Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, Inspection System, and Program

Abstract

To make an image inspection device and a printing device cooperate with each other in a more preferable form.SOLUTION: A CPU 201 determines whether or not an inspection apparatus 108 can inspect whether or not there is a defect in a captured image of a surface to be inspected based on a comparison between the captured image obtained by imaging the surface to be inspected of a printed material and a reference image. The CPU 201 controls whether or not processing related to printing is to be executed according to a result of determination whether or not the inspection apparatus 108 can perform the above inspection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, an inspection system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an image inspection apparatus that reads a printed matter printed by a printing apparatus and inspects the quality of the printed matter. The image inspection apparatus can detect image defects such as dirt and printing omission, character errors, barcode quality, and the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of the above image inspection apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On the other hand, when the image inspection apparatus and the printing apparatus can operate independently including power supply, there may be a case where the other apparatus can execute processing without depending on the state of one apparatus. Under such conditions, for example, when the operation of the image inspection apparatus is restricted, a printed matter corresponding to the printing result by the printing apparatus is not inspected even though the inspection is scheduled, and as a result, a situation where it is treated as defective can be assumed. Against this background, there is a demand for realizing a mechanism that can cooperate the image inspection apparatus and the printing apparatus that can operate independently in a more suitable manner.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to cooperate the image inspection apparatus and the printing apparatus in a more suitable manner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a determination means for determining whether it is possible to execute an inspection on whether there is a defect in a captured image obtained by an image inspection apparatus capturing an inspection surface of a printed matter, and a control means for controlling whether to execute a process related to printing according to a determination result of whether it is possible for the image inspection apparatus to execute the inspection. The determination means determines whether the type of the print job that is the target of the print-related process is a type registered as a job that does not require the inspection, and the control means controls whether to provide the imaging image corresponding to the printed matter according to the execution result of the print-related process based on the print job to the image inspection device according to the determination result of whether the type of the print job is a type of job registered as not requiring the inspection It is characterized by this.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to make the image inspection apparatus and the printing apparatus cooperate in a more suitable manner.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, for components having substantially the same functional configuration, the same reference numerals are given to omit redundant description. Also, unless otherwise specified, as long as the functions according to the present invention are realized, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a single device or an inspection apparatus composed of a plurality of devices. Also, unless otherwise specified, as long as the functions of the present invention are realized, the present invention can be applied to an inspection apparatus that is connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) and processes are performed. That is, the system configuration in which various terminals described in the following embodiments are connected is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples according to the application and purpose.

[0010] <System Configuration> With reference to FIG. 1, an example of the system configuration of the inspection system according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection system according to the present embodiment includes a printing apparatus 101, an information processing apparatus 109, and an inspection apparatus 108. In the present embodiment, a case where an electrophotographic printing apparatus is applied as the printing apparatus 101 will be described, but the configuration of the printing apparatus 101 is not necessarily limited. As the printing apparatus 101, for example, a printing apparatus of another image forming method different from the electrophotographic method, such as an inkjet method or an offset method, may be applied. Also, the inspection apparatus 108 corresponds to a so-called image inspection apparatus.

[0011] The printing apparatus 101 is connected to the information processing apparatus 109 via a cable 111. The information processing apparatus 109 is connected to the client computer 110 and the inspection apparatus 108 via a network 112.

[0012] The printing apparatus 101 includes a UI panel 102, a paper feed deck 103, and a paper feed deck 104. An optional deck 105 may also be connected to the printing apparatus 101. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, an optional deck consisting of a three-stage paper feed deck is applied as the optional deck 105. The printing apparatus 101 is, for example, an electrophotographic printing apparatus. The UI panel 102 is a user interface used for presenting information to the user and receiving instructions from the user. For example, the UI panel 102 may include a capacitive touch panel.

[0013] In addition, the printing apparatus 101 includes an inspection unit 106 and a high-capacity stacker 107. The inspection unit 106 is connected to an inspection device 108 via a cable 113. The high-capacity stacker 107 includes, for example, a main tray and a top tray, and it is possible to stack thousands of sheets of paper at once in the main tray.

[0014] A job related to printing a printed matter (hereinafter also referred to as a "print job") is generated, for example, by a client computer 110, transmitted to an information processing apparatus 109 via a network 112, and managed by the information processing apparatus 109. Thereafter, the print job is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 109 to the printing apparatus 101 via a cable 111. The printing apparatus 101 executes processing related to printing (for example, image formation, printing, etc.) on a recording medium such as paper based on the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 109.

[0015] Note that the client computer 110, the information processing apparatus 109, and the inspection device 108 may be connected to the cable 111, for example, so as to be able to communicate with the printing apparatus 101 via the cable 111. That is, the connection form of the printing apparatus 101, the information processing apparatus 109, and the client computer 110 shown in this embodiment is merely an example, and it goes without saying that various connection forms other than the example shown in this embodiment can be applied.

[0016] <Control Configuration> Referring to FIG. 2, an example of the control configuration of the inspection system according to the present embodiment will be described, with particular attention paid to the configurations of the printing device 101, the inspection device 108, the large-capacity stacker 107, the information processing device 109, and the client computer 110.

[0017] A CPU (Central Processing Unit / Central Arithmetic Unit) 201 controls and performs calculations on each part within the printing device 101 via the system bus 212. Further, the CPU 201 controls the execution of programs stored in the storage unit 205 and loaded into the RAM (Random Access Memory) 202. The RAM 202 is a type of general-purpose volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 201 and is used as a work area for the CPU 201 or other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 205 functions as a temporary storage area and a work memory during the operation of the printing device.

[0018] The engine I / F 209 controls the communication and control with the printer engine 210. The paper feed deck I / F 204 controls the communication and control with the paper feed deck 211. The paper feed deck 211 is a general term for the paper feed decks 103, 104, and the option deck 105 in terms of hardware configuration. The UI panel 203 is the hardware configuration of the UI panel 102 and is a user interface for performing overall operations of the printing device 101. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the UI panel 203 includes a capacitive touch panel.

[0019] A network interface (hereinafter also referred to as "NW I / F") 207 is connected to the NW I / F 238 of the information processing device 109 via the cable 213 and controls the communication between the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101. In this example, the interfaces connected to the system buses 212 and 239 are directly connected, but the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101 may be connected in a form such as a network, and the connection form is not limited. The video I / F 206 is connected to the video I / F 233 via the video cable 241 and controls the communication of image data between the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101.

[0020] Note that the connection interface between the printing device 101 and the information processing device 109 in the information processing device 109 may take a form that integrates the functions of the NW I / F 238 and the video I / F 233. Also, the connection interface between the printing device 101 and the information processing device 109 in the printing device 101 may take a form that integrates the functions of the NW I / F 207 and the video I / F 206.

[0021] The accessory I / F 208 is connected to the accessory I / F 214 and the accessory I / F 220 via the cable 225. That is, the printing device 101 communicates with each of the inspection unit 106 and the large-capacity stacker 107 via the accessory I / Fs 208, 214, and 220.

[0022] The CPU 216 controls and performs operations in each part within the inspection unit 106 via the system bus 219. Also, the CPU 216 controls the execution of a program stored in the storage unit 247 and loaded into the RAM 217. The RAM 217 is a type of general-purpose volatile memory directly accessible from the CPU 216 and is used as a work area for the CPU 216 or other temporary data storage areas.

[0023] The storage unit 247 functions as a temporary storage area and a work memory when the inspection device 108 operates. The inspection device I / F 215 is connected to the inspection device unit I / F 231 via the cable 249. That is, the inspection unit 106 communicates with the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection device unit I / F 231.

[0024] The imaging unit 218 has an imaging function equipped with, for example, a contact image sensor (hereinafter also referred to as "CIS"), images the paper passing through the inspection unit 106, and transmits an image corresponding to the imaging result to the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215. Note that the CIS mounted on the imaging unit 218 is merely an example of a sensor used for imaging an image, and other types of sensors such as a CCD image sensor may be used, and the imaging method is not limited either.

[0025] The CPU 220 controls and performs calculations for each part within the large-capacity stacker 107 via the system bus 224. Also, the CPU 220 controls the execution of programs stored in the storage unit 248 and loaded into the RAM 222. The RAM 222 is a type of general-purpose volatile memory device that can be directly accessed from the CPU 221 and is used as the work area of the CPU 221 or other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 248 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the large-capacity stacker 107. The paper discharge unit 223 controls the paper discharge operations to the main tray and the top tray, and monitors and controls the loading status of each of the main tray and the top tray.

[0026] The CPU 226 controls and performs calculations for each part within the inspection device 108 via the system bus 230. Also, the CPU 226 controls the execution of programs stored in the storage unit 228 and loaded into the RAM 227. The RAM 227 is a type of general-purpose volatile memory device that can be directly accessed from the CPU 226 and is used as the work area of the CPU 226 or other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 228 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the inspection device. The PDL analysis unit 229 reads PDL data such as PDF, PostScript, PCL, etc. received from the client computer 110 or the information processing device 109 and executes processes related to the interpretation of the PDL data. The display unit 245 is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display connected to the inspection device, and accepts instructions from the user for the inspection device 108 and displays information regarding the status of the inspection device 108 to the user.

[0027] The CPU 234 controls and performs calculations for each part within the information processing device 109 via the system bus 239. Also, the CPU 234 controls the execution of programs stored in the storage unit 236 and loaded into the RAM 235. The RAM 235 is a type of general-purpose volatile memory device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 234, and is used as the work area of the CPU 234 or other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 236 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the information processing device is operating. The NW I / F 237 is connected to the NW I / F 232 and the NW I / F 240 via a network. The information processing device 109 communicates with the inspection device 108 via the NW I / F 237 and the NW I / F 232. Also, the information processing device 109 communicates with the client computer 110 via the NW I / F 237 and the NW I / F 240.

[0028] The CPU 243 controls and performs calculations for each part within the client computer 110 via the system bus 246. Also, the CPU 243 controls the execution of programs stored in the storage unit 244 and loaded into the RAM 242. The RAM 242 is a type of general-purpose volatile memory device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 243, and is used as the work area of the CPU 243 or other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 244 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the client computer 110 is operating.

[0029] <Internal Configuration> Referring to FIG. 3, an example of the internal configuration of the printing device 101, the inspection unit 106, and the large-capacity stacker 107 in the inspection system according to the present embodiment will be described. The printing device 101 receives user input via the UI panel 102, and displays printing and device status on the UI panel 102. The paper feed decks 103 and 104 can accommodate various types of paper. In each paper feed deck, the topmost sheet of the accommodated paper can be separated and conveyed to the paper conveyance path 305. The developing stations 301 to 304 form toner images using colored toners of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) respectively to form color images. The toner images formed here are primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 306. The intermediate transfer belt 306 rotates clockwise in the figure and transfers the toner image to the paper conveyed from the paper conveyance path 305 at the secondary transfer position 307. The fixing unit 308 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller. As the paper passes between the rollers, the toner is melted and pressed to fix the toner image on the paper. The paper that has passed through the fixing unit 308 is conveyed to 312 through the paper conveyance path 309. If further melting and pressing are required for fixing depending on the type of paper, after passing through the fixing unit 308, it is conveyed to the second fixing unit 310 using the upper paper conveyance path, and after additional melting and pressing, it is conveyed to 312 through the paper conveyance path 311. When the image formation mode is double-sided, the paper is conveyed to the paper reversal path 313, reversed at 313, and then conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 314, and the second-side image transfer is performed at the secondary transfer position 307.

[0030] Inside the inspection unit 106, the CIS 315 and the CIS 316 are arranged to face each other. The CIS 315 is a sensor for reading the upper surface of the paper. Also, the CIS 316 is a sensor for reading the lower surface of the paper. The inspection unit 106 scans (images) the paper using the CIS 315 and the CIS 316 at the timing when the paper conveyed to the paper conveyance path 317 reaches a predetermined position. The scanned image (captured image) is transmitted to the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231. The CPU 226 determines whether there are defects in the received image and notifies the inspection unit 106 of the determined result again via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215. The CPU 216 notifies the mass stacker 107 of the received determination result via the accessory I / F 214 and 220.

[0031] 107 is a high-capacity stacker capable of loading a large amount of paper. The high-capacity stacker 107 has a main tray 324 as a tray for loading paper. The paper that has passed through the inspection unit 106 enters the high-capacity stacker 107 through the paper conveyance path 319. The paper is loaded onto the main tray 324 via the sheet conveyance path 322 from the paper conveyance path 319. Furthermore, the high-capacity stacker 107 has a top tray 320 as a paper discharge tray. The CPU 221 discharges the paper detected with a defect by the inspection device 108 to the top tray 320. When outputting the paper to the top tray 320, the paper is conveyed from the paper conveyance path 319 to the top tray 320 via the paper conveyance path 321. 323 is a reversing unit for reversing the paper. This reversing unit 323 is used when loading the paper onto the main tray 324. When loading the paper onto the main tray 324, the paper is reversed once by the reversing unit 323 so that the orientation of the paper entering the high-capacity stacker 107 is the same as the orientation of the paper during loading. When conveying the paper to the top tray 320, since the paper is discharged as it is without flipping during loading, the reversing operation at the reversing unit 323 is not performed.

[0032] <Process> With reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, the processing of the inspection system according to the present embodiment will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 4, focusing on the basic operation of the inspection device 108 during the inspection of the printed matter output according to the execution result of the printing-related processing from the printing device 101, an example of the processing of the inspection device 108 will be described.

[0033] In S401, the CPU 226 receives an instruction related to the start of image reading from the user via the display unit 245. In S402, the inspection unit I / F 231 notifies the inspection unit 106 via the inspection device I / F 215 that the inspection device 108 is in a state where it can read an image. In S403, based on the notification from the inspection device I / F 215, the inspection unit I / F 231 determines whether it is detected that the sheet (printed matter) to be inspected has been conveyed to the inspection unit 106. If the inspection unit I / F 231 determines that it is not detected that the sheet to be inspected has been conveyed to the inspection unit 106, it continues to wait for the notification from the inspection device I / F 215 in S403. When the inspection unit I / F 231 determines that it is detected that the sheet to be inspected has been conveyed to the inspection unit 106, the process proceeds to S404.

[0034] In S404, the inspection unit I / F 231 receives from the inspection device I / F 215 an image (hereinafter, also referred to as "scan image") corresponding to the scan results (in other words, imaging results) by the CIS 315 and the CIS 316. In S405, the CPU 226 compares the reference image stored in the RAM 227 with the scan image of the inspection target received in S405. For the reference image, for example, a scan image obtained by scanning a printed matter corresponding to the printing result by the printing device 101 using the CIS 315 and the CIS 316 before the start of the series of processes shown in FIG. 4 is used. Also, for the scan image, for example, it is transmitted from the inspection device I / F 215 to the inspection unit I / F 231 and stored in the RAM 227.

[0035] Here, an example of the process related to the comparison between the reference image and the scan image will be described. In the process related to the comparison, first, the image positions of the reference image and the scan image are aligned by using the characteristic points extracted from each of the reference image and the scan image of the inspection target as the reference points for alignment. Next, for the scan image of the inspection target, it is detected whether there is a misalignment of the image with respect to the paper by analyzing the four corners of the paper and the alignment reference points of the scan image. Next, the density values of the reference image and the scan image of the inspection target are compared for each pixel. As a result of the above, if no defect is detected, the inspection result is recognized as OK. Note that the inspection method of the scanned image based on the comparison between the reference image and the scanned image described above is merely an example, and the method of the inspection is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to inspect the scanned image by detecting defects from the scanned image of the printed matter. As a specific example, image analysis may be performed on the scanned image of the printed matter, and the scanned image may be inspected by determining whether or not features corresponding to defects are detected based on the result of the image analysis.

[0036] In S406, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection result is OK based on the comparison result in S405. If the CPU 226 determines in S406 that the inspection result is OK, the process proceeds to S407. In S407, the inspection unit I / F 231 notifies the inspection device I / F 215 that the inspection result is OK, and instructs to discharge the target printed matter to the main tray 324 of the high-capacity stacker 107. On the other hand, if the CPU 226 determines in S406 that the inspection result is not OK, the process proceeds to S408. In S408, the inspection unit I / F 231 notifies the inspection device I / F 215 that the inspection result is NG, and instructs to discharge the target printed matter to the top tray 320 of the high-capacity stacker 107.

[0037] In S409, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection of the final sheet is completed. If the CPU 226 determines in S409 that the inspection of the final sheet is not completed, the process proceeds to S403. In this case, the processes of S403 to S409 are executed again for the sheet for which the inspection is not completed. Then, if the CPU 226 determines in S409 that the inspection of the final sheet is completed, the process proceeds to S410. In S410, the CPU 226 receives an instruction related to the end of image reading from the user via the display unit 245. In S411, the inspection unit I / F 231 notifies the inspection unit 106 via the inspection device I / F 215 that the inspection device 108 is in a state where image reading is impossible, and ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 4.

[0038] Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of the processes of the printing device 101 and the inspection unit 106 during inspection of a printed matter will be described. In S501, the printing device 101 receives a printing job based on the control by the CPU 201. In S502, the CPU 201 starts the processes related to printing based on the printing job received in S501.

[0039] In S503, the CPU 201 executes the processes related to printing an image on a sheet of paper (one sheet). In S504, the inspection device I / F 215 notifies the inspection device 108 via the inspection unit I / F 231 that the paper (printed matter) to be inspected has been conveyed to the inspection unit 106. In S505, each of the CIS 315 and CIS 316 scans the image printed on the conveyed paper. In S506, the inspection device I / F 215 transmits the image scanned in S505 to the inspection unit I / F 231.

[0040] In S507, the CPU 216 determines whether the inspection result for the image transmitted to the inspection unit I / F 231 by the inspection device I / F 215 in S506 is NG. If the CPU 216 determines in S507 that the inspection result is NG, the process proceeds to S508. In S508, the CPU 216 instructs each of the accessory I / Fs 208, 214, and 220 so that the paper (printed matter) for which the inspection result is determined to be NG is discharged to the top tray 320. On the other hand, when the CPU 216 determines in S507 that the inspection result is not NG, the process proceeds to S509. In S509, the CPU 216 instructs each of the accessory I / Fs 214 and 220 so that the sheet to be inspected is discharged to the discharge destination specified by the print job.

[0041] In S510, the CPU 201 determines whether the inspection of the final sheet has been completed. When the CPU 201 determines in S510 that the inspection of the final sheet has not been completed, the process proceeds to S503. In this case, the processes of S403 to S409 are executed again for the sheets for which the inspection has not been completed. When the CPU 201 determines in S510 that the inspection of the final sheet has been completed, since the processes related to printing have also been completed, the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 are terminated.

[0042] Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, an example of the processes of the printing apparatus 101 and the inspection unit 106 in the inspection system according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, an example of the case where the inspection apparatus 108 uses the state indicating whether an image can be read and the management table related to the management of job types that do not require inspection and are managed by the printing apparatus 101 will be described for the printing apparatus 101 and the inspection unit 106.

[0043] First, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of the processes of the printing apparatus 101 and the inspection unit 106 will be described. In S601, the CPU 201 accepts a print job. In S602, the CPU 201 sets so that the inspection apparatus I / F 215 notifies the inspection unit I / F 231 every time a sheet to be inspected is conveyed to the inspection unit 106. In S603, the CPU 201 analyzes the job accepted in S601.

[0044] In S604, the CPU 201 collates the analysis result of the job in S603 with the management table shown in FIG. 7 to determine whether the job type of the received job is a job type for which inspection is unnecessary. FIG. 7 shows an example of a management table for managing job types for which inspection is unnecessary. In the example shown in FIG. 7, when the job type of the target job is either a "proof job" or a "calibration job", the job is determined to be unnecessary for inspection. In S604, when the CPU 201 determines that the job type of the received job is a job type for which inspection is unnecessary, the process proceeds to S605. In S605, the CPU 201 acquires information regarding the state related to the reading of the image of the inspection device 108 from the inspection unit 106 (for example, information indicating whether the image can be read).

[0045] In S606, the CPU 201 determines whether the inspection device 108 is in a state where it can read an image based on the information acquired in S605. In S606, when the CPU 201 determines that the inspection device 108 is not in a state where it can read an image, the process proceeds to S607. In S607, the CPU 201 executes the process related to printing based on the print job received in S601.

[0046] On the other hand, in S606, when the CPU 201 determines that the inspection device 108 is in a state where it can read an image, the process proceeds to S608. In S608, the CPU 201 updates the setting so that the notification from the inspection device I / F 215 to the inspection unit I / F 231 for each conveyance of the inspection target sheet to the inspection unit 106 is stopped. As a result, the provision of the captured image (that is, the image to be inspected) corresponding to the captured result of the inspected surface of the printed matter by the inspection unit 106 from the inspection unit 106 to the inspection device 108 is restricted. After that, in S609, the CPU 201 executes the process related to printing based on the job received in S601. Then, in S610, the CPU 201 updates the setting again so that the inspection unit 106 is notified again from the inspection device I / F 215 to the inspection unit I / F 231 for each conveyance of the sheet to be inspected. As a result, in subsequent processing, the restriction on providing the captured image corresponding to the captured image of the inspected surface of the printed matter by the inspection unit 106 from the inspection unit 106 to the inspection device 108 will be released.

[0047] Also, in S604, if the CPU 201 determines that the job type of the received job is not a job type for which inspection is unnecessary, the process proceeds to S611. In S611, the CPU 201 acquires information regarding the state related to the reading of the image from the inspection unit 106 to the inspection device 108.

[0048] In S612, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the inspection device 108 is in a state where it can read an image based on the information acquired in S605. If the CPU 201 determines in S612 that the inspection device 108 is in a state where it can read an image, the process proceeds to S607. In S607, the CPU 201 executes the process related to printing based on the job received in S601.

[0049] On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines in S612 that the inspection device 108 is not in a state where it can read an image, the process proceeds to S613. In S613, the CPU 201 causes the UI panel 203 to display a screen (not shown) for receiving permission from the user for printing of the job. The CPU 201 receives permission for printing of the job from the user via the screen.

[0050] In S614, the CPU 201 determines whether or not it has received permission for printing of the job from the user via the screen displayed on the UI panel 203 in S613. When the CPU 201 determines in S614 that it has received permission from the user for job printing, the process proceeds to S607. In S607, the CPU 201 executes the process related to printing based on the job received in S601. On the other hand, when the CPU 201 determines in S614 that it has not received permission from the user for job printing, the process proceeds to S615. In S615, the CPU 201 cancels the job received in S601. As a result, the execution of the process related to printing based on the job is restricted.

[0051] <Modification Example> Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, a modification example of the inspection system according to the present embodiment will be described. In this modification example, an example of a mechanism that enables registration of job types that are determined not to require inspection based on an instruction from the user via the UI panel 102 of the printing apparatus 101 will be described.

[0052] First, with reference to FIG. 8, an example of a screen (hereinafter, also referred to as the "registration screen 801") for receiving an instruction from the user regarding registration of job types that are determined not to require inspection and that is displayed on the UI panel 102 will be described. 804 to 806 are check boxes for receiving from the user a designation of job types that are determined not to require inspection. Also, 807 to 809 indicate the job types associated with each of the check boxes 804 to 806. In the example shown in FIG. 8, as job types that can be registered as not requiring inspection, "Copy (Copy Job)", "BOX (BOX Job)", and "Interrupt (Interrupt Job)" are displayed. 802 is a setting button for receiving an instruction from the user regarding registration of job types that are determined not to require inspection. When the setting button 802 is pressed, the job types associated with the check boxes among 804 to 806 that are checked are registered as job types that are determined not to require inspection. 803 is an end button for receiving an instruction from the user regarding the end of registration of job types that do not require inspection. When the end button 803 is pressed, the process related to the registration of job types that do not require inspection is terminated, and the display of the registration screen 801 is ended.

[0053] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, an example of the processing of the printing apparatus 101 related to the registration of job types that do not require inspection will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that various instructions from the user are received via the registration screen 801 described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0054] In S901, the CPU 201 causes the UI panel 102 to display the registration screen 801. In S902, the CPU 201 determines whether an instruction regarding the end of registration of job types that do not require inspection has been received (whether the end button 803 has been pressed). If the CPU 201 determines in S902 that an instruction regarding the end of registration of job types that do not require inspection has been received, the series of processes shown in FIG. 9 is ended. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines in S902 that an instruction regarding the end of registration of job types that do not require inspection has not been received, the process proceeds to S903.

[0055] In S903, the CPU 201 determines whether an instruction regarding the registration of job types that do not require inspection has been received (whether the setting button 802 has been pressed). If the CPU 201 determines in S903 that an instruction regarding the registration of job types that do not require inspection has not been received, the process proceeds to S902. In this case, the processes after S902 will be executed again. On the other hand, when the CPU 201 determines that an instruction regarding registration of a job type determined to be unnecessary for inspection in S903 has been received, the process proceeds to S904. In S904, the CPU 201 registers the job types selected via the check boxes 804 to 806 in the management table shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 shows an example of a management table (hereinafter, also referred to as a "user registration management table") related to the management of job types determined to be unnecessary for inspection registered based on an instruction from the user. In the example shown in FIG. 10, "copy job" is registered as a job type determined to be unnecessary for inspection based on an instruction from the user. When the process regarding registration of the job type determined to be unnecessary for inspection, shown as S904, is completed, the CPU 201 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 9.

[0056] Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 11, as an example of the processing of the printing apparatus 101 and the inspection unit 106 in the inspection system according to this modification example, the processing when managing job types determined to be unnecessary for inspection using the user registration management table shown in FIG. 10 will be described.

[0057] In S1101, the CPU 201 receives a print job. In S1102, the CPU 201 makes settings so that a notification is made from the inspection apparatus I / F 215 to the inspection unit I / F 231 for each conveyance of the sheet to be inspected to the inspection unit 106. In S1103, the CPU 201 analyzes the job received in S1101.

[0058] In S1104, the CPU 201 collates the analysis result of the job in S1103 with the management table shown in FIG. 7 to determine whether the job type of the received job is a job type determined to be unnecessary for inspection. In S1104, when the CPU 201 determines that the job type of the received job is a job type for which inspection is unnecessary, the process proceeds to S1105. In S1105, the CPU 201 acquires information regarding the state related to the reading of the image of the inspection device 108 from the inspection unit 106 (for example, information indicating whether the image can be read).

[0059] In S1106, the CPU 201 determines whether the inspection device 108 is in a state where the image can be read based on the information acquired in S1105. If in S1106 the CPU 201 determines that the inspection device 108 is not in a state where the image can be read, the process proceeds to S1107. In S1107, the CPU 201 executes the process related to printing based on the print job received in S601.

[0060] On the other hand, if in S1106 the CPU 201 determines that the inspection device 108 is in a state where the image can be read, the process proceeds to S1108. In S1108, the CPU 201 updates the setting so that the notification from the inspection device I / F 215 to the inspection unit I / F 231 for each conveyance of the inspection target sheet to the inspection unit 106 is stopped. As a result, the provision of the captured image (that is, the image to be inspected) corresponding to the imaging result of the inspected surface of the printed matter by the inspection unit 106 from the inspection unit 106 to the inspection device 108 is restricted. Furthermore, in S1109, the CPU 201 executes the process related to printing based on the job received in S1101. Then, in S1110, the CPU 201 updates the setting again so that the notification from the inspection device I / F 215 to the inspection unit I / F 231 for each conveyance of the inspection target sheet to the inspection unit 106 is resumed. As a result, in subsequent processes, the restriction on the provision of the captured image corresponding to the imaging result of the inspected surface of the printed matter by the inspection unit 106 from the inspection unit 106 to the inspection device 108 will be lifted.

[0061] Also, in S1104, when the CPU 201 determines that the job type of the received job is not a job type for which inspection is unnecessary, the process proceeds to S1111. In S1111, the CPU 201 refers to the user registration management table shown in FIG. 10 to confirm the job types for which inspection is unnecessary and which are registered based on instructions from the user. In S1112, the CPU 201 determines whether the job type of the job received in S1101 is registered as a job type for which inspection is unnecessary. If, in S1112, the CPU 201 determines that the job type of the target job is registered as a job type for which inspection is unnecessary, the process proceeds to S1105. Note that the processing after S1105 is as described above.

[0062] On the other hand, if, in S1112, the CPU 201 determines that the job type of the target job is not registered as a job type for which inspection is unnecessary, the process proceeds to S1113. In S1113, the CPU 201 acquires information regarding the state related to the reading of the image of the inspection device 108 from the inspection unit 106.

[0063] In S1114, the CPU 201 determines whether the inspection device 108 is in a state where it can read the image based on the information acquired in S1113. If, in S1114, the CPU 201 determines that the inspection device 108 is in a state where it can read the image, the process proceeds to S1107. In S1107, the CPU 201 executes the processing related to printing based on the job received in S1101.

[0064] On the other hand, if, in S1114, the CPU 201 determines that the inspection device 108 is not in a state where it can read the image, the process proceeds to S1115. In S1115, the CPU 201 causes the UI panel 203 to display a screen (not shown) for receiving permission from the user for printing of the job. The CPU 201 receives permission for printing of the job from the user via the said screen.

[0065] In S1116, the CPU 201 determines whether it has received permission from the user for printing of the job via the screen displayed on the UI panel 203 in S1115. If the CPU 201 determines in S1116 that it has received permission from the user for printing of the job, the process proceeds to S1107. In S1107, the CPU 201 executes processing related to printing based on the job received in S1101. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines in S1116 that it has not received permission from the user for printing of the job, the process proceeds to S1117. In S1117, the CPU 201 cancels the job received in S1101. Thereby, execution of processing related to printing based on the job is restricted.

[0066] Note that in this modified example, the job type of a job determined to be inspection - unnecessary based on an instruction from the user is the target of registration, but it does not necessarily limit the operation of the inspection system according to this modified example. That is, as long as a job determined to be inspection - unnecessary can be specified, the information to be registered is not limited to the job type. As a specific example, by registering information related to a job other than the job type, such as the name of a specific job, it is also possible to control so that the job holding the information is treated as inspection - unnecessary.

[0067] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above - described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a recording medium, and having one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. Further, it can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0068] Also, the system configuration described with reference to FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the system configuration of the inspection system according to the present embodiment is not limited as long as at least the inspection device 108 and the printing device 101 can operate independently and can realize the various functions described above. As a specific example, an information processing device for controlling the operations of the printing device 101 and the inspection unit 106 may be provided separately. In this case, the information processing device may control the execution of the processing related to printing by the printing device 101 according to whether the inspection device 108 can read an image (in other words, whether inspection can be executed). Further, the information processing device may limit the provision of the captured image corresponding to the captured result of the inspected surface of the printed matter by the inspection unit 106 from the inspection unit 106 to the inspection device 108 according to whether the target printing job is a job that does not require inspection.

Explanation of Signs

[0069] 101 Printing device 106 Inspection unit 108 Inspection device 201 CPU

Claims

1. Determination means for determining whether it is possible to execute an inspection as to whether there is a defect in a captured image obtained by an image inspection device capturing an inspection surface of a printed matter; Control means for controlling whether to execute a process related to printing according to a determination result as to whether the image inspection device can execute the inspection; Comprising: The determination means determines whether the type of a print job that is a target of a process related to printing is a type registered as a job for which the inspection is unnecessary; The control means controls whether to provide the image inspection device with the captured image corresponding to the printed matter according to the execution result of the process related to the printing based on the print job, according to the determination result as to whether the type of the print job is a type of a job for which the inspection is registered as unnecessary; An information processing apparatus, characterized by the above.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means restricts execution of a process related to printing when it is determined that the image inspection device cannot execute the inspection.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination means determines whether the image inspection device can execute the inspection based on information notified from the image inspection device.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination means determines whether the type of the print job is a type of a job for which the inspection is unnecessary based on an analysis result of the print job.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means restricts provision of the captured image corresponding to the printed matter printed based on the print job to the image inspection device when it is determined that the type of the print job is a type of a job for which the inspection is unnecessary.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising registration means for executing a process related to registration of the type of the print job for which the inspection is unnecessary.

7. An information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus, comprising: A determination step of determining whether it is possible to execute an inspection as to whether there is a defect in a captured image obtained by an image inspection device capturing an inspection surface of a printed matter; A control step of controlling whether to execute a process related to printing according to a determination result as to whether the image inspection device can execute the inspection; Including: The determination step determines whether the type of the print job that is the target of the print-related process is the type registered as a job that does not require the inspection. The control step controls, according to the determination result of whether the type of the print job is the type of the job registered as not requiring the inspection, whether to provide the imaging image corresponding to the printed matter according to the execution result of the print-related process based on the print job to the image inspection device. An information processing method characterized by the above.

8. A printing apparatus that executes a print-related process based on a received print job, An image inspection apparatus that inspects whether there is a defect in an imaging image obtained by imaging an inspection surface of a printed matter, An inspection system including: Determination means for determining whether the image inspection apparatus can execute the inspection; Control means for controlling whether to execute a print-related process according to the determination result of whether the image inspection apparatus can execute the inspection; Including: The determination means determines whether the type of the print job that is the target of the print-related process is the type registered as a job that does not require the inspection. The control means controls, according to the determination result of whether the type of the print job is the type of the job registered as not requiring the inspection, whether to provide the imaging image corresponding to the printed matter according to the execution result of the print-related process based on the print job to the image inspection device. An inspection system characterized by the above.

9. The inspection system according to claim 8, characterized in that the printing apparatus includes at least one of the determination means and the control means.

10. Including an information processing apparatus different from the printing apparatus and the image inspection apparatus, The information processing apparatus is characterized by including at least one of the determination means and the control means. The inspection system according to claim 8.

11. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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