Inspection device and image forming system including said inspection device

Abstract

To provide an inspection device adaptable to different types of image forming apparatuses.SOLUTION: An inspection device acquires information linked to printing means, and determines a plurality of inspection levels applicable to inspection executed on a printing result on the basis of the information. The inspection device selects one inspection level from the plurality of determined inspection levels, and applies the selected inspection level to inspect the printing result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device that inspects an image on a sheet and an image forming system that includes the inspection device. [Background technology]

[0002] The inspection device can perform an inspection while conveying a sheet on which an image has been formed by an image forming apparatus. The inspection, for example, checks whether or not black spots or streaks have occurred in the image formed on the sheet. Patent Document 1 describes that a user can set an inspection level that indicates the strictness of the inspection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-170678 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The allowable size of black dots or the allowable thickness of streaks varies depending on the type of image forming device. For example, the more expensive the image forming device, the higher the specifications, and the more likely it is to be designed to minimize the occurrence of black dots or streaks on sheets. Therefore, depending on the type of image forming device to which the inspection device is connected, when images on sheets are inspected at an inspection level set by the user, the number of sheets that are determined to be unacceptable may increase. In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection device that is adaptable to different types of image forming devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is, for example, An inspection device connectable to a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus having higher printing accuracy than the first image forming apparatus, a reading unit for reading an image formed on a sheet by an image forming apparatus; an inspection means for inspecting the image read by the reading means for an inspection item; a display means for displaying an inspection level corresponding to an inspection standard used to judge the inspection result of the inspection item in a selectable manner from a plurality of inspection levels; an acquisition means for acquiring information indicating a selection result of the inspection level; a determining means for determining the inspection standard based on the information; a control means; and The aforementioned control The means are: Determine the type of image forming device to be connected; the first image forming apparatus to Connected It was determined that In the first case number Inspection level The inspection level to be used for the inspection can be selected from the second image forming apparatus to Connected It was determined that In the case of the second number Inspection level The inspection level to be used for the inspection can be selected from The second Selectable when connected to an image forming device The upper limit of the inspection level 、 The first Selectable when connected to an image forming device To provide an inspection device characterized by having an inspection level higher than the upper limit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, an inspection device that can be adapted to different types of image forming devices is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an inspection controller. [Figure 4] Diagram explaining the loading controller [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a host computer. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a print setting screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an examination setting screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface for setting an inspection level. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a determination table. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen showing detailed information about an examination level that cannot be selected. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the test settings. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a job execution method in the control device. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a job execution method in the inspection device. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for executing a job in the loading device. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a controller of the image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0009] (1) Image forming system As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes an operation unit 20, an image forming device 30, a control device 40, an inspection device 50, and stacking devices 60a, 60b, and 60c. The image forming device 30, the inspection device 50, and the stacking devices 60a, 60b, and 60c each have separate housings. The number of stacking devices 60 may be one or more. The image forming system 100 may also be called an image inspection system. In this example, the stacking devices 60a and 60b may also be called sheet stackers or sheet conveying devices. The stacking device 60c may also be called a post-processing device or finisher with a post-processing function. The same reference numerals are used for multiple identical or similar components. When describing matters common to these components, the final lowercase letters may be omitted.

[0010] The operation unit 20 has a display device that outputs information to the user and an input device (e.g., a touch panel sensor) that receives instructions from the user. The operation unit 20 may be provided in the housing of the image forming system 100, or may be attached to the outside of the housing of the image forming system 100. The image forming device 30 forms a toner image on the sheet P in accordance with YMCK color signals supplied from the control device 40. The letters YMCK added to the reference symbols represent the toner colors yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. When matters common to the four colors are explained, the letters YMCK are omitted from the reference symbols.

[0011] Photoconductor 1 is an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image and a toner image. Charging unit 2 uniformly charges the surface of photoconductor 1. Exposure unit 3 irradiates photoconductor 1Y with laser light corresponding to color signals supplied from control unit 40, forming an electrostatic latent image. Developer 4 develops the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a toner image. Primary transfer roller 5Y transfers the toner image from photoconductor 1 to intermediate transfer belt 6. Here, the YMCK toner images are superimposed to form a color image. Intermediate transfer belt 6 transports the toner image to secondary transfer unit 7.

[0012] The sheet cassette 11 is a storage container that stores a large number of sheets P. The transport rollers 12 feed the sheets P stored in the sheet cassette 11 and transport the sheets P along a transport path.

[0013] The secondary transfer unit 7 transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 6 to the sheet P. The fixing unit 8 applies heat and pressure to the sheet P and the toner image to fix the toner image onto the sheet P. The discharge rollers 17 discharge the sheet P to the inspection device 50.

[0014] The inspection device 50 as a reading device is a device that reads an image formed on a sheet P and inspects the quality of the image. In other words, the inspection device 50 is a device that inspects whether or not the image formed on the sheet P meets the inspection standard. The sheet P on which the image is formed is sometimes called a printed matter (deliverable product).

[0015] The image on the sheet P being conveyed by the conveying rollers 53 is read at a reading position by the image sensors 54, 55. The image sensors 54, 55 include a light source that illuminates the sheet P and a CMOS sensor. CMOS is an abbreviation for complementary metal-oxide semiconductor. The image sensors 54, 55 may also be called cameras or imaging devices. The image sensors 54, 55 also function as reading means that read the sheet P on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 30 and obtain the print result (read result, read image) of the sheet P.

[0016] The sheet P from which the image has been read is discharged to the stacking device 60. Note that for a sheet P that has been determined by the inspection device 50 to be NG (does not meet the inspection standard; this may also be called a reject), the control device 40 controls the image forming device 30 to form the same image on a new sheet P. A sheet sensor 56 that detects the sheet P is provided at the entrance of the inspection device 50.

[0017] The stacking device 60a receives the sheet P discharged from the inspection device 50 at an entrance 64a, and discharges the sheet P onto a sheet tray 62a serving as a stacking unit, or discharges the sheet P from an exit 65a. A sheet sensor 66a that detects the sheet P is provided at the entrance 64a.

[0018] Downstream of the entrance 64a, there is a branch point into conveying path P1a and conveying path P2a. A flapper (not shown) is arranged at the branch point to guide the sheet P to either conveying path P1a or conveying path P2a. Conveying paths P1a and P2a are each connected to conveying path P3a.

[0019] The conveying path P3a branches into a conveying path P4a and a conveying path P5a at a branching position where a flapper F2a is installed. The sheet P conveyed along the conveying path P3a is guided to the conveying path P4a or the conveying path P5a by the flapper F2a.

[0020] A sheet tray 62a is provided at the exit of the transport path P4a. For example, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable by the inspection device 50 may be stacked on the sheet tray 62a. However, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable may be discharged from the exit 65a to a downstream device. Also, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be OK (meets the inspection standard; may also be called "pass") may be stacked (discharged) on the sheet tray 62a. The transport path P5a extends to the exit 65a.

[0021] The stacking device 60b receives the sheets P discharged from the stacking device 60a at an entrance 64b, stacks (discharges) the sheets onto sheet trays 61b and 62b as stacking sections, and discharges the sheets P from an exit 65b. A sheet sensor 66b that detects the sheets P is provided at the entrance 64b.

[0022] A conveying path P1b extending from an entrance 64b branches into a conveying path P2b and a conveying path P3b at a branching position where a flapper F1b is installed. A sheet P conveyed along the conveying path P1b is guided to the conveying path P2b or the conveying path P3b by the flapper F1b. A sheet tray 61b is provided at the exit of the conveying path P2b. The sheet tray 61b is a large-capacity sheet stacking means capable of stacking a large number of sheets P. For example, sheets P that have passed an image inspection (quality inspection) may be stacked on the sheet tray 61b.

[0023] The conveying path P3b branches into a conveying path P4b and a conveying path P5b at a branching position where a flapper F2b is installed. The sheet P conveyed along the conveying path P3b is guided to the conveying path P4b or the conveying path P5b by the flapper F2b.

[0024] A sheet tray 62b is provided at the exit of the transport path P4b. For example, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable by the inspection device 50 may be stacked on the sheet tray 62b. However, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable may be discharged from the exit 65b to a downstream device. Also, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be OK (meet the inspection standards, which may also be called "pass") may be stacked on the sheet tray 62b. The transport path P5b extends to the exit 65b.

[0025] A downstream device may be connected to the exit 65b. Also, like the stacking device 60c, a sheet tray 69 may be provided at the exit 65c. The sheet tray 69 can also hold sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable or acceptable. In this way, the types of sheets P to be discharged to the sheet trays 61b, 61c, 62a, 62b, 62c, and 69 are determined in advance based on settings made by the user.

[0026] The sheet trays 61c, 62c, and 69 provided in the stacking device 60c may be referred to as an upper tray, a middle tray, and a lower tray, respectively. The post-processing unit 68 may be provided with a binding processor that bundles the sheets P discharged from the stacking device 60b to create a sheet bundle and staples the sheet bundle. The post-processing unit 68 may be provided with a bookbinding processor that folds the sheet bundle in half. The post-processing unit 68 may be provided with a trimming processor that cuts the sheet bundle.

[0027] Each of the conveying paths P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 is provided with one or more conveying rollers 63. The conveying rollers 63 convey the sheet P from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet P. The conveying rollers 63 may be a roller pair consisting of two rollers that sandwich and convey the sheet P.

[0028] The number of stacking devices 60 connected downstream of the inspection device 50 may be one or more. The number of sheet trays 61, 62, 69 provided in the stacking device 60 connected downstream of the inspection device 50 may be two or more in total in the image forming system 100. The number of flappers F1, F2 may be one or more.

[0029] Note that the conveying path (conveying route) from the reading position where the image sensor 54 reads the image on the sheet (or where the image sensor 55 reads the image on the sheet) to the branching position of the flapper F2c may be referred to as the main path. Also, the conveying route P4a branching from the main path at the branching position of the flapper F2a may be referred to as the branching path. Also, the conveying route P2b branching from the main path at the branching position of the flapper F1b may be referred to as the branching path. Also, the conveying route P4b branching from the main path at the branching position of the flapper F2b may be referred to as the branching path. Also, the conveying route P2c branching from the main path at the branching position of the flapper F1c may be referred to as the branching path. Also, the conveying route P4c branching from the main path at the branching position of the flapper F2c may be referred to as the branching path. In the stacking device 60a in FIG. 1, the route from the reading position through the conveying route P1a corresponds to the main path. In other words, the first branching path branching from the main path corresponds to the conveying route P4a. Each transport path functions as a transport path for guiding a sheet.

[0030] (2) Controller FIG. 2 shows the details of the control device 40. The control device 40 may be provided inside or outside the housing of the image forming apparatus 30. The CPU 201 executes a control program 213 stored in the memory 210 to realize multiple functions. The CPU 201 may include multiple processors or CPU cores. Some or all of the multiple functions realized by the CPU 201 may be realized by hardware circuits other than the CPU 201. The memory 210 is a storage device including a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a solid-state drive (SSD), and a hard disk drive (HDD). The communication circuit 220 has a network interface for connecting to a local area network and a communication interface for communicating with the image forming apparatus 30, the inspection device 50, the loading device 60, and the host computer 90. The CPU 201 communicates with the image forming apparatus 30, the inspection device 50, and the loading device 60 through the communication circuit 220. The operation unit 20 includes a display device 21 and an input device 22. The operation unit 20 may have a voice circuit and a speaker for outputting messages to the user. The CPU 201 functions as an inspection setting unit 202, an inspection control unit 205, and a job processing unit 206 according to a control program 213.

[0031] The inspection setting unit 202 displays an inspection setting screen and a job input screen on the display device 21 provided in the operation unit 20. The inspection setting unit 202 may be provided in the host computer 90. The inspection setting unit 202 accepts setting instructions and job execution instructions from a user via an input device 22 provided in the operation unit 20. The inspection setting unit 202 accepts settings such as the discharge destination of the sheet P, the inspection content (position misalignment, color misalignment, color variation, streaks, black spots, etc.), and the inspection level. The inspection content may also be referred to as the inspection item. The discharge destination of the sheet P may be different for sheets P that pass the inspection and sheets P that fail the inspection. The inspection level indicates the strictness of the image inspection. For example, the larger the numerical value indicating the inspection level, the higher the printing accuracy required. In other words, the larger the numerical value indicating the inspection level, the smaller the judgment threshold value, which will be described later. However, the smaller the numerical value indicating the inspection level, the higher the printing accuracy required. The inspection setting unit 202 stores setting data, which is information related to image inspection such as the discharge destination, inspection content, and inspection level set by the user via the display device 21, in the memory 210. In the following, the setting data is included in the job data 212, but the setting data may exist independently from the job data 212.

[0032] The memory 210 further stores reference data 211 and capability information 214. The reference data 211 is comparison data used as a pass standard in image inspection. The reference data 211 may be, for example, original image data (RIP image data) linked to a print job (job data 212) received from the host computer 90. RIP is an abbreviation for raster image processing. The reference data 211 may be, for example, image data obtained by reading one or more sheets on which an image corresponding to the reference image is formed. The capability information 214 indicates the printing capability of the image forming device 30.

[0033] Printing capability is the ability to achieve a certain level of printing precision (image quality). For example, the charger 2 of an image forming apparatus 30 with high image quality employs a corona charging method. The corona charging method applies a high voltage to a wire to generate a discharge, thereby charging the photoconductor 1. This method enables the surface of the photoconductor 1 to be uniformly charged in the width direction (direction of rotation axis) of the photoconductor 1, resulting in less uneven density in the image. On the other hand, an image forming apparatus 30 with relatively low image quality employs a roller charging method. The roller charging method employs a charging roller that contacts the photoconductor 1 to charge the photoconductor 1. The roller charging method tends to result in uneven charging in the width direction of the photoconductor 1. As a result, uneven density in the image in the width direction tends to occur. The uneven density may appear as streaks.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, the fuser 8 also affects image quality. The fuser 8 of an image forming apparatus 30 with high image quality has a fuser roller and a web (e.g., cloth) that cleans the surface of the fuser roller. When the web comes into contact with the surface of the rotating fuser roller, it wipes off any toner remaining on the surface of the fuser roller. As a result, black spots are less likely to appear. The web can be wiped off each time a predetermined number of sheets pass through the fuser 8, each time a print job is completed, or each time a single sheet passes through the fuser 8. The fuser 8 of an image forming apparatus 30 with relatively low image quality does not have a web. Therefore, black spots are more likely to appear.

[0035] In this way, the image quality is determined depending on the structural components involved in image formation of the image forming apparatus 30. Generally, the image quality (printing capability) of the image forming apparatus 30 can be specified based on identification information such as a serial number.

[0036] The capability information 214 is collected from the image forming apparatus 30 by the CPU 201 via the communication circuit 220, for example, when the image forming system 100 is started. The capability information 214 is information linked to the image forming apparatus 30. The capability information 214 may be any information that can identify the upper limit of the inspection level that matches the printing capability of the image forming apparatus 30. For example, the capability information 214 may include identification information (e.g., name, serial number) of the image forming apparatus 30. This is because the identification information of the image forming apparatus 30 is linked to the upper limit of the inspection level. The capability information 214 may also include the upper limit of the inspection level itself. Alternatively, the capability information 214 may include all inspection levels that match the printing capability of the image forming apparatus 30. Furthermore, the capability information 214 may also include all inspection levels that do not match the printing capability of the image forming apparatus 30. In this way, it is sufficient that the capability information 214 is linked to the image forming device 30, and it does not have to be information that indicates the printing capability of the image forming device 30.

[0037] The inspection control unit 205 controls the inspection device 50 based on setting data included in the job data 212. For example, when the inspection device 50 requests reference data 211 via the communication circuit 220, the inspection control unit 205 transmits the reference data 211 to the inspection device 50. The inspection control unit 205 acquires image inspection result information from the inspection device 50 serving as an inspection unit via the communication circuit 220. Based on the inspection result, the inspection control unit 205 controls flappers F1 and F2 to discharge the sheet P to one of the sheet trays 61, 62, and 69 designated by the user.

[0038] The job processing unit 206 controls a print job for printing an image on a sheet P, a stacking job for stacking a sheet bundle on stacking devices 60a and 60b, a post-processing job for the sheet bundle in stacking device 60c, etc. The job processing unit 206 stores job data 212 required to execute these jobs in a memory 210.

[0039] The stacking device 60 drives the motor M1 to rotate the conveyance roller 63 in accordance with a control command from the job processing unit 206. The stacking device 60 drives the solenoids SL1 and SL2 to switch the flappers F1 and F2 in accordance with a control command from the job processing unit 206. This allows the sheet P to be guided and conveyed to either the sheet tray 61, the sheet tray 62, or the stacking device 60c. For example, if the image inspection result by the inspection device 50 is NG (fail), the job processing unit 206 controls the stacking device 60 to discharge the sheet P determined to be NG to the sheet tray 62. The image forming device 30 also includes a solenoid that drives the flapper and a motor that drives the conveyance roller, but these are not shown.

[0040] (3) Inspection equipment 3 shows details of the inspection controller 51 provided in the inspection device 50. The CPU 301 executes a control program 313 stored in the memory 310 to realize multiple functions. Some or all of the multiple functions may be realized by hardware circuits other than the CPU 301. The memory 310 is a storage device including a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, and an HDD. The CPU 301 is connected to the control device 40 via a communication circuit 320, and receives various commands and data and transmits inspection results.

[0041] The inspection unit 302 performs image inspection in accordance with job data 314 (including setting data) received from the control device 40 via the communication circuit 320, and transmits the image inspection results to the control device 40. Note that the CPU 201 may perform the inspection, or the host computer 90 connected to the image forming system 100 may perform the inspection. In these cases, the CPU 301 transmits inspection image data 312 to the CPU 201 or the host computer 90.

[0042] The position correction unit 303 performs position correction on the reading results of the image sensors 54 and 55. If the sheet P is read by the image sensors 54 and 55 while it is skewed, the sheet P may appear skewed in the read image. Also, the leading edge of the sheet P may be shifted from the ideal position in the read image. Therefore, the position correction unit 303 corrects the position of the sheet P in the reading results by rotating the reading results or shifting the coordinates.

[0043] The reference data 211 is comparison data used in inspecting the image quality. The inspection image data (read image data) 312 is image data created by the image sensors 54 and 55 reading the sheet P.

[0044] The evaluation unit 304 compares the reference data 211 with the test image data 312 to determine whether the image formed on the sheet P meets the test criteria. For example, if the test content is "positional misalignment detection," the evaluation unit 304 may determine the sheet P as passing if the amount of misalignment between the image position of the reference data 211 and the image position of the test image data 312 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The evaluation unit 304 may determine the sheet P as failing if the amount of misalignment exceeds the predetermined value. In other words, the amount of misalignment between the image position of the reference data 211 and the image position of the test image data 312 being equal to or less than a predetermined value corresponds to the test criteria being met. Furthermore, the amount of misalignment between the image position of the reference data 211 and the image position of the test image data 312 being greater than the predetermined value corresponds to the test criteria not being met.

[0045] Furthermore, when the inspection content is set to "black dot detection," the evaluation unit 304 may determine that the image is pass if the size of a black dot that is not present in the image of the reference data 211 but is present in the image of the inspection image data 312 is equal to or smaller than the judgment threshold. In other words, the black dot corresponds to a noise image that is not present in the image corresponding to the reference data 211 but is present in the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 to which reduction processing has been applied. The evaluation unit 304 may determine that the size of a black dot exceeds the judgment threshold. In other words, the size of a black dot not exceeding the judgment threshold corresponds to meeting the inspection standard. In addition, the size of a black dot exceeding the judgment threshold corresponds to not meeting the inspection standard.

[0046] In this embodiment, "positional deviation detection" and "black spot detection" are described as inspection contents, but these are merely examples. For example, the inspection contents may include "streak detection". Streak detection means detecting streak-like images that do not exist in the original image. That is, streaks corresponds to a noise image that is not present in the image corresponding to the reference data 211 but is present in the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 to which the reduction process has been applied. Streaks may occur when cleaning, replacement, or repair of components involved in image formation is required. In other words, a determination process may be performed to determine the "streaks" as a degree of coincidence between the image corresponding to the reference data 211 and the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 to which the reduction process (image processing) has been applied.

[0047] When the inspection content is "color detection," the evaluation unit 304 calculates the difference in color between the image of the reference data 211 and the image of the inspection image data 312. The evaluation unit 304 may determine that the sheet P to be inspected passes if the difference is equal to or less than a threshold value corresponding to the inspection level. The evaluation unit 304 may determine that the sheet P to be inspected fails if the difference exceeds the threshold value. In other words, the difference in color between the image of the reference data 211 and the image of the inspection image data 312 being equal to or less than the threshold value corresponds to satisfying the inspection standard. Furthermore, the difference in color between the image of the reference data 211 and the image of the inspection image data 312 being greater than the threshold value corresponds to not satisfying the inspection standard.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the inspection content is "positional deviation detection," the relative positions of the image of the reference data 211 and the image of the inspection image data 312 are inspected, but this is merely an example. For example, the absolute position of the image of the inspection image data 312 relative to the edge of the sheet may also be inspected. In this case, if the distance between the absolute position of the image of the reference data 211 and the absolute position of the image of the inspection image data 312 is equal to or less than a threshold, it is determined to pass. If the distance exceeds the threshold, it is determined to fail.

[0049] The evaluation unit 304 creates an inspection result indicating the judgment result and transmits it to the control device 40 and the stacking device 60 via the communication circuit 320. The control device 40 discharges the rejected sheet P to a discharge destination designated by the user. The control device 40 controls the image forming device 30 to reprint the image of the rejected sheet P on another sheet P.

[0050] The conveyance control unit 306 drives the motor M2 to rotate the conveyance roller 53. The reading control unit 307 controls the image sensors 54 and 55 to read the sheet P and generate inspection image data 312. The image sensor 54 reads the first side of the sheet P, and the image sensor 55 reads the second side of the sheet P. This allows the present embodiment to perform image inspection on both sides of the sheet P.

[0051] (4) Loading device 4 shows details of the loading controller 67 provided in the loading device 60. The CPU 401 executes a control program 413 stored in the memory 410 to realize multiple functions. Some or all of the multiple functions may be realized by hardware circuits other than the CPU 401. The memory 410 is a storage device including a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, and an HDD. The CPU 401 is connected to the control device 40 via a communication circuit 420, and receives various commands and data and transmits execution results.

[0052] The job control unit 402 executes job data 411 received from the control device 40 via the communication circuit 420. The job data 411 includes, for example, information indicating the contents of the job. The transport control unit 406 starts the rotation of the motor M1 in accordance with a rotation command received from the control device 40. The transport control unit 406 stops the rotation of the motor M1 in accordance with a stop command received from the control device 40. This causes the transport roller 63 driven by the motor M1 to rotate or stop.

[0053] The flapper control unit 407 drives the solenoids SL1 and SL2 to switch between the flappers F1 and F2 in accordance with a switching command received from the control device 40 for each sheet P. This determines the discharge destination of the sheet P. The flappers F1 and F2 may be controlled based on the inspection results received from the inspection device 50 instead of the switching command received from the control device 40.

[0054] When the loading device 60c is a post-processing device, the loading device 60c includes a post-processing control unit 408. The post-processing control unit 408 controls the post-processing unit 68 in accordance with a post-processing execution command received from the control device 40.

[0055] (5) Host computer As shown in FIG. 5, the host computer 90 has a CPU 501, a memory 510, a communication circuit 520, an input device 522, and a display device 521. The memory 510 is a storage device including a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, and an HDD. The CPU 501 is connected to the control device 40 via the communication circuit 520, and transmits various commands and data and receives test results. The communication circuit 520 is a communication circuit for communicating with other devices via a wired or wireless network. The input device 522 includes a keyboard, a touch panel, or a pointing device. The display device 521 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. EL is an abbreviation for electroluminescence.

[0056] The CPU 501 executes a driver program 511 stored in a memory 510 to implement various functions. The inspection setting unit 502 executes inspection settings equivalent to those of the inspection setting unit 202 included in the control device 40. The inspection setting unit 502 includes various functions. The capability acquisition unit 503 acquires capability information 214 of the image forming device 30 from the control device 40 and stores it in the memory 510. The level determination unit 504 determines an inspection level corresponding to the capability information 214. There are multiple inspection levels for image inspection. If an inspection level that is high and incompatible with the printing capability of the image forming device 30 is set, a large number of sheets P may be determined to be NG. The user wastes a lot of time discarding such sheets P or reprinting them. Therefore, the level determination unit 504 identifies an inspection level that is compatible with the printing capability of the image forming device 30, or identifies an inspection level that is incompatible with the printing capability of the image forming device 30. The screen creation unit 505 creates a setting screen for the user to execute the inspection setting and displays it on the display device 521. The selection unit 506 selects one inspection level from multiple inspection levels displayed as options on the setting screen in accordance with a user instruction. The selection unit 506 may determine the inspection level corresponding to the capability information 214 by referring to a determination table 514 stored in the memory 510. The capability information 214 may indicate all selectable inspection levels, all unselectable inspection levels, or an upper limit of selectable inspection levels. In the following, "unselectable" includes not only the fact that an inspection level cannot actually be selected, but also the fact that it is not recommended to select a specific inspection level even if it is selectable. In other words, "unselectable" may also include the fact that selection is not recommended.

[0057] The job sending unit 507 creates job data 212 in accordance with user instructions input from the input device 522, and sends it to the control device 40. The job data 212 includes control information for causing the image forming system 100 to execute a print job or an inspection job.

[0058] (5) Settings screen (user interface) FIG. 6 shows the print setting screen SC1. The print setting screen SC1 may also be called a job input screen. The button 601a is a button for specifying the size (including the length of the sheet in the conveying direction), basis weight, and sheet cassette 11 of the sheet P to be printed. The button 601b is a button for instructing transition from the print setting screen SC1 to the inspection setting screen SC2 (FIG. 7). The button 601c is a button for instructing transition from the print setting screen SC1 to the discharge destination setting screen. The discharge destination setting screen is a screen that accepts selection or specification of a sheet tray to which sheets P that have passed the inspection are discharged and a sheet tray to which sheets P that have not passed the inspection are discharged. The button 601d is a button for instructing cancellation of the settings. When the button 601d is operated by the operator (user), transition to a predetermined initial screen occurs. The button 601e is a button for instructing start of printing.

[0059] FIG. 7 shows the inspection setting screen SC2. The inspection setting screen SC2 is a screen displayed on the display device 21 or the display device 521. The inspection setting screen SC2 accepts instructions from the operator to set the inspection area, inspection content, and inspection level where quality inspection by the inspection device 50 will be performed. In FIG. 7, the display area 700 displays an image 704 to be printed, inspection areas 705a and 705b, and an inspection exclusion area 711. The operator operates the input device 22 or the input device 522 to set the inspection areas 705a and 705b and the inspection exclusion area 711 for the image 704. The inspection area 705a is a standard inspection area that is set by operating the button 701a. The standard inspection area is, for example, an inspection area where inspection of standard content is performed. The menu 702a is a pull-down list for setting the inspection level (inspection accuracy) to be applied to the inspection area 705a. When the menu 702a is operated from the input device 22 or the input device 522, the entire list 703a included in the menu 702a is displayed, as shown in FIG. 8(A). The menu 702a may be called a pull-down menu or a drop-down list. In this example, the inspection accuracy is lowest at inspection level 1. As the inspection level number increases, the inspection accuracy increases. The user selects the inspection level of the deliverable from the list 703a.

[0060] Inspection area 705b is a priority inspection area that is set by operating button 701b. The priority inspection area is, for example, an inspection area where high-precision inspection is performed. In the example shown in FIG. 7, high-precision inspection is performed on shapes such as circles and crosses.

[0061] Menu 702b is a pull-down list for setting the inspection level (inspection accuracy) to be applied to inspection area 705b. As with menu 702a, when menu 702b is operated, the list included in menu 702b is displayed.

[0062] The inspection exclusion area 711 is set by operating button 701c and is an area where inspection is not performed. For example, high-precision inspection may not be necessary for cylindrical and triangular shapes. Therefore, areas containing these shapes may be set as the inspection exclusion area 711. In this way, the inspection level can be set for each area included in the print target. This allows the user to set appropriate pass criteria. As a result, printed matter of acceptable quality is judged to be pass, reducing unnecessary reprinting and improving productivity. It also reduces unnecessary disposal of sheets P.

[0063] Button 706 is a button for displaying detailed information about the inspection level that has become unselectable. The detailed information includes, for example, the reason why it is unselectable and the conditions (e.g., work content) required to change the inspection level to one that is selectable. Button 701d is a button for returning from the inspection setting screen SC2 to the print setting screen SC1.

[0064] (6) Hide unavailable inspection levels The inspection device 50 is an option for the image forming device 30. Therefore, the inspection device 50 is designed to be connectable to a plurality of image forming devices each having a different image formation accuracy. As an example, the inspection device 50 can be connected to three types of image forming devices 30. The host computer 90 acquires capability information 214 (e.g., the upper limit of the applicable inspection level) from the image forming device 30 or the control device 40, and stores the capability information 214 in memory 510.

[0065] FIG. 9 shows an example of the determination table 514. Here, the inspection level is a number between 1 and 10. The determination table 514 stores the identification information of the image forming device 30, the image formation accuracy, and the upper limit of the inspection level, in association with each other. In this example, three types of image forming devices A, B, and C have image formation accuracy A, B, and C, respectively, as the capability information 214. The image formation accuracy A, B, and C are associated with the upper limit of the inspection level, which are 8, 9, and 10, respectively. That is, the image forming device A has an image formation accuracy A that satisfies the inspection levels 1 to 8, which are equal to or less than the upper limit of 8. The image formation accuracy A is an accuracy to which the inspection levels 9 and 10, which exceed the upper limit of 8, cannot be applied. The image forming device B has an image formation accuracy A that satisfies the inspection levels 1 to 9, which are equal to or less than the upper limit of 9. The image formation accuracy B is an accuracy to which the inspection level 10 cannot be applied. The image forming device C has an image formation accuracy that satisfies the inspection levels 1 to 10, which are equal to or less than the upper limit of 10.

[0066] As described above, the image formation accuracy may vary depending on the image forming apparatus 30. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 30 may not be able to satisfy the inspection level set on the inspection setting screen SC2. If the image forming apparatus 30 cannot achieve the image formation accuracy required by the inspection level set by the operator, there is a possibility that deliverables determined to be NG will be continuously produced. In this case, deliverables to be discarded will be produced, and the productivity of the image forming system 100 will decrease. Therefore, the capability information 214 (e.g., image formation accuracy) of the image forming apparatus 30 is acquired, and only the inspection level that matches the image formation accuracy is displayed so that the operator can select it. The inspection level that matches the image formation accuracy may be identified based on the identification information included in the capability information 214 by referring to the judgment table 514.

[0067] FIG. 8(B) shows an example in which inspection levels 9 and 10 are displayed as unselectable in list 703a of menu 702a. In this example, inspection levels 9 and 10 are grayed out. This allows the operator to select one of inspection levels 1 to 8. Inspection levels 9 and 10 do not have to be displayed.

[0068] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8(A), inspection level 9 and inspection level 10 may be displayed as selectable in list 703a of menu 702a. When the user selects inspection level 9 or inspection level 10, a message urging the user to reconsider their selection may be displayed on display device 521. The message may include, for example, a notification urging the user to select an inspection level of 8 or lower. This will enable the user to select an inspection level that matches the image formation accuracy. Note that the graying out of inspection level 9 and inspection level 10 and the notification urging the user to change the inspection level are equivalent to prohibiting the selection of inspection level 9 and inspection level 10, respectively.

[0069] FIG. 10 shows a detailed screen SC3 that is displayed when button 706 is pressed. The screen creation unit 505 creates the detailed screen SC3 based on the unselectable inspection levels determined by the level determination unit 504 and displays it on the display device 521. The detailed screen SC3 may be implemented, for example, as a pop-up screen. Box 1001 indicates the inspection level that is determined to be unselectable. In this example, it is assumed that image forming device 30 is image forming device A, and inspection levels 9 and 10 are determined to be unselectable. Box 1002 indicates the reason why the corresponding inspection level is unselectable. An example of the reason is insufficient image formation accuracy. Box 1003 indicates the work required to change the corresponding inspection level to a selectable level. In this example, it is indicated that image forming devices B and C, which have higher image formation accuracy, should be connected to the image forming system 100. For example, to select inspection level 9, image forming device 30 needs to be replaced with image forming device B or image forming device C. To select inspection level 10, image forming apparatus 30 must be replaced with image forming apparatus C.

[0070] (7) Flowchart (7-1) Inspection settings 11 shows the test settings executed by the CPU 201 or the CPU 501. Here, as an example, the test settings are described as being executed by the CPU 501. For example, the test settings are executed when the button 601b is pressed.

[0071] In S1101, the CPU 501 (capability acquisition unit 503) acquires information (e.g., capability information 214) linked to the image forming apparatus 30. For example, the CPU 501 accesses the control device 40 via the communication circuit 520 and acquires the capability information 214 of the image forming apparatus 30. Alternatively, the CPU 501 accesses a server (not shown) via the communication circuit 520 and acquires the capability information 214 of the image forming apparatus 30. Alternatively, the CPU 501 acquires the capability information 214 of the image forming apparatus 30 from the memory 510.

[0072] In S1102, the CPU 501 (level determination unit 504) determines the upper limit value Lv_max of the inspection level corresponding to information (e.g., capability information 214) linked to the image forming device 30. For example, the CPU 501 determines the upper limit value Lv_max of the inspection level by referring to the judgment table 514 based on the image inspection accuracy included in the capability information 214. Alternatively, the CPU 501 determines the upper limit value Lv_max of the inspection level by referring to the judgment table 514 based on the identification information of the image forming device 30 included in the capability information 214. Alternatively, the CPU 501 may read out the upper limit value Lv_max of the inspection level included in the capability information 214.

[0073] In S1103, the CPU 501 (screen creation unit 505) assigns 1 to a variable i. The variable i is an index indicating the inspection level of interest. In this example, i is an integer from 1 to 10.

[0074] In S1104, the CPU 501 (screen creation unit 505) determines whether the variable i is equal to or less than the maximum inspection level value i_max. As shown in FIG. 8A, the maximum inspection level value i_max in this embodiment is 10. If the variable i exceeds the maximum inspection level value i_max, the CPU 501 advances the process from S1104 to S1108. If the variable i is equal to or less than the maximum inspection level value i_max, the CPU 501 advances the process from S1104 to S1105.

[0075] In S1105, the CPU 501 (screen creation unit 505) determines whether the variable i exceeds the upper limit value Lv_max. If the variable i exceeds the upper limit value Lv_max, the CPU 501 advances the process from S1105 to S1106. In S1106, the CPU 501 (screen creation unit 505) sets the inspection level i to be unselectable. For example, the inspection level i is grayed out in the list 703a of the menu 702a. The CPU 501 advances the process from S1106 to S1107. In S1107, the CPU 501 (screen creation unit 505) adds 1 to the variable i. The CPU 501 advances the process from S1107 to S1104.

[0076] On the other hand, if the variable i does not exceed the upper limit value Lv_max, the CPU 501 advances the process from S1105 to S1120. In S1120, the CPU 501 (screen creation unit 505) sets the inspection level i to be selectable. The CPU 501 advances the process from S1120 to S1107.

[0077] In S1108, the CPU 501 (screen creation unit 505) creates an examination setting screen SC2 and displays it on the display device 521. For example, the CPU 501 creates a list 703a of the menu 702a based on the selection unavailable / available set for the examination levels 1 to i_max, and creates the examination setting screen SC2 including the menu 702a.

[0078] In S1109, the CPU 501 (selection unit 506) accepts the examination settings via the examination setting screen SC2. When the button 601d is pressed and then the button 601e is pressed on the print setting screen SC1, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1109 to S1110.

[0079] In S1110, the CPU 501 (job sending unit 507) creates job data 212 based on the inspection settings and sends it to the control device 40. The control device 40 controls the image forming system 100 in accordance with the job data 212 to form an image on the sheet P and inspect the formed image.

[0080] When the test setting is executed by the CPU 201 of the control device 40, the CPU 501 in the above description should be read as the CPU 201, and the memory 510 should be read as the memory 210. That is, the test setting unit 502 shown in FIG. 5 is implemented in the CPU 201 as the test setting unit 202. Furthermore, the input device 522 should be read as the input device 22. The display device 521 should be read as the display device 21. In this way, the test setting may be executed in the host computer 90 or in the control device 40.

[0081] (7-2) Operation of the control device 12 is a flowchart showing the printing process executed by the CPU 201 of the control device 40. When the button 601e is pressed to instruct the start of printing, the CPU 201 executes the following process.

[0082] In S1200, the CPU 201 (examination setting unit 202) executes S1101 to S1109 and S1120 shown in Fig. 11. Note that if the examination setting is executed in the host computer 90, S1200 is skipped.

[0083] In S1201, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) creates job data 314 including sheet information, inspection settings, and discharge destination information based on the job data 212, and sends it to the inspection device 50. The sheet information includes the size and number of sheets P. The inspection settings include whether or not to perform an inspection, and the details of the inspection to be performed by the inspection device 50 (inspection area, inspection level, etc.). The discharge destination information includes identification information of one of the stacking devices 60a to 60c that will be the discharge destination, and identification information of the OK tray and the NG tray. The OK tray is a sheet tray to which sheets P that have passed inspection are discharged. The NG tray is a sheet tray to which sheets P that have not passed inspection are discharged. The OK tray and the NG tray are selected on a screen that is displayed when button 601c is pressed.

[0084] In S1202, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) determines whether or not a request for transmitting the reference data 211 has been received from the inspection device 50. If no request has been received, the CPU 201 advances the process to S1204. If a request has been received, the CPU 201 advances the process to S1203.

[0085] In S1203, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) reads the reference data 211 from the memory 210 and transmits the reference data 211 to the inspection device 50.

[0086] In S1204, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) determines whether or not the completion of preparation has been notified by the inspection device 50. When the completion of preparation has been notified by the inspection device 50, the CPU 201 advances the process to S1205.

[0087] In S1205, the CPU 201 (job processing section 206) controls the image forming apparatus 30 to perform printing on the sheet P. 6Then, CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) determines whether the inspection result received from inspection device 50 is NG (failure). If the inspection result is OK, CPU 201 advances the process from S1206 to S1208. If the inspection result is NG, CPU 201 advances the process from S1206 to S1207.

[0088] In S1207, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) instructs the image forming apparatus 30 to reprint. As a result, the image on the sheet P determined to be NG is reprinted onto another sheet P. Thereafter, the CPU 201 advances the process from S1207 to S1205. Note that the reprint may be scheduled after printing of all pages based on the job data 212 has been completed. In other words, the job data 212 for the reprint may be generated.

[0089] In S1208, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) determines whether all printing has been completed based on the job data 212. If pages remain to be printed, the CPU 201 proceeds to S1205 and prints the next page. If no pages remain to be printed, the CPU 201 ends the print job.

[0090] (7-3) Operation of the inspection device FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the inspection process executed by the CPU 301 of the inspection device 50.

[0091] In S1301, the CPU 301 receives job data 314 from the control device 40. The job data 314 may be stored in the memory 310. Alternatively, the job data 314 may be stored in the memory 310 as part of the job data 212. The job data 314 includes control information for the inspection device 50 and control information to be applied to the loading device 60.

[0092] In step S1302, the CPU 301 transmits the job data 411 to the subsequent stacker 60a. The job data 411 is part of the job data 314, and includes control information to be applied to the stacker 60a.

[0093] In S1303, the CPU 301 analyzes the job data 314 and determines whether the job data 314 indicates that an inspection job should be executed. If an inspection job is not specified, the inspection device 50 executes a transport job to transport the sheet P to the subsequent stacking device 60a. If an inspection job is specified, the CPU 301 advances the process to S1304. If an inspection job is not specified, the CPU 301 advances the process to S1306.

[0094] In S1304, the CPU 301 transmits a request to the control device 40 to request the reference data 211. In S1305, the CPU 301 receives the reference data 211 from the control device 40. The reference data 211 is stored in the memory 310. In S1306, the CPU 301 notifies the control device 40 that preparation is complete. Note that the preparation completion notification may also be transmitted to the subsequent stacking devices 60a to 60c.

[0095] In S1307, the CPU 301 determines whether the sheet P has arrived based on the detection signal output from the sheet sensor 56. The arrival of the sheet P means that the sheet sensor 56 has detected the leading edge of the sheet P. When the sheet P has arrived at the sheet sensor 56, the CPU 301 advances the process to S1308.

[0096] In S1308, the CPU 301 (reading control unit 307, inspection unit 302) executes the image inspection specified by the job data 314. The reading control unit 307 reads the sheet P using the image sensors 54 and 55, and creates inspection image data 312. Furthermore, the inspection unit 302 inspects the inspection image data 312 in accordance with the inspection settings specified by the job data 314. For example, the inspection unit 302 compares the inspection image data 312 with the reference data 211 to determine whether the image formed on the sheet P meets the pass criteria. The pass criteria are pass criteria that correspond to the inspection level specified by the job data 314.

[0097] In S1309, the CPU 301 (inspection unit 302) transmits the inspection results to the control device 40 and the stacking devices 60a to 60c. If the job data 314 specifies the stacking device 60b as the discharge destination, the inspection results are transmitted to at least the stacking device 60b. This is because the discharge destination is switched based on the inspection results.

[0098] In step S1310, the CPU 201 determines whether there are any pages to be inspected that are specified by the job data 314. If there are any pages to be inspected, the CPU 301 proceeds to step S1307 and waits for the arrival of the next sheet P. If there are no pages to be inspected, the CPU 301 ends the job.

[0099] (7-4) Operation of the loading device FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the transport and discharge process executed by the CPU 401 of the stacking device 60.

[0100] In S1401, the CPU 401 (job control unit 402) receives job data 411 from the inspection device 50 or the upstream loading device 60. If a downstream loading device 60 exists, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1402.

[0101] In S1402, the CPU 401 (job control unit 402) transmits the job data 411 to the downstream loading device 60. If the loading device 60 is the most downstream loading device 60, in S1403, a response indicating successful reception of the job data 411 is transmitted to the inspection device 50 or the upstream loading device 60. The upstream loading device 60 transfers the response to the inspection device 50.

[0102] In S1404, the CPU 401 determines whether the CPU 401 (the stacking device 60) is designated as the discharge destination based on the job data 411. If the sheet P passes through the CPU 401 (the stacking device 60) and is to be discharged to a subsequent stacking device 60, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1421.

[0103] In S1421, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the sheet P has arrived based on the detection signal of the sheet sensor 66. When the sheet P has arrived, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1422.

[0104] In S1422, the CPU 401 controls the motor M1 and solenoids SL1 and SL2 to discharge the sheet P to the subsequent stacking device 60. In S1423, the CPU 401 determines whether or not there are any sheets P to be discharged, based on the job data 411. If there are any sheets P to be discharged, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1421. If there are no sheets P to be discharged, the CPU 401 completes the transport job.

[0105] On the other hand, if the CPU 401 is designated as the discharge destination, the CPU 401 advances the process from S1404 to S1405. In S1405, the CPU 401 determines whether the sheet P has arrived based on the detection signal of the sheet sensor 66. When the sheet P has arrived, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1406.

[0106] In S1406, the CPU 401 receives the inspection results from the inspection device 50. In S1407, the CPU 401 determines whether the sheet P has passed the inspection based on the inspection results. If the sheet P has passed the inspection, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1408.

[0107] In S1408, the CPU 401 controls the motor M1 and solenoids SL1 and SL2 to discharge the sheet P to the OK tray. If the sheet P does not pass the inspection, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1410. In S1410, the CPU 401 controls the motor M1 and solenoids SL1 and SL2 to discharge the sheet P to the NG tray. The OK tray and NG tray are specified in advance by the job data 411.

[0108] In S1409, the CPU 401 determines whether or not there are any sheets P to be discharged, based on the job data 411. If there are any sheets P to be discharged, the CPU 401 proceeds to S1405. If there are no sheets P to be discharged, the CPU 401 completes the discharge job.

[0109] According to this embodiment, an appropriate upper limit for the inspection level is set according to the capabilities (image formation accuracy) of the image forming apparatus 30. This improves usability regarding inspection. For example, the number of times that image formation and inspection are stopped due to unnecessary NG will decrease. Furthermore, the amount of discarded deliverables will decrease, and resources such as sheets P, toner, and electricity will be used more effectively. The productivity of the image forming system 100 will improve.

[0110] (8) Image forming device controller 15 shows a controller implemented in the image forming apparatus 30. A CPU 1501 controls the image forming apparatus 30 in accordance with a control program 1511 stored in a memory 1510. When a capability management unit 1502 receives a capability request from the control device 40 via a communication circuit 1520, it reads capability information 214 from the memory 1510. Furthermore, the capability management unit 1502 transmits the capability information 214 to the control device 40 via the communication circuit 1520. A print control unit 1503 controls a printer engine 1530 based on commands from the control device 40. The printer engine 1530 transports a sheet P within the image forming apparatus 30. vinegar 15 may be included in the control device 40.

[0111] (9) Technical concepts derived from the embodiments (Item 1) The image forming device 30 is an example of a printing means that prints an image on a sheet P. The CPUs 201 and 501 and the capability acquisition unit 503 are an example of an acquisition means that acquires information linked to the printing means (e.g., capability information 214 indicating printing capability). The CPUs 201 and 501 and the level determination unit 504 function as a determination means that determines multiple inspection levels applicable to the inspection based on the information linked to the printing means. The CPUs 201 and 501 and the selection unit 506 are an example of a selection means that selects one of the multiple determined inspection levels. The inspection device 50 is an example of an inspection means that inspects the print result by applying the selected inspection level.

[0112] If a user sets an inspection level (pass criteria / fail criteria) that exceeds the capabilities of the image forming device 30, the number of rejected products will increase and usability will decrease. According to item 1, the inspection level options are determined according to the capabilities of the image forming device 30. This makes it easy for the user to select an inspection level that matches their capabilities. As a result, the number of rejected products will decrease and usability regarding inspection will improve. (Item 2) The display device 21 and the display device 521 function as a display means for displaying the determined plurality of examination levels (options). The input device 22 and the input device 522 are examples of an input means for accepting an input indicating the selection of one examination level from the displayed plurality of examination levels. (Item 3) The display device 21 and the display device 521 display a list (list 703a) including N inspection levels. At this time, the display device 21 and the display device 521 may display M selectable inspection levels (e.g., inspection levels 1 to 8) and NM unselectable inspection levels (e.g., inspection levels 9 and 10) in a distinguishable manner. This allows the user to visually understand the selectable and unselectable inspection levels. N and M are integers. (Item 4) The display device 21 and the display device 521 may gray out the NM inspection levels that cannot be selected. The grayed-out inspection levels cannot be selected by the user. Thus, the user is aware of the existence of inspection levels that cannot be selected, but such inspection levels cannot actually be selected. Note that the list 703a may be displayed as a drop-down list. This allows the user to easily recognize the options for the inspection levels. (Item 5) When one or more of the N inspection levels that are not selectable are selected by the user through the selection means, a notification may be displayed, which may include, for example, a message prompting the user to change, review, or lower the inspection level. (Item 6) 10, the display device 21 and the display device 521 may display the reason why the NM inspection levels cannot be selected, so that the user can easily understand why a particular inspection level cannot be selected. (Item 7) 10, the reason may include insufficient print accuracy (image formation accuracy), which may motivate the user to purchase an image forming apparatus 30 with higher print accuracy. (Item 8) 10 , the display device 21 and the display device 521 may display the operation details required to change the NM inspection levels that are not selectable to selectable levels. A user may desire a higher inspection level. By performing the displayed operation details, such a user can set the inspection device 50 to a higher inspection level. (Item 9) 10, the work content may include a message prompting the user to replace the printing means, which would allow the user to select a higher inspection level by replacing the image forming device 30 with another image forming device 30. (Item 10) 10, the job content may include identification information of one or more printing means (e.g., image forming apparatuses B and C) that change the NM inspection levels from being unselectable to being selectable, thereby allowing the user to know which image forming apparatuses are capable of achieving higher inspection levels and with higher accuracy. (Item 11) The capability information 214 may include the upper limit value itself, or may include information linked to the upper limit value (e.g., print accuracy, identification information of the image forming device 30). In this case, the memory 210, 510 may function as a storage means for storing an upper inspection level, which is an inspection level that is the upper limit value that can be applied by the inspection means for each of the multiple identification information. The CPU 201, 501 may obtain the upper inspection level (e.g., LV_max) corresponding to the identification information from the memory 210, 510, and determine multiple inspection levels that are equal to or lower than the upper inspection level. (Item 12) The multiple inspection levels may be associated with pass or fail criteria for the print result. For example, the inspection levels may be associated with a range of acceptable color shifts. The inspection levels may be associated with a range of acceptable color variations. The inspection levels may be associated with an acceptable number or area of ​​black dots. The inspection levels may be associated with an acceptable thickness, length, or area of ​​streaks. (Items 13, 14) The display device 521 and the input device 522 may be provided in a host computer 90 that instructs the printing means to print. As shown in Fig. 1, the operation unit 20 including the display device 21 and the input device 22 may be attached to the housing of the printing means. (Item 15) The stacking devices 60a to 60c are an example of a stacking unit on which sheets whose printing results have been determined to be unacceptable are stacked. (Item 16) If the print result is determined to be unacceptable, the image forming apparatus 30 may reprint the image on another sheet (recovery process), which will improve usability regarding reprinting. (Item 17) The multiple inspection levels may each require higher printing accuracy as the numerical value increases. For example, the printing accuracy required by inspection level 10 is higher than the printing accuracy required by inspection level 9. Note that the multiple inspection levels may each require higher printing accuracy as the numerical value decreases. (Item 18) The inspection device 50 may inspect one or more of the following in the printed result: misalignment of the image formation position, misalignment of the image color, variation in the color tone of the image, or the presence or absence of unexpected images (e.g., black spots, streaks) formed on the sheet. (Item 19) The CPU 201, 501 may acquire capability information 214 indicating printing capabilities. The capability information 214 may include or be linked to an upper inspection level, multiple inspection levels below the upper inspection level, or one or more non-selectable inspection levels above the upper inspection level. The CPU 201, 501 may determine multiple inspection levels applicable to the inspection based on the capability information 214.

[0113] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 30: Image forming device, 201 and 501: CPU, 50: Inspection device

Claims

1. An inspection device connectable to each of a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus having higher printing accuracy than the first image forming apparatus, a reading unit for reading an image formed on a sheet by an image forming apparatus; an inspection means for inspecting the image read by the reading means for an inspection item; a display means for displaying an inspection level corresponding to an inspection standard used to judge the inspection result of the inspection item so that the inspection level can be selected from a plurality of inspection levels; an acquisition means for acquiring information indicating a selection result of the inspection level; a determining means for determining the inspection standard based on the information; a control means; the control means determines the type of the image forming apparatus to be connected, and when it is determined that the first image forming apparatus is connected, allows an inspection level to be used for the inspection to be selected from a first number of inspection levels, and when it is determined that the second image forming apparatus is connected, allows an inspection level to be used for the inspection to be selected from a second number of inspection levels; An inspection device characterized in that the upper limit of the inspection level that can be selected when connected to the second image forming device is higher than the upper limit of the inspection level that can be selected when connected to the first image forming device.

2. The inspection means acquires a reference image to be compared with the image read by the reading means, 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the printing accuracy is affected by a difference between the image read by the reading means and the reference image.

3. The inspection means acquires a reference image to be compared with the image read by the reading means, 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection item is a positional deviation between the reference image and the image read by the reading means.

4. The inspection means acquires a reference image to be compared with the image read by the reading means, 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection item is a color shift between the reference image and the image read by the reading means.

5. 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection item is a color variation of the image read by the reading means.

6. 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection item is a streak that appears in the image read by the reading means.

7. 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection item is a black dot appearing in the image read by the reading means.

8. 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays the plurality of inspection levels so that an inspection level higher than the upper limit of selectable inspection levels cannot be selected when connected to the first image forming device.

9. 9. The inspection device according to claim 8, wherein the display means grays out inspection levels higher than the upper limit of selectable inspection levels when connected to the first image forming device.

10. 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays a message prompting a user to change the inspection level of the inspection item when an inspection level higher than the upper limit of the selectable inspection levels is selected when the device is connected to the first image forming device.

11. 1. A control method for an inspection device connectable to a first image forming device and a second image forming device having higher printing accuracy than the first image forming device, the inspection device reading an image formed on a sheet by the image forming device and inspecting inspection items for the read image, the method comprising: displaying a screen for selecting an inspection level corresponding to an inspection standard used to judge the inspection results of the inspection items; obtaining information indicating a selection result of the inspection level; determining the inspection criteria based on the information; Determine the type of image forming device to be connected; When it is determined that the first image forming apparatus is connected, an inspection level to be used for the inspection can be selected from a first number of inspection levels; When it is determined that the second image forming apparatus is connected, an inspection level to be used for the inspection can be selected from a second number of inspection levels; A control method characterized in that the upper limit of the inspection level that can be selected when connected to the second image forming apparatus is higher than the upper limit of the inspection level that can be selected when connected to the first image forming apparatus.

12. obtaining a reference image to be compared with the image read by the inspection device; The control method according to claim 11 , wherein the printing accuracy affects a difference between the image read by the inspection device and the reference image.

13. obtaining a reference image to be compared with the image read by the inspection device; 12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein the inspection item is a positional deviation between the reference image and the image read by the inspection device.

14. obtaining a reference image to be compared with the image read by the inspection device; 12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein the inspection item is a color shift between the reference image and the image read by the inspection device.

15. 12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein the inspection item is a color variation of the image read by the inspection device.

16. 12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein the inspection item is a streak that appears in the image read by the inspection device.

17. 12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein the inspection item is a black spot appearing in the image read by the inspection device.

18. The control method according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of inspection levels are displayed so that an inspection level higher than the upper limit of selectable inspection levels cannot be selected when connected to the first image forming apparatus.

19. 12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein inspection levels higher than the upper limit of the inspection levels selectable when connected to the first image forming apparatus are grayed out.

20. 12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein when an inspection level higher than the upper limit of the selectable inspection levels is selected when connected to the first image forming apparatus, a message is displayed prompting the user to change the inspection level of the inspection item.

Images