Printing system, printing device, inspection device, and their control methods and programs

Abstract

To provide a mechanism which suitably specifies a page that is not an inspection object and excludes the page from the inspection object even when a page order of a document being inspected deviates with a prescribed interruption function.SOLUTION: In an in-line printing system including a printer and an inspection device which inspects a product output from the printer, the printer performs printing of an inspection job, inserts an additional page to the inspection job being executed when a prescribed interruption function is designated during execution of the inspection job, notifies the inspection device of page information and additional information by adding the page information to each output product and adding the additional information indicating the inserted additional page to the product, and conveys the product including the additional page to the inspection device. The inspection device receives the notified page information and additional information, performs an inspection by comparing a printed matter by the inspection job obtained by excluding the additional page from the product with a previously-registered correct answer image corresponding to each page of the printed matter by using the page information and additional information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11A

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There are printing systems that incorporate inline inspection devices that can inspect the print results while printing them out. These printing systems determine whether there are any print defects by comparing an image (correct image) registered as an evaluation standard for verification with an image (read image) obtained by optically reading the printed matter.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a printing system equipped with a recovery function for reprinting sheets with printing defects. In this printing system, an inspection process is performed on all pages, including sheets following a sheet determined to have a printing defect (hereinafter referred to as a "defective sheet"). Then, after printing of all pages included in the job is completed, the image of the sheet determined to be defective is reprinted.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 proposes performing a proof print to check the finished state of the product even while printing a large number of sheets. According to this proposal, when the printing system receives an instruction from the operator to check the finished state, it copies the page currently being printed and controls the system to eject the copy to a paper output destination (such as a sample tray) where the operator can check the printed product by hand. This allows the operator to check the finished state of the product being printed at any time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-297739 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-41505 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the above-described conventional technology has the following problems. When a proof print is performed with the above-described conventional technology, pages are copied as described above to output sample pages for checking the finished state. Therefore, if inspection is performed using a printing system incorporating the above-described inline inspection device, a discrepancy in page order will occur between the image read by the inspection device and the image (correct image) that serves as the evaluation standard and is registered in advance. As a result, the inspection results for the pages after the copied page when the proof print is performed will be judged as NG.

[0007] Other features include inserting dividers between copies, preventing print-through and smudges, and inserting slip sheets between copies to make collation and counting easier. Other features include the automatic output of banner pages containing information about the finished product, such as a barcode for the job, the print date and time, and the user ID. When printing on index paper, the printer also has the ability to forcibly eject any excess index paper after each copy. These features also control the printer to generate and output pages that are not included in the original. Therefore, if these features are enabled during inspection, the inspection results will be rejected after the page generated by the printer, just as they were in the case of proof printing.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a mechanism for suitably identifying and excluding pages that are not to be inspected from the inspection target, even if the page order of a document being inspected is shifted by a specified interrupt function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention is a printing system including, for example, a printing device and an inspection device that inspects a product output by the printing device, wherein the printing device prints in accordance with the page order of an inspection job, and when a predetermined interrupt function is instructed during execution of the inspection job, the printing device adds an additional page by the predetermined interrupt function to the printed product of the inspection job being executed. Print and add a printing means for sequentially adding page information to each of the results output by the printing means, and adding additional information indicating the additional page inserted by the printing means, and transmitting the page information and the additional information to the inspection device; , by data transmission between the printing device and the inspection device The inspection device includes a notification unit that sequentially notifies the user of the page information and the additional information, and a transport unit that sequentially transports the printed matter and the additional page to the inspection device. By the data transmission The apparatus is characterized by comprising a receiving means for receiving the page information, a comparing means for comparing the page information with the additional information, and an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter resulting from the inspection job, excluding the additional pages from the final product, by comparing the printed matter with pre-registered correct images corresponding to each page of the printed matter, based on the comparison result of the comparing means.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a printing device, for example, which prints in accordance with the page order of an inspection job, and when a predetermined interrupt function is instructed during execution of the inspection job, adds an additional page by the predetermined interrupt function to the printed matter of the inspection job being executed. Print and add a printing means for sequentially adding page information to each of the results output by the printing means, and further adding additional information to the added pages inserted by the printing means, and transmitting the page information and the additional information to an inspection device that inspects the printed products according to the inspection job. , by data transmission between the printing device and the inspection device The printing apparatus is characterized by comprising a notification means for sequentially notifying the user, and a transport means for sequentially transporting the printed matter and the deliverables including the additional pages to the inspection device.

[0011] The present invention also provides an inspection device for inspecting deliverables from a printing device that prints in accordance with the page order of an inspection job, for example, and includes page information assigned to each deliverable output from the printing device and an additional page added by a predetermined interrupt function during the execution of printing of the inspection job in the printing device. Print it out If added, additional information indicating the added page , by data transmission between the printing device and the inspection device The apparatus is characterized by comprising a receiving means for receiving the page information, a comparing means for comparing the page information with the additional information, and an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter resulting from the inspection job, excluding the additional pages from the final product, by comparing the printed matter with pre-registered correct images corresponding to each page of the printed matter, based on the comparison result of the comparing means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, even if the page order of a document being inspected is shifted by a specified interrupt function, pages that are not subject to inspection can be suitably identified and excluded from inspection, and the specified interrupt function and inspection processing can be suitably used in combination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus, an external controller, and a client PC that constitute a printing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen of an inspection module according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen of an inspection module according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen of an inspection module according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen of an inspection module according to an embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen of an inspection module according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen of an inspection module according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen of an inspection module according to an embodiment. [Figure 11A] , [Figure 11B] A processing flowchart when a confirmation print is performed during an inspection process according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 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.

[0015] First Embodiment <Overall configuration of the printing system> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, an example of the configuration of a printing system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0016] The printing system 100 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 also communicatively connected to a client PC 103 via an external LAN 104.

[0017] A printer driver is installed in the client PC 103, and has the function of converting image data to be printed into a page description language (PDL) that can be processed by the external controller 102. A user who wishes to print can issue a print instruction from various applications via the printer driver. The printer driver transmits PDL data to the external controller 102 based on the print instruction from the user. Upon receiving the PDL data from the client PC 103, the external controller 102 performs PDL analysis and rasterization processing to generate print data (hereinafter referred to as a "print job") that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 101, and submits the print data to the image forming apparatus 101. Note that while the client PC 103 is used as an example of an external device in this description, this is not intended to limit the present invention. For example, a tablet, smartphone, PDA terminal, or other device capable of installing a printer driver may be used. The external LAN 104 may be a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.

[0018] Next, a description will be given of the image forming apparatus 101. The image forming apparatus 101 includes a printing module 107, an inserter 108, an inspection module 109, a stacker 110, and a finisher 111. Each module will be described below.

[0019] The printing module 107 forms an image using toner as a recording material on a sheet (also referred to as paper or recording medium) conveyed from the paper feed unit 230 in accordance with a print job. The inserter 108 is a device that inserts, for example, a partition sheet or the like to separate the sheets conveyed after being printed by the printing module 107 at any position. The inspection module 109 reads an image of the deliverable conveyed from the printing module 107 and compares it with a pre-registered correct image (also referred to as a "reference image") to determine whether the image formed on the sheet is normal, i.e., whether there are any printing defects. According to this embodiment, the deliverable may include additional pages such as inserted sheets and confirmation prints in addition to the sheets printed by the inspection job.

[0020] The stacker 110 is a large-capacity collecting device that can stack printed sheets. The finisher 111 is a post-processing device that has various finishing processing functions such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching. It applies pre-selected and set finishing processing to the conveyed printed sheets. After finishing processing, the sheets are discharged to a paper discharge tray.

[0021] In the printing system described here, a print job is submitted via the external controller 102; however, for example, the external controller 102 may be omitted. That is, the image forming apparatus 101 may be connected to an external LAN 104, and PDL data may be transmitted from a client PC 103 to the image forming apparatus 101. In this case, the image forming apparatus 101 performs PDL analysis and rasterization processing to generate a print job, and then executes printing. In the example of FIG. 1, the external controller 102 and the image forming apparatus 101 are connected via an internal LAN 105 and a video cable 106, but any other configuration may be used as long as they can transmit and receive data necessary for printing. For example, they may be connected via only one of the internal LAN 105 and the video cable 106.

[0022] <Internal configuration of the printing system> Next, the internal configurations of the image forming apparatus 101, the external controller 102, and the client PC 103 that make up the printing system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0023] (Internal structure of the printing module) First, the internal configuration of the print module 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The print module 107 mainly includes components related to control, such as 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 print module 107 also mainly includes components related to image formation, such as a document reader 226, a laser exposure unit 227, an image generator 228, a fuser 229, and a paper feeder 230. These components are connected via a system bus 231. The communication I / F 217 is connected to the inserter 108, the inspection module 109, the stacker 110, and the finisher 111 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, such as print data. The video I / F 220 is connected to the external controller 102 via the video cable 106, and performs communication of image data and the like.

[0024] The HDD 221 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The CPU 222 controls the entire print module 107 based on the programs and the like stored in the HDD 221. The memory 223 is composed of ROM, RAM, etc., and 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 is a display device that displays various setting information related to the print process, the processing status of the print job, etc.

[0025] The document reading unit 226 is a scanner device that optically reads documents when using the copy or scan function. The CCD camera captures an image of a sheet placed by the user while shining an exposure lamp on it, optically reading the image on the document and generating image data. The laser exposure unit 227 is a device that performs primary charging and laser exposure for irradiating the laser beam. 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 beams while adjusting the reflection angle with a polygon mirror. This neutralizes the negative charge in the irradiated area, forming an electrostatic latent image. The image creation unit 228 is a device that transfers toner to the sheet. The image creation unit 228 is composed of a development unit, transfer unit, toner supply unit, etc. (not shown) and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum to the sheet. 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 performs primary transfer, which applies a positive potential to the primary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the photosensitive drum surface to the transfer belt, and secondary transfer, which applies a positive potential to the secondary outer transfer roller to transfer the toner on the transfer belt to a sheet. The fixing unit 229 is a device that melts and fixes the toner on the sheet to the sheet using heat and pressure, and is composed of a heater, fixing belt, pressure belt, etc. (not shown). The paper feed unit 230 is a device that feeds sheets to be used in the printing process. The paper feed unit 230 performs sheet feeding and transport operations using rollers and various sensors (not shown).

[0026] (Internal structure of the inserter) Next, we will explain the internal configuration of the inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101. The inserter 108 is configured to include 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.

[0027] The communication I / F 232 is connected to the print module 107 via a communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary for sheet insertion control. The CPU 233 controls the entire inserter 108 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. Based on instructions from the CPU 233, the paper feed control unit 235 controls rollers and sensors (not shown) to control the taking in of sheets placed on the tray 321 in FIG. 3, the feeding of sheets from a paper feed unit (not shown), and the conveyance of sheets conveyed from the print module 107.

[0028] (Internal structure of the inspection module) Next, we will explain the internal configuration of the inspection module 109 of the image forming apparatus 101. The inspection module 109 is configured to include a communication I / F 237, a CPU 238, a memory 239, an imaging unit 240, a display unit 241, an operation unit 242, and an inspection unit 243, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 244.

[0029] The communication I / F 237 is connected to the print module 107 via a communication cable 254, and performs communication necessary for control such as inspection of printed sheets. The CPU 238 controls the entire inspection module 109 according to a control program stored in a memory 239. The memory 239 is a storage device that stores various setting information and image data in addition to the control program. The photographing unit 240 photographs and reads images on printed sheets that are conveyed based on instructions from the CPU 238. Note that in this embodiment, the images on the sheets are read by photographing them with a camera, but they may also be read using, for example, an inline scanner. In other words, the present invention is applicable to any configuration that can acquire images of conveyed sheets.

[0030] The inspection unit 243 compares the photographed image (also referred to as an inspection image) to be inspected obtained by the photographing unit 240 with a correct image (also referred to as a reference image) stored in advance in the memory 239, and determines whether or not there are any defects in the print result. The display unit 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 module 109 and registering a correct image.

[0031] (Internal structure of the stacker) Next, the internal configuration of the stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The stacker 110 includes 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 print module 107 via a communication cable 254, and performs communication necessary for sheet accumulation and paper discharge control. The CPU 245 controls the entire stacker 110 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 conveyed sheets to a stack tray, an escape tray, or the subsequent finisher 111 based on instructions from the CPU 245.

[0032] (Internal structure of the finisher) Next, the internal configuration of the finisher 111 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The finisher 111 includes a communication I / F 249, a CPU 250, a memory 251, a paper discharge control unit 252, and a finishing processing unit 253, and these components are connected via a system bus 255. The communication I / F 249 is connected to the print module 107 via a communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary for controlling the finishing process. The CPU 250 controls the entire finisher 111 in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 251. The memory 251 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 252 controls sheet transport and paper discharge based on instructions from the CPU 250. The finishing processing unit 253 performs processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching based on instructions from the CPU 250.

[0033] (Internal configuration of external controller) Next, the internal configuration of the external controller 102 will be described. The external controller 102 includes a CPU 208, memory 209, HDD 210, keyboard 211, display 212, LAN I / F 213, LAN I / F 214, and video I / F 215, which are connected via a system bus 216. The CPU 208 executes processes such as receiving PDL data from the client PC 103, RIP processing, and sending a print job 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 PDL analysis and RIP processing.

[0034] The keyboard 211 is an input device that allows the user to input various operations and instructions to the external controller 102. The display 212 displays information such as applications currently being executed by the external controller 102 as still images or moving images. The LAN I / F 213 is connected to the client PC 103 via the external LAN 104 and receives PDL data. The LAN I / F 214 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105 and transmits print jobs. The video I / F 215 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video cable 106 and transmits and receives image data.

[0035] (Internal configuration of client PC) Next, the internal configuration of the client PC 103 will be described. The client PC 103 is configured to include a CPU 201, memory 202, HDD 203, keyboard 204, display 205, and LAN I / F 206, which are connected via a system bus 207. The CPU 201 creates image data to be printed and issues print instructions based on a document creation program or the like stored in the HDD 203. The CPU 201 also comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 207. The memory 202 stores programs and data required for the CPU 201 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area. The HDD 203 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing.

[0036] A keyboard 204 is an input device that allows a user to input various operations and instructions to the client PC 103. A display 205 displays still images and moving images of information such as applications currently being executed by the client PC 103. A LAN I / F 206 is connected to the external LAN 104 and is used for transmitting PDL data and the like.

[0037] 2 may be any storage device for storing data and programs, and may be replaced with, for example, a volatile RAM, a non-volatile ROM, an internal HDD, an external HDD, a USB memory, or the like.

[0038] <Conveyor system of image forming device> Next, a conveying system of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the mechanism of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0039] The printing module 107 includes paper feed decks 301 and 302, an intermediate transfer belt 308, developing stations 304 to 307, a display 225, a fixing unit 311, and a second fixing unit 313. The printing module 107 also includes sheet transport paths 303, 312, 314, and 315, a sheet reversing path 316, and a double-sided transport path 317 as paths for transporting sheets.

[0040] Each of the paper feed decks 301 and 302 can store various types of sheets. The paper feed decks 301 and 302 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 yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) color toners, respectively. The formed toner image is first primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 308. The intermediate transfer belt 308 then rotates clockwise in FIG. 3, and at a secondary transfer position 309, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 308 is transferred to the sheet transported from the sheet transport path 303.

[0041] The display 225 displays the print job processing status and information for various settings. The fixing unit 311 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller. The sheet passes between these rollers to melt and press the toner, thereby fixing the toner image to the sheet. After passing through the fixing unit 311, the sheet is transported to sheet transport path 315 via sheet transport path 312. If the sheet type requires further melting and pressing for fixing, the sheet passes through the fixing unit 311 and is transported to second fixing unit 313 via sheet transport path 312' (not shown) above sheet transport path 312. After the sheet has been subjected to additional melting and pressing in second fixing unit 313, it is transported to sheet transport path 315 via sheet transport path 314. If the print mode is set to double-sided printing, the sheet is transported to sheet inversion path 316, inverted, and then transported to double-sided transport path 317. The image on the second side is then transferred to secondary transfer position 309.

[0042] The inserter 108 includes an inserter tray 321 and a sheet transport path 322. When the number of sheets transported to the inserter 108 via the sheet transport path 315 reaches a predetermined number, the inserter 108 merges a partition sheet fed via the sheet transport path 322 into the transport path. This makes it possible to insert the partition sheet into a series of sheets transported from the printing module 107 at any timing and transport them to a subsequent device. Sheets that pass through the inserter 108 are transported to the inspection module 109.

[0043] Within the inspection module 109, a first camera 331 and a second camera 332 are arranged facing each other across a sheet transport path 333. The first camera 331 photographs the upper surface of the sheet, and the second camera 332 photographs the lower surface of the sheet. When the sheet transported along the sheet transport path 333 reaches a predetermined position, the inspection module 109 reads images of both sides of the sheet using the first camera 331 and the second camera 332, and inspects whether there are any defects in the read image of the inspection target surface. The display unit 241 displays the inspection results performed by the inspection module 109, etc. After inspection, the sheet is transported to the stacker 110.

[0044] The stacker 110 has a stack tray 341 for stacking sheets, sheet transport paths 344, 345, 347, and 348, an escape tray 346, and an inverting unit 349. A sheet that has passed through the inspection module 109 is transported to the stacker 110 via the sheet transport path 344. A sheet transported from the sheet transport path 344 via the sheet transport path 345 is flipped and stacked on the stack tray 341. The stack tray 341 is made up of a lift tray 342 and an eject tray 343. The stacker 110 also has an escape tray 346 as a paper discharge tray. The escape tray 346 is a paper discharge tray for discharging sheets that have been determined by the inspection module 109 to have a printing defect (image defect). When discharging a sheet to the escape tray 346, the sheet is transported from the sheet transport path 344 to the escape tray 346 via the sheet transport path 347.

[0045] When a sheet is transported to the finisher 111 subsequent to the stacker 110, the sheet is transported via a sheet transport path 348. The reversing unit 349 is always used when the sheet discharge destination is switched depending on the inspection result in the inspection module 109. This is to buy time for reading the image on the sheet by the two cameras 331 and 332, inspecting the read image, and switching the transport path to the sheet transport path 345 or 348. When inspection is not performed, the reversing unit 349 is used only when flipping the sheet when stacking it on the stack tray 341. If no image defects are detected as a result of inspection in the inspection module 109, the sheet is transported to the finisher 111.

[0046] The finisher 111 has paper output trays 351 and 352, sheet transport paths 353, 354, and 357, a first processing mechanism 355, a second processing mechanism 356, and a saddle stitch binding tray 358. The finisher 111 performs finishing processes such as stapling (one-point / two-point binding), punching (two-hole / three-hole), and saddle stitch binding on the transported sheets. The finisher 111 has two paper output trays 351 and 352. Sheets transported via the sheet transport path 353 are discharged to the paper output tray 351. However, finishing processes such as stapling cannot be performed via the sheet transport path 353. When finishing processes such as stapling are to be performed, the sheets are transported to the processing mechanism 355 via the sheet transport path 354. Then, in the processing mechanism 355, a finishing function specified by the user is performed, and the sheets are discharged to the paper output tray 352.

[0047] The paper output trays 351 and 352 can each be raised and lowered. It is also possible to lower the paper output tray 351 so that sheets that have been subjected to finishing processing by the first processing mechanism 355 are stacked on the paper output tray 351. When saddle stitching is specified as one of the finishing functions, the second processing mechanism 356 staples the center of the sheet, folds the sheet in half, and discharges the sheet to a saddle stitching tray 358 via a sheet transport path 357. The saddle stitching tray 358 is configured as a belt conveyor, and the sheet stack (saddle stitched stack) stacked on the saddle stitching tray 358 is transported to the left.

[0048] <Inspection module details> Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10, a detailed description will be given of how to use the inspection module 109, including various setting operations that the user should perform on the inspection module 109 before starting the inspection process according to this embodiment, using examples of UI screens.

[0049] The inspection module 109 inspects the printed sheet (product) conveyed from the printing module 107 according to preset inspection items. The inspection is performed by comparing the scanned image corresponding to the surface to be inspected (hereinafter referred to as the "inspection image") among scanned images of both sides of the printed sheet obtained by photographing the sheet with a pre-registered correct image corresponding to either the front or back side of the sheet. The present invention can employ various methods for comparing images. For example, a method of comparing pixel values ​​at corresponding positions in both images, a method of comparing object positions using edge detection, a method of comparing recognition results obtained by character recognition processing (OCR: Optical Character Recognition), etc. can be employed.

[0050] (Inspection menu screen) 4 shows an example of a UI screen (hereinafter referred to as an "inspection menu screen") that is displayed on the display unit 241 when the inspection module 109 is started up. Note that the display control of various UI screens including this inspection menu screen 400 is performed by the CPU 238 in the inspection module 109.

[0051] On the inspection menu screen 400, a message field 401 at the top left displays a message indicating that a correct image has not been registered and that it is necessary to register the correct image before starting the inspection process. If a correct image has already been registered at the time of startup, a message indicating that the inspection process can be started is displayed. Below the message field 401 is provided an image display area 402 in which the correct image is displayed. In the example of FIG. 4, the correct image has not been registered, so the string "Not Registered" is displayed.

[0052] Four buttons 403 to 406 are lined up on the right side of the inspection menu screen 400. The button 403 is a button for calling up a UI screen for registering a correct image. The correct image is an image that serves as a reference when determining whether or not there are any defects in the inspection image. In this embodiment, a printed sheet that has been determined to be printed correctly in advance by visual inspection or the like is photographed by the photographing unit 240 based on a user's instruction, and the obtained scanned image is used as the correct image.

[0053] Button 404 is a button for calling up a UI screen for setting inspection conditions. The user sets the inspection items and inspection accuracy according to the purpose of the inspection. Inspection items include misalignment of print position, image color, image density, streaks, blurred print, and missing print. Inspection accuracy is an index that determines how much difference from the correct image is required to determine that there is a defect, and is specified as a numerical value, for example, within 1%.

[0054] Button 405 is a button for calling up a UI screen for checking the inspection results. The user can check the past inspection details and results on the inspection result confirmation screen. Button 406 is a button for instructing the start of inspection. When pressing of button 406 is detected, the inspection module 109 starts inspecting the printed sheets that are conveyed sequentially.

[0055] 4 is an example, and may be configured to display information other than that described above, for example, information related to inspection settings such as divider sheet settings, etc. Next, the UI screens that are displayed when the above three UI screen call buttons 403 to 405 are pressed and their operations will be described.

[0056] (Registering the correct image) 5 shows a UI screen for registering a correct image (hereinafter referred to as an "image registration screen"). When the user presses button 403 on the inspection menu screen 400 described above, image registration screen 500 is first displayed on display unit 241.

[0057] The image registration screen 500 includes two setting areas 501 and 502 and one button 503. The setting area 501 is an area for setting the number of sheets per copy for a print job that involves inspection (hereinafter referred to as an "inspection job"). The user can specify the desired number of sheets by operating the spin button in the setting area 501. In this case, when specifying two or more sheets per copy, that is, when inspecting a printout in which one copy is made up of multiple sheets, a correct image can be registered for each sheet.

[0058] The setting area 502 is an area for setting the surface of the sheet to be inspected. It is possible to set whether the inspection will be performed on both sides of the sheet or only on one side (and in that case, only on the front side or only on the back side). Even if printing is performed on only one side, it is possible to set the inspection conditions so that both sides are inspected to check that no dirt is attached to the non-printed side.

[0059] Button 503 is a button for starting the process of reading an image from a sample sheet and registering it as a correct image. The user places the sample sheet on the inserter tray 321, sets the above two setting areas 501 and 502, and then presses button 503.

[0060] When button 503 is pressed, the image registration screen 500 first transitions to a UI screen (hereinafter referred to as the "reading screen") 600, as shown in Fig. 6, which indicates that the device is on standby for image reading. Then, both sides of the sample printed sheet that is conveyed after button 503 is pressed are photographed by the photographing unit 240, and a correct image is registered in association with information on the sheet side indicating either the front or back side based on the settings in the setting area 502 described above. Note that when registering a correct image, the device is configured in a fixed manner such that the top side of the sheet photographed by the first camera 331 is the "front side," and the bottom side of the sheet photographed by the second camera 332 is the "back side."

[0061] For example, the inserter tray 321 of the inserter 108 is designed to be specified to place a sample sheet in a specific orientation, such as "document face up," and the sheet is designed so that the top surface of the sheet always faces up when passing through the inspection module 109. However, instead of using such a fixed device configuration, for example, a UI setting may be used to enable the scanned image of the top surface of the sheet captured by the first camera 331 to be registered as a correct image of the "back surface." In either case, the correct image is registered in association with the sheet surface.

[0062] The display of the reading screen 600 continues until the image reading is completed in accordance with the settings in the setting areas 501 and 502. A button 601 in the reading screen 600 is a button for instructing the user to stop reading the image. When the button 601 is pressed, the image reading is stopped and the display returns to the inspection menu screen 400 described above.

[0063] On the other hand, when the reading of the images for the set number of sheets is successfully completed, the reading screen 600 transitions to a UI screen (hereinafter referred to as the "registration processing screen") as shown in FIG. 7 that prompts the user to register a correct image and set related items. The left side of the registration processing screen 700 includes an image display area 701 in which the read image is displayed. Further below that, there are included a button 702 for switching the sheet to be displayed when one copy is composed of multiple sheets, and a button 703 for switching whether the front or back side of the sheet is displayed. Note that when the number of sheets per copy set on the image registration screen 500 is one, the button 702 may not be displayed. Similarly, when the inspection target side set on the image registration screen 500 is only one side, the button 703 may not be displayed.

[0064] Three buttons 704 to 706 are arranged side by side on the right side of the registration processing screen 700. Button 704 is a button for setting an area of ​​the correct image that will not be compared with the inspection image (inspection skip area). This inspection skip area setting is used when limiting the area to be inspected. For example, this can be the case in variable data printing (VDP), in which the print content of a specific area on a sheet changes for each copy. Alternatively, it can be assumed that each copy is printed with a different ID, or that only the address or name is changed for each copy. Pressing button 704 transitions from the registration processing screen 700 to a UI screen for setting the inspection skip area (hereinafter referred to as the "area setting screen") as shown in FIG. 8.

[0065] On the area setting screen 800, a dashed rectangle 801 in the image display area 701 indicates the inspection skip area to be set. The user can change the position of the inspection skip area 801 with a position change button 802, and change its size with a size change button 803. The user can register the determined position and size of the inspection skip area 801 by pressing a button 804. This causes the set inspection skip area 801 to be registered in association with the correct image being displayed in the image display area 701. After the registration of the inspection skip area is complete, the display returns to the registration processing screen 700.

[0066] Button 805 is a button for registering another inspection skip area for the same correct answer image after registering a certain inspection skip area. In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to set multiple areas for which inspection is to be skipped for one correct answer image. Button 806 is a button for canceling the setting of the inspection skip area. When button 806 is pressed, the setting of the inspection skip area is canceled, and the display returns to the registration processing screen 700.

[0067] Returning to the explanation of the registration processing screen 700, button 705 is a button for registering the scanned image being displayed in the image display area 701 as a correct image. When button 705 is pressed, the scanned image displayed in the image display area 701 is associated with the corresponding sheet number (for example, 1 / 10th sheet) and sheet surface (front or back) and registered as a correct image. After registration is complete, the display returns from the registration processing screen 700 to the inspection menu screen 400. Button 706 is a button for canceling the registration of the correct image. When button 706 is pressed, the registration process is stopped and the display returns to the inspection menu screen 400.

[0068] (Setting inspection conditions) When the user presses button 404 on the inspection menu screen 400 described above, a UI screen for setting inspection conditions (hereinafter referred to as the "condition setting screen") as shown in Fig. 9 is displayed on the display unit 241. The condition setting screen 900 includes three setting areas 901, 902, and 903 and an OK button 904.

[0069] The setting area 901 is an area for setting the defect detection level when performing inspection. The user can set the desired inspection level by operating the spin button in the setting area 901. Here, the higher the inspection level set (the larger the numerical value), the more likely it is that even a slight difference between the correct image and the inspection image will be judged as a defective image.

[0070] The setting area 902 is an area for setting inspection items (inspection type). The user can select one or more inspection items by checking the check boxes depending on the purpose of the inspection and the viewpoint from which the inspection will be performed. In the example of FIG. 9, five items are prepared: position, color, density, streaks, and holes. Four items, position, color, streaks, and holes, are checked. In this case, position, color, streaks, and holes are subject to inspection, but density is not subject to inspection.

[0071] The setting area 903 is an area for setting a threshold value that will stop printing if print defects are found repeatedly (i.e., if an NG judgment is made in the inspection process). This setting stops printing if the number of consecutive NG judgments exceeds this number. Since subsequent sheets are being printed even during inspection, there is a possibility that NG will occur more than the threshold number. Also, if set to 0, this means that printing will not stop even if an NG judgment is made. Details of this threshold will be described later. When the OK button 904 is pressed, the setting of the inspection conditions is completed, and the display returns to the inspection menu screen 400 described above.

[0072] (Confirmation of inspection results) When a user presses button 405 on the inspection menu screen 400 described above, a UI screen for checking the inspection results (hereinafter referred to as the "result confirmation screen") as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit 241. The result confirmation screen 1000 includes a result display area 1001 that displays details of the inspection results, a button 1002 for switching the inspection job to be displayed, and an OK button 1003. In FIG. 10, the result display area 1001 displays information about the first job out of nine inspection jobs whose history is saved, including the inspection execution date and time, the name of the inspection job, the number of inspection sheets performed, and the number of passed and failed sheets among the number of inspection sheets. The user can switch the inspection job to be displayed by operating the left and right spin buttons 1002. After checking the inspection results, when the user presses OK button 1003, the display returns to the inspection menu screen 400 described above.

[0073] <Printing process with inspection> Next, with reference to Figures 11A and 11B, a specific process flow when performing printing processing with inspection and a process flow when an instruction to perform a confirmation print is received midway will be described. Figure 11A shows the process flow of the printing module 107, and Figure 11B shows the process flow of the inspection module 109. Each process in the flowchart of Figure 11A is realized, for example, by the CPU 222 reading and executing a control program stored in the memory 223 or the HDD 221. Meanwhile, each process in the flowchart of Figure 11B is realized, for example, by the CPU 238 reading and executing a control program stored in the memory 239.

[0074] Here, the confirmation print is a process in which printing is performed as an interrupt function during inspection to check the printed matter, such as checking color, and the print is discharged to the escape tray 346. For example, this is used when an operator or the like checks whether there are any problems with the printed matter during continuous printing. Therefore, printing occurs as an interrupt to the currently running print job (inspection job), and because the escape tray 346 is located downstream of the inspection module 109 on the conveyance path, a shift in the page order of the inspection job occurs in the inspection module 109. However, according to this embodiment, the inspection job can be accurately executed without being affected by such a shift in the page order, as will be described in detail below.

[0075] First, the user presses the "Start inspection" button 406 on the inspection menu screen 400 of the inspection module 109. As a result, in S1108 of Fig. 11B, the inspection module 109 detects that the inspection start button has been pressed, and starts the inspection process.

[0076] 11A. In S1101, the print module 107 receives a print job from the external controller 102 via the LAN I / F 218 and the video I / F 220. Upon receiving the print job, in S1102, the CPU 222 provided in the print module 107 assigns page IDs sequentially to the pages on which images have been formed. That is, the page IDs here are assigned sequentially not only to the printouts of the inspection job, but also to any additional pages that are inserted during inspection.

[0077] Next, in S1103, the CPU 222 sequentially transmits the assigned page IDs to the inspection module 109 via the communication I / F 217 and the communication cable 254. Subsequently, in S1104, the CPU 222 determines whether or not an instruction for confirmation printing has been received via the operation unit 224. If it is determined here that an instruction for confirmation printing has not been received, the process proceeds to S1105, where the CPU 222 determines whether or not printing has been completed to the end of the job, and ends the process if printing has been completed to the end of the job. On the other hand, if it is determined that the job is still in progress, the process returns to S1102, and control continues.

[0078] If it is determined in S1104 that a print instruction for a confirmation print has been issued, the process proceeds to S1106, where the CPU 222 interrupts printing in the currently running inspection job, copies an additional sample page, and controls the sheet to be discharged to the escape tray 346. Here, the additional sample page is, for example, a copy of any page included in the currently running inspection job. As shown in FIG. 3 , the escape tray 346 is provided in the stacker 110, which is disposed downstream of the inspection module 109, on the path along which the product from the print module 107 is transported. That is, the sample copy sheet passes through the inspection module 109, is transported to the stacker 110, and is then discharged to the escape tray 346. Therefore, the inspection module 109 interrupts the originally scheduled page order and transports the additional sample copy sheet, which causes the page order of the printouts for the inspection job to be shifted.

[0079] Next, in S1107, the CPU 222 transmits the page ID of the duplicated additional page as additional information to the inspection module. The page ID information (additional information) of the duplicated additional page is notified to the imaging unit 240 of the inspection module via the communication cable 254 and the system bus 244 at the timing when the image of the page is formed. Therefore, the information is transmitted to the inspection module 109 before the duplicated additional page (sheet) for sample is transported and reaches the inspection module 109. After executing the processing of S1107, the process proceeds to S1105, and if printing has been completed to the end of the job, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the job is still in progress, the process returns to S1102, and control continues.

[0080] Next, the processing of the inspection module 109 in Fig. 11B will be described. When the inspection processing is started in S1108, the photographing unit 240 of the inspection module 109 starts processing in synchronization with the conveyance of the sheet. When the processing starts, in S1109 the photographing unit 240 checks the page ID transmitted in advance from the print module 107 in synchronization with the conveyance of the sheet. Furthermore, in S1110, the photographing unit 240 checks the "page ID information (additional information) of the duplicated additional page" transmitted in advance separately from the print module 107, and determines whether the page confirmed in S1109 matches the duplicated additional page.

[0081] If it is determined in S1110 that the page is not a duplicated additional page, the process proceeds to S1111, where the photographing unit 240 photographs an image of the page and sends it to the inspection unit 243. Next, in S1112, the inspection unit 243 performs inspection processing on the inspection image sent from the photographing unit 240. As described above, the inspection processing compares the correct image with the verification image to detect abnormalities. After that, in S1114, the CPU 238 of the inspection module 109 determines whether inspection has been completed up to the predetermined number of copies. If it is determined that inspection has been completed up to the predetermined number of pages, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that inspection has not yet been completed up to the predetermined number of copies, the process returns to S1109, and the process continues.

[0082] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1110 that the page is a duplicated additional page, the process proceeds to S1113, where the photographing unit 240 performs control so as not to photograph the additional page, and the process proceeds to S1114. The process from S1114 onwards is the same as that described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] As described above, this embodiment provides an inline printing system including a printing device and an inspection device that inspects the product output by the printing device. The printing device prints according to the page order of an inspection job and includes a printing module that, when a predetermined interrupt function is instructed during execution of the inspection job, inserts additional pages into the printed material of the currently executing inspection job using the predetermined interrupt function. The printing device also sequentially assigns page information to each product output by the printing module, assigns additional information indicating the additional pages inserted by the printing module, and sequentially notifies the inspection device of the page information and additional information. The printing device then sequentially transports the printed material and the product, including the additional pages, to the inspection device. The inspection device receives the notified page information and additional information, compares the page information and additional information, and, based on the comparison results, compares the printed material resulting from the inspection job, excluding the additional pages, with pre-registered correct images corresponding to each page of the printed material to inspect it. As a result, this embodiment allows for the efficient identification and exclusion of pages from inspection, even if the page order of the document being inspected is shifted due to the predetermined interrupt function. Therefore, the inspection process in a printing system incorporating an inline type inspection device can be suitably used in combination with a predetermined interrupt function during inspection.

[0084] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible. In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which control was performed in S1113 such that the additional pages were not photographed, but control may be exercised so that the additional pages are photographed. In this case, control is exercised such that the photographed images of the additional pages are not sent to the inspection unit 243, or the inspection unit 243 does not inspect the additional pages. By photographing the additional pages in this manner, it is possible to display the photographed images on an operation screen or the like based on a user's instruction, for example. Alternatively, it is possible to include the photographed images of the additional pages in the inspection result confirmation screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10.

[0085] In the above embodiment, confirmation prints were used as an example of additional pages, but as mentioned above, the present invention can also be applied to functions such as inserting dividers or slip sheets, automatically outputting banner pages, and forcibly ejecting remaining index sheets. In other words, the present invention can be effectively applied to functions in which some other sheet is inserted between printed sheets while an inspection job is being executed.

[0086] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0087] 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]

[0088] 101: Image forming device, 102: External controller, 103: PC, 104: External LAN, 105: Internal LAN, 106: Video cable, 107: Print module, 108: Inserter, 109: Inspection module, 110: Stacker, 111: Finisher

Claims

1. A printing system including a printing device and an inspection device that inspects a product output by the printing device, The printing device a printing means for printing in accordance with the page order of an inspection job, and for, when a predetermined interrupt function is instructed during execution of the inspection job, printing and adding an additional page by the predetermined interrupt function to the printed matter of the inspection job being executed; a notification means for sequentially adding page information to each of the deliverables output by the printing means, and adding additional information indicating the additional page inserted by the printing means, and sequentially notifying the inspection device of the page information and the additional information by data transmission between the printing device and the inspection device; a conveying means for sequentially conveying the printed matter and the deliverables including the additional page to the inspection device; Equipped with The inspection device includes: a receiving means for receiving the page information and the additional information notified by the notifying means through the data transmission; a comparison means for comparing the page information with the additional information; an inspection means for performing inspection by comparing a printed product obtained by the inspection job excluding the additional page from the deliverable based on the comparison result of the comparison means with a pre-registered correct image corresponding to each page of the printed product; A printing system comprising:

2. The inspection device further comprises: and further comprising an acquisition unit that does not acquire an image of the additional page that matches the additional information from the deliverable conveyed from the printing device, but acquires images of other pages excluding the additional page, 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit performs inspection by comparing the image acquired by the acquisition unit with the pre-registered correct image corresponding to each page.

3. The inspection device further comprises: further comprising an acquisition means for acquiring an image of the product conveyed from the printing device; The printing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the inspection means inspects the images of the other pages acquired by the acquisition means, excluding the image of the added page that matches the additional information, by comparing them with the pre-registered correct images corresponding to each page.

4. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when a confirmation print is instructed as the interrupt function, the printing means outputs a copy of any page included in the inspection job currently being executed as the additional page.

5. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when automatic output of a banner page is instructed as the interrupt function, the printing means inserts a banner page as the additional page into the printed material produced by the inspection job currently being executed.

6. A printing system described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the conveying means conveys the printed matter of the inspection job inspected by the inspection device and the additional pages so that they are discharged into different trays.

7. A printing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the notification means notifies the inspection device of the page information and the additional information via a communication line between the printing device and the inspection device at the time when the additional page is printed by the printing means and before the product reaches the inspection device.

8. A control method for a printing system including a printing device and an inspection device that inspects a product output by the printing device, In the printing device, a printing step of printing in accordance with the page order of the inspection job, and when a predetermined interrupt function is instructed during execution of the inspection job, printing and adding an additional page by the predetermined interrupt function to the printed matter of the inspection job being executed; a notification step of sequentially adding page information to each of the deliverables output in the printing step, and adding additional information indicating the additional pages inserted in the printing step, and sequentially notifying the inspection device of the page information and the additional information by data transmission between the printing device and the inspection device; a conveying step of conveying the printed matter and the deliverables including the additional page to the inspection device in sequence; Including, In the inspection device, a receiving step of receiving the page information and the additional information notified in the notifying step by the data transmission; a comparison step of comparing the page information with the additional information; an inspection step of inspecting the printed matter obtained by the inspection job, excluding the additional page from the deliverable, by comparing the printed matter with a pre-registered correct image corresponding to each page of the printed matter based on the comparison result of the comparison step; 10. A method for controlling a printing system, comprising:

9. 1. A printing device, comprising: a printing means for printing in accordance with the page order of an inspection job, and for, when a predetermined interrupt function is instructed during execution of the inspection job, printing and adding an additional page by the predetermined interrupt function to the printed matter of the inspection job being executed; a notification means for sequentially adding page information to each of the deliverables output by the printing means, and further adding additional information to the added pages inserted by the printing means, and sequentially notifying an inspection device that inspects the printed products according to the inspection job of the page information and the additional information by data transmission between the printing device and the inspection device; a conveying means for sequentially conveying the printed matter and the deliverables including the additional page to the inspection device; A printing device comprising:

10. An inspection device that inspects deliverables from a printing device that prints in accordance with the page order of an inspection job, a receiving means for receiving, via data transmission between the printing device and the inspection device, page information to be assigned to each of the deliverables output from the printing device and additional information indicating an additional page when the additional page is printed and added by a predetermined interrupt function during printing of the inspection job on the printing device; a comparison means for comparing the page information with the additional information; an inspection means for performing inspection by comparing a printed product obtained by the inspection job excluding the additional page from the deliverable based on the comparison result of the comparison means with a pre-registered correct image corresponding to each page of the printed product; An inspection device comprising:

11. A method for controlling a printing device, comprising: a printing step in which a printing means prints in accordance with the page order of the inspection job, and when a predetermined interrupt function is instructed during execution of the inspection job, prints and adds an additional page by the predetermined interrupt function to the printed matter of the inspection job being executed; a notification step in which a notification means sequentially assigns page information to each of the deliverables output in the printing step, and further assigns additional information to the additional pages inserted in the printing step, and sequentially notifies an inspection device that inspects the printed products in the inspection job of the page information and the additional information by data transmission between the printing device and the inspection device; a conveying step in which a conveying means sequentially conveys the printed matter and the deliverables including the additional page to the inspection device; 10. A method for controlling a printing device, comprising:

12. A control method for an inspection device that inspects deliverables from a printing device that prints in accordance with the page order of an inspection job, comprising: a receiving step in which a receiving means receives, via data transmission between the printing device and the inspection device, page information to be assigned to each of the deliverables output from the printing device and additional information indicating an additional page when the additional page is printed and added by a predetermined interrupt function during execution of printing of the inspection job on the printing device; a comparison step in which a comparison means compares the page information with the additional information; an inspection step in which an inspection means performs inspection by comparing a printed product obtained by the inspection job excluding the additional page from the deliverable with a pre-registered correct image corresponding to each page of the printed product based on a comparison result of the comparison step; 10. A method for controlling an inspection apparatus, comprising:

13. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for a printing device, the control method comprising: a printing step in which a printing means prints in accordance with the page order of the inspection job, and when a predetermined interrupt function is instructed during execution of the inspection job, prints and adds an additional page by the predetermined interrupt function to the printed matter of the inspection job being executed; a notification step in which a notification means sequentially assigns page information to each of the deliverables output in the printing step, and further assigns additional information to the additional pages inserted in the printing step, and sequentially notifies an inspection device that inspects the printed products in the inspection job of the page information and the additional information by data transmission between the printing device and the inspection device; a conveying step in which a conveying means sequentially conveys the printed matter and the deliverables including the additional page to the inspection device; A program comprising:

14. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an inspection device that inspects deliverables from a printing device that prints in accordance with the page order of an inspection job, the control method comprising: a receiving step in which a receiving means receives, via data transmission between the printing device and the inspection device, page information to be assigned to each of the deliverables output from the printing device and additional information indicating an additional page when the additional page is printed and added by a predetermined interrupt function during execution of printing of the inspection job on the printing device; a comparison step in which a comparison means compares the page information with the additional information; an inspection step in which an inspection means performs inspection by comparing a printed product obtained by the inspection job excluding the additional page from the deliverable with a pre-registered correct image corresponding to each page of the printed product based on a comparison result of the comparison step; A program comprising:

Images