Image forming system and control method

Abstract

To improve processing in a case where an abnormal sheet occurs in an image formation system which can execute both an in-line inspection and an off-line inspection.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 101 can execute an in-line inspection for inspecting a sheet formed with an image by a printer 107 by conveying the sheet to an inspection device 109, and an off-line inspection for inspecting a sheet not formed with the image by the printer 107 by conveying the sheet to the inspection device 109. The image formation apparatus 101 permits setting of recovery processing in the in-line inspection and prohibits setting of the recovery processing in the off-line inspection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system for inspecting a sheet on which an image is formed, and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, image forming systems have become known that can form an image on a sheet using a printing device and then transport the image-formed sheet to an inspection device connected to the printing device for inspection. Hereinafter, an inspection method in which an image-formed sheet is inspected by a printing device connected to an inspection device is referred to as inline inspection. In inline inspection, the inspection device reads the image on the sheet formed by the printing device and determines whether the image on the sheet is normal. The inspection device can detect, for example, missing barcodes or ruled lines, missing images, printing defects, missing pages, and color misalignment.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that if a sheet on which an image is formed is determined to be abnormal, the abnormal sheet is discharged to a different discharge section from that for normal sheets, and the image formed on the abnormal sheet is reprinted on another sheet (recovery process). This makes it possible to prevent missing pages in the deliverable even if an abnormal sheet occurs.

[0004] Unlike inline inspection, there is also a known inspection method that inspects sheets without forming an image on them using a printing device. Hereinafter, this type of inspection method will be referred to as offline inspection. Offline inspection allows for the inspection of sheets on which an image has been formed in advance using a separate printing device.

[0005] Patent Document 2 describes an image forming system that can perform offline inspection in addition to inline inspection. This makes it possible for a user to inspect sheets on which images are formed by an image forming system that does not have an inspection device, even if the user has multiple image forming systems only equipped with an inspection device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-20650 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-98268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the image forming system described in Patent Document 2 does not take into consideration recovery processing when an abnormal sheet occurs in inline inspection and offline inspection. Therefore, in an image forming system capable of performing both inline inspection and offline inspection, there is room for improvement in processing when an abnormal sheet occurs.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the process when a defective sheet occurs in an image forming system capable of performing both inline inspection and offline inspection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a printing system including: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; an inspection unit that inspects the image on the sheet; a transport unit that transports the sheet to the inspection unit; a setting unit that sets a recovery process to be performed when the inspection unit determines that the sheet is abnormal, in which the image formed on the abnormal sheet is printed on a sheet other than the abnormal sheet; and a printing system that performs a printing process by the image forming unit. On the seat Image formation do a first inspection mode in which the transport means transports the image to the inspection means for inspection, and a second inspection mode in which the image is transported to the inspection means for inspection by the image forming means. R Image formation Without a second inspection mode in which the sheet is transported by the transport means to the inspection means for inspection, and settingThe image forming system is characterized in that the means allows the setting of the recovery process in the first inspection mode and prohibits the setting of the recovery process in the second inspection mode.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a printing system including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, an inspection unit that inspects the image on the sheet, a transport unit that transports the sheet to the inspection unit, and a setting unit that sets a recovery process to be performed when the inspection unit determines that the sheet is abnormal, in which the image formed on the abnormal sheet is printed on a sheet other than the abnormal sheet. On the seat Image formation do a first inspection mode in which the transport means transports the image to the inspection means for inspection, and a second inspection mode in which the image is transported to the inspection means for inspection by the image forming means. R Image formation Without The image forming system is characterized by comprising: a control means capable of executing a second inspection mode in which the sheet is transported by the transport means to the inspection means for inspection; and the control means canceling the job if the recovery process is set in the second inspection mode.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is a printing method including: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; an inspection unit that inspects the image on the sheet; a conveying unit that conveys the sheet to the inspection unit; a setting unit that, when the inspection unit determines that the sheet is abnormal, discharges the abnormal sheet to a discharge unit different from that for normal sheets, and executes a predetermined process of printing the image formed on the abnormal sheet on a sheet different from that for the abnormal sheet; On the seat Image formation death a first inspection mode in which the image forming means transports the image to the inspection means and inspects the image; R Image formation Without a second inspection mode in which the sheet is transported by the transport means to the inspection means for inspection, and setting The image forming system is characterized in that the means allows the setting of the predetermined process in the first inspection mode and prohibits the setting of the predetermined process in the second inspection mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the processing when a defective sheet occurs in an image forming system that can perform both inline inspection and offline inspection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen before a correct image is registered in the inspection device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen when registering a correct image in the inspection device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen while the inspection device is reading a correct image. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen after the inspection device has read a correct image. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen when an inspection skip area is set. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen when performing inspection settings for the inspection device. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen when displaying inspection results of the inspection device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen when the inspection device determines that the sheet is normal. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen when the inspection device determines that a sheet is abnormal. [Figure 13] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen when selecting an inspection mode of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen when setting an operation mode of the image forming apparatus in in-line inspection. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen when setting an operation mode of the image forming apparatus in offline inspection. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a discharge destination of a sheet in a purge & recovery mode. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a discharge destination of a sheet in a purge mode. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sheet discharge destination in a shift mode. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sheet discharge destination in a log-on single mode. [Figure 20] 5 is a flowchart showing control of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] 5 is a flowchart showing control of the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a display screen when setting an operation mode of an image forming apparatus in offline inspection. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing control of an inspection job according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an error screen when the purge & recovery mode is set in offline inspection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0015] [First embodiment] <Image forming system> 1 is an overall diagram of the hardware configuration of an image forming system according to this embodiment. The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus 101 and an external controller 102. The image forming apparatus 101 and the external controller 102 are communicatively connected via an internal LAN 105 and a video cable 106. The external controller 102 is communicatively connected to a PC 103 via an external LAN 104, and a print instruction is sent from the PC 103 to the external controller 102.

[0016] A printer driver that has a function of converting print data into a print description language that can be processed by the external controller 102 is installed in the PC 103. A user who performs printing can issue a print instruction from various applications via the printer driver. The printer driver transmits print data to the external controller 102 based on the print instruction from the user. Upon receiving the print instruction from the PC 103, the external controller 102 performs data analysis and rasterization processing, and inputs the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 to issue a print instruction.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 101 includes a printing device 107, an inserter 108, an inspection device 109, and a large-capacity stacker 110. The printing device 107 forms an image on a sheet based on instructions from the external controller 102. The inserter 108 inserts an insertion sheet between multiple sheets conveyed from the printing device 107. The inspection device 109 reads an image of the conveyed paper and compares it with a pre-registered correct image to determine whether the sheet image is normal. Here, the correct image is image data that the inspection device 109 compares with the sheet image and is image data obtained by previously scanning a sheet that has been properly printed by the image forming apparatus 101. The correct image may also be image data sent from the PC 103. In the following description, a sheet determined to be normal by the inspection device 109 is referred to as a normal sheet, and a sheet determined to be abnormal by the inspection device 109 is referred to as an abnormal sheet. The large-capacity stacker 110 is a large-capacity stacker that stacks conveyed sheets.

[0018] Note that, although the image forming system in this embodiment is configured such that the external controller 102 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101, the image forming system is not limited to a configuration in which the external controller 102 is connected. That is, the image forming apparatus 101 may be connected to an external LAN 104, and print data that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 101 may be transmitted from a PC 103. In this case, data analysis and rasterization processing are performed in the image forming apparatus 101, and print processing is executed.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the image forming apparatus 101, external controller 102, and PC 103. First, the configuration of the printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The printing device 107 includes a communication I / F 217, a LAN I / F 218, a video I / F 220, a HDD 221, a CPU 222, a memory 223, an operation unit 224, and a display 225. The printing device 107 also includes a document exposure unit 226, a laser exposure unit 227, an image creation unit 228, a fixing unit 229, and a paper feed unit 230. The components of the printing device 107 are connected via a system bus 231. The communication I / F 217 is connected to the inserter 108, the inspection device 109, and the large-capacity stacker 110 via a communication cable 254, and communicates with these devices to control them. The LAN I / F 218 is connected to the external controller 102 via the internal LAN 105, and communicates with them to exchange print data and the like. The video I / F 220 is connected to the external controller 102 via the video cable 106 and communicates image data and the like. The HDD 221 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The CPU 222 comprehensively controls image processing and printing based on the programs and the like stored in the HDD 221. The memory 223 stores programs and image data required for the CPU 222 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area. The operation unit 224 accepts various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user. The display 225 displays setting information for the image processing device, the processing status of a print job, and the like.

[0020] The document exposure unit 226 reads documents when using the copy or scan functions. Specifically, it reads images by illuminating the paper placed by the user with an exposure lamp and capturing it with a CCD reading unit. The laser exposure unit 227 is a device that performs primary charging and laser exposure to irradiate the photosensitive drum with laser light to transfer a toner image. The laser exposure unit 227 first performs primary charging, charging the surface of the photosensitive drum to a uniform negative potential. Next, a laser driver irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light, adjusting the reflection angle with a polygon mirror. This forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. The image creation unit 228 is a device that transfers toner to paper. It is composed of a development unit, transfer unit, toner supply unit, etc., and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum to paper. The development unit transfers negatively charged toner from a development cylinder to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum surface, creating a visible image. The transfer unit applies a positive potential to the primary transfer roller to perform primary transfer, transferring the toner on the photosensitive drum surface to the transfer belt. The transfer unit also applies a positive potential to the secondary transfer outer roller to perform secondary transfer, transferring the toner on the transfer belt to paper. The fixing unit 229 is a device that uses heat and pressure to melt and fix the toner on the paper to the paper, and is composed of a heater, fixing belt, pressure belt, etc. The paper feed unit 230 is a device that feeds paper, and the paper feed and transport operations are controlled by rollers and various sensors.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The inserter 108 is composed of a communication I / F 232, a CPU 233, a memory 234, and a paper feed control unit 235, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 236. The communication I / F 232 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary to control the inserter 108. The CPU 233 performs various controls necessary for paper feeding in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 234. The memory 234 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper feed control unit 235 controls the paper feed unit of the inserter 108 and the transport of paper conveyed from the printing device 107, while controlling rollers and sensors based on instructions from the CPU 233.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The inspection device 109 is composed of a communication I / F 237, a CPU 238, a memory 239, a photographing unit 240, a display 241, and an operation unit 242, and each component is connected via a system bus 243. The communication I / F 237 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary for controlling the inspection device 109. The CPU 238 performs various controls necessary for inspection according to a control program stored in the memory 239. The memory 239 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The photographing unit 240 photographs the paper conveyed to the printing device 107 based on instructions from the CPU 238. The CPU 238 compares the image photographed by the photographing unit 240 with the correct image saved in the memory 239 and determines whether the printed image is normal. The display 241 displays the inspection results, setting screens, etc. The operation unit 242 is operated by the user and receives instructions such as changing the settings of the inspection device 109 and registering a correct image.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the large-capacity stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The large-capacity stacker 110 is composed of a communication I / F 244, a CPU 245, a memory 246, and a paper discharge control unit 247, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 248. The communication I / F 244 is connected to the printing apparatus 107 via a communication cable 254, and performs communication necessary for controlling the large-capacity stacker 110. The CPU 245 performs various controls necessary for paper discharge in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 246. The memory 246 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 247 controls the transport of paper transported to the large-capacity stacker 110 to a stack tray 341 or an escape tray 346 based on instructions from the CPU 245.

[0024] Next, the configuration of the external controller 102 will be described. The external controller 102 is composed of a CPU 208, memory 209, HDD 210, keyboard 211, display 212, LAN I / F 213, LAN I / F 214, and video I / F 215. The components of the external controller 102 are connected via a system bus 216. The CPU 208 comprehensively executes processes such as receiving print data from the PC 103, RIP processing, and sending print data to the image forming apparatus 101 based on programs and data stored in the HDD 210. The memory 209 stores programs and data required for the CPU 208 to perform various processes and operates as a work area. The HDD 210 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing processing. The keyboard 211 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the external controller 102. The display 212 displays information such as applications executed by the external controller 102 using video signals for still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 213 is connected to the PC 103 via the external LAN 104 and performs communication such as printing instructions. The LAN I / F 214 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105 and performs communication such as printing instructions. The video I / F 215 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video cable 106 and performs communication such as printing data.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the PC 103 will be described. The PC 103 is composed of a CPU 201, memory 202, HDD 203, keyboard 204, display 205, and LAN I / F 206, and each component is connected via a system bus 207. The CPU 201 creates print data and executes print instructions based on a document processing program stored in the HDD 203. The CPU 201 also comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus. The memory 202 stores programs and data required for the CPU 201 to perform various processes and functions as a work area. The HDD 203 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing. The keyboard 204 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the PC 103. The display 205 displays information such as applications executed by the PC 103 using video signals for still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 206 is connected to the external controller 102 via the external LAN 104 and communicates with the external controller 102 to issue print instructions and the like.

[0026] In the above description, the external controller 102 and the image forming apparatus 101 are connected via the internal LAN 1905 and the video cable 106. However, any other configuration may be used as long as the data necessary for printing can be transmitted and received; for example, a connection using only a video cable may be used. Furthermore, the memory 202, memory 209, memory 223, memory 234, memory 239, and memory 246 may each be a storage device for storing data and programs. For example, they may be replaced with volatile RAM, non-volatile ROM, an internal HDD, an external HDD, a USB memory, or the like.

[0027] <Image forming device> Next, the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 101. The printing device 107 has paper feed decks 301 and 302. Various sheets are stored in the paper feed decks 301 and 302. The paper feed decks 301 and 302 can separate only the topmost sheet from the stored sheets and transport it to a sheet transport path 303. The developing stations 304 to 307 form toner images using Y, M, C, and K color toners, respectively, to form a color image. The toner images formed by the developing stations 304 to 307 are primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 308. The intermediate transfer belt 308 rotates clockwise in FIG. 3, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet transported from the sheet transport path 303 at a secondary transfer position 309. A display 225 displays information about the printing status and settings of the image forming apparatus 101. The first fixing unit 311 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller, and as the sheet passes between these rollers, the toner is melted and pressed to fix the toner image to the sheet. After passing through the first fixing unit 311, the sheet is transported to the inserter 108 via sheet transport paths 312 and 315. If further melting and pressing is required for fixing depending on the type of sheet, after passing through the first fixing unit 311, the sheet is transported to the second fixing unit 313 via an upper sheet transport path, where additional melting and pressing is performed. The sheet is then transported to the inserter 108 via sheet transport paths 314 and 315. When images are to be formed on both sides of the sheet, the sheet is inverted via sheet inversion path 316 and transported to duplex transport path 317, where the image on the second side is transferred at secondary transfer position 309.

[0028] The inserter 108 inserts an insertion sheet between sheets conveyed from the printing device 107. The inserter 108 includes an inserter tray 321, and merges an insertion sheet fed from the inserter tray 321 via a sheet conveying path 322 with a sheet conveying path 323. This allows the inserter 108 to insert an insertion sheet at any position in a series of sheets conveyed from the printing device 107 and convey the sheets to a subsequent device. The inserter 108 can also feed sheets from the inserter tray 321, regardless of the printing operation, to convey the sheets to the inspection device 109. In other words, the inserter 108 can convey to the inspection device 109 sheets that are ejected after an image is formed by the printing device 107 and sheets that are different from sheets that are ejected after an image is formed by the printing device 107.

[0029] The inspection device 109 reads an image of a sheet transported through the sheet transport path 323 of the inserter 108 and determines whether the image on the sheet is normal. Inside the inspection device 109, reading units 331 and 332 are arranged facing each other. The reading unit 331 reads an image of the first side of the sheet, and the reading unit 332 reads an image of the second side on the opposite side of the sheet. When the sheet transported through the sheet transport path 333 reaches a predetermined position, the inspection device 109 reads the image of the sheet using the reading units 331 and 332 and determines whether the image on the sheet is normal. The display 241 displays the inspection results performed by the inspection device 109, etc.

[0030] The large-capacity stacker 110 has a stack tray 341, which is a first discharge section to which sheets are discharged and is composed of a lift table 342 and an eject table 343. The large-capacity stacker 110 also has a shift function that discharges sheets in the stack tray 341 at a position offset by a predetermined amount relative to other sheets. Sheets that have passed through the inspection device 109 are transported to the large-capacity stacker 110 through a sheet transport path 344. The sheets travel from the sheet transport path 344 to a sheet transport path 345 and are stacked on the lift table 342 of the stack tray 341. When no sheets are stacked, the lift table 342 waits in an upper position in FIG. 3. As sheets are stacked, the lift table 342 descends and is controlled so that the top edge of the stacked sheet stack is at a constant height. When the stack of sheets is completed or the stack is full, the lift table 342 descends to the position of the eject table 343. The lift table 342 and the eject table 343 are configured so that the bars supporting the sheet stack are positioned alternately. Therefore, when the lift table 342 descends and reaches a position lower than the eject table 343, the sheet stack is transferred to the eject table 343.

[0031] Furthermore, the large-capacity stacker 110 has an escape tray 346 as a second discharge section to which sheets are discharged. The escape tray 346 is a tray to which abnormal sheets are discharged when the inspection device 109 determines that a sheet inspected by the inspection device 109 is an abnormal sheet. When an abnormal sheet is discharged to the escape tray 346, the abnormal sheet is transported from a sheet transport path 344 to the escape tray 346 via a sheet transport path 347. Note that when a post-processing device is connected downstream of the large-capacity stacker 110, the sheet is transported to the post-processing device via a sheet transport path 348. The large-capacity stacker 110 has an inverting unit 349 for inverting sheets. The inverting unit 349 is used when stacking sheets on the stack tray 341. When the large-capacity stacker 110 transports a sheet to the escape tray 346 or a subsequent post-processing device, the inverting operation in the inverting unit 349 is not performed.

[0032] <Operation of inspection equipment> 4 to 12 are examples of screens displayed on the display 241 of the inspection device 109. The inspection device 109 inspects the image of the sheet conveyed to the inspection device 109 based on predetermined inspection items. The sheet image is inspected by comparing a correct image registered in advance in the memory 239 with the sheet image read by the reading units 331 and 332. Methods for comparing images include comparing pixel values for each image position, comparing the position of an object using edge detection, and extracting character data using OCR (Optical Character Recognition). Inspection items include misalignment of printing position, image color, image density, streaks, blurred lines, and missing prints.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an example of a display screen displayed on the display 241 of the inspection device 109 when the inspection device 109 is started up. In the display screen shown in FIG. 4, the display 241 displays a message that a correct image has not been registered and therefore that a correct image must be registered in order to start inspection. If a correct image has already been registered, a message is displayed indicating that inspection can start. The display 241 also displays a correct image that has been registered in the image display section 402. In FIG. 4, the image display section 402 displays a message indicating that a correct image has not been registered. Button 403 is a button for calling up a correct image registration screen. Button 404 is a button for calling up an inspection setting screen. Button 405 is a button for calling up a confirmation screen for the inspection results. Button 406 is a button for instructing the start of inspection.

[0034] FIG. 5 is an example of a display screen displayed on the display 241 of the inspection device 109 when a user registers a correct image. The display screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display 241 in response to selection of button 403 in FIG. 4. The sheet count setting unit 501 is used to set the number of sheets per copy in a print job to be inspected. For print jobs with two or more sheets per copy, multiple images can be registered as correct images in the inspection device 109. The side setting unit 502 is used to set the side of the sheet to be inspected by the inspection device 109. Using the side setting unit 502, a user can set whether to inspect images on both sides of the sheet, only the front side, or only the back side. Even if a sheet is printed on only one side, it is possible to set inspection of both sides to check for dust on the non-printed side. Button 503 is a button for instructing registration of a correct image. When the button 503 is selected, the inspection device 109 reads the image of the conveyed sheet and registers the image data as a correct image.

[0035] Fig. 6 is an example of a display screen displayed on the display 241 when the inspection device 109 is reading an image of a sheet to register a correct image. The screen shown in Fig. 6 is displayed in response to selection of button 503 in Fig. 5. Button 601 is a button for instructing to stop reading. When button 601 is selected, the inspection device 109 stops reading the image, and the display 241 returns to the display screen of Fig. 4.

[0036] FIG. 7 is an example of a display screen displayed on the display 241 after the reading of the correct image is completed. The image display section 701 displays an image of the sheet read by the inspection device 109. If there are multiple images, the displayed image can be switched using a switch button 702. Furthermore, when performing double-sided inspection, the front and back sides can be switched using a switch button 703. A button 704 is a button for instructing the setting of an inspection skip area. The button 704 can be used to set an area where inspection is not performed for printing, such as variable data printing (VDP), in which the print content of a specific area changes for each copy. A button 705 is a button for registering the image displayed on the image display section 701 as a correct image. When the button 705 is selected, the inspection device 109 registers the correct image and returns to the display screen of FIG. 4. A button 706 is used to cancel reading. When the button 706 is pressed, the inspection device 109 does not register the correct image, and the display 241 returns to the display screen of FIG.

[0037] FIG. 8 is an example of an inspection skip area setting screen displayed on the display 241. The display screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display 241 in response to selection of button 704. Area 801 indicates the inspection skip area. The user can change the position of area 801 using position setting section 802 and can change the size of area 801 using size setting section 803. Button 804 is a button for registering the setting of the inspection skip area. When button 804 is selected, the inspection device 109 registers area 801 as an inspection skip area, and the display 241 returns to the display screen of FIG. 7. Button 805 is a button for registering another inspection skip area. This allows the inspection device 109 to register multiple inspection skip areas for one image data. Button 806 is a button for canceling the setting of the inspection skip area. When button 806 is selected, the display 241 returns to the display screen of FIG. 7.

[0038] FIG. 9 is an example of a setting screen for setting inspection settings. The display screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display 241 in response to selection of button 404. The level setting unit 901 is used to set the inspection level. The higher the inspection level set by the level setting unit 901, the more likely the inspection device 109 is to determine a defective sheet based on a small difference between the correct image and the scanned image. The type setting unit 902 is used to set the inspection type. The user can set the inspection items using the type setting unit 902. The type setting unit 902 on the display screen shown in FIG. 9 is in a state in which position, color, streaks, and voids are inspected, but density is not inspected. A button 903 is used to confirm the inspection settings. When button 903 is selected, the inspection device 109 registers the inspection settings, and the display 241 returns to the display screen of FIG. 4.

[0039] FIG. 10 is an example of a display screen for displaying inspection results. The display screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display 241 in response to selection of button 405 in FIG. 4. An attribute display section 1001 displays the attributes of the job for which inspection was performed and the inspection results. A result display section 1002 displays the inspection results for each sheet. The result displayed in the result display section 1002 indicates that the sheet read by the inspection device 109 is normal, indicating that the sheet read by the inspection device 109 is normal, and indicates that the sheet read by the inspection device 109 is abnormal, indicating that the sheet read by the inspection device 109 is abnormal. A button 1503 is used to select a job for which the inspection results are to be displayed. The display screen shown in FIG. 10 displays the inspection results for the first job out of nine jobs stored in the inspection device 109. The user can switch the job displayed on the display 241 by operating the left and right buttons in the job selection section 1003. A button 1004 is used to instruct the user to end the display of the inspection results. When button 1504 is selected, display 241 returns to the display screen of FIG.

[0040] FIG. 11 is an example of a display screen displayed on the display 241 during inspection by the inspection device 109. The screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed in response to selection of button 406 in FIG. 4. An image of the sheet read by the inspection device 109 is displayed in an image display area 1101. A result display area 1102 displays an inspection result obtained by comparing the read image in the image display area 1101 with a correct image. In the screen shown in FIG. 11, the sheet read by the inspection device 109 is determined to be normal, so OK is displayed in the result display area 1102. A button 1103 is a button for instructing the end of inspection. When the button 1103 is selected, the inspection device 109 ends the inspection process, and the display 241 returns to the display screen of FIG. 4. A button 1104 is a button for instructing the display 241 to display a confirmation screen for the inspection results of the entire job. When the button 1104 is selected, the display screen of FIG. 10 is displayed on the display 241.

[0041] 12 is an example of a display screen when the image of the sheet read by the inspection device 109 is determined to be abnormal. In the example shown in Fig. 12, a streak 1205 is detected in the image of the sheet read by the inspection device 109, and therefore "NG" is displayed in the result display unit 1102.

[0042] <Inline inspection and offline inspection> Next, inspection modes that can be performed by the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The image forming apparatus 101 can perform two inspection modes: inline inspection (first inspection mode) and offline inspection (second inspection mode). Inline inspection is a mode in which, while a print job using the printing apparatus 107 is being executed, a sheet on which an image is formed in the print job is transported to the inspection apparatus 109 for inspection. Offline inspection is a mode in which, instead of inspecting a sheet transported from the printing apparatus 107 to the inspection apparatus 109, a sheet is transported to the inspection apparatus 109 and inspected independently of the execution of the print job. Note that in offline inspection, the sheet inspected by the inspection apparatus 109 may be a sheet on which an image is formed by a printing apparatus other than the printing apparatus 107. In addition, in offline inspection, the sheet inspected by the inspection apparatus 109 may be a sheet on which an image is formed by the printing apparatus 107, ejected to the large-capacity stacker 110, and then set in the inserter 108 by a user.

[0043] In in-line inspection, the image forming apparatus 101 feeds sheets from the paper feed decks 301 and 302, and forms an image on the sheet using the printing device 107. Then, the image forming apparatus 101 transports the sheet to the inspection device 109 via the sheet transport path 323, and the image on the sheet is read. This allows the image forming apparatus 101 to sequentially inspect the sheets on which the image has been formed by the printing device 107.

[0044] On the other hand, in offline inspection, the image forming apparatus 101 feeds a sheet from an inserter tray 321 of the inserter 108. Then, the image forming apparatus 101 transports the sheet to the inspection apparatus 109 via a sheet transport path 323, and the image on the sheet is read. This allows the image forming apparatus 101 to inspect sheets printed by printing apparatuses other than the printing apparatus 107.

[0045] Next, a method for setting the inspection mode of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 15. Fig. 13 is an example of an inspection mode selection screen displayed on the display 225. The display screen shown in Fig. 13 is displayed on the display 225 when the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 224. On the inspection mode selection screen, the user selects the inspection mode to be executed by the image forming apparatus 101. Button 1301 is a button for selecting inline inspection, and button 1302 is a button for selecting offline inspection.

[0046] Note that inline inspection may be set from a print job setting screen, and offline inspection may be set from a screen for setting the type of job, such as a print job or a scan job.

[0047] FIG. 14 shows an example of a setting screen for setting the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 when an abnormal sheet is detected during inline inspection. The display screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display 225 in response to selection of button 1301 in FIG. 13. The image forming apparatus 101 can execute purge & recovery mode, purge mode, shift mode, and log-on-ly mode during inline inspection. The operation of the image forming apparatus 101 in each mode will be described later. Button 1401 is a button for selecting the purge & recovery mode. Button 1402 is a button for selecting the purge mode. Button 1403 is a button for selecting the shift mode. Button 1404 is a button for selecting the log-on-ly mode. Button 1405 is a button for returning the screen to the inspection mode selection screen. Button 1406 is a button for determining the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 during inline inspection. The user can determine the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 in in-line inspection by selecting button 1406 with any of buttons 1401 to 1404 selected.

[0048] FIG. 15 is an example of a setting screen for setting the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 when an abnormal sheet is detected during offline inspection. The display screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display 225 in response to selection of button 1302 in FIG. 13. The image forming apparatus 101 can execute purge mode, shift mode, and log-on-ly mode during offline inspection. In other words, the image forming apparatus 101 cannot set (execute) purge & recovery mode during offline inspection. Button 1501 is a button for selecting purge mode. Button 1502 is a button for selecting shift mode. Button 1503 is a button for selecting log-on-ly mode. Button 1504 is a button for returning the screen to the inspection mode selection screen. Button 1505 is a button for determining the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 during offline inspection. The user can determine the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 during offline inspection by selecting button 1505 while one of buttons 1501 to 1503 is selected.

[0049] In this embodiment, the inspection mode of the image forming apparatus 101 is set by the operation unit 224 and display 225 of the printing apparatus 107, but may also be set by the external controller 102 or the PC 103.

[0050] <Operation when abnormal sheet is detected> Next, a description will be given of the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 when the inspection device 109 detects an abnormal sheet. Hereinafter, the case of a job in which one copy has five pages will be described as an example.

[0051] First, the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 in the purge & recovery mode will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b) are diagrams for explaining the sheet discharge destination in the purge & recovery mode. In the purge & recovery mode, when the inspection device 109 determines that a sheet is abnormal, the abnormal sheet is discharged to a different discharge section from that for normal sheets, and the image printed on the abnormal sheet is reprinted on another sheet. The purge & recovery mode can be set in inline inspection. As shown in FIG. 16(a), in the purge & recovery mode, the first to third sheets, which are normal sheets, are discharged to the stack tray 341. On the other hand, the fourth sheet, which is an abnormal sheet, is discharged to the escape tray 346. Furthermore, the fifth sheet, which is the sheet following the abnormal sheet, is not inspected by the inspection device 109 and is discharged to the escape tray 346, just like the abnormal sheet. After the abnormal sheet and the sheets following the abnormal sheet are discharged to the escape tray 346, the image forming apparatus 101 reprints the image formed on the fourth abnormal sheet onto the sixth sheet. Furthermore, the image formed on the fifth sheet, which is the sheet following the abnormal sheet, onto the seventh sheet. The inspection device 109 then inspects the reprinted sixth and seventh sheets. If the reprinted sheets are normal sheets, they are discharged onto the stack tray 341. Finally, as shown in FIG. 16(b), a product with pages 1 to 5 complete is stacked on the stack tray 341, and the abnormal sheet and the sheets following the abnormal sheet are stacked on the escape tray 346.

[0052] In this way, when a defective sheet is detected, the process of reprinting the image formed on the defective sheet onto another sheet is called recovery processing. Also, the process of discharging the defective sheet to a different discharge section from that for normal sheets is called purge processing. In other words, purge & recovery mode is a mode in which the image forming apparatus 101 executes a predetermined process that combines both purge processing and recovery processing. Also, in purge & recovery mode, the image forming apparatus 101 does not inspect the sheets following the defective sheet using the inspection device 109, and the subsequent sheets are discharged to the escape tray 346. This ensures that the page order of the product after recovery processing is correct.

[0053] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 in purge mode will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b) are diagrams for explaining the discharge destination of sheets in purge mode. In purge mode, when the inspection device 109 determines that a sheet is abnormal, the abnormal sheet is discharged to a different discharge section from that for normal sheets. In purge mode, the image forming apparatus 101 does not perform recovery processing. The purge mode can be set in both inline inspection and offline inspection. As shown in FIG. 17(a), in purge mode, the first to third sheets, which are normal sheets, are discharged to the stack tray 341. On the other hand, the fourth sheet, which is an abnormal sheet, is discharged to the escape tray 346. The inspection device 109 also inspects the fifth sheet. The fifth sheet, which is a normal sheet, is discharged to the stack tray 341. Finally, the sheets of pages 1 to 3 and page 5 are stacked on the stack tray 341, and only the abnormal sheet, page 4, is stacked on the escape tray 346. In this way, in the purge mode, the image forming apparatus 101 executes the purge process.

[0054] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 in the shift mode will be described with reference to FIG. 18. FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) are diagrams illustrating the sheet discharge destination in the shift mode. The shift mode is a mode in which, if the inspection device 109 determines that a sheet is abnormal, the abnormal sheet is discharged to a position shifted a predetermined amount relative to normal sheets. In the shift mode, the image forming apparatus 101 does not perform recovery processing. The shift mode can be set for both inline inspection and offline inspection. As shown in FIG. 18(a), in the shift mode, the first to fifth sheets are discharged to the stack tray 341 regardless of whether they are normal or not. At this time, the fourth sheet, which is the abnormal sheet, is discharged to a position shifted a predetermined amount relative to the first to third normal sheets, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction. Finally, the first to fifth pages of the sheets are stacked on the stack tray 341 with only the fourth sheet, which is the abnormal sheet, shifted. This process of discharging abnormal sheets to a position shifted a predetermined amount relative to normal sheets is called shift processing.

[0055] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 in the log-on single mode will be described with reference to FIG. 19. FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b) are diagrams illustrating the sheet discharge destination in the log-on single mode. In the log-on single mode, if the inspection device 109 determines that a sheet is abnormal, the abnormal sheet is discharged in the same manner as normal sheets, and only the abnormal sheet is recorded. In the log-on single mode, the image forming apparatus 101 does not perform recovery processing. The log-on single mode can be set in both inline inspection and offline inspection. As shown in FIG. 19(a), the first through fifth sheets are discharged to the stack tray 341 regardless of whether they are normal or not in the log-on single mode. Finally, the first through fifth pages of sheets, including the fourth sheet, which is the abnormal sheet, are stacked on the stack tray 341 in a complete state. In this way, the process of discharging abnormal sheets and recording information about the abnormal sheets without differentiating the discharge control for abnormal sheets from that for normal sheets is called log-on single mode.

[0056] In all of the above-described purge & recovery mode, purge mode, shift mode, and log-on-ly mode, the inspection device 109 records information about abnormal sheets, and the user can check the inspection results on the display 241. In the example shown in Figures 16 to 19, the fourth sheet is abnormal, so the CPU 238 of the inspection device 109 records in the memory 239 that the fourth sheet is abnormal.

[0057] Of the above-mentioned purge & recovery mode, purge mode, shift mode, and log-on green mode, only the purge & recovery mode is a mode in which recovery processing is executed.

[0058] <Control flow> Next, the control flow of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0059] 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the CPU 222 of the printing device 107. When a job is started, the CPU 222 determines whether the job requires inspection (S1001). At this time, the CPU 222 makes the determination based on job information received from the external controller 102.

[0060] If the job is for performing inspection (Yes in S1001), the CPU 222 notifies the inspection device 109 of the inspection settings. The inspection device 109 inspects the sheet based on the information of the inspection settings. The processing executed by the inspection device 109 will be described later. Next, the CPU 222 determines whether the inspection mode is offline inspection (S1003). If the inspection mode is offline inspection (Yes in S1003), the CPU 222 issues a feeding instruction to the inserter 108 (S1004). As a result, the inserter 108 starts feeding the sheet to the inspection device 109.

[0061] On the other hand, if the job does not require inspection (No in S1001) or the inspection mode is inline inspection (No in S1003), the CPU 222 executes print processing (S1005). Then, the CPU 222 determines whether to execute recovery processing based on the inspection results from the inspection device 109 (S1006). If recovery processing is required (Yes in S1006), the CPU 222 executes recovery processing and ends the processing. If recovery processing is not required (Yes in S1006), the CPU 222 ends the processing without executing recovery processing.

[0062] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the CPU 238 of the inspection device 109. Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing executed by the CPU 238 of the inspection device 109. The processing of the flowchart in Fig. 21 starts when a sheet is conveyed to the inspection device 109.

[0063] When a sheet is conveyed to the inspection device 109, the inspection device 109 reads the image of the sheet using reading units 331 and 332 and inspects whether the image on the sheet is normal (S2001). In the case of inline inspection, the inspection device 109 inspects a sheet on which an image has been formed by the printing device 107, and in the case of offline inspection, the inspection device 109 inspects a sheet fed from the inserter tray 321 of the inserter 108.

[0064] Next, the CPU 238 determines whether the inspected sheet is a defective sheet (S2002). If the inspected sheet is a defective sheet (Yes in S2002), the CPU 238 records information about the defective sheet (S2003).

[0065] The CPU 238 then determines whether or not the purge & recovery mode is set based on the inspection setting information sent from the CPU 222 (S2004). If the purge & recovery mode is set (Yes in S2004), the CPU 238 instructs the large-capacity stacker 110 to perform a purge process (S2005). The CPU 238 then instructs the printing device 107 to perform a recovery process in which the image formed on the defective sheet is reprinted on another sheet (S2006). The CPU 238 then determines whether or not there is a next sheet (S2007). If there is a next sheet (Yes in S2007), the process returns to S2001. On the other hand, if there is not a next sheet (No in S2007), the CPU 238 ends the process.

[0066] If the purge & recovery mode is not set (No in S2004), the CPU 238 determines whether the purge mode is set (S2008). If the purge mode is set (Yes in S2008), the CPU 238 instructs the large-capacity stacker 110 to perform a purge process (S2009). Then, the process proceeds to S2007.

[0067] If the purge mode is not set (No in S2008), the CPU 238 determines whether the shift mode is set (S2010). If the shift mode is set (Yes in S2010), the CPU 238 instructs the large-capacity stacker 110 to perform a shift process (S2011). Then, the process proceeds to S2007.

[0068] If the shift mode is not set (No in S2010), or if the sheet inspected by the inspection device 109 is a normal sheet (No in S2002), the CPU 238 instructs the large-capacity stacker 110 to normally discharge the sheet onto the stack tray 341. Then, the process proceeds to S2007.

[0069] Through the above control, the image forming apparatus 101 can perform in-line inspection and offline inspection.

[0070] In this embodiment, if the user selects inline inspection, the user selects one of purge & recovery mode, purge mode, shift mode, or log-on remote mode (see FIG. 14). On the other hand, if the user selects offline mode, the user selects one of purge mode, shift mode, or log-on remote mode (see FIG. 15). In other words, in offline inspection, the user cannot select purge & recovery mode, which includes recovery processing. Therefore, in the case of offline inspection, the CPU 238 always determines "No" in S2004 of the flowchart in FIG. 21.

[0071] In offline inspection, the image forming apparatus 101 does not form images using the printing apparatus 107, and therefore the image forming apparatus 101 cannot execute recovery processing. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 , when offline inspection is selected, the purge & recovery mode option is not displayed on the display 225. In other words, when offline inspection is selected, the CPU 222 prohibits the setting of recovery processing. This makes it possible to prevent the user from accidentally selecting the purge & recovery mode, which includes recovery processing, in offline inspection. On the other hand, when inline inspection is selected, the CPU 222 allows the setting of recovery processing.

[0072] In this embodiment, when offline inspection is selected, the image forming apparatus 101 prohibits the setting of the recovery process by not displaying the purge & recovery mode option on the display 225. However, the method of prohibiting the recovery process is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 22 , the purge & recovery mode option may be masked (grayed out) on the screen displayed on the display 225, making the purge & recovery mode unselectable.

[0073] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, an example was given of a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 101, which is capable of performing both inline inspection and offline inspection, prohibits the user from setting a recovery process so that a command to execute the recovery process is not issued during offline inspection. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, when a setting to execute a recovery process during offline inspection is made, the image forming apparatus 101 notifies the user of an error and cancels the job. Also, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the user can set a purge & recovery mode even when offline inspection is selected. Note that the hardware configuration of the image forming system in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of control of an inspection job executed by the image forming apparatus 101 in the second embodiment. When the job is started, the CPU 222 determines whether the inspection mode is set to inline inspection or offline inspection (S3001). If inline inspection is set (Yes in S3001), the CPU 222 starts inspection printing processing (S3002). The inspection printing processing in S3002 is the same as the processing for inline inspection in the flowchart of FIG. 20 described above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0075] On the other hand, if offline inspection is set (No in S3001), the CPU 222 determines whether or not purge & recovery mode is set (S3003). If purge & recovery mode is not set (No in S3003), the CPU 222 executes inspection processing.

[0076] If the purge & recovery mode is set (Yes in S3003), the CPU 222 cancels the job (S3004). In other words, if the purge & recovery mode is set in offline inspection, the image forming apparatus 101 does not feed sheets using the inserter 108. Then, the CPU 222 displays an error screen on the display 225. FIG. 24 is an example of the error screen displayed on the display 225. After that, the CPU 222 ends the processing.

[0077] As described above, when the purge & recovery mode including the recovery process is set in offline inspection, the image forming apparatus 101 cancels the job and does not feed the sheet. As a result, in the second embodiment, even if the user mistakenly sets the recovery process in offline inspection, the image forming apparatus 101 can prompt the user to make appropriate settings.

[0078] In the first and second embodiments described above, the image forming apparatus 101 can execute multiple modes, including a purge & recovery mode, a purge mode, a shift mode, and a log-on remote mode. However, to reduce the number of user operations, the mode executed by the image forming apparatus 101 for each of inline inspection and offline inspection may be fixed. For example, the image forming apparatus 101 may be set to execute the purge & recovery mode for inline inspection and the shift mode for offline inspection. Furthermore, the modes executable by the image forming apparatus 101 for each of inline inspection and offline inspection in the above embodiments are merely examples, and the modes selectable for each inspection mode may be different combinations.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the purge & recovery mode has been described as an example of a mode including a recovery process, but the image forming apparatus 101 may be capable of executing a mode including a recovery process other than the purge & recovery mode. For example, the image forming apparatus 101 may be capable of executing a mode in which a recovery process is performed without performing a purge process when an abnormal sheet occurs. In this case, modes including a recovery process other than the purge & recovery mode are prohibited from being set in offline inspection, just like the purge & recovery mode.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 feeds sheets from the paper feed decks 301 and 302 when inline inspection is set, and feeds sheets from the inserter 108 when offline inspection is set. However, the sheet feeding method is not limited to this, and the image forming apparatus 101 may feed sheets from the paper feed decks 301 and 302 during offline inspection. In this case, the image forming apparatus 101 transports the sheets to the inspection device 109 without performing image formation by the printing device 107.

Claims

1. an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet; an inspection means for inspecting the image on the sheet; a conveying means for conveying the sheet to the inspection means; a setting means for setting, when the inspection means determines that the sheet is abnormal, to execute a recovery process in which an image formed on the abnormal sheet is printed on a sheet other than the abnormal sheet; a control means capable of executing a first inspection mode in which an image is formed on a sheet by the image forming means and the sheet is transported by the transport means to the inspection means for inspection, and a second inspection mode in which an image is not formed on a sheet by the image forming means and the sheet is transported by the transport means to the inspection means for inspection; Equipped with the setting means permits setting of the recovery process in the first inspection mode and prohibits setting of the recovery process in the second inspection mode; An image forming system comprising:

2. the setting means has a display unit that displays options for setting a plurality of processes including the recovery process, the setting means, in the second inspection mode, prohibits setting of the recovery process by displaying the recovery process option on the display unit so that it cannot be selected.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1.

3. the setting means has a display unit that displays options for setting a plurality of processes including the recovery process, the setting means prohibits setting of the recovery process by not displaying options for the recovery process on the display unit in the second inspection mode.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1.

4. an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet; an inspection means for inspecting the image on the sheet; a conveying means for conveying the sheet to the inspection means; a setting means for setting, when the inspection means determines that the sheet is abnormal, to execute a recovery process in which an image formed on the abnormal sheet is printed on a sheet other than the abnormal sheet; a control means capable of executing a first inspection mode in which an image is formed on a sheet by the image forming means and the sheet is transported by the transport means to the inspection means for inspection, and a second inspection mode in which an image is not formed on a sheet by the image forming means and the sheet is transported by the transport means to the inspection means for inspection; Equipped with the control means cancels the job when the recovery process is set in the second inspection mode; An image forming system comprising:

5. the setting means has a display unit that displays an error when the recovery process is set in the second inspection mode.

5. The image forming system according to claim 4.

6. an inserting means for inserting an inserting sheet between sheets on which an image has been formed by the image forming means; the sheet to be inspected by the inspection means in the second inspection mode is fed to the inspection means by the insertion means; 6. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a printer.

7. a first discharge section and a second discharge section to which the sheet is discharged; the control unit is capable of executing a purge process in which a sheet determined to be normal by the inspection unit is discharged to the first discharge unit, and a sheet determined to be abnormal by the inspection unit is discharged to the second discharge unit.

7. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a printer.

8. the control means, in the first inspection mode, when the recovery process is set by the setting means, executes both the recovery process and the purge process.

8. The image forming system according to claim 7,

9. the setting means can set the control means to execute the purge process in both the first inspection mode and the second inspection mode.

9. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus is a printer.

10. the control unit is capable of executing a shift process in which a sheet determined to be abnormal by the inspection unit is shifted relative to a sheet determined to be normal by the inspection unit and discharged; the setting means can set the control means to execute the shift process in both the first inspection mode and the second inspection mode.

10. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system includes: a first image forming unit;

11. the control means is capable of executing a log-on process for ejecting sheets determined to be normal by the inspection means and sheets determined to be abnormal by the inspection means in the same manner, and recording which sheets are abnormal among the sheets inspected by the inspection means; the setting means can be set so that the control means executes the logon process in both the first inspection mode and the second inspection mode.

11. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system includes: a first image forming unit;

12. an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet; an inspection means for inspecting the image on the sheet; a conveying means for conveying the sheet to the inspection means; a setting means for setting a predetermined process to be performed when the inspection means determines that a sheet is abnormal, in which the abnormal sheet is discharged to a discharge section separate from normal sheets, and an image formed on the abnormal sheet is printed on a sheet separate from the abnormal sheet; a control means capable of executing a first inspection mode in which an image is formed on a sheet by the image forming means and the sheet is transported by the transport means to the inspection means for inspection, and a second inspection mode in which an image is not formed on a sheet by the image forming means and the sheet is transported by the transport means to the inspection means for inspection; Equipped with the setting means permits setting of the predetermined process in the first inspection mode and prohibits setting of the predetermined process in the second inspection mode; An image forming system comprising:

13. an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet; an inspection means for inspecting the image on the sheet; a conveying means for conveying the sheet to the inspection means; a setting means for setting, when the inspection means determines that the sheet is abnormal, to execute a recovery process in which an image formed on the abnormal sheet is printed on a sheet other than the abnormal sheet; a control means capable of executing a first inspection mode in which an image is formed on a sheet by the image forming means and the sheet is transported by the transport means to the inspection means for inspection, and a second inspection mode in which an image is not formed on a sheet by the image forming means and the sheet is transported by the transport means to the inspection means for inspection; A control method for an image forming system comprising: prohibiting the setting of the recovery process in the second inspection mode; A control method comprising:

Images