.

[0105] In S1704, when the CPU 226 detects that the inspection job setting button 0803 on the screen of FIG. 8 has been pressed, the CPU 226 secures a memory area for inspection setting in the RAM 227. The CPU 226 copies and saves the inspection job setting from the storage unit 228 in this memory area for inspection job setting. Then, the process proceeds to S1705, where the CPU 226 displays, for example, an inspection job setting screen shown in FIG. 14 on the display unit 245. Then, the process proceeds to S1706, where the CPU 226 accepts the inspection job setting of the user via the display unit 245. Then, when the CPU 226 detects that the area selection icon 1401 has been pressed on the inspection job setting screen of FIG. 14, the CPU 226 displays, on the display unit 245, an inspection type pull-down menu from which multiple inspection types can be selected. When an inspection type is selected from the pull-down menu, a rectangular area is drawn on the reference image 1402. Then, the CPU 226 creates an area ID for the area and stores it in the area ID 1207. Then, the CPU 226 adds the created area ID to the area setting array 1206, and stores the selected inspection type in the inspection type 1210 in the memory area for inspection job settings. Furthermore, the CPU 226 stores the upper left coordinate of the drawn coordinates and the area size in the coordinate information 1208. Furthermore, when the user inputs data inspection settings 1403, the CPU 226 accordingly stores the reader type 1209 and reference data 1211 in the RAM 227. Then, the process proceeds to S1707, where the CPU 226 first acquires the values ​​of the inspection settings stored in the RAM 227 in order to store these inspection settings in the storage unit 228.

[0106] Next, the process proceeds to S1708, where the CPU 226 checks the inspection mode 1201 to determine whether or not the mode is the purge mode. If it is determined that the mode is the purge mode, the process proceeds to S1709, and if it is determined that the mode is not the purge mode, the process proceeds to S1714. In S1709, the CPU 226 determines whether or not the inspection job stored in the RAM 227 is a print job in which one copy is made up of multiple sheets. If it is determined that the print job is a one-sheet print job, the process proceeds to S1710, and if it is determined that the print job is a multiple-sheet print job, the process proceeds to S1711. In S1710, the CPU 226 checks the inspection type 1210 stored in the RAM 227 to determine whether or not the inspection job includes a print consistency inspection or a data verification inspection. Here, an inspection type including a print consistency inspection or a data verification inspection is a print job that corresponds to a variable print job. Therefore, a print job including these inspection types needs to be subjected to exclusive control with the purge mode. Therefore, if it is determined that the inspection job does not include both inspections, the process proceeds to S1714, where the home screen is displayed. However, if it is determined that either or both of the print consistency check and the data matching check are included, the process proceeds to S1711, and the CPU 226 displays, for example, a warning 1801 shown in FIG. 18 on the display unit 245, and the process proceeds to S1712.

[0107] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection device 108 in S1711 of FIG.

[0108] Then, in S1712, the CPU 226 accepts an input from the user. Here, if the No (purge mode) button 1803 is pressed, the process transitions to S1714. Also, if the Yes button 1802 is pressed, the process transitions to S1713. Here, the No (purge mode) button 1803 is used for a part of the data matching inspection. The data matching inspection is variable, but for example, in the case of printing to be put into a window envelope, even if there are gaps in the print result, it can be reprinted later. In S1713, the CPU 226 displays, for example, an application setting screen shown in FIG. 13 on the display unit 245. Here, the CPU 226 waits for the user to set the inspection mode again and press the OK button 1302. When the application inspection mode is determined via the OK button 1302, the CPU 226 rewrites the storage unit 228 to the application setting selected here. In S1714, the CPU 226 copies all of the inspection settings that have been set up to this point and written in the RAM 227 to the storage unit 228, and releases the memory area for the inspection settings in the RAM 227. Thereafter, the home screen of the inspection application in FIG.

[0109] Thus, in the first embodiment, the type of inspection that can be used is limited in the purge mode, which cannot guarantee the order of the print products. Specifically, the purge mode and the inspection of a variable print job or a print job in which one copy is made up of multiple sheets are not set at the same time, so the order of the print products can be guaranteed.

[0110] As described above, according to the first embodiment, if an NG result is generated in the inspection, the inspection that may not guarantee the order, such as the print consistency inspection or data verification inspection, can be exclusively controlled with the purge mode. As a result, even if an NG result is generated in the inspection, the paper is not purged, so that it is possible to prevent gaps in the print product.

[0111] [Embodiment 2] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, an example has been described in which the user reselects the inspection mode after the inspection type of the inspection mode of the inspection app has been confirmed. In embodiment 2, an example of controlling the selection of the inspection type for the inspection app will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Note that the hardware configuration of the system and each device according to embodiment 2 is the same as that of embodiment 1, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] Fig. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the setting process of an inspection mode and an inspection job by the inspection device 108 according to the second embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 226 executing a program loaded in the RAM 227. This process corresponds to Fig. 17 in the first embodiment described above, and in this flowchart, it is explained as the process for setting each parameter shown in Fig. 12. In Fig. 19, S1901 to S1906 are the same as S1701 to S1705 and S1707 in Fig. 17 described above.

[0113] In step S1907, the CPU 226 checks the inspection mode 1201 stored in the RAM 227 to determine whether the inspection mode is the purge mode. No If it is determined that the be If so, the process proceeds to S1908. In S1908, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection job is a print job of multiple sheets per copy based on the number of sheets per copy 1203 of the inspection settings stored in the RAM 227. If it is determined that the inspection job is a print job of multiple sheets per copy, the process proceeds to S1910, and if it is a print job of one sheet per copy, the process proceeds to S1909. In S1909, the CPU 226 grays out the print consistency inspection and data comparison inspection sections in the pull-down 2001 and the data inspection area setting 2002 as shown in FIG. 20, and proceeds to S1911. Meanwhile, in S1910, the CPU 226 resets the inspection mode of the application in the same manner as in S1713, and proceeds to S1911.

[0114] With this process, when the purge mode is selected and the number of sheets per copy is one, only the data readability inspection can be performed, and inspection types in which the order of the printouts is important, such as print consistency inspection and data verification inspection, cannot be specified. Also, when the purge mode is selected and the number of sheets per copy is multiple, the user can be prompted to reset the inspection mode.

[0115] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an inspection job, which is displayed on the display unit 245 in S1909 of FIG.

[0116] 20, pressing the area selection icon 1401 displays an inspection type pull-down menu 2001 that allows multiple inspection types to be selected. In this pull-down menu 2001, only the data readability inspection can be set, and the print consistency inspection and data verification inspection are grayed out and cannot be set. In the data inspection settings 1403, the print consistency inspection and data verification inspection are also grayed out and cannot be set.

[0117] Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1911 where the CPU 226 accepts the user's inspection job settings via the display unit 245, similar to S1706. However, here, the print consistency inspection and data comparison inspection, which were grayed out in S1909, remain grayed out and cannot be selected. The process then proceeds to S1912 where the CPU 226 displays the home screen of the inspection application on the display unit 245, similar to S1714, and ends this process.

[0118] As described above, according to embodiment 2, the order of the test type and application settings can be changed. In addition, there are various exclusive control methods, and an available test mode may be selected later according to the test type as in embodiment 1, or test types that cannot be used for the set test mode can be grayed out and cannot be set as in embodiment 2.

[0119] [Embodiment 3] In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the setting of the inspection application has an inspection mode such as a purge mode or a log-on mode, and the configuration in which control is performed according to the inspection mode has been described. On the other hand, if the inspection application has an inspection mode, when the inspection mode is switched, the mode is also switched for other jobs. Therefore, in the third embodiment, an example in which the inspection mode setting is set for the inspection job will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21. Note that the hardware configuration of the system and each device according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the above-mentioned first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] Fig. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the setting process of the inspection mode and the inspection job by the inspection device 108 according to the third embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 226 executing a program loaded in the RAM 227. This process corresponds to Fig. 17 in the first embodiment described above, and in this flowchart, it is explained as the process for setting each parameter shown in Fig. 12. In Fig. 21, S2101, S2102, and S2103 are the same as S1704, S1705, and S1706 in Fig. 17 described above. However, with regard to the inspection mode in Fig. 12, in the third embodiment, it is included in the setting of the inspection job, not in the setting of the application.

[0121] When the CPU 226 receives an input indicating that the inspection job settings for all areas have been completed in S2103, the process proceeds to S2104, where the CPU 226 receives an inspection mode selection from the user via the pull-down menu 2201 in FIG.

[0122] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an inspection job, which is displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection device 108 in S2104 of FIG.

[0123] In FIG. 22, when the area selection icon 1401 is pressed, an inspection mode pull-down menu 2201 is displayed from which multiple inspection modes can be selected.

[0124] In S2105, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection mode selected by the user on the screen is the purge mode, and if it is the purge mode, the process proceeds to S2106, and otherwise proceeds to S2112. In S2106, the CPU 226 acquires the inspection job setting 1212 stored in the RAM 227, and determines whether the selected job is a print job of one copy of multiple sheets. If it is a print job of one copy of multiple sheets, the process proceeds to S2110, where a warning is displayed, and the process proceeds to S2111. If it is not a print job of multiple sheets, the process proceeds to S2107. In S2107, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection job setting 1212 stored in the RAM 227 includes a print consistency inspection or a data verification inspection, in which the order is important, as an inspection type. If it is determined that the print consistency inspection or the data verification inspection is included here, the process proceeds to S2108, where the CPU 226 displays a warning on the display unit 245, and proceeds to S2109. If the CPU 226 determines in S2109 that the user will reselect the test type, the process proceeds to S2103, and if the user will not reselect the test type, the process proceeds to S2112. In addition, in S2111, the CPU 226 determines whether the user will reselect the test mode, and if so, returns to S2104, and if not, proceeds to S2112. S2112 and S2113 are the same as S1706 and S1714 in Fig. 17, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the inspection mode can be included in the settings of the inspection job, and the inspection mode can be switched independently for each job.

[0126] [Embodiment 4] In the above-mentioned third embodiment, an example was described in which an inspection mode is associated with an inspection job, and an inspection job is determined after the inspection mode is determined. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, an example in which the selection of an inspection mode is controlled according to an inspection type will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 23. Note that the hardware configuration of the system and each device according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the above-mentioned first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] Fig. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the setting process of the inspection mode and the inspection job by the inspection device 108 according to the fourth embodiment. Note that S2301, S2302, and S2303 in Fig. 23 are similar to S1704, S1705, and S1706 in Fig. 17. However, the inspection mode in Fig. 12 is included in the inspection job setting, not the application setting, in the fourth embodiment.

[0128] In S2304, the CPU 226 acquires the inspection job settings stored in the RAM 227, and determines whether or not the print job is for multiple sheets per copy based on the number of sheets per copy 1203. If it determines that the print job is for multiple sheets per copy, the process proceeds to S2310, and if it determines that the print job is for one sheet per copy, the process proceeds to S2305. In S2305, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection type 1210 of the inspection job settings stored in the RAM 227 includes a print consistency inspection or a data verification inspection job. If it determines that it includes a print consistency inspection or a data verification inspection, the process proceeds to S2306, and if it determines that it does not include the inspection type 1210, the process proceeds to S2312.

[0129] In S2306, the CPU 226 displays a warning on the display unit 245 to indicate that the purge mode cannot be set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S2307, where the CPU 226 determines whether an instruction to change the test type has been received from the user, and if the instruction has been received, the process returns to S2303. On the other hand, if an instruction to change the test type has not been received from the user and the pull-down display has been selected, the process proceeds to S2308. In S2308, the CPU 226 displays a test type setting screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 24.

[0130] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the type of inspection, which is displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection device 108 in S2308 of FIG.

[0131] In FIG. 24, the purge mode in the setting pull-down menu 2401 is grayed out and cannot be selected.

[0132] The process then proceeds to S2309, where the CPU 226 waits for the logon new mode or purge & recovery mode to be selected from the setting pull-down menu 2401, and upon accepting the selection, the process proceeds to S2313.

[0133] On the other hand, if it is determined in S2304 that the print job is one copy of multiple sheets, the process proceeds to S2310, where, as in S2308, the purge mode in the setting pull-down menu 2401 is grayed out to make it unselectable. The process then proceeds to S2111, where the CPU 226 accepts the selection of the log-on single mode or purge & recovery mode from the setting pull-down menu 2401, and proceeds to S2313. S2313 and S2314 are the same as S1706 and S1714 in Fig. 17, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0134] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the priorities of the inspection type and the inspection mode settings can be interchanged.

[0135] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0136] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 101...printing device, 106...inspection unit, 107...large capacity stacker, 108...inspection device, 109...information processing device, 110...client computer

Claims

1. An inspection device for inspecting a printed matter by comparing a reference image with the printed matter, a first setting means for setting, as an inspection mode of the inspection, a discharge mode in which a discharge destination of a normal printed matter and a discharge destination of a printed matter in which a defect has been found are switched and recovery printing of the printed matter in which a defect has been found is not performed; an inspection job for inspecting a printed matter, one copy of which is made up of a plurality of printed matters, or an inspection job for inspecting printed matters having a sequence; and a control means for exclusively controlling the setting of the discharge mode; An inspection device comprising:

2. The first setting means sets an inspection mode of the inspection, The inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the inspection mode set by the first setting means includes a mode of switching the output destination of printed materials in which defects are found, the control means issues a warning when an inspection job for inspecting printed materials in which the copy is made up of multiple printed materials or an inspection job for inspecting printed materials in a sequential order is specified.

3. The inspection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means displays a screen prompting the user to reconfigure the inspection mode using the first setting means when the inspection mode includes a mode for switching the output destination of printed matter in which defects have been found, and when an inspection job for inspecting printed matter where one copy is made up of multiple printed matter and an inspection job for inspecting printed matter in a sequence are specified.

4. Further comprising a second setting means for setting a type of inspection job, The inspection device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the second setting means, when the inspection mode set by the first setting means includes a mode for switching the output destination of printed materials in which defects have been found, and when the inspection job is for inspecting printed materials each of which consists of a single printed material, makes it impossible to specify an inspection type for inspecting printed materials having a sequence as the inspection job.

5. The inspection device inspects the printed matter for each inspection job, 5. The inspection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first setting means sets an inspection mode for the inspection for each inspection job.

6. the first setting means is capable of setting, as an inspection mode for the inspection, a same discharge mode in which a discharge destination for normal printed matter and a discharge destination for printed matter for which a defect has been found are not switched; The control means An inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the same discharge mode is not exclusively controlled for an inspection job for inspecting a printed material, one copy of which is made up of multiple printed materials, or an inspection job for inspecting printed materials that have a sequence.

7. the first setting means is capable of setting a recovery discharge mode in which a discharge destination for a normal printed matter and a discharge destination for a printed matter for which a defect has been found are switched and recovery printing of the printed matter for which a defect has been found is performed; The control means An inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the inspection job for inspecting a printed material, one copy of which is made up of multiple printed materials, or the inspection job for inspecting printed materials having a sequence is not exclusively controlled in the recovery discharge mode.

8. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the inspection job for inspecting the printed matter having a certain order is a job for performing a print consistency inspection for inspecting whether the characters printed on the printed matter are in a predetermined order, or a data matching inspection for inspecting whether the data of the reference image matches the data of the printed matter to be inspected.

9. An inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an inspection job that is not an inspection job for inspecting printed matter having a sequence includes an inspection job that performs a readability inspection to inspect whether data on the printed matter can be identified.

10. A control method for controlling an inspection device that compares a reference image with a printed matter and inspects the printed matter, comprising the steps of: a first setting step for setting, as an inspection mode of the inspection, a discharge mode in which a discharge destination of a normal printed matter and a discharge destination of a printed matter in which a defect has been found are switched and recovery printing of the printed matter in which a defect has been found is not performed; A control method comprising: an inspection job for inspecting a printed matter, one copy of which is made up of a plurality of printed matters, or an inspection job for inspecting printed matters having a sequence; and a control step for exclusively controlling the setting of the discharge mode.

11. the first setting step includes setting an inspection mode of the inspection, The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that the control process issues a warning when an inspection job for inspecting a printed material, the copy of which is made up of multiple printed materials, or an inspection job for inspecting printed materials that have a sequence is specified, when the inspection mode set in the first setting process includes a mode for switching the output destination of printed materials in which defects are found.

12. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that the control step displays a screen prompting the user to reconfigure the inspection mode using the first setting step when the inspection mode includes a mode for switching the output destination of printed matter in which defects are found, and when an inspection job for inspecting printed matter, one copy of which is made up of multiple printed matter, and an inspection job for inspecting printed matter having a sequence are specified.

13. Further comprising a second setting step of setting a type of inspection job, The control method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the second setting process makes it impossible to specify an inspection type for inspecting printed materials having a sequence as the inspection job when the inspection mode set in the first setting process includes a mode for switching the output destination of printed materials in which defects are found, and when the inspection job is for inspecting printed materials each of which consists of a single printed material.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute all of the steps of the control method according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

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