Printing system, printing device, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To provide a printing system that can prevent creation of a printed matter of which inspection result is NG since an operator erroneously selects a paper feed tray when out of paper in an inspection job.SOLUTION: A sheet printed by printing means, which prints an image on the sheet according to a printing job, is read to generate a scan image, and the printed sheet is inspected on the basis of the generated scan image and a reference image. At this time, if no sheet in a paper feed part, which is a feed source of the sheet, is detected, a paper feed part which is different from the afore-said paper feed part can be selected. Herein, the printing job therefor involves inspection, and if no sheet is detected in the paper feed part which is a feed source thereof, it is controlled so that a paper feed part, which accommodates a sheet with paper information different from paper information set in the printing job is not selected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Recently, printing systems have become known that can inspect printed matter printed by a printing device using an inspection device while the printed matter is being transported to an output tray. In the inspection of printed matter, the inspection device scans and reads an image of the printed matter being transported, and compares the scanned image with a pre-registered reference image to determine whether the printed matter is normal. Incidentally, printed matter is sometimes referred to as a printed sheet or sheet. Using such an inspection device, it is possible to detect, for example, missing lines, printing defects, and color misalignment.

[0003] Furthermore, when inspecting printed materials, the scanned image obtained by scanning the printed material is compared with a pre-registered reference image, so the printing conditions when the reference image was registered must match the printing conditions of the printed material at the time of inspection. If these printing conditions are not matched, there is a high possibility that the images will not match, meaning that the product will be judged as unsuitable for inspection. For example, if an inspection device scans a sheet with a printed reference image and registers the scanned image as the reference image, if the type of sheet on which the reference image is printed does not match the type of sheet on which the printed material is being inspected, the color of the background of the reference image will differ from the color of the background of the image scanned from the printed material, potentially resulting in a judgment of unsuitable for inspection.

[0004] Patent document 1 describes that when registering a reference image, the paper information specified in the print job is stored, and if the paper information specified when executing an inspection job differs from the stored paper information, a screen is displayed to confirm whether or not to execute the inspection process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-115744 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In a printing system equipped with an inspection device, the paper loaded in the paper tray may run out during printing that involves inspection, resulting in an out-of-paper state. When this occurs, it is known that the system pauses printing and displays a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "out-of-paper screen") that prompts the user to load paper into the paper tray or select another paper tray. When this out-of-paper screen is displayed, the user can select a paper tray loaded with a different type of paper.

[0007] However, in the method of Patent Document 1, when an inspection job is accepted, it is determined whether the paper type used when the reference image was registered is the same as the paper type of the printed material to be inspected. Therefore, even if the printer runs out of paper during printing that requires inspection and the operator selects a paper tray containing a different type of paper, the confirmation screen cannot be displayed. Furthermore, even if the confirmation screen is displayed, there is a possibility that the operator may mistakenly start the inspection job.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the prior art.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to propose a technology that can prevent the inspection result from being NG when paper runs out during an inspection job by selecting paper of a different type from the paper that ran out. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: printing means for printing an image on a sheet in accordance with a print job; A display unit; a storage means for storing a reference image; a generating means for reading the sheet printed by the printing means and generating a scanned image; an inspection means for inspecting the image on the printed sheet based on the scanned image generated by the generation means and the reference image stored in the storage means; a detection unit for detecting the absence of a sheet in a sheet feeding unit that is a sheet feeding source; a control unit that, when the detection unit detects that no sheet is present, causes the display unit to display a selection screen that allows a user to select a paper feed unit different from the paper feed unit; When the print job involves inspection and the detection means detects that there is no sheet in the paper feed unit that is the paper feed source, the control means displays the selection screen on the display unit, which does not allow the user to select a paper feed unit that stores sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job. 、 the paper information includes the size and type of the sheet; When the reference image is an image based on print data obtained by printing one copy of the print job, the control means displays on the selection screen a paper feed unit that accommodates sheets of a size that matches at least the sheet size of the paper information set in the print job so that the paper feed unit can be selected. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, when paper runs out during an inspection job, it is possible to prevent the inspection result from being NG by selecting paper of a type different from that of the paper that has run out.

[0012] 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]

[0013] 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 an overall diagram of the configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus, the external controller, and the client PC according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating the mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit when the inspection device according to the first embodiment is started up. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a reference image registration screen displayed on the display unit after a reference image registration button is pressed and reading of the reference image is completed in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit when an inspection start button is pressed after registering a plurality of reference images in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a selection screen for selecting an inspection job to be executed, which is displayed on the display unit of the external controller according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of an inspection job setting screen displayed on a display unit of the external controller according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a paper information registration screen displayed on a display unit of a printing apparatus for setting information about paper stored in a paper feed deck of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that is displayed on the display unit of the printing device to prompt the user to replenish paper when one of the paper feed decks runs out of paper during printing using the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the printing device according to the first embodiment, from detecting that an out-of-paper state has occurred during execution of an inspection job until the inspection job is stopped. [Figure 12] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining a sequence when the external controller according to the first embodiment registers a reference image in the inspection device using a received inspection job. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of an out-of-paper screen that is displayed on the display unit of the printing device when the paper feed deck runs out of paper during printing by the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a table that associates reference image IDs and sheet numbers held by the inspection device according to the first embodiment and stores the inspection results and the like. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a warning screen displayed when a paper feed deck set with paper information different from the paper information set for the paper feed deck that ran out of paper in the printing device according to the first embodiment is selected. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a processing sequence in which an external controller according to the second embodiment registers a reference image in the inspection device using an inspection job that has already been received. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a printing device according to a second embodiment, from detecting that an out-of-paper state has occurred during execution of an inspection job to stopping the inspection job. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when paper runs out during printing in step S1701 of FIG. 17 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a sequence when a paper out state occurs during execution of an inspection job in the image processing system according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 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 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] The external controller in the embodiments may also be called an external controller, image processing controller, digital front end, print server, DFE, etc. The image forming apparatus may also be called a multifunction peripheral, multifunction peripheral, or MFP (Multifunction Peripheral).

[0016] FIG. 1 is an overall diagram of the configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] This image processing 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 communicably connected to a client PC 103 via an external LAN 104, and a print instruction is sent from the PC 103 to the external controller 102.

[0018] A printer driver that has a function of converting print data into a print description language that can be processed by the external controller 102 is installed in the client PC 103. An operator who will be printing can issue a print instruction via the printer driver from various applications running on the PC 103. The printer driver transmits print data to the external controller 102 based on the print instruction from the operator. Upon receiving the print instruction from the PC 103, the external controller 102 performs data analysis and rasterization processing, and inputs the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 to issue a print instruction.

[0019] Next, the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 101 is connected to a plurality of devices with different functions, and is configured to be capable of complex printing processes such as bookbinding.

[0021] The printing device 107 forms (prints) an image using toner on paper transported from a paper feeder located below the printing device 107. The paper can be paper or film, and refers to a recording sheet on which an image is formed using toner. 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, forming a full-color image on the paper. The paper on the transfer drum with the full-color image thus formed is transported to a fuser. The fuser includes rollers, belts, etc., and incorporates a heat source, such as a halogen heater, within the rollers. The toner on the paper with the transferred toner image is melted and fixed to the paper by heat and pressure.

[0022] The inserter 108 is an inserter for inserting an insert sheet between multiple sheets of paper printed by the printing device 107. The inserter 108 can insert a sheet of paper at any position in the group of sheets of paper printed by the printing device 107 and transported.

[0023] The inspection device 109 is a device for reading an image on the conveyed paper and comparing it with a pre-registered reference image to determine whether the printed image is normal.

[0024] The large-capacity stacker 110 is capable of stacking a large number of sheets. The finisher 111 is a device that performs finishing processing (post-processing) on ​​the transported sheets. Finishing processing refers to processing such as stapling, punching, and saddle-stitching on sheets on which images have been printed. After finishing processing, the sheets are discharged to a paper discharge tray.

[0025] The multi-stage sheet feeder 112 has multiple sheet feed sections for stacking sheets of multiple sizes and types, or a large number of sheets.

[0026] 1 is configured such that an external controller 102 is connected to an image forming apparatus 101, but the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which an external controller 102 is connected. That is, a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 101 is connected to an external LAN 104 and print data that the image forming apparatus 101 can process is directly received from a client PC 103. In this case, the image forming apparatus 101 analyzes and rasterizes the data, and then executes the print process.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101, the external controller 102, and the client PC 103 according to the first embodiment.

[0028] First, the configuration of the printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0029] The printing device 107 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. The communication I / F 217 is connected to the inserter 108, the inspection device 109, the large-capacity stacker 110, the finisher 111, and the multi-stage paper feeder 112 via a communication cable 259, 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 the external controller 102, such as with print data. The video I / F 220 is connected to the external controller 102 via a video cable 106, and communicates with the external controller 102, such as with image data.

[0030] The HDD 221 is a storage device that stores programs, data, etc. The CPU 222 loads the programs stored in the HDD 221 into the memory 223 and executes them, thereby comprehensively controlling image processing and printing. The memory 223 stores programs and image data required for the CPU 222 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area. The operation unit 224 accepts input of various settings and operation instructions from the operator. The display unit 225 displays the image data. formation Device 101 Settings information and the processing status of print jobs are displayed.

[0031] The document exposure unit 226 reads documents when using the copy or scan functions. The document data is read by illuminating the document placed by the operator or transported by the ADF with an exposure lamp 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, 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 transfers toner to paper. It 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, creating a visible image. In the transfer unit, primary transfer is performed by applying a positive potential to the primary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the photosensitive drum surface to the transfer belt, and secondary transfer is performed by applying a positive potential to the secondary outer 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 and transport unit 230 is a device that feeds paper, and the paper feed and transport operations are controlled by rollers and various sensors.

[0032] Next, the configuration of the inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0033] The inserter 108 has a communication I / F 232, a CPU 233, a memory 234, and a paper feed control unit 235, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 236. The communication I / F 232 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 259, and performs communication necessary for control. The CPU 233 performs various controls necessary for paper feeding in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 234. The memory 234 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper feed control unit 235 controls the rollers and sensors based on instructions from the CPU 233, and controls the feeding and transport of paper sheets transported from the inserter's paper feed unit and the printing device 107.

[0034] Next, the configuration of the inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0035] The inspection device 109 has a communication I / F 237, a CPU 238, a memory 239, an image capture unit 240, a display unit 241, an operation unit 242, and an HDD 272, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 243. The communication I / F 237 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 259, and performs communication necessary for control. The CPU 238 performs various controls necessary for inspection according to a control program stored in the memory 239. The memory 239 is a storage device in which the control program is saved.

[0036] The photographing unit 240 photographs an image of the transported paper sheet based on instructions from the CPU 238, and generates a scanned image. The CPU 238 compares the scanned image generated by the photographing unit 240 with a reference image stored in the HDD 272, and determines whether the printed image is normal. The display unit 241 displays inspection results, setting screens, and the like. The operation unit 242 is operated by an operator and receives instructions such as changing the settings of the inspection device 109 and registering a reference image. The HDD 272 stores the reference image. If the inspection device 109 does not have an HDD 272, the reference image is stored in the HDD 221 of the printing device 107. When the inspection process is executed, the reference image stored in the HDD 221 may be received from the printing device 107, stored in the memory 239, and used.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the large-capacity stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0038] The large-capacity stacker 110 has a communication I / F 244, a CPU 245, a memory 246, and a paper discharge control unit 247, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 248. The communication I / F 244 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 259, and communication necessary for control is performed. The CPU 245 performs various controls necessary for paper discharge in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 246. The memory 246 is a storage device in which the control program and the like are saved. The paper discharge control unit 247 controls the transport of transported paper to a stack tray, an escape tray, or the subsequent finisher 111 based on instructions from the CPU 245.

[0039] Next, the configuration of the finisher 111 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0040] 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, and each component is connected via a system bus 254. The communication I / F 249 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 259, and communication necessary for control is performed. The CPU 250 performs various controls necessary for finishing and paper discharge in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 251. The memory 251 is a storage device that saves the control program and the like. The paper discharge control unit 252 controls paper transport and paper discharge based on instructions from the CPU 250. The finishing processing unit 253 controls finishing processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching based on instructions from the CPU 250. Note that the finishing process does not need to include all of the finishing processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching.

[0041] Next, the configuration of the multi-stage paper feeder 112 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0042] Multistage paper feeder 112 has a communication I / F 255, a CPU 256, a memory 257, and a paper feed control unit 258, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 260. Communication I / F 255 is connected to printing device 107 via a communication cable 259 and performs communication required for control. CPU 256 performs various controls required for paper feeding in accordance with a control program stored in memory 257. Memory 257 is a storage device that stores the control program, etc. Based on instructions from CPU 256, paper feed control unit 258 controls the feeding and transport of paper from the paper feed deck of multistage paper feeder 112 while controlling rollers and sensors.

[0043] Next, the configuration of the external controller 102 will be described.

[0044] The external controller 102 includes a CPU 208, a memory 209, a HDD 210, a keyboard 211, a display unit 212, a LAN I / F 213, a LAN I / F 214, and a video I / F 215, all of which are connected via a system bus 216. The CPU 208 loads programs stored in the HDD 210 into the memory 209 and comprehensively executes processes such as receiving print data from the client PC 103, RIP processing, and transmitting print data to the image forming apparatus 101. 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, data, etc. required for operations such as printing processing. The keyboard 211 is operated by a user and is used to input operation instructions for the external controller 102. The display unit 212 displays information such as the application being executed by the external controller 102 using video signals for still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 213 is connected to the client PC 103 via the external LAN 104, and performs communication such as printing instructions. The LAN I / F 214 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105, and performs communication such as printing instructions. The video I / F 215 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video cable 106, and performs communication such as printing data.

[0045] Finally, the configuration of the client PC 103 will be described.

[0046] The client PC 103 includes a CPU 201, memory 202, HDD 203, keyboard 204, display unit 205, and LAN I / F 206, all of which are connected via a system bus 207. The CPU 201 creates print data and issues print instructions by loading a document processing program, etc., stored in the HDD 203 into the memory 202 and executing it. The CPU 201 also comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 207. The memory 202 stores programs, data, etc., 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. The keyboard 204 is a device through which a user inputs operation instructions for the PC 103. The display unit 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 is used for communication such as print instructions.

[0047] In the above description, the external controller 102 and the image forming apparatus 101 are connected via the internal LAN 105 and the video cable 106, but any other configuration is possible as long as the data necessary for printing can be transmitted and received; for example, the connection may be via only a video cable. Furthermore, the memory 202, the memory 209, the memory 223, the memory 234, the memory 239, the memory 246, and the memory 251 may each be a storage device for storing data and programs. For example, they may be replaced with volatile RAM, non-volatile ROM, an internal HDD, an external HDD, a USB memory, or the like.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating the mechanism of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0049] The printing device 107 has paper feed decks 301 and 302, each of which stores various types of sheets. 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 can separate only the topmost sheet from the stored sheets and transport it to a sheet transport path 303.

[0050] To form a color image, the developing stations 304 to 307 form toner images using color toners of 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 rotates clockwise in FIG. 3, and the toner images are transferred to a sheet conveyed from the sheet conveying path 303 at a secondary transfer position 309.

[0051] The display unit 225 displays the printing status and setting information of the image forming apparatus 101. Yu The fuser 311 fuses the toner image onto the sheet. The fuser 311 is equipped with a pressure roller and a heating roller, and as the sheet passes between these rollers, the toner is melted and pressed onto the sheet, thereby fusing the toner image onto the sheet. After passing through the fuser 311, the sheet is transported to the transport path 315 via the sheet transport path 312. If further fusing and pressing is required for fusing depending on the type of sheet, the sheet passes through the fuser 311 and is transported to the second fuser 313 via the upper sheet transport path, where it is subjected to additional fusing and pressing before being transported to the transport path 315 via the sheet transport path 314. When the image formation mode is double-sided, the sheet printed on one side is transported to the sheet inversion path 316, where it is inverted, and then transported to the double-sided transport path 317, where the image on the second side is transferred to the secondary transfer position 309.

[0052] The inserter 108 includes an inserter tray 321 for stacking sheets to be inserted, and merges the sheets fed via a sheet transport path 322 into the transport path. This makes it possible to insert a sheet at any position in a series of sheets transported from the printing device 107 and transport the sheet to a subsequent device.

[0053] The sheet that has passed through the inserter 108 is transported to the inspection device 109. Cameras 331 and 332 are arranged facing each other inside the inspection device 109. Camera 331 is a camera for reading the upper surface of the sheet, and camera 332 is a camera for reading the lower surface of the sheet. When the sheet transported to the sheet transport path 333 reaches a predetermined position, the inspection device 109 reads the image of the sheet using cameras 331 and 332, and can determine whether the image of the sheet is normal. The display unit 241 displays the inspection results performed by the inspection device 109, etc.

[0054] The large-capacity stacker 110 has a stack tray 341 as a tray for stacking sheets. The sheets that have passed through the inspection device 109 are input to the large-capacity stacker 110 through a sheet transport path 344. The sheets then travel from the sheet transport path 344 to a sheet transport path 345 and are stacked on the stack tray 341. 110 has an escape tray 346 as a paper discharge tray. The escape tray 346 is a paper discharge tray used to discharge sheets determined to be defective by the inspection device 109. When a sheet is output to the escape tray 346, the sheet is transported from a sheet transport path 344 to the escape tray 346 via a sheet transport path 347. When a sheet is transported to a finisher (post-processing device) 111 at a subsequent stage of the large-capacity stacker 110, the sheet is transported via a sheet transport path 348.

[0055] In this way, if the inspection device 109 determines that a sheet is abnormal, printing is interrupted, and the sheets that have already been fed after the abnormal sheet are discharged to a different destination from the normal sheets. This makes it possible to prevent abnormal sheets from being mixed in with the normal sheets. After an abnormal sheet is detected, printing is resumed from the abnormal sheet, so that printing continues from the abnormal sheet. The inverting unit 349 inverts the sheet. This inverting unit 349 is used when stacking sheets on the stack tray 341. When stacking on the stack tray 341, the inverting unit 349 inverts the sheet once so that the orientation of the input sheet and the orientation of the sheet at the time of output are the same. When transporting to the escape tray 346 or the subsequent finisher 111, the sheet is discharged as is without flipping when stacked, so the inverting unit 349 does not perform the inverting operation.

[0056] The finisher 111 performs finishing processing on the conveyed sheets in accordance with the function specified by the operator. Specifically, the finisher 111 has finishing functions such as stapling for one-point or two-point binding, punching for two-hole or three-hole binding, and saddle stitching. However, it is not necessary for the finisher 111 to have all of the functions of stapling, punching, and saddle stitching. The finisher 111 has two paper output trays 351 and 352. When finishing processing such as stapling is not performed, the sheet stack is output to the paper output tray 351 via a sheet transport path 353. On the other hand, when finishing processing such as stapling is performed, the sheet stack is output to the paper output tray 352 via a sheet transport path 354 after the finishing function specified by the operator is executed in a processing section 355. The paper output trays 351 and 352 can each be raised and lowered, and it is also possible to lower the paper output tray 351 and stack the sheets that have been finished in the processing section 355 on the paper output tray 351. When saddle stitching is specified, the saddle stitching processing unit 356 staples the sheet in the center, folds the sheet in half, and outputs it 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 saddle stitched bundle loaded on the saddle stitching tray 358 is transported to the left side.

[0057] The multi-stage paper feeder 112 has multiple paper feed units (paper feed decks). In the multi-stage paper feeder 112, paper feed decks 361, 362, and 363 can store various types of sheets. Information about the paper stored in each paper feed deck (paper size, paper type) can be set from the operation unit 224 of the printing device 107. Each paper feed deck can separate only the topmost sheet from the stored sheets and transport it to the sheet transport path 303.

[0058] 4 to 6 are diagrams showing example screens displayed on the display unit 241 of the inspection device 109 according to the first embodiment. These screens are displayed based on instructions from the CPU 238 of the inspection device 109. The inspection device 109 inspects the image of the conveyed sheet according to preset inspection items. The inspection of the sheet image is performed by comparing a pre-registered reference image with a scanned image obtained by reading the conveyed sheet. Methods for comparing images include comparing pixel values ​​for each image position, comparing the position of an object using edge detection, and extracting character data using character recognition (OCR). Inspection items include misalignment of print position, image color, image density, streaks, blurred prints, and missing prints. It is not necessary to inspect all of the inspection items; one or more items can be selected.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen 400 displayed on the display unit 241 of the inspection device 109 when the inspection device 109 according to the first embodiment is started up.

[0060] Message 401 displays a message that a reference image has not been registered, and therefore registration of a reference image is required to begin inspection. Area 402 displays registered reference images. In screen 400 of FIG. 4, as an example, a reference image has not been registered, so no image is displayed in area 402, and message 401 indicating that a reference image has not been registered is displayed. The display when a reference image has been registered will be described later.

[0061] The reference image registration button 403 is a button for calling up a reference image registration screen. The reference image is an image to be compared with the scanned image obtained by reading with the inspection device 109, and is an image obtained by previously reading a properly printed sheet visually or by the inspection device 109. The inspection setting button 404 is a button for calling up an inspection setting screen. The inspection items and inspection accuracy (the degree of difference from the reference image at which an image is determined to be abnormal) are set according to the operator's inspection purpose. The inspection result confirmation button 405 is a button for calling up an inspection result confirmation screen, which makes it possible to check the contents and results of past inspections. The inspection start button 406 is a button for instructing the start of inspection. When this inspection start button 406 is pressed, the inspection device 109 transitions to inspection mode and notifies the printing device 107 that it is in inspection mode. When inspection starts, the inspection device 109 begins inspecting the sheet image that has been sent.

[0062] The screens that appear when the inspection setting button 404 and the inspection result confirmation button 405 are pressed are not directly related to the present invention and will not be described here, but the screens that appear when the reference image registration button 403 and the inspection start button 406 are pressed will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a reference image registration screen 500 displayed on the display unit 241 after the reference image registration button 403 is pressed and the reading of the reference image is completed in the inspection device 109 of embodiment 1.

[0064] An image of the print sheet read by the inspection device 109 is displayed in a display area 501, and if there are multiple sheets, the image to be displayed can be switched using a switch button 502. If double-sided inspection is to be performed, the front and back of the image displayed in the display area 501 can be switched using a switch button 503. The "Set inspection skip area" button 504 is a button for instructing the setting of an area for which inspection will be skipped. This button 504 makes it possible to set an area for which inspection will not be performed, for example, in cases where the print content of a specific area changes for each copy, such as variable printing (VDP, Variable Data Printing). With variable printing, there are cases where a different ID is printed for each copy, or where only the address or name changes for each copy.

[0065] The registration button 505 is a button that the operator uses to instruct the operator to register the scanned image in the display area 501 as a reference image after checking the image. When the registration button 505 is pressed, the inspection device 109 registers the reference image and returns to the screen 400 of FIG. 4. The cancel button 506 is a button used to cancel the registration of the reference image. When the cancel button 506 is pressed, the inspection device 109 does not register the reference image and returns to the screen 400 of FIG. 4. When the registration button 505 or the cancel button 506 is pressed and the screen returns to the screen 400 of FIG. 4, the inspection device 109 transitions to a normal mode, which is a mode in which inspection is not performed, and notifies the printing device 107 that it is in the normal mode.

[0066] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen 600 displayed on the display unit 241 when the inspection start button 406 is pressed after registering a plurality of reference images in the inspection device 109 according to embodiment 1. Note that in Fig. 6, the same components as those in Fig. 4 described above are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0067] Message 601 prompts the user to select an image to be used for inspection from multiple registered reference images. Display area 602 displays multiple registered reference images. FIG. 6 shows an example of a registered reference image. An image of the document may be displayed as in display area 602, or only the registered name may be displayed. Scroll buttons 603 and 604 are buttons for scrolling the screen left and right to select a reference image outside the screen. Selection boxes 605 to 607 are used to select a reference image. When a reference image to be used for inspection is selected on this screen, a check mark is displayed in the corresponding selection box 605 to 607. After a reference image has been selected in this way, pressing the start inspection button 406 starts the inspection process using the selected reference image.

[0068] As described above, when setting up inspection for the inspection device 109, the settings are made on the screens shown in Figures 4 to 6 displayed on the display unit 241 of the inspection device 109. Meanwhile, instructions to the inspection device 109 to feed printed sheets to be registered as reference images, sheets printed with barcodes, and printed sheets to be inspected are given from the external controller 102.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen 700 for selecting an inspection job to be executed, displayed on the display unit 212 of the external controller 102 according to the first embodiment.

[0070] Table 701 shows a list of inspection jobs received from client PC 103. Table 701 shows a state in which four jobs have been received from client PC 103, with three jobs selected as examples of jobs to be executed: "Invoice," "Estimate," and "Pamphlet." After selecting an inspection job to be executed from this list, pressing the Next button 702 transitions to the inspection job setting screen of FIG. 8. Pressing the Cancel button 703 cancels the settings on this screen and returns to the screen of FIG. 6.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection job setting screen 800 displayed on the display unit 212 of the external controller 102 according to the first embodiment.

[0072] In area 801, settings are made for each inspection job selected on the selection screen 700 in FIG. 7. Here, the number of copies 802 is set to correspond to the inspection jobs "invoice" and "quote" selected in FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, as an example, the invoice is set to be printed in 300 copies and the quotation in 100 copies. The "Print 1 copy" button 803 instructs printing only one copy of the inspection job corresponding to "invoice," as an example. This "Print 1 copy" button 803 is used, for example, when registering a reference image in the inspection device 109. The procedure for registering a selected image using the "Print 1 copy" button 803 is as follows.

[0073] 4 displayed on the display unit 241 of the inspection device 109 is pressed to instruct the inspection device 109 to start registering the reference image. Thereafter, the "Print one copy" button 803 on the setting screen 800 of FIG. 8 is used to instruct printing one copy of the inspection job corresponding to the external controller 102. When the instruction to print one copy is given, the printing device 107 prints one copy of the job for registering the reference image of the "invoice," and the inspection device 109 reads the reference image.

[0074] The paper discharge destination for the inspection job is set in area 804. Here, the large-capacity stacker 110 is set as the paper discharge destination, and the escape tray 346 is set as the paper discharge destination for paper that is determined to be an abnormal image during inspection.

[0075] The print start button 805 is a button for instructing the start of printing of the inspection job. When the start of printing is instructed with the print start button 805, the external controller 102 submits the inspection job to the printing device 107 based on the settings on the setting screen 800 in FIG. 8. For example, after the inspection start button 406 in FIG. 4 instructs the inspection device 109 to start inspection, when the print start button 805 instructs the external controller 102 to start printing of the inspection job, the external controller 102 submits print data to the printing device 107. Then, the printing device 107 instructs the printed sheet to be transported to the inspection device 109. When the printed sheet is transported, the inspection device 109 reads an image of the printed sheet and performs inspection processing. The cancel button 806 is a button for discarding all settings on this setting screen 800 and moving to, for example, the selection screen 700.

[0076] 12 is a diagram illustrating a sequence when the external controller 102 according to the first embodiment registers a reference image in the inspection device 109 using an inspection job that has already been received. Note that the detailed operations of each device have been described above, and here, processing specific to registering a reference image will be described in order to explain the first embodiment.

[0077] First, in S1201, the operator presses the "Register Reference Image" button 403 shown in FIG. 4 on the display unit 241 of the inspection device 109, thereby enabling the inspection device 109 to read a sheet. Next, in S1202, the operator presses the "Print One Copy" button 803 on the setting screen 800 of FIG. 8 on the external controller 102. At this time, information indicating that the job is for registering a reference image is added to the print data. Then, in S1203, the external controller 102 submits a print job to the printing device 107 via the internal LAN 105 and the video cable 106. At this time, the external controller 102 also adds information to the print data indicating that the job is for registering a reference image. As a result, when the print job is submitted from the external controller 102, the printing device 107 interprets the print data in S1204 and prints the image data based on various settings.

[0078] Next, in S1205, the photographing unit 240 of the inspection device 109 scans an image of the printed sheet conveyed from the printing device 107 as the sheet passes through the inspection device 109, and stores the scanned image in the memory 239. The processes of S1204 and S1205 are repeated for all sheets of the submitted reference image registration job, and when reading of all sheets is completed, the inspection device 109 displays the reference image registration screen 500 described above on the display unit 241.

[0079] Then, when the operator presses the registration button 505 in S1206, all scanned images are saved as a reference image group in the HDD 272. At this time, the inspection device 109 determines a unique ID (identification information) for the saved reference image group (this ID will hereinafter be referred to as the reference image group ID). Therefore, the reference image group ID is an ID that is specific to multiple reference images.

[0080] Thereafter, in S1207, the inspection device 109 notifies the printing device 107 that registration of the reference image has been completed. At this time, the printing device 107 is also notified of the reference image group ID determined in S1206. Then, in S1208, the printing device 107 notifies the external controller 102 that registration of the reference image has been completed and of the reference image group ID notified by the inspection device 109. As a result, the external controller 102 associates the notified reference image group ID with the print data and image data input in S1202 and stores them in the HDD 210. Note that, although it has been described here that the inspection device 109 determines the reference image group ID, it is also possible for the external controller 102 or the printing device 107 to determine the reference image group ID.

[0081] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a paper information registration screen 900 displayed on the display unit 225 of the printing device 107 to set information (paper size, paper type) about the paper stored in the paper feed decks 301, 302, 361, 362, and 363 of the image forming device 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0082] Setting section 901 is a setting section for registering the size of paper stored in paper feed deck 301, and can be selected using a pull-down menu. Here, A4, LTR, and A3 can be selected as paper sizes, and A4 is shown selected. Setting section 902 is a setting section for registering the type of paper stored in paper feed deck 301, and can be selected using a pull-down menu. Here, plain paper, colored paper (blue), and colored paper (red) can be selected, and plain paper is shown selected.

[0083] Setting section 903 is a pull-down menu for setting the size of the paper stored in paper feed deck 302, and setting section 904 is a pull-down menu for setting the type of paper stored in paper feed deck 302, and shows the state in which A4, colored paper (blue) is selected.

[0084] Setting section 905 is a pull-down menu for setting the size of the paper stored in paper feed deck 361, and setting section 906 is a pull-down menu for setting the type of paper stored in paper feed deck 361, showing the state in which A4 and plain paper are selected.

[0085] Setting fields 907 and 908 are pull-down menus for setting the size and type of paper stored in paper feed deck 362, and show a state in which LTR and plain paper are selected. Setting fields 909 and 910 are pull-down menus for setting the size and type of paper stored in paper feed deck 363, and show a state in which A4 and plain paper are selected.

[0086] FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen 1000 that is displayed on the display unit 225 of the printing device 107 prompting the user to replenish paper when paper runs out in one of the paper feed decks during printing using the printing device 107 according to the first embodiment.

[0087] Icon 1001 represents the remaining amount of paper (remaining sheets) stored in paper feed deck 301, and in this case represents a state where paper is present. Paper information 1002 and 1003 represent information about paper stored in paper feed deck 301, and represent a state where the paper size is set to A4 and the paper type is set to plain paper. Here, paper feed deck 362 is selected (corresponding to selection button 1019), and printing and inspection processing is being performed using paper fed from paper feed deck 362. Select button 1016 is a button for changing the setting to feed paper from paper feed deck 301, but in this case it is displayed in a shaded manner, and pressing select button 1016 does not accept the press.

[0088] Icon 1004 indicates the remaining amount of paper stored in paper feed deck 302, and in this case indicates that there is paper. Paper information 1005 and 1006 indicate information about the paper stored in paper feed deck 302, and indicate that the paper size is set to A4 and the paper type is set to colored paper (blue). Selection button 1017 is a button for changing the setting to feed paper from paper feed deck 302, but in this case it is displayed in a shaded area, and pressing selection button 1017 does not accept the press.

[0089] Icon 1007 indicates the remaining amount of paper stored in paper feed deck 361, and in this case indicates that there is paper. Paper information 1008 and 1009 indicate information about the paper stored in paper feed deck 361, and indicate that the paper size is set to A4 and the paper type is set to plain paper. Selection button 1018 is a selection button for changing the setting to feed paper from paper feed deck 361, but in this case it is displayed in a shaded area, and pressing selection button 1018 does not accept the press.

[0090] Icon 1010 indicates the remaining amount of paper stored in paper feed deck 362, and in this case indicates an out-of-paper (no sheets) state. Paper information 1011 and 1012 indicate information about the paper stored in paper feed deck 362, and indicate a state in which the paper size is set to LTR and the paper type is set to plain paper. Selecting button 1019 indicates that paper is being fed from paper feed deck 362, i.e., that this is the paper feed source for this job. In this case, the selecting button 1019 is displayed in a shaded manner, and pressing the selecting button 1019 will not be accepted.

[0091] Icon 1013 indicates the remaining amount of paper stored in paper feed deck 363, and here indicates a paper-available state. Paper information 1014 and 1015 indicate information about the paper stored in paper feed deck 363, and indicate a state in which the paper size is set to LTR and the paper type is set to cardboard 1. Selection button 1020 is a selection button for changing the setting to feed paper from paper feed deck 363, and here is displayed with a shaded area, and pressing selection button 1020 does not accept the press.

[0092] 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating a sequence when an out-of-paper condition occurs during execution of an inspection job in the image processing system according to embodiment 1. The detailed operations of each device have been described above, and here we will explain processing specific to the case when an out-of-paper condition occurs during an inspection job to explain embodiment 1.

[0093] In S1901, the operator selects a job on the screen 700 of the external controller 102 in Fig. 7, and then presses the print start button 805 on the setting screen 800 in Fig. 8. At this time, the external controller 102 searches the HDD 210 for a reference image group ID corresponding to the selected reference image. Note that the operator's pressing of the print start button 805 in S1901 is not necessarily required. For example, the external controller 102 may be configured to transition to S1902 upon receiving a notification from the printing device in S1207 that the reference image has been registered.

[0094] In S1902, the external controller 102 notifies the printing device 107 of the start of the inspection job by adding the reference image group ID searched for in S1901 via the internal LAN 105. When the printing device 107 is notified of the start of inspection from the external controller 102 in this way, in S1903, it notifies the inspection device 109 of the start of the inspection job by adding the received reference image group ID.

[0095] Then, in S1904, the external controller 102 submits the selected print job to the printing device 107 via the internal LAN 105 and video cable 106. At this time, the external controller 102 adds information to the print job indicating that it is a job to be inspected. Next, in S1905, the external controller 102 transmits one page of print image data to the printing device 107 via the video cable 106, and also transmits the same reference image ID as at the time of registration via the internal LAN 105.

[0096] In S1906, the printing device 107, which has received the print image data in this way, notifies the inspection device 109 of the received reference image ID and the sheet number on which the image will be printed (the order in which the sheets will be printed). The sheet number is a numerical value that is incremented for each sheet fed from when the printing device 107 is powered on until it is powered off. As a result, the inspection device 109 associates the reference image ID with the sheet number, stores them in table 1401 (FIG. 14) on memory 239, and sorts the sheet numbers in ascending order.

[0097] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a table 1401 that associates the reference image ID and the sheet number held by the inspection device 109 according to the first embodiment and stores the inspection results and the like.

[0098] In table 1401 in FIG. 14, column 1402 stores sheet numbers, which are stored in ascending order here. Column 1403 stores reference image IDs corresponding to sheet numbers. Column 1404 stores whether a scanned image of the sheet corresponding to that sheet number has already been generated by the inspection device 109. If it has already been generated, "Completed" is stored, and if not, "Not yet" is stored. Column 1405 stores the results of the inspection process in which a comparison with the reference image was performed (default value is "Not yet"). If the inspection result is OK, "OK" is stored, and if it is NG, "NG" is stored. Column 1406 stores whether the inspected sheet has been ejected (default value is "Not yet"). If it has been ejected, "Completed" is stored.

[0099] Next, in S1907, the printing device 107 interprets the print data, prints the image data based on various settings, and transports the printed sheet to the inspection device 109. As a result, in S1908, the imaging unit 240 of the inspection device 109 scans the image on the sheet as it passes through the inspection device 109, and generates a scanned image of the sheet. Furthermore, among the scanned image generation values ​​in column 1404 of table 1401 that are "not yet", the value of scanned image generation for the smallest sheet number is changed to "completed". Then, in S1909, the inspection device 109 compares the scanned image with the reference image data linked to the reference image ID in column 1403 that corresponds to the smallest sheet number among the scanned image results in column 1405 of table 1401 that are "not yet", and records "OK" or "NG" in the inspection result in column 1405 based on the result.

[0100] Then, when the printing device 107 discharges the sheet to the specified output tray without any jamming, in S1916 it notifies the inspection device 109 of the discharged sheet number. As a result, the inspection device 109 changes the paper discharge value in column 1406 of the row (record) in table 1401 that has the sheet number that matches the received sheet number to "Completed." In this way, the processes of S1905 to S1909 and S1916 are repeatedly executed for all sheets of the input print data. If the paper feed deck runs out during this process, the processes of S1910 to S1915 described below are executed.

[0101] First, in S1910, the printing device 107 detects that no paper has been loaded. Next, in S1911, the printing device 107 waits for the sheet being transported to be discharged. In S1912, the printing device 107 displays an "out of paper" screen on the operation unit 224. An operator who sees this "out of paper" screen loads sheets into the paper feed deck in S1913. In this way, in S1914, the printing device 107 detects that sheets have been loaded. When the printing device 107 detects that there is paper in S1914, in S1915, it executes the printing process from S1907 onwards.

[0102] In this way, in S1917, the printing device 107 notifies the external controller 102 of the end of the job when all sheets have been ejected. Upon receiving the job end notification, in S1918 the external controller 102 notifies the printing device 107 of the end of the inspection by adding the reference image group ID searched for in S1901 via the internal LAN 105. As a result, in S1919, upon receiving the inspection end notification from the external controller 102, the printing device 107 notifies the inspection device 109 of the inspection end.

[0103] 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the printing device 107 according to the first embodiment, from when an out-of-paper condition occurs during execution of an inspection job to when the inspection job is stopped. Note that S1101 to S1109 in the diagram represent the individual steps. The program for the printing device 107 related to this flowchart is stored in the HDD 221, and the CPU 222 loads and executes this program in the memory 223, thereby executing the processing shown in this flowchart.

[0104] In S1101, the CPU 111 detects that the paper feed deck currently feeding paper has run out of paper. Next, the process proceeds to S1102, where the CPU 222 acquires the size and type (paper information) of the paper to be fed next from the print job settings, and proceeds to S1103. In S1103, the CPU 222 determines whether paper matching the paper size and paper type acquired in S1102 is set in any of the paper feed decks 301, 302, 361, 362, and 363. If matching paper is set here, the process proceeds to S1104, and if matching paper is not set, the process proceeds to S1105.

[0105] In S1104, the CPU 222 determines whether paper is present in the paper feed deck that has paper set to match the paper size and paper type acquired in S1102, and if paper is present in that paper feed deck, the process proceeds to S1109, where paper is fed from that paper feed deck and this process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1104 that paper is not present in that paper feed deck, the process proceeds to S1105. In S1105, the CPU 222 prints on the paper being transported and waits until the printed paper has been ejected. Next, the process proceeds to S1106, where the CPU 222 displays a paper out screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 on the display unit 225 of the printing device 107.

[0106] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an out-of-paper screen 1300 that is displayed on the display unit 225 of the printing device 107 when the paper feed deck 362 runs out of paper during printing by the printing device 107 according to embodiment 1. In FIG. 13, parts that are common to those in the above-mentioned FIG. 10 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0107] 13, like Fig. 10, shows a state in which the paper feed deck 362 is designated as the source paper feed deck that supplies paper to be used for printing, and there is no paper in the paper feed deck 362. The difference from Fig. 10 is that selection buttons 1016 to 1018, 1020 are displayed as selectable buttons that allow other paper feed decks to be selected as the source paper feed deck.

[0108] Next, the process proceeds to S1107, where the CPU 222 determines whether inspection has been performed for the print job, and if inspection is in progress, the process proceeds to S1108, and if inspection is not in progress, the process ends. In S1108, the CPU 222 displays a screen 1000, shown in Fig. 10, on the display unit 225 of the printing device 107, prompting the user to replenish paper. On this screen 1000, the selection buttons 1016, 1017, 1018, and 1020 for paper feed decks set with paper that does not match the paper size to be fed next are shaded to prevent selection.

[0109] In the process described in Fig. 11, when an out-of-paper condition occurs, the selection button for the paper size or paper feed deck with a different paper size from the print job settings is shaded to prevent selection. However, selection buttons 1016, 1017, 1018, and 1020 in Fig. 13 may be unshaded so that the user can press them. When a selection button is pressed, a warning such as warning screen 1500 shown in Fig. 15 may be displayed on the display unit 225 of the printing device 107.

[0110] FIG. 15 shows an example of a warning screen displayed when a paper feed deck is selected that has paper information different from the paper information set on the paper feed deck that ran out of paper in the printing device 107 according to the first embodiment.

[0111] 15, area 1501 displays the paper size and paper type set in the paper feed deck that has run out of paper, as well as the paper size and paper type of the newly selected paper feed deck. Pressing the Yes button 1502 in this state restarts printing by feeding paper from the selected paper feed deck. Pressing the No button 1503, on the other hand, displays the screen 1300 in FIG. 13 on the display unit 225 of the printing device 107.

[0112] In the first embodiment, a sequence is shown in which a registration job and an inspection job for a reference image are separately input from the external controller 102. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration is also possible in which a single job is input from the external controller 102, and the registration job and the inspection job are executed by the printing device 107.

[0113] As described above, according to the first embodiment, if the paper feed unit that is the source of the sheets used for printing runs out of sheets (no paper) when an inspection job is executed, a paper feed unit that stores sheets of the same size and type as the sheets used for printing can be selected. This has the effect of preventing the type of sheet from reading the reference image from being different from the type of sheet of the printed matter being inspected, and thus preventing the printed matter from being erroneously judged as NG for inspection because the color of the background is different, even though the image of the printed matter is normal.

[0114] Furthermore, if a paper feed unit containing paper of a size and type different from those set in the paper feed deck that has run out of paper is mistakenly selected, a warning is issued to prevent the paper from being mistakenly judged as NG for inspection due to the different paper type.

[0115] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, it was explained that in registering a reference image, only one copy of the inspection job is printed and the reference image is obtained by reading the printed sheet. In contrast, in the second embodiment, a method is explained in which a reference image is registered using a different method, and then an inspection failure due to a user error when the printer runs out of paper is prevented. That is, in the second embodiment, the reference image is not registered as a scanned image, but is registered using image data (RIP image) obtained by RIP processing (raster image development) of print data.

[0116] 16 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence in which the external controller 102 according to the second embodiment uses an inspection job that has already been received to register a reference image in the inspection device 109. The detailed operations of each device have been described above, and here we will explain the processing specialized in registering a reference image to explain the second embodiment.

[0117] First, in S1601, the operator presses the "Print one copy" button 803 on the setting screen 800 in Fig. 8 on the external controller 102. At this time, information indicating that the job is for registering a reference image is added to the print data. Upon receiving the print data with the information indicating that the job is for registering a reference image added, in S1602 the external controller 102 notifies the printing device 107 via the internal LAN 105 of the start of reference image registration.

[0118] When the printing device 107 is notified by the external controller 102 to start registering the reference image, it notifies the inspection device 109 of the start of reference image registration in S1603. The inspection device 109, which has been notified of the start of reference image registration, performs the same process as when the reference image registration button 403 is pressed on the screen 400 of Fig. 4 from the operation unit 240, and determines a reference image group ID. Next, in S1604, the external controller 102 submits a print job to the printing device 107 via the internal LAN 105. At this time, information indicating that this is a job for registering a reference image is added to the print data.

[0119] Next, in S1605, the external controller 102 transmits one page of reference image data to the printing device 107 via the video cable 106, and an identification number of the reference image (hereinafter referred to as reference image ID) via the internal LAN 105. In response, in S1606, the printing device 107 receives the reference image data and performs image conversion, and transmits the converted image data and the reference image ID to the inspection device 109 via the communication cable 259 and the communication I / F 237. In response, in S1607, the inspection device 109 receives the reference image data and performs further image conversion, links the converted image data, which is the reference image, to the reference image ID, and then links them to the reference image group ID and stores them in the HDD 272. Having repeated the process of S1605 in this way up to the final page, the external controller 102 notifies the printing device 107 via the internal LAN 105 in S1608 that reference image registration is complete.

[0120] When the printing device 107 is notified by the external controller 102 that the registration of the reference image has been completed in this way, in S1609 the printing device 107 notifies the inspection device 109 that the registration of the reference image has been completed. Upon receiving the notification that the registration of the reference image has been completed, the inspection device 109 displays the reference image registration screen 500 of Fig. 5. Next, in S1610, when the operator presses the registration button 505 on the registration screen 500, in S1611 the inspection device 109 notifies the printing device 107 that the registration of the reference image has been completed. At this time, the reference image group ID determined in S1603 is also notified.

[0121] In S1612, the printing device 107 notifies the external controller 102 that registration of the reference image has been completed and of the reference image group ID notified by the inspection device 109. The external controller 102 associates the notified reference image group ID with the print data and image data input in S1605 and stores them in the HDD 210. Note that it is not absolutely necessary for the operator to press the registration button 505 in S1610. For example, if the inspection device 109 determines that the reference image registration process in S1607 has been repeated up to the final page, the process may proceed to S1611, where the printing device 107 may be notified that registration of the reference image has been completed.

[0122] 17 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the printing device 107 according to the second embodiment, from detecting that an out-of-paper condition has occurred during execution of an inspection job until the inspection job is stopped. In FIG. 7, the same processes as those in FIG. 11 are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted. The program of the printing device 107 related to this flowchart is stored in the HDD 221, and the CPU 222 loads and executes this program in the memory 223, thereby executing the processing shown in this flowchart.

[0123] In S1107, the CPU 222 determines whether inspection was being performed for the print job, and if inspection is in progress, proceeds to S1701; if not, ends this process. In S1701, the CPU 222 shades the selection button for the paper feed deck that contains paper that does not match the paper size to be fed on the paper-out screen 1300 in Fig. 13. In S1701 in Fig. 17, unlike S1108 in Fig. 11 related to the first embodiment, the selection button for the paper feed deck that matches the paper size but does not match the paper type is not shaded.

[0124] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when paper runs out during printing in step S1701 of FIG. 17 according to the second embodiment.

[0125] In this example, the paper feed deck 362 is selected as the paper feed source, and paper has run out in the paper feed deck 362. At this time, the paper feed deck 363 contains LTR-sized thick paper 1, as indicated by paper information 1014 and 1015. Therefore, the paper size of the paper feed deck 362 and the paper size of the paper feed deck 363 are both LTR, and therefore only the selection button 1801 corresponding to the paper feed deck 363 is displayed as selectable.

[0126] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a RIP image is used to register a reference image, printing on paper of a different paper type does not necessarily result in a failure of inspection. Therefore, it is possible to select a paper feed deck containing sheets of the same paper size but different paper type in place of the paper feed unit that ran out of paper.

[0127] (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.

[0128] This specification and drawings disclose the following printing system, printing device, control method thereof, and program.

[0129] [Item 1] printing means for printing an image on a sheet in accordance with a print job; a storage means for storing a reference image; a generating means for reading the sheet printed by the printing means and generating a scanned image; an inspection means for inspecting the image on the printed sheet based on the scanned image generated by the generation means and the reference image stored in the storage means; a detection unit for detecting the absence of a sheet in a sheet feeding unit that is a sheet feeding source; a control means for selecting a paper feed unit different from the paper feed unit when the detection means detects that no sheet is present; A printing system characterized in that, when the print job involves inspection and the detection means detects that there are no sheets in the paper feed unit that is the paper source, the control means controls the system so that it does not select a paper feed unit that contains sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job.

[0130] [Item 2] 2. The printing system according to item 1, wherein the reference image is a scanned image obtained by reading an image of a sheet on which a part of the print job is printed.

[0131] [Item 3] the storage means stores a plurality of reference images; 3. The printing system according to item 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of reference images are a plurality of scanned images obtained by reading images of a plurality of sheets on which a portion of the print job is printed.

[0132] [Item 4] The printing system described in item 3 is characterized in that the storage means stores identification information for the group of the plurality of reference images, and the inspection means inspects the images on the printed sheets by matching the scanned images with the reference images based on the identification information and the order of the sheets.

[0133] [Item 5] The control means Displaying a screen including a plurality of buttons for selecting a paper feed unit corresponding to a plurality of paper feed units; A printing system described in any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that on the screen, buttons corresponding to paper feed units that store sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job are displayed so that they cannot be selected.

[0134] [Item 6] the paper information includes the size and type of the sheet; A printing system described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that when the reference image is a scanned image obtained by reading an image of a sheet on which a portion of the print job is printed, the control means determines that a sheet whose size and type do not match is a sheet with different paper information.

[0135] [Item 7] the paper information includes the size and type of the sheet; A printing system described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that when the reference image is an image based on printing data that printed a portion of the print job, the control means determines that at least the sheet whose size does not match is a sheet of the different paper information.

[0136] [Item 8] printing means for printing an image on a sheet in accordance with a print job; a storage means for storing a reference image; a generating means for reading the sheet printed by the printing means and generating a scanned image; an inspection means for inspecting the printed sheet based on the scanned image generated by the generation means and the reference image stored in the storage means; a detection unit for detecting the absence of a sheet in a sheet feeding unit that is a sheet feeding source; a selection means for selecting a paper feed unit different from the paper feed unit when the detection means detects the absence of a sheet; a warning unit that issues a warning when the selection unit selects a paper feed unit that stores sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job, when the print job requires inspection and the detection unit detects that there are no sheets in the paper feed unit that is the paper feed source, and the selection unit selects a paper feed unit that stores sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job; A printing system comprising:

[0137] [Item 9] 9. The printing system according to item 8, wherein the reference image is a scanned image obtained by reading an image of a sheet on which a part of the print job is printed.

[0138] [Item 10] the storage means has a plurality of reference images; 10. The printing system according to item 8 or 9, wherein the plurality of reference images are a plurality of scanned images obtained by reading images of a plurality of sheets on which a portion of the print job is printed.

[0139] [Item 11] The printing system described in item 10, characterized in that the storage means stores identification information for the group of the plurality of reference images, and the inspection means inspects the images on the printed sheets by matching the scanned images with the reference images based on the identification information and the order of the sheets.

[0140] [Item 12] the paper information includes the size and type of the sheet; A printing system described in any one of items 8 to 11, characterized in that when the reference image is a scanned image obtained by reading an image of a sheet on which a portion of the print job is printed, the warning means determines that a sheet whose size and type do not match is a sheet with different paper information.

[0141] [Item 13] the paper information includes the size and type of the sheet; A printing system described in any one of items 8 to 12, characterized in that when the reference image is an image based on print data that printed a portion of the print job, the warning means determines that at least the sheet whose size does not match is a sheet of the different paper information.

[0142] [Item 14] the paper information includes the size and type of the sheet; A printing system described in any one of items 8 to 12, characterized in that when the reference image is an image based on printing data that printed a portion of the print job, the selection means determines that at least the sheet whose size does not match is a sheet of the different paper information.

[0143] [Item 15] printing means for printing an image on a sheet in accordance with a print job; a detection unit for detecting the absence of a sheet in a sheet feeding unit that is a sheet feeding source; a control means for selecting a paper feed unit different from the paper feed unit when the detection means detects that no sheet is present, The control means controls the printing device so that, when the print job involves inspection and the detection means detects that there are no sheets in the paper feed unit that is the paper source, the control means prevents the selection of a paper feed unit that contains sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job.

[0144] [Item 16] The control means Displaying a screen including a plurality of buttons for selecting a paper feed unit corresponding to a plurality of paper feed units; Item 16. A printing device according to item 15, characterized in that on the screen, a button corresponding to a paper feed unit that stores sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job is displayed so that it cannot be selected.

[0145] [Item 17] the paper information includes the size and type of the sheet; Item 17. A printing device according to item 15 or 16, characterized in that when the reference image used for the inspection is a scanned image obtained by reading an image of a sheet on which a portion of the print job is printed, the control means determines that a sheet whose size and type do not match is a sheet with different paper information.

[0146] [Item 18] the paper information includes the size and type of the sheet; Item 17. A printing device according to item 15 or 16, characterized in that when the reference image used for the inspection is an image based on print data from printing a portion of the print job, the control means determines that at least the sheets whose sizes do not match are sheets of different paper information.

[0147] [Item 19] printing means for printing an image on a sheet in accordance with a print job; a detection unit for detecting the absence of a sheet in a sheet feeding unit that is a sheet feeding source; a selection means for selecting a paper feed unit different from the paper feed unit when the detection means detects the absence of a sheet; a warning unit that issues a warning when the selection unit selects a paper feed unit that stores sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job, when the print job requires inspection and the detection unit detects that there are no sheets in the paper feed unit that is the paper feed source, and the selection unit selects a paper feed unit that stores sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job; A printing device comprising:

[0148] [Item 20] A method for controlling a printing device having a printing unit that prints an image on a sheet in accordance with a print job, comprising: a detecting step of detecting the absence of a sheet in a sheet feeding unit that is a sheet feeding source of the sheet; a control step of selecting a paper feed unit different from the paper feed unit when the absence of a sheet is detected in the detection step, The control method is characterized in that, when the print job involves inspection and the detection process detects that there are no sheets in the paper feed unit that is the paper feed source, the control process controls so that a paper feed unit that contains sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job is not selected.

[0149] [Item 21] 21. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method described in Item 20.

[0150] 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]

[0151] 107...printing device, 272...HDD, 240...photographing unit, 109...inspection device, 111...finisher, 112...multi-stage paper feeder, 222...CPU, 238...CPU

Claims

1. printing means for printing an image on a sheet in accordance with a print job; A display unit; a storage means for storing a reference image; a generating means for reading the sheet printed by the printing means and generating a scanned image; an inspection means for inspecting the image on the printed sheet based on the scanned image generated by the generation means and the reference image stored in the storage means; a detection unit for detecting the absence of a sheet in a sheet feeding unit that is a sheet feeding source; a control unit that, when the detection unit detects that no sheet is present, causes the display unit to display a selection screen that allows a user to select a paper feed unit different from the paper feed unit; When the print job involves inspection and the detection means detects that there is no sheet in the paper feed unit that is the paper feed source, the control means displays the selection screen on the display unit, which does not allow the user to select a paper feed unit that stores sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job, the paper information includes the size and type of the sheet; A printing system characterized in that, when the reference image is an image based on printing data that prints a portion of the print job, the control means displays on the selection screen a paper feed unit that can accommodate sheets of a size that matches at least the sheet size of the paper information set in the print job.

2. The printing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the storage means stores a plurality of reference images and identification information for a group of the plurality of reference images, and the inspection means inspects the images on the printed sheets by matching the scanned images with the reference images based on the identification information and the order of the sheets.

3. the selection screen includes a plurality of buttons for selecting a paper feed unit corresponding to a plurality of paper feed units; The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means prevents the selection of a paper feed unit that stores sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job by displaying a button on the selection screen that cannot be selected, thereby preventing the selection of a paper feed unit that stores sheets with the different paper information.

4. printing means for printing an image on a sheet in accordance with a print job; A display unit; a detection unit for detecting the absence of a sheet in a sheet feeding unit that is a sheet feeding source; a control unit that, when the detection unit detects that no sheet is present, causes the display unit to display a selection screen that allows a user to select a paper feed unit different from the paper feed unit; When the print job involves inspection and the detection means detects that there is no sheet in the paper feed unit that is the paper feed source, the control means displays the selection screen on the display unit to prevent the user from selecting a paper feed unit that stores sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job, the paper information includes the size and type of the sheet; A printing device characterized in that, when the reference image used for inspection is a scanned image obtained by reading an image of a sheet on which a portion of the print job is printed, the control means displays on the selection screen a paper feed unit that stores sheets that match the size and type of sheets set in the print job, allowing selection.

5. the selection screen includes a plurality of buttons for selecting a paper feed unit corresponding to a plurality of paper feed units; The printing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control means prevents the selection of a paper feed unit that stores sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job by displaying a button on the selection screen that cannot be selected, thereby preventing the selection of a paper feed unit that stores sheets with the different paper information.

6. A control method for a printing device having a display unit and a printing means that prints an image on a sheet in accordance with a print job, comprising: a detecting step of detecting the absence of a sheet in a sheet feeding unit that is a sheet feeding source of the sheet; a control step of displaying on the display unit a selection screen on which a sheet feeding unit different from the sheet feeding unit can be selected when the absence of a sheet is detected in the detection step, When the print job involves inspection and the detection step detects that no sheets are present in the paper feed unit that is the paper feed source, the control step displays the selection screen on the display unit to prevent the user from selecting a paper feed unit that stores sheets with paper information different from the paper information set in the print job, the paper information includes the size and type of the sheet; When the reference image used for the inspection is a scanned image obtained by reading an image of a sheet on which a portion of the print job is printed, the control process is characterized by displaying on the selection screen a paper feed unit that stores sheets that match the size and type of sheets set in the print job in a selectable manner.

7. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 6.

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