Printing system, information processing device, printing device, inspection device, control method of information processing device, control method of printing device, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem that in a printing system that performs inspection using RIP images as reference images, when a print setting is changed and RIP processing is performed again during printing from a printed queue and when a printing order and a printing direction are changed, a result of the inspection becomes abnormal if the reference image is reused as it is, and throughput deteriorates if all of the reference images are created whenever the result becomes abnormal.SOLUTION: An information processing device, which is configured to input a printing job into a printing device to make the device print the job, holds the printed printing job and identification information about reference images that are used in inspecting and printing the printing job while associating the images with the printing job, and when instructed to perform re-printing by the held printing job, changes a print setting for the printing job and determines whether printing and inspecting using the reference images associated with the printing job can be performed or not. When determining that the printing and inspecting using the reference images associated with the printing job can be performed, the information processing device sets the printing setting for the printing job as a printing setting with no identification information about the reference images, and transmits the setting to the printing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Recently, printing systems have become known that can inspect images printed on paper sheets printed by a printing device using an inspection device while the paper sheets are being transported. In such print paper inspections, the inspection device reads images from the transported print paper and analyzes the resulting image data to determine whether the printed image is normal. Inspections using the inspection device can detect, for example, missing barcodes or ruled lines, missing images, printing defects, missing pages, and color misalignment. The inspection process using this inspection device involves registering a bitmapped image as a reference image in advance, just as during printing. Then, during printing, the registered reference image is specified in a print job and printed, and the resulting printout is inspected. This inspection method is effective when detailed inspection settings are required while previewing the reference image, such as setting an inspection area for the reference image. Another inspection method involves automatically registering bitmapped image data as a reference image in the inspection device during printing, and then executing the print job to print and inspect the result. This method is effective when performing inspections without specifying detailed inspection items, such as inspecting for stains on printed matter, because it allows the user to submit a print job and print without being overly aware of the inspection process.

[0003] A printing system including such an inspection device and a printing device allows users to obtain the desired printed matter, but at the same time, it is necessary to register a reference image for inspection and search for the corresponding reference image. Furthermore, creating a reference image takes time, which creates problems such as a long printing time. Therefore, Patent Document 1 describes an inspection system that can search for registered reference images. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-161345 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The configuration described in Patent Document 1 eliminates the need to re-register the reference image when re-executing a print job for reprinting, and the process of searching for the reference image is automatically performed, improving the efficiency of printing operations. However, the print server's reprint function allows users to change print settings even when reprinting the same document, and depending on those settings, it may be necessary to re-render the print job data into bitmap form. In such cases, even if the original document is the same, the reference image previously used for that print job cannot be reused, which requires a search for the reference image, which takes time. Furthermore, in printing systems that consider reprinting on the print server and store reference images of print jobs stored on the print server in an inspection device, the number of reference images increases, requiring a long search time and reducing reprint throughput.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the prior art.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that automates the creation and registration of a reference image for a reprint job that is re-executed after print settings have been changed, thereby enabling a user to execute a reprint job without having to be aware of the creation and registration of a reference image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: An information processing apparatus that inputs a print job to a printing apparatus and causes the printing apparatus to print, a storage unit for storing identification information of a printed print job and a first reference image used in inspection printing of the print job in association with the print job; Determine whether or not the print settings of the reprint job based on the reprint instruction of the print job have been changed from the print settings of the print job. ,before a determination means for determining whether test printing using the first reference image is possible when the print settings of the reprint job are determined to have been changed, when the reprint job is executed; The determination means determining that the print settings of the reprint job have not been changed, or The printing device is characterized by having a control means that, when it determines that test printing using the first reference image is possible when the reprint job is executed, sends identification information of the first reference image to the printing device, and, when the determination means determines that test printing using the first reference image is not possible when the reprint job is executed, controls the printing device to send identification information for generating a second reference image corresponding to the print settings of the reprint job instead of the identification information of the first reference image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, by automating the creation and registration of a reference image for a reprint job that is re-executed after changing print settings, the user can execute the reprint job without having to be aware of the creation and registration of the reference image.

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

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an external controller and a client PC according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a printed queue displayed on a display of the external controller according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 6 is a flowchart for explaining print job processing by the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the external controller according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of a change in print settings that causes the external controller to determine that re-RIP is necessary in step S603 of FIG. 6; [Figure 8] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a change in print settings that the external controller determines in step S604 of FIG. 6 will change the print order. [Figure 9] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of a change in print settings when the external controller determines that the image orientation will change in step S605 of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing of an external controller according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention 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 the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined in any desired manner. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Note that in the following description, an external controller may also be referred to as an information processing device, digital front end, print server, DFE, etc. Furthermore, an image forming apparatus may also be referred to as a multifunction device, multifunction peripheral, or MFP.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] This printing system includes an image forming apparatus 101 and an external controller 102. The image forming apparatus 101 and the external controller 102 are communicably connected via an internal LAN 105 and a video cable 106. The external controller 102 is also communicably connected to a client PC 103 via an external LAN 104, and printing instructions can be sent from the PC 103 to the external controller 102.

[0015] A printer driver is installed in the client PC 103 that has the function of converting print data into a print description language (for example, a page description language (PDL)) that can be processed by the external controller 102. A user of the client PC 103 can issue print instructions from various applications via this printer driver. At this time, the printer driver transmits print data to the external controller 102 based on the print instructions from the user. Upon receiving a print instruction from the client PC 103, the external controller 102 analyzes the print data and performs rasterization (RIP) processing to create image data for printing. The external controller 102 then inputs the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105 and inputs the rasterized image data via the video cable 106.

[0016] Next, the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0017] The image forming device 101 is connected to multiple devices with different functions and is configured to enable complex printing processes such as bookbinding. The printing device 107 forms (prints) an image using toner on paper transported from a paper feeder located below the printing device 107. Note that paper is used as an example here, but other print media may be used. The configuration and operating principle of the printing device 107 are as follows: A beam of light, such as a laser beam, modulated according to image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror or other such mirror and irradiated onto a photosensitive drum as scanning light. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by the laser beam is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to paper attached to a transfer drum. This series of image formation processes is performed sequentially for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners to form a full-color image on the paper. The paper on the transfer drum with the full-color image formed in this way is transported to a fuser. The fixing unit includes a roller, a belt, etc., and has a heat source such as a halogen heater built into the roller, and melts the toner on the paper onto which the toner image has been transferred using heat and pressure, thereby fixing it to the paper.

[0018] The inserter 108 can insert a sheet at any position into a group of sheets printed by the printing device 107 and transported.

[0019] The inspection device 109 reads the image of the conveyed paper and compares it with pre-registered reference image data (correct image) to determine whether the printed image is normal. Note that the printed matter determined to be normal or not is sorted into, for example, normal printed matter and printed matter with an error and discharged.

[0020] The large-capacity stacker 110 is capable of stacking and storing a large amount of paper. The finisher 111 performs finishing processes on the transported paper. This finishing process includes processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle-stitching, and the finished paper stack is discharged to a paper discharge tray.

[0021] 1 is configured such that the external controller 102 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101, but the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which the external controller 102 is connected. That is, the image forming apparatus 101 may be directly connected to the external LAN 104, and print data may be sent directly from the client PC 103 to the image forming apparatus 101. In this case, data analysis and rasterization processing are performed in the image forming apparatus 101, and print processing is executed.

[0022] 2A and 2B are block diagrams illustrating the hardware configurations of the image forming apparatus 101, the external controller 102, and the client PC 103 according to the first embodiment.

[0023] First, the configuration of the external controller 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 2A.

[0024] The external controller 102 has a CPU 208, a memory 209, a HDD 210, a keyboard 211, a display 212, a LAN I / F (interface) 213, a LAN I / F 214, and a video I / F 215, which are connected via a bus 216. The CPU 208 loads a program stored in the HDD 210 into the memory 208, and executes the loaded program to perform processes such as receiving print data from the client PC 103, expanding the data into bitmap data (RIP processing), and transmitting the print data to the image forming apparatus 101. The memory 209 has a RAM, which stores programs and data required for the CPU 208 to perform various processes and operates as a work area. The HDD 210 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing. The keyboard 211 is a device for inputting operation instructions to the external controller 102. The display 212 displays information such as an application executed by the external controller 102 using video signals of still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 213 connects to the client PC 103 via the external LAN 104 and communicates with the client PC 103 to send print instructions, etc. The LAN I / F 214 connects to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105 and communicates with the client PC 103 to send print instructions, etc. The video I / F 215 connects to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video cable 106 and communicates image data, etc.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the client PC 103 will be described. The client PC 103 includes a CPU 201, memory 202, HDD 203, keyboard 204, display 205, and LAN I / F 206, all of which are connected via a bus 207. The CPU 201 loads a document processing program stored in the HDD 203 into the memory 202 and executes the loaded program to create print data and execute print instructions. The CPU 201 also comprehensively controls each device connected to the bus 207. The memory 202 includes ROM, RAM, etc., and stores programs and data required for the CPU 201 to perform various processes, and functions as a work area for the CPU 201. The HDD 203 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing. The keyboard 204 is a device for inputting operational instructions to the PC 103. The display 205 displays information such as applications executed by the client PC 103 using video signals for still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 206 is connected to the external LAN 104 and communicates with the external LAN 104 to issue print instructions and the like.

[0026] Next, with reference to FIG. 2B, the configurations of the printing device 107, inserter 108, inspection device 109, large-capacity stacker 110, and finisher 111 of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0027] The printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 has 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 unit 225. The printing device 107 also has a document exposure unit 226, a laser exposure unit 227, an image creation unit 228, a fixing unit 229, and a paper feed unit 230. These components are connected via a system bus 231.

[0028] The communication I / F 217 is connected to the inserter 108, inspection device 109, large-capacity stacker 110, and finisher 111 via a communication cable 254, and performs communication for controlling each device. The LAN I / F 218 is connected to the external controller 102 via the internal LAN 105, and performs communication for printing instructions and the like. The video I / F 220 is connected to the external controller 102 via a video cable 106, and performs communication for image data and the like.

[0029] The HDD 221 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The CPU 222 loads the programs stored in the HDD 221 into the memory 223 and executes the loaded programs to comprehensively control image processing and printing. The memory 223 has ROM and RAM, and stores programs and image data required for the CPU 222 to perform various processes, and also operates as a work area for the CPU 222. The operation unit 224 accepts various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user. The display (display unit) 225 displays setting information of the image forming apparatus 101, the processing status of print jobs, and the like.

[0030] The document exposure unit 226 reads documents when using the copy or scan function. Specifically, the document exposure unit 226 reads document data by shining an exposure lamp onto a sheet of paper placed by the user and capturing an image with a CCD camera. The laser exposure unit 227 performs primary charging and laser exposure to irradiate the photosensitive drum with laser light to transfer a toner image. The laser exposure unit 227 first performs primary charging, charging the surface of the photosensitive drum to a uniform negative potential. Next, a laser driver irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light 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, which transfers toner to paper, includes a development unit, transfer unit, toner supply unit, etc., and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum to paper. The development unit transfers negatively charged toner from a development cylinder to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum surface, creating a visible image. The transfer unit 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 transfer roller to transfer the toner on the transfer belt to paper. The fixing unit 229 is a device that melts and fixes the toner on the paper to the paper using heat and pressure, and includes a heater, fixing belt, pressure belt, etc. The paper feed unit 230 is a device that feeds paper, and the paper feed and transport operations are controlled by rollers and various sensors.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 has a communication I / F 232, a CPU 233, a memory 234, and a paper feed control unit 235, which are connected via a bus 236. The communication I / F 232 connects to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary for control. The CPU 233 executes a control program stored in the memory 234 and performs various controls necessary for paper feeding. 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 the paper feed unit of the inserter 108 and the feeding and transport of paper transported from the printing device 107 while controlling rollers and sensors.

[0032] Next, the configuration of the inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0033] The inspection device 109 has 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 HDD 272, which are connected via a bus 243. The communication I / F 237 connects to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary for control. Reference image data used for inspection is also received from the printing device 107 via the communication cable 254 and the communication I / F 237 and stored in the HDD 272. The CPU 238 executes a control program stored in the memory 239 to perform various controls necessary for inspection. The memory 239 has a ROM and a RAM and stores the control program, etc. It is preferable that the memory 239 have a large-capacity rewritable nonvolatile memory that registers the reference image data in a nonvolatile manner.

[0034] Based on instructions from the CPU 238, the photographing unit 240 photographs the transported paper and reads the image printed on the paper. The CPU 238 compares the image data photographed by the photographing unit 240 with the reference image data stored in the memory 239 to determine whether the printed image is normal. The display unit 241 displays the inspection results, setting screens, etc. The operation unit 242 is operated by the user and accepts instructions such as changing the settings of the inspection device 109 and registering a reference image. The HDD 272 stores the reference image data. Note that if the HDD 272 is not provided, the reference image data may be stored in the HDD 221 of the printing device 107, and the reference image data may be read from the HDD 221 to the memory 239 and used when performing processing to determine whether the printed image is normal (good or bad).

[0035] Next, the configuration of the large-capacity stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0036] The large-capacity stacker 110 has a communication I / F 244, a CPU 245, a memory 246, and a paper discharge control unit 247, which are connected via a bus 248. The communication I / F 244 connects to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary for control. The CPU 245 executes a control program stored in the memory 246 to perform various controls necessary for paper discharge. The memory 246 has a ROM, a RAM, etc., and stores the control program, etc. The paper discharge control unit 247 transports the transported paper to a stack tray, an escape tray, or the subsequent finisher 111 based on instructions from the CPU 245.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the finisher 111 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0038] The finisher 111 has a communication I / F 249, a CPU 250, a memory 251, a paper discharge control unit 252, and a finishing processing unit 253, all of which are connected via a bus 254. The communication I / F 249 connects to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary for control. The CPU 250 executes a control program stored in the memory 251 to perform various controls necessary for finishing and paper discharge. The memory 251 includes ROM, RAM, etc., and stores control programs, etc. The paper discharge control unit 252 controls paper transport and paper discharge based on instructions from the CPU 250. The finishing processing unit 253 performs finishing processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching based on instructions from the CPU 250. In the above description, the external controller 102 and the image forming device 101 are connected via the internal LAN 105 and video cable 106. However, any configuration that allows transmission and reception of data necessary for printing may be used; for example, a connection configuration using only a video cable may be used. Furthermore, each of memory 202, memory 209, memory 223, memory 234, memory 239, memory 246, and memory 251 may be a 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.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the mechanism of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0040] First, the printing device 107 will be described. Paper feed decks 301 and 302 can accommodate multiple sheets of various types of paper. Each paper feed deck separates the topmost sheet of paper stored therein and transports it to paper transport path 303. Information about the paper stored in each paper feed deck (paper size, paper type) can be set using the operation unit 224 of the printing device 107. Each paper feed deck separates the topmost sheet of paper stored therein and transports it to paper transport path 303. To form a color image, development stations 304 to 307 form toner images using color toners Y, M, C, and K, respectively. The toner images formed here are primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 308. The intermediate transfer belt 308 is driven to rotate clockwise in FIG. 3, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet transported from the paper transport path 303 at a secondary transfer position 309. A display unit 225 displays the printing status of the image forming device 101 and information for settings. The fixing unit 311 fixes the toner image on the paper to the paper. The fixing unit 311 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller. The paper, onto which the toner image has been transferred, passes between these rollers to melt and press the toner, thereby fixing the toner image to the paper. After passing through the fixing unit 311, the paper is transported to a transport path 315 via a paper transport path 312. If further melting and pressing is required for fixing depending on the type of paper, the paper after passing through the fixing unit 311 is transported to a second fixing unit 313 via an upper paper transport path. After the additional melting and pressing is performed in the second fixing unit 313, the paper is transported to a transport path 315 via a paper transport path 314. If the image formation mode is double-sided, the fixed paper is transported to a paper inversion path 316, where the paper is inverted, and then transported to a double-sided transport path 317. The image is transferred to the second side of the paper at a secondary transfer position 309.

[0041] Next, the configuration of the inserter 108 for inserting paper will be described.

[0042] The inserter 108 includes an inserter tray 321, and merges sheets fed through a sheet transport path 322 into the transport path 315. This allows sheets to be inserted at any position in a series of sheets transported from the printing device 107 and transported to a subsequent device.

[0043] The paper that has passed through the inserter 108 is transported to the inspection device 109. Inside the inspection device 109, cameras 331 and 332 are arranged facing each other. Camera 331 is a camera for reading the top surface of the paper, and camera 332 is a camera for reading the bottom surface of the paper. When the paper transported to paper transport path 333 reaches a predetermined position, the inspection device 109 reads the image of the paper using cameras 331 and 332, and can determine whether the image printed on the paper is normal. The display device 241 displays the inspection results performed by the inspection device 109, etc.

[0044] Next, the configuration of the large-capacity stacker 110 capable of stacking a large amount of paper will be described.

[0045] The large-capacity stacker 110 has a stack tray 341 as a tray for stacking sheets. Sheets that have passed through the inspection device 109 are input into the large-capacity stacker 110 through a sheet transport path 344. The sheets are stacked on the stack tray 341 via a sheet transport path 345 from the sheet transport path 344. The large-capacity stacker 110 also has an escape tray 346 as a sheet output tray. The escape tray 346 is an output tray used to output sheets that have been determined to be defective by the inspection device 109. When sheets are output to the escape tray 346, the sheets are transported from the sheet transport path 344 to the escape tray 346 via a sheet transport path 347. When sheets are transported to a post-processing device downstream of the large-capacity stacker 110, the sheets are transported via a sheet transport path 348. The reversing unit 349 is a mechanism for reversing the front and back of the sheets. This reversing unit 349 is used when sheets are stacked on the stack tray 341. When stacking the sheets on the stack tray 341 so that the orientation of the sheets at the time of output is the same as the orientation of the sheets input, the sheets are inverted once by the inverting unit 349. When transporting the sheets to the escape tray 346 or the subsequent post-processing device (finisher 111), the sheets are discharged as is without being flipped when stacked, and therefore the inverting unit 349 does not perform the inverting operation of the sheets.

[0046] The finisher 111 can perform post-processing on the transported sheets according to a function specified by the user. Specifically, the finisher 111 has finishing functions such as stapling (one-point or two-point binding), punching (two-hole or three-hole), and saddle stitching. The finisher 111 is equipped with two paper output trays 351 and 352, and a stack of sheets that will not undergo finishing processing is output to the paper output tray 351 via a paper transport path 353. When a finishing process such as stapling is to be performed, the fed sheets are sent to a processing section 355 via a paper transport path 354, where the finishing function specified by the user is executed, and the sheets are output to the paper output tray 352. The paper output trays 351 and 352 can each be raised and lowered, and the paper output tray 351 can be lowered to load sheets that have undergone finishing processing in the processing section 355 onto the paper output tray 351. When saddle stitching is specified, the saddle stitching processing unit 356 staples the center of the sheet stack, folds the sheet stack in half, and outputs it to a saddle stitching tray 358 via a paper transport path 357. The saddle stitching tray 358 is configured as a belt conveyor, and the saddle stitched sheet stack loaded on the saddle stitching tray 358 is transported to the left side of FIG.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 401 of the printed queue displayed on the display 212 of the external controller 102 according to the first embodiment.

[0048] The external controller 102 can hold the printed job in a print job queue and execute the print job held in the print job queue again to reprint it. For this reprint, it is also possible to change the print settings and print.

[0049] A print job queue display screen 401 is displayed on the display 212 of the external controller 102. A list display 402 displaying the contents of the print job queue 406 indicates that six print jobs are stored in the print job queue 406. A print job issued from the external controller 102 is automatically stored in the print job queue 406 upon completion of printing. The print job stored in the print job queue 406 is stored in the bitmap format immediately before transmission to the printing device 107. Therefore, when a print job stored in the print job queue is reprinted with the same print settings, it can be printed quickly without RIP processing. The upper limit of the number of print jobs that can be stored in the print job queue is variable and can be set by the user. A cursor 403 indicates the selected print job. By pressing the print button 404 or the delete button 405 in this state, the selected print job can be executed and printed, or the selected print job can be deleted. Pressing the print button 404 causes printing to be performed via the print setting screen for the selected print job. It is possible to print using the exact same print settings, or to print with some changes to the print settings. When the Delete button 405 is pressed, the selected print job is deleted from the printed queue.

[0050] 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of a print job by the printing device 107 according to the first embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 222 of the printing device 107 executing a program loaded in the memory 223.

[0051] First, in S501, the CPU 222 receives a print job from the external controller 102. Next, the process proceeds to S502, where the CPU 222 determines whether the received print job has an inspection setting by the inspection device 109, and if an inspection setting has been set, the process proceeds to S503, and if an inspection setting has not been set, the process proceeds to S508. In S508, the CPU 222 executes normal printing processing without inspecting the printed matter using the inspection device 109, and ends this process.

[0052] In S503, the CPU 222 determines whether or not a reference image ID (identification information) is specified in the inspection settings for the print job. If a reference image ID is specified, the process proceeds to S506; if not, the process proceeds to S504. In S504, the CPU 222 creates reference image data for inspection from the image data of the print job received from the external controller 102, and registers the reference image data in the inspection device 109 as a reference image.

[0053] At this time, the inspection device 109 stores the received reference image data as a reference image in the HDD 272. The inspection device 109 collectively manages, for each print job, a plurality of reference images corresponding to the images to be printed in that print job, the type of image, etc. Then, when it receives all the reference images for one print job, it issues one ID that is uniquely determined for that print job and notifies the printing device 107. Therefore, by specifying this ID, the user who submits the print job can inspect the print images printed in that print job against the corresponding reference images in order according to the printing order, thereby inspecting the printouts.

[0054] The process then proceeds to S505, where the CPU 222 transmits the ID of the reference image issued for each print job received from the inspection device 109 to the external controller 102. As a result, the external controller 102 adds the ID of this reference image to the print attributes of the printed queue and stores it. Then, when a print job stored in the printed queue is re-executed, the external controller 102 specifies the ID of the reference image in association with that print job. This allows the printing device 107 to reprint the print job for which reprinting is instructed and inspect the printed matter at the time of reprinting without creating and registering a reference image for that print job.

[0055] The process then proceeds to S506, where the printing device 107 designates the ID of the reference image, and the CPU 222 transitions the inspection device 109 to inspection mode, before proceeding to S507. The inspection device 109, which has transitioned to inspection mode in this way, waits for printed paper to be conveyed so that it can be photographed by the photographing unit 240. In S507, the CPU 222 performs printing processing to execute the print job and inspection processing by the inspection device 109. Then, when the print job is finished, the CPU 222 notifies the inspection device 109 that the print job has been completed. This causes the inspection device 109 to exit inspection mode.

[0056] According to the process shown in this flowchart, the user can automatically register a reference image and inspect the printed matter by simply setting inspection for the print job and submitting the print job.

[0057] 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the external controller 102 according to the first embodiment. Here, an example of the process for determining the ID of the reference image when print settings are changed during reprinting is shown. The processing shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 208 of the external controller 102 executing a program loaded in the memory 209.

[0058] In the first embodiment, as described above, the external controller 102 holds the ID of the reference image used in the inspection by the inspection device 109 in the print attributes of the print job stored in the printed queue. Therefore, when reprinting a print job, the ID of the reference image for that print job stored in the printed queue is specified to instruct the reprint. As a result, when reprinting, the printing device 107 can perform inspection printing by instructing the inspection device 109 to use the reference image using the specified reference image ID, without creating reference image data again.

[0059] However, the inspection in the first embodiment is configured to sequentially compare the print image captured by the imaging unit 240 with the reference image data stored in the HDD 272 of the inspection device 109. Even in the case of reprinting, depending on the changes in print settings, RIP may be performed again, the print order may change, or the print direction may change. In such cases, with the configuration of the above-described embodiment, there is a possibility that an inspection abnormality will occur unless the reference image data is regenerated. Therefore, when the reprint settings are changed, the external controller 102 determines whether the reference image data needs to be regenerated, and specifies the ID of the reference image for the print job only if it is not necessary to create reference image data.

[0060] The process shown in the flowchart in Fig. 6 is initiated when a print job stored in the print queue of the external controller 102 is re-executed, and determines whether to set an ID for the reference image. First, in S601, the CPU 208 determines whether inspection settings by the inspection device 109 have been made for the print job instructed to be reprinted. If inspection settings have been made, the process proceeds to S602; if inspection settings have not been made, the process ends. In S602, the CPU 208 determines whether print settings for the print job instructed to be reprinted have been changed. If print settings have been changed, the process proceeds to S603; if print settings have not been changed, the process ends. At this time, the ID of the reference image stored in the print job instructed to be reprinted is specified as is for the print job instructed to be reprinted.

[0061] In S603, the CPU 208 determines whether the corresponding reference image needs to be re-RIPped due to a change in print settings, and if it is determined that re-RIPping is necessary, the process proceeds to S606, otherwise the process proceeds to S604. Conditions for re-RIPping include, for example, when the image processing settings are changed and the print image itself changes, when the output paper size is changed and the print magnification changes, or when the NUP settings are changed and the number of images printed per page changes.

[0062] In S604, the CPU 208 determines whether the change in print settings will change the print order. If the print order will change, the process proceeds to S606. If not, the process proceeds to S605. Conditions for changing the print order include, for example, changing the output side when discharging paper. Also, depending on the paper discharge accessory connected downstream of the printing device 107, it may be necessary to output in the reverse order of normal printing, so the print order largely depends on the configuration of the paper discharge accessory.

[0063] In S605, the CPU 208 determines whether the print direction will change due to the change in print settings, and if it determines that the print direction will change, proceeds to S606; if not, this process ends. Conditions for changing the print direction include, for example, changing the position of finishing such as stapling or punching.

[0064] In S606, the CPU 208 sets the reference image ID to "None" in the inspection settings of the print job because the reference image needs to be recreated. As a result, the printing device 107 that receives this print job determines that processing to create reference image data is necessary, and in S504 of FIG. 5, creates the reference image data and registers it in the inspection device 109.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a change in print settings that causes the external controller 102 to determine that RIP is required again in step S603 of FIG.

[0066] 7A shows the print order and print direction before the print settings are changed. Here, each of the four pages printed in the print job is printed on one side of a sheet of paper, and is printed in order starting from P1 (the first page), for a total of four sheets of paper (P1 to P4). The print direction at this time is such that the top is the back side of the printer 107 and the bottom is the front side, as seen from above when the sheets are ejected from the printer 107.

[0067] FIG. 7B shows the case where this print job is printed in 2UP, which prints two pages of images on one side of one sheet of paper. In this case, two pages of images are printed on one side of one sheet of paper, for a total of two sheets of paper. In this case, the image printed on one sheet of paper has changed, so RIP is performed again by the external controller 102. In this case, the print image to be inspected itself has changed, so the reference image must also be re-created, otherwise an inspection error will occur. FIG. 7 shows an example of when RIP is performed again, and of course RIP may be performed again with other setting changes.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a change in print settings that the external controller 102 determines in step S604 of FIG. 6 will change the print order.

[0069] FIG. 8A shows the print order and print direction before the settings are changed. The print order and print direction here are the same as those in FIG. 7A described above. The print settings are single-sided printing with backside ejection. FIG. 8B is a top view of sheets of paper ejected to the paper ejection tray 351 of the finisher 111. In the first embodiment, backside ejection is performed by printing four sheets of paper as shown in FIG. 8A, and then inverting them in the paper inversion path 316 so that the sheets are ejected to the paper ejection tray 351 with the printed side facing down.

[0070] Figure 8(C) shows the print order and print direction when the print setting is changed from back-side ejection to front-side ejection. In the first embodiment, front-side ejection is achieved by printing directly without going through the paper reversal path 316. Therefore, if printing is performed in the order shown in Figure 8(A), the paper on which P4 is printed will be output at the top, resulting in the final output paper stack being in the reverse order. Therefore, by printing in the reverse order to Figure 8(A) as shown in Figure 8(C), the paper on which the first page (P1) is printed will be output face-up, as shown in Figure 8(D), and the correct output result can be obtained.

[0071] In the first embodiment, since the configuration is such that an inspection error occurs even if the printing order is changed, the reference image is recreated even in this case. Figure 8 shows an example of a case where the printing order is changed, and it goes without saying that the printing order may also be changed by other setting changes.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a change in print settings that the external controller 102 determines in step S605 of FIG. 6 to change the image orientation.

[0073] FIG. 9A shows the print order and print direction before the print settings are changed. The print order and print direction here are the same as those in FIG. 7A. The print settings here are single-sided printing with left punch holes. FIG. 9B is a top view of the paper discharged to the paper discharge tray 351 of the finisher 111. In the first embodiment, punch holes are punched at the trailing edge of each sheet in the transport direction. Therefore, if punch holes are punched at the trailing edge of the paper in the transport direction after the paper is reversed by the paper reversing path 316 and discharged face down, the paper will be discharged in the state shown in FIG. 9B. Therefore, the output result is punch holes on the left side of the paper, as shown in FIG. 9C.

[0074] FIG. 9(D) shows the print order and print direction when the left punch hole setting is changed to the right punch hole setting. In the first embodiment, punching holes on the right side of the paper is achieved by rotating the image 180 degrees from when the left punch hole setting is used and printing it. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9(D), by rotating the image 180 degrees from FIG. 9(A) and printing it, the paper output state shown in FIG. 9(E) is obtained. The resulting output result is that punch holes are made on the right side of the paper, and the paper is output face up, as shown in FIG. 9(F).

[0075] In the first embodiment, the configuration is such that an inspection error occurs even if the print orientation is changed, so the reference image data must be recreated in this case as well. Figure 9 shows an example of a case where the print orientation is changed, but it goes without saying that the print orientation may also change due to other setting changes.

[0076] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when a print job stored in the print queue is reprinted, even if the settings for that print job have been changed, it is possible to set the system to automatically recreate the reference image data as necessary. This prevents a normal printout from being judged as abnormal during inspection because the reference image is different. This enables efficient inspection printing.

[0077] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment described above, the reference image data is recreated not only when RIP processing is required again, but also when the printing order or printing orientation changes. However, simply changing the printing order or printing orientation does not actually change the image itself. Therefore, if the inspection device 109 has a function for changing the order of reference images or a function for rotating images, there is no need to recreate the reference image; the reference image is recreated only when RIP processing is required again. Furthermore, if the printing order or printing orientation changes, the inspection device 109 may be instructed to change the order of reference images or rotate the reference images before the start of the print job. This type of embodiment will be described as the second embodiment.

[0078] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the external controller 102 according to the second embodiment. Here, an example of processing for determining the ID of a reference image when changing print settings during reprinting, and for determining whether to change the order and orientation of the reference images will be described. The processing shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 208 of the external controller 102 executing a program loaded in the memory 209. The processing shown in this flowchart is started when a print job stored in the print job queue of the external controller 102 is reprinted, and determines whether to set the ID of the reference image.

[0079] First, in S1001, the CPU 208 determines whether or not an inspection setting by the inspection device 109 has been made for the print job instructed to be reprinted, and if an inspection setting has been made, the process proceeds to S1002, and if an inspection setting has not been made, the process ends. In S1002, the CPU 208 determines whether or not the print settings for the reprint job have been changed, and if the print settings have been changed, the process proceeds to S1003, and if the print settings have not been changed, the process ends. If the print settings have not been changed, the ID of the saved reference image is specified for the reprint job as is.

[0080] In S1003, the CPU 208 determines whether it is necessary to re-RIP and create reference image data due to a change in print settings, and if it is determined that it is necessary to re-RIP, proceeds to S1008, otherwise proceeds to S1004. In S1008, the CPU 208 sets the reference image ID to "none" in the inspection settings for the reprint job because it is necessary to recreate the reference image. As a result, the printing device 107 determines that it is necessary to create reference image data in S503 of FIG. 5 described above, and executes processing to create reference image data and register it in the inspection device 109 in S504.

[0081] If it is determined that re-RIP is not necessary, in S1004 the CPU 208 determines whether the print order will change due to the change in print settings, and if it is determined that the print order will change, proceeds to S1005, and if not, proceeds to S1006. In S1005, the CPU 208 instructs the inspection device 109 to change the order of the reference images, and proceeds to S1006. This instruction to change the order of the reference images can be realized by passing to the inspection device 109 list data that associates the IDs of the reference images with the order of the page numbers after the order of the reference images has been changed.

[0082] In S1006, the CPU 208 determines whether the print direction will change due to the change in print settings, and if it is determined that the print direction will change, proceeds to S1007, otherwise, terminates this processing. In S1007, the CPU 208 instructs the inspection device 109 to rotate the reference image. This rotation instruction instructs the inspection device 109 as to how many degrees the reference image of which page number should be rotated, and terminates this processing.

[0083] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the settings of a reprint job that re-executes a print job stored in the printed queue are changed, the need to recreate the reference image data can be minimized, enabling more efficient inspection printing.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which a print job stored in a print queue was reprinted. However, the present invention can also be applied to printing a print job stored in a box function, for example. That is, a print job stored in a box function is printed according to temporary, predetermined print settings unless the print settings are specifically changed. Therefore, even in this case, reference image data may be created using the predetermined print settings, the reference image may be registered in the inspection device, and inspection printing of the print job stored in the box function may be performed.

[0085] (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. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0086] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 101...image forming apparatus, 102...external controller, 107...printing apparatus, 109...inspection apparatus, 208...CPU of external controller, 222...CPU of printing apparatus

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus that inputs a print job to a printing apparatus and causes the printing apparatus to print, a storage unit for storing identification information of a printed print job and a first reference image used in inspection printing of the print job in association with the print job; a determination means for determining whether or not print settings of a reprint job based on a reprint instruction of the print job have been changed relative to the print settings of the print job, and, if it is determined that the print settings of the reprint job have been changed, determining whether test printing using the first reference image is possible when the reprint job is executed; a control means for controlling the printing device to transmit identification information for the first reference image when the determination means determines that the print settings for the reprint job have not been changed or that test printing using the first reference image is possible when the reprint job is executed, and to transmit identification information for generating a second reference image corresponding to the print settings for the reprint job, rather than the identification information for the first reference image, to the printing device when the determination means determines that test printing using the first reference image is not possible when the reprint job is executed; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines that inspection printing using the first reference image is not possible when it is determined that the print settings of the reprint job have been changed and the print image itself to be printed in the reprint job has changed.

3. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the determination means determines that inspection printing using the first reference image is not possible when it is determined that the print settings of the reprint job have been changed and the size of the image to be printed in the reprint job has changed.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines that inspection printing using the first reference image is not possible when it is determined that the print settings of the reprint job have been changed and the number of images printed per page in the reprint job has changed.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines that inspection printing using the first reference image is not possible when it is determined that the print settings of the reprint job have been changed and the order of images to be printed in the reprint job has changed.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines that inspection printing using the first reference image is not possible when it is determined that the print settings of the reprint job have been changed and the orientation of the image to be printed in the reprint job has changed.

7. An information processing apparatus that inputs a print job to a printing apparatus and causes the printing apparatus to print, a storage unit for storing identification information of a printed print job and a first reference image used in inspection printing of the print job in association with the print job; a determination means for determining whether or not print settings of a reprint job based on a reprint instruction of the print job have been changed relative to the print settings of the print job, and, if it is determined that the print settings of the reprint job have been changed, determining whether or not the order of the first reference images corresponding to the print job or the orientation of the first reference images will change when the reprint job is executed; a control means for controlling the reprint job to be specified with the identification information of the first reference images and transmitted to the printing device when the determination means determines that the print settings of the reprint job have not been changed or that the order or orientation of the first reference images corresponding to the print job will not change when the reprint job is executed, and for instructing a device that performs inspection using the first reference images to change the order or orientation of the first reference images and for transmitting the reprint job to the printing device when the determination means determines that the order or orientation of the first reference images corresponding to the print job will change; An information processing device comprising:

8. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the storage means stores a single piece of unique identification information for an image printed in the print job or for multiple first reference images corresponding to the type of image, in correspondence with the printed print job.

9. A printing system including an information processing device, a printing device that prints in accordance with a print job input from the information processing device, and an inspection device that inspects a printed matter printed by the printing device, The information processing device includes: a first storage means for storing a printed print job and identification information of a first reference image used in inspection printing of the print job in association with the print job; a first determination means for determining whether or not print settings of a reprint job based on a reprint instruction of the print job have been changed relative to the print settings of the print job, and, if it is determined that the print settings of the reprint job have been changed, determining whether test printing using the first reference image is possible when the reprint job is executed; a control means for controlling the printing device to transmit identification information for the first reference image when the first determination means determines that print settings for the reprint job have not been changed or that test printing using the first reference image is possible when the reprint job is executed, and for controlling the printing device to transmit identification information for generating a second reference image corresponding to the print settings for the reprint job without transmitting the identification information for the first reference image when the first determination means determines that test printing using the first reference image is not possible when the reprint job is executed, The printing device a second determination means for determining whether inspection printing is set in the reprint job received from the information processing device and whether identification information for generating the second reference image to be used in the inspection printing of the reprint job is included; a registration means for creating reference image data based on the reprint job when the second determination means determines that the image data contains identification information for generating the second reference image, and for registering the reference image data and the identification information of the reference image data as the second reference image in the inspection device; a printing unit that executes a printing process based on the reprint job and discharges a printed product after the registration unit registers the second reference image, The inspection device is a second storage unit that receives the reference image data used in the inspection printing of the reprint job created by the printing device and identification information of the reference image data and stores the received information as the second reference image; a means for reading a printed matter printed by the printing device based on the reprint job, and for comparing the printed matter with the second reference image stored in the second storage means, which corresponds to identification information of the reference image data specified in the reprint job, to determine whether the printed matter is good or bad; A printing system comprising:

10. When the inspection device has a change unit that can change the order of the first reference images stored in the second storage unit, The printing system described in claim 9, characterized in that even if the first judgment means determines that inspection printing using the first reference image is not possible when the reprint job is executed, if the control means determines that inspection printing using the first reference image is possible if the order of the first reference images corresponding to the print job is changed, it instructs the inspection device to change the order of the first reference images stored in the second storage means, and sets identification information of the first reference image in the reprint job and sends it to the printing device.

11. When the inspection device has a change means that can change the orientation of the first reference image held in the second holding means, The printing system described in claim 9, characterized in that even if the first judgment means determines that inspection printing using the first reference image is not possible when the reprint job is executed, if the control means determines that inspection printing using the first reference image is possible if the orientation of the first reference image corresponding to the print job is changed, it instructs the inspection device to change the orientation of the first reference image stored in the second storage means, and sets identification information of the first reference image in the reprint job and sends it to the printing device.

12. A control method for controlling an information processing apparatus that inputs a print job to a printing apparatus and causes the printing apparatus to print, comprising: a storing step of storing the printed print job and identification information of the first reference image used in the inspection printing of the print job in association with the print job; a determination step of determining whether print settings of a reprint job based on a reprint instruction of the print job have been changed relative to the print settings of the print job, and if it is determined that the print settings of the reprint job have been changed, determining whether test printing using the first reference image is possible when the reprint job is executed; a control step of transmitting identification information of the first reference image to the printing device when the determination step determines that the print settings of the reprint job have not been changed or that test printing using the first reference image is possible when the reprint job is executed, and controlling the printing device to transmit identification information for generating a second reference image corresponding to the print settings of the reprint job without transmitting the identification information of the first reference image when the determination step determines that test printing using the first reference image is not possible when the reprint job is executed; A control method comprising:

13. A control method for controlling an information processing apparatus that inputs a print job to a printing apparatus and causes the printing apparatus to print, comprising: a storing step of storing the printed print job and identification information of the first reference image used in the inspection printing of the print job in association with the print job; a determination step of determining whether print settings of a reprint job based on a reprint instruction of the print job have been changed relative to the print settings of the print job, and if it is determined that the print settings of the reprint job have been changed, determining whether the order of the first reference images corresponding to the print job or the orientation of the first reference images will change when the reprint job is executed; a control step of transmitting identification information of the first reference images to the printing device when the determination step determines that print settings of the reprint job have not been changed or that the order or orientation of the first reference images corresponding to the print job will not change when the reprint job is executed, and instructing a device that performs inspection using the first reference images to change the order or orientation of the first reference images when the determination step determines that the order or orientation of the first reference images corresponding to the print job will change, and specifying the identification information of the first reference images in the reprint job and transmitting it to the printing device; A control method comprising:

14. A program that causes a computer to execute all of the steps of the control method according to claim 12 or 13.

Images