Image forming apparatus and image processing system

Abstract

To solve the problem that when a cancellation of a job of inspecting is received, an unnecessary reference image remains in an inspection device, in a printing system that registers a reference image in the inspection device and inspects a printed matter using the registered reference image.SOLUTION: An image forming device, which can communicate with a controller that generates a job, when receiving a first job from the controller, obtains an image from the first job and registers a reference image created from the image, and when receiving a second job from the controller, executes an inspecting process. When receiving an instruction for cancelling the second job from the controller, the device performs control so that the reference image registered by registering means is deleted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, printing systems have become known that can inspect (test) paper printed by a printing device using an inspection device while it is being transported. In the inspection of printed paper, the output (printed paper) of an executed print job is subjected to image analysis and compared with a reference image registered in the inspection device to determine whether the printed paper is normal.

[0003] A printing system consisting of a printing device and an inspection device allows users to obtain the desired printed output, but it also requires the user to register a reference image for inspection and search for the corresponding reference image. Furthermore, creating a reference image takes time, which creates the problem of long printing times. Patent Document 1 therefore proposes 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 of Patent Document 1 eliminates the need to re-register the reference image when reprinting a print job, and the work of searching for the reference image is also performed automatically, improving the efficiency of printing work. However, in a configuration in which the reference image is automatically registered in the inspection device and printing and inspection are performed as is, the user is not very aware of the reference image registration, so there is a high possibility that reference images will be accumulated in the inspection device without the user's knowledge, which will strain the storage capacity of the inspection device. In particular, if an inspection print job is canceled, unnecessary reference images will remain in the inspection device, further straining the storage capacity of the inspection device. Furthermore, the user will have to decide which reference images are unnecessary and should be deleted, resulting in unnecessary work.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems. One object of this embodiment is to provide a system that enables the user to utilize the storage area of ​​an inspection device without having to consciously erase the reference image when canceling a job, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the configuration of Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a controller that generates jobs, when a first job is received from the controller, an image is acquired from the first job, and a reference image is created from the image. Remember do memory means, when a second job is received from the controller, Inspection based on the reference image Execute the process and a control means for controlling the operation of the control means based on a user's operation. A cancellation instruction for the second job is issued. From the controller Reception Based on that , The aforementioned Reference image From the storage means Delete It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing system that can utilize the memory area of ​​an inspection device without the user having to consciously erase the reference image when canceling a job, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] An example of an overall diagram of the hardware configuration of a printing system [Figure 2] An example of a block diagram showing the system configuration of a printing system [Figure 3] An example of a schematic cross-sectional view of the mechanism of an image forming apparatus [Figure 4] 10 is an example of a flowchart showing a flow of inspection and determination of a print job by an external controller. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for canceling a print job by an external controller. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a reference image deletion setting window for an automatic inspection job. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for canceling a print job by an external controller when it is possible to select whether to erase or retain the reference image. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a reference image deletion selection window when canceling an automatic inspection job. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Each embodiment 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, and not all combinations of features described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. The external controller in this embodiment may also be called an image processing controller, digital front end, print server, DFE, etc. The image forming apparatus may also be called a multifunction device, multifunction peripheral, or MFP.

[0011] The underlying technology of this embodiment is described below. During inspection, the image data scanned by the inspection device is compared with the correct image data registered in the inspection device to determine the inspection results. Inspection using the inspection device can detect, for example, missing barcodes or ruled lines, missing images, print stains, missing pages, and color misalignment. Next, the inspection flow is described. One configuration involves registering an image in advance as a reference image in the inspection device, specifying the reference image, printing it, and then performing inspection. There are at least two methods for registering a reference image. The first method involves registering an image created by scanning an actual printed matter as the correct image. This configuration is effective when detailed inspection settings are made while previewing the reference image, such as setting an inspection area relative to the reference image. The second method involves automatically registering image data as a reference image in the inspection device, and then printing and inspecting the image as is. This configuration allows the user to print without being too conscious of the inspection process, for example, when performing inspection without setting detailed inspection items, such as inspecting print stains.

[0012] Example 1 1 is an overall diagram of the hardware configuration of an image processing system according to this embodiment. The 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 PC 103 via an external LAN 104. A print instruction is then sent from the PC 103 to the external controller 102.

[0013] A printer driver is installed in the PC 103 that has the function of converting print data into a print description language that can be processed by the external controller 102. A user who wants to print can issue a print instruction from various applications via the printer driver. The printer driver sends print data to the external controller 102 based on the print instruction from the user. When the external controller 102 receives a print instruction from the PC 103, it performs data analysis and rasterization processing, and inputs the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 to issue a print instruction. The external controller 102 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.

[0014] Next, a description will be given of the image forming apparatus 101. 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.

[0015] The printing device 107 forms an image using toner on paper conveyed from a paper feed unit located below the printing device 107. Although paper is used as an example here, other print media may be used. For example, it may be a sheet of packaging for a packaging container.

[0016] The configuration and operating principle of this printing device 107 are as follows: A beam of light such as a laser beam modulated in accordance with image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror such as a polygon mirror and irradiated onto a photosensitive drum as scanning light.

[0017] The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by this laser beam is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to paper attached to the 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 is transported to the fuser. The fuser includes rollers, belts, etc., and has a heat source such as a halogen heater built into the roller. The toner on the paper with the transferred toner image is melted and fixed to the paper by heat and pressure. The inserter 108 is a device for inserting sheets. Paper can be inserted from 108 at any position among the group of sheets printed and transported by the printing device 107.

[0018] The inspection device 109 reads an image of the conveyed paper (printed matter) and compares the generated image data with pre-registered reference image data (correct image data, reference data) to determine whether the printed matter is normal. The CPU 238 compares the image captured by the image capturing unit 240 with the reference image stored in the HDD 272 to determine whether the printed image is normal. Specifically, feature points are extracted from the reference image and the scanned image captured by the image capturing unit 240, and the reference image and the scanned image are aligned based on the extracted feature points. If the difference between the pixel value (brightness value) of an inspection target pixel in the aligned scanned image and the pixel value (brightness value) of a comparison target pixel in the correct image is equal to or less than a threshold, the CPU 238 determines that the inspection target pixel is acceptable. Note that the threshold value differs for each inspection level. This inspection is performed for each reference image corresponding to each scanned image.

[0019] When all pixels have been inspected, the CPU 238 determines whether the total number of pixels determined to be unacceptable is equal to or less than the pass threshold, and determines whether the scanned image is normal. If the total number of pixels determined to be unacceptable is equal to or less than the pass threshold, the CPU 238 determines the scanned image to be normal. If the total number of pixels determined to be unacceptable exceeds the pass threshold, the CPU 238 determines that the scanned image is abnormal. Note that printed materials determined to be normal or unacceptable are sorted into normal printed materials and printed materials with errors, for example, and then discharged.

[0020] In this embodiment, the function of determining whether a printed matter is normal or not, which is performed by the inspection device, is called inspection processing, and the image forming device 101 having the inspection device 109 has an inspection function.

[0021] The large-capacity stacker 110 is a device capable of stacking a large amount of paper. The finisher 111 is a device that performs finishing processes on the transported paper. The finisher 111 can perform finishing processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle-stitching depending on the settings, and discharges the paper to a paper discharge tray.

[0022] 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 connected to an external LAN 104, and print data that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 101 may be transmitted from a PC 103. In this case, data analysis and rasterization processing are performed in the image forming apparatus 101, and print processing is executed.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the image forming apparatus 101, the external controller 102, and the PC 103. As shown in FIG.

[0024] First, the configuration of the printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I / F 217, a LAN I / F 218, a video I / F 220, a HDD 221, a CPU 222, a memory 223, an operation unit 224, and a display 225. The printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 further includes a document exposure unit 226, a laser exposure unit 227, an image creation unit 228, a fixing unit 229, and a paper feed unit 230. Each of these components is connected via a system bus 231.

[0025] The communication I / F 217 is connected to the inserter 108, the inspection device 109, the large-capacity stacker 110, and the finisher 111 via a communication cable 254, and performs communication for controlling each device.

[0026] The LAN I / F 218 is connected to the external controller 102 via the internal LAN 105, and performs communication of print data and the like.

[0027] The video I / F 220 is connected to the external controller 102 via the video cable 106, and performs communication of rasterized image data and the like.

[0028] The HDD 221 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The CPU 222 comprehensively controls image processing and printing based on the programs and the like stored in the HDD 221. The memory 223 stores programs and image data required when the CPU 222 performs various processes, and operates as a work area.

[0029] An operation unit 224 accepts various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user. A display 225 displays setting information for the image processing device, the processing status of a print job, and the like. An original exposure unit 226 performs a process for reading an original when using the copy function or scan function. Original data is read by shining an exposure lamp onto paper placed by the user and capturing an image with a CCD camera.

[0030] The laser exposure unit 227 is a device that performs primary charging and laser exposure to irradiate the photosensitive drum with laser light in order to transfer a toner image. In the laser exposure unit 227, primary charging is first performed to charge 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 is a device that transfers toner to paper and is composed of a development unit, transfer unit, toner supply unit, etc., and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum to paper.

[0031] In the developing unit, negatively charged toner from a developing cylinder is attached to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum surface, creating a visible image. In the transfer unit, a positive potential is applied to the primary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the photosensitive drum surface to the transfer belt (primary transfer), and a positive potential is applied to the secondary transfer outer roller to transfer the toner on the transfer belt to paper (secondary transfer). The fixing unit 229 is a device that melts and fixes the toner on the paper to the paper using heat and pressure, and is composed of a heater, fixing belt, pressure belt, etc. The paper feed unit 230 is a device that feeds paper, and the paper feed and transport operations are controlled by rollers and various sensors.

[0032] 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 is composed of a communication I / F 232, a CPU 233, a memory 234, and a paper feed control unit 235, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 236. The communication I / F 232 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 234, and communication required for control is performed. The CPU 233 performs various controls required 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 222, and controls the feeding and transport of paper sheets transported from the inserter's paper feed unit and the printing device 107.

[0033] Next, we will explain the configuration of the inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101. The inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of 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, 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 254, and communication required for control is performed.

[0034] Furthermore, the reference image 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 performs various controls required 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 stored.

[0035] The photographing unit 240 photographs the transported paper based on instructions from the CPU 238. The CPU 238 may be configured to scan the transported paper. The CPU 238 compares the scanned image photographed by the photographing unit 240 with a reference image stored in the HDD 272 to determine whether the printed image (printed matter) is normal. The display unit 241 displays the inspection results, setting screens, etc. The operation unit 242 is operated by the user and receives instructions such as changing the settings of the inspection device 109 and registering a reference image. The HDD 272 stores the reference image. Note that if the HDD 272 is not provided, the reference image may be stored in the HDD 221, and the reference image may be read from the HDD 221 into the memory 239 and used when performing processing to determine whether the printed image is normal.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the large-capacity stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The large-capacity stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I / F 244, a CPU 245, a memory 246, and a paper discharge control unit 247, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 248. The communication I / F 244 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254, and communication required for control is performed. The CPU 245 performs various controls required for paper discharge in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 246. The memory 246 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 247 controls the transport of 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. The finisher 111 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I / F 249, a CPU 250, a memory 251, a paper discharge control unit 252, and a finishing processing unit 253. These components are connected via a system bus 255. The communication I / F 249 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254, 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 in which the control program is saved. 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.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the external controller 102 will be described. The external controller 102 is composed of a CPU 208, memory 209, HDD 210, keyboard 211, display 212, LAN I / F 213, LAN I / F 214, and video I / F 215, and is connected via a system bus 216. The CPU 208 comprehensively executes processes such as receiving print data from the PC 103, RIP processing, and sending print jobs to the image forming apparatus 101 based on the programs and data stored in the HDD 210.

[0039] The memory 209 stores programs and data required for the CPU 208 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area. The HDD 210 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing. The keyboard 211 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the external controller 102. The display 212 displays information such as the application executed by the external controller 102 using video signals of still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 213 is connected to the PC 103 via the external LAN 104, and performs communication such as print instructions. The LAN I / F 214 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105, and performs communication such as print jobs as print instructions. The video I / F 215 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video cable 106, and performs communication such as rasterized image data.

[0040] Next, we will explain the configuration of the PC 103. The PC 103 is composed of a CPU 201, memory 202, HDD 203, keyboard 204, display 205, and LAN I / F 206, which are connected via a system bus 207. The CPU 201 creates print data and issues print instructions based on a document processing program stored in the HDD 203, etc.

[0041] The CPU 201 also comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus. The memory 202 stores programs and data required for the CPU 201 to perform various processes and operates as a work area. The HDD 203 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing. The keyboard 204 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the PC 103. The display 205 displays information such as applications executed by the PC 103 using video signals for still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 206 is connected to the external LAN 104 and performs communication such as printing instructions.

[0042] 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. However, any other configuration may be used as long as the data necessary for printing can be transmitted and received; for example, a connection using only a video cable may be used. Furthermore, the memory 202, the memory 209, the memory 223, the memory 234, the memory 239, the memory 246, and the memory 251 may be any 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.

[0043] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism of the image forming apparatus 101. Reference numeral 107 denotes a printing device that forms an image to be printed on paper. Paper feed deck 301 and paper feed deck 302 can store various types of paper. 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.

[0044] Each paper feed deck can separate only the topmost sheet of paper stored therein and transport it to paper transport path 303. Developing stations 304 to 307 form toner images using color toners of Y, M, C, and K, respectively, to form color images. The toner images formed here are primarily transferred to intermediate transfer belt 308, which rotates clockwise in the drawing, and the toner image is transferred to paper transported from paper transport path 303 at secondary transfer position 309.

[0045] Display 225 displays information for the printing status and settings of image forming apparatus 101. Fixing unit 311 fixes the toner image to paper. Fixing unit 311 is equipped with a pressure roller and a heating roller, and as paper passes between these rollers, the toner is melted and pressed, thereby fixing the toner image to the paper. After passing through fixing unit 311, the paper is transported to paper transport path 315 via paper transport path 312.

[0046] If further fusing and pressing is required for fixing depending on the type of paper, the paper passes through fixing unit 311 and is then transported to second fixing unit 313 using the upper paper transport path. After additional fusing and pressing is performed in second fixing unit 313, the paper is transported to paper transport path 315 via paper transport path 314. If the image formation mode is double-sided, the paper is transported to paper inversion path 316, and after being inverted by paper inversion path 316, the paper is transported to double-sided transport path 317, where the image on the second side is transferred at secondary transfer position 309.

[0047] The inserter 108 inserts sheets. The inserter 108 has an inserter tray 321, and merges sheets fed to the inserter tray 321 into the transport path via a paper transport path 322. This makes it possible to insert a sheet at any position in a series of sheets transported from the printing device 107 and transport it to a subsequent device.

[0048] The paper 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 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 by scanning the printed matter using cameras 331 and 332, and can determine whether the scanned image is normal. The display unit 241 displays the inspection results performed by the inspection device 109.

[0049] Large-capacity stacker 110 is a large-capacity stacker that can hold a large amount of paper. Large-capacity stacker 110 has a stack tray 341 as a tray for holding paper that has been determined to be normal paper (printed matter) by inspection device 109. Paper that has passed through inspection device 109 is input into large-capacity stacker 110 through paper transport path 344. The paper travels from paper transport path 344 through paper transport path 345 and is then stacked on stack tray 341.

[0050] The stacker 340 further has an escape tray 346 as a paper output tray. The escape tray 346 is a paper output tray used to output paper that has been determined by the inspection device 109 to be paper (printed material) with an error. When outputting to the escape tray 346, the paper is transported from paper transport path 344 to the escape tray 346 via paper transport path 347. When transporting paper to a post-processing device downstream of the large-capacity stacker 110, the paper is transported via paper transport path 348. The inverting unit 349 inverts the paper. This inverting unit 349 is used when loading paper onto the stack tray 341. When loading paper onto the stack tray 341, the inverting unit 349 inverts the paper once so that the orientation of the input paper is the same as the orientation of the paper at the time of output. When transporting paper to the escape tray 346 or a downstream post-processing device, the paper is discharged as is without being flipped when loaded, and therefore no inversion operation is performed by the inverting unit 349.

[0051] The finisher 111 is a device that performs finishing processing on transported sheets according to functions 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 a paper output tray 351 and a paper output tray 352. Paper is output to the paper output tray 351 via a paper transport path 353. However, finishing processing such as stapling cannot be performed on the paper transport path 353.

[0052] When performing finishing processing such as stapling, the sheets are sent via paper transport path 354, whereupon a finishing function designated by the user is executed in processing section 355, and the sheets are output to output tray 352. Output trays 351 and 352 can each be raised and lowered, and output tray 351 can also be lowered so that sheets that have been finished in processing section 355 are loaded onto output tray 351. When saddle stitching is designated, the sheets are stapled in the center in saddle stitching processing section 356, then folded in half, and output to saddle stitching tray 358 via paper transport path 357. Saddle stitching tray 358 is configured as a belt conveyor, and the saddle stitched bundle loaded on saddle stitching tray 358 is configured to be transported to the left.

[0053] Fig. 4(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of executing a print job by the external controller 102 in this embodiment. Fig. 4(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of executing a print job by the image forming apparatus 101 in this embodiment. Note that S401 to S408 and S411 to S417 in the figure represent each step.

[0054] In S401 , the external controller 102 receives print data from the PC 103 .

[0055] In S402, an image is acquired from the print data received in S401, and a print job is generated for printing by the image forming apparatus 101. In this job generation, RIP processing according to the output format and job settings for finishing processing to be executed by the image forming apparatus are performed.

[0056] In S403, it is determined whether or not inspection is set in the settings of the print data received in S401. If inspection is set, the process proceeds to S404, and if inspection is not set, the process proceeds to S408.

[0057] In S404, it is determined whether a reference image ID for inspection is set in the settings of the print data received in S401. If a reference image ID is set, it indicates that a reference image for inspection has already been registered in the HDD 272 of the inspection device 109, and reference image registration is not necessary. In this embodiment, whether a reference image ID is set determines whether or not a reference image needs to be registered. However, a parameter such as automatic reference image creation may be added, which explicitly creates a reference image automatically during a print job and uses the created reference image for inspection. In S404, if a reference image ID is specified, there is no need to register a reference image, so the process proceeds to S408. If a reference image ID is not specified, the process proceeds to S405.

[0058] In S405, a reference image registration job is generated to be sent to the image forming apparatus 101. In practice, the image that has undergone RIP processing in S402 is used as the image for the reference image registration job.

[0059] In S406, a reference image registration job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101.

[0060] The flow in the image forming apparatus 101 after the reference image registration job is transmitted from the external controller 102 to the image forming apparatus 101 in S406 will be described.

[0061] In step S411, the image forming apparatus 101 receives the reference image registration job, and in step S412, performs image processing for reference image registration.

[0062] Next, in S413, the reference image is stored in the HDD 272 of the inspection device 109, and a reference image ID for specifying the registered reference image is issued.

[0063] Next, in S414, the issued reference image ID is sent to the external controller 102. In this embodiment, one reference image ID is issued for a series of reference images in a reference image registration job, but one additional ID may be issued for each image. Also, the reference image ID does not necessarily have to be an ID number, and may be any identification information that can identify the reference image in question.

[0064] Next, returning to FIG. 4A, the flow after the reference image ID is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 101 to the external controller 102 will be described.

[0065] In S406, a reference image ID is received from the image forming apparatus 101 when the reference image registration job is completed. In S407, the reference image ID received in S406 is set in the print data. In this embodiment, data indicating whether or not a reference image has been created this time is stored in the print data. In S408, the print job is sent to the image forming apparatus 101.

[0066] In S415, the print job is sent from the external controller 102 to the image forming apparatus 101, and in S416, the image forming apparatus 101 executes the print job.

[0067] In this embodiment, the print job is started after the reference image registration is completed. However, the reference image ID may be received from the image forming apparatus 101 at the start of the reference image registration job in step S406, so that the reference image registration job and the print job can be executed in parallel.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, the external controller 102 separates the reference image registration job and the print job and sends them to the image forming apparatus 101, but the image forming apparatus 101 may be configured to separate the reference image registration job and the print job.

[0069] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of canceling a print job in this embodiment by the external controller 102. Note that S501 to S508 in the figure represent the individual steps.

[0070] In S501, the external controller 102 receives an instruction to cancel the print job, based on an instruction from the PC 103 or an instruction from the keyboard 211 operated by the external controller 102.

[0071] The job cancellation instruction from the user may be configured to be received from the operation unit 224 and display 225 of the image forming apparatus 101. In this case, upon receiving the job cancellation instruction, the image forming apparatus 101 temporarily suspends the job and notifies the external controller 102 of the job cancellation.

[0072] In S502, it is determined whether or not inspection is set for the print job for which the job cancellation instruction has been issued. If inspection is set, the process proceeds to S503, and if inspection is not set, the process proceeds to S508.

[0073] In S503, it is determined whether a reference image ID was specified in the determination in S404. If the reference image ID was explicitly specified for the job, the reference image registration process in S405 to S406 does not operate, and there is no state in which reference image registration is in progress, so the process proceeds to S507. If the reference image ID was not explicitly specified for the job, the process proceeds to S504.

[0074] In S504, it is determined whether the reference image registration job, ie, S405 to S406 in FIG. 4, has been completed. If completed, the process proceeds to S506, and if not, the process proceeds to S505.

[0075] In S505, the image forming apparatus 101 is instructed to cancel the reference image registration job, and the image forming apparatus 101 is instructed to delete the reference image that has been partially registered on the HDD 272 of the inspection apparatus 109.

[0076] In S506, since the reference image registration has already been completed, the image forming apparatus 101 is instructed to delete the reference image on the HDD 272 of the inspection apparatus 109.

[0077] In S507, it is determined whether a print job has been generated, and if a print job exists, the process proceeds to S508, and if a print job does not exist, the process ends.

[0078] In S508, the image forming apparatus 101 is instructed to cancel the print job, and the print job being printed is canceled.

[0079] In this embodiment, the external controller 102 determines whether to cancel the print job in S508 and issues a cancellation instruction to the image forming apparatus 101, but the image forming apparatus 101 may determine whether to cancel the print job and perform the cancellation. For example, when the operation unit 224 of the image forming apparatus 101 receives a job cancellation instruction, the image forming apparatus 101 proceeds with the cancellation process for the print job if it has received the print job. If the print job cancellation process proceeds in the image forming apparatus 101, the image forming apparatus 101 does not issue a job cancellation instruction in S508 of FIG. 5.

[0080] By performing the processing described above, the reference image is automatically registered in the inspection device, and printing and inspection are performed as is. In this configuration, the user does not need to consciously delete the reference image when canceling a job, and the memory capacity of the inspection device can be prevented from becoming full.

[0081] Example 2 In the first embodiment, in a job in which a reference image is automatically registered in an inspection device and then printed and inspected (hereinafter referred to as an automatic inspection job), the reference image is always deleted when the print job is canceled, preventing the inspection device's memory from becoming full. However, there are cases in which you may want to cancel the job and immediately resubmit it, such as when you submit a print job with the wrong print settings. When resubmitting a job, for example, you may be able to re-set the number of copies and print, eliminating the need for RIP again. In such cases, printing efficiency may decrease because the reference image must be re-created and registered. Therefore, in the second embodiment, whether to delete the reference image when canceling an automatic inspection job is set in advance, and a determination is made as to whether to delete or retain the image depending on the setting.

[0082] 6 shows a setting screen for setting whether to delete the reference image for the automatic inspection job in this embodiment. This screen is a setting screen 601 for setting the external controller 102 in advance.

[0083] A screen 601 is a setting screen for setting whether to delete the reference image when an automatic inspection job is canceled, and the setting screen 601 is displayed on the display 205 of the PC 103 by the CPU 201. The setting screen 601 may also be displayed on the display 225 of the external controller 102 by the CPU 222. The setting selected on the screen 601 is stored in the HDD 210 of the external controller 102. A button 602 is an "ON" key, which is selected when the reference image is to be deleted when an automatic inspection job is canceled. A button 603 is an "OFF" key, which is selected when the reference image is to be retained when an automatic inspection job is canceled. The buttons 602 and 603 are toggle displays, and the selected key is displayed inverted. In FIG. 6, the "ON" key 602 is selected. An "OK" key 604 is an "OK" key, which saves the settings made on the screen 601 to the HDD 210 and closes the window. If the user does not want to save the settings made on the screen 601, the user presses the key 605 to close the screen.

[0084] 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of canceling a print job by the external controller 102 in the case where it is possible to select whether to erase or retain the reference image in this embodiment. Note that S701 to S711 in the figure represent each step.

[0085] In S701, the external controller 102 receives an instruction to cancel a print job in response to an instruction from the PC 103 or an instruction from operating the external controller 102 via the keyboard 211. For example, assume that the user operates the keyboard 211 to select one job. The job ID corresponding to the selected job is identified and added to the job cancellation instruction. The user can select multiple jobs and can cancel multiple jobs at once.

[0086] As a variant, the job cancellation instruction is received by the external controller 102. Alternatively, the user selects the job to be canceled from among multiple jobs by specifying the operation unit 224. The user can select multiple jobs and cancel multiple jobs at once. Next, the job ID corresponding to the selected job is identified, and the job ID is added to the job cancellation instruction. The cancellation instruction is sent to the external controller 102 and received by the external controller 102 in S701.

[0087] In S702, it is determined whether or not inspection is set for the print job for which the job cancellation instruction has been issued. If inspection is set, the process proceeds to S703, and if inspection is not set, the process proceeds to S709.

[0088] In S703, it is determined whether a reference image ID was specified in the determination in S404. If the reference image ID was explicitly specified for the job, it is not an automatic inspection job, so there is no need to erase the reference image, and the process proceeds to S709. If the reference image ID was not explicitly specified for the job, it is an automatic inspection job, and the process proceeds to S704.

[0089] In S704, the reference image deletion setting that has been set in advance in the window 601 is determined, and if the reference image deletion is set to ON, the process proceeds to S706, and if it is set to OFF, the process proceeds to S705.

[0090] In S705, it is determined whether the reference image registration job, i.e., S405 to S406 in Fig. 4, has been completed, and if it has been completed, the process proceeds to S707, and if it has not been completed, the process returns to S705. This process allows the reference image to wait until registration is complete and to be left as it is.

[0091] In S706, similarly to S705, it is determined whether the reference image registration job has been completed, and if it has been completed, the process proceeds to S708, and if it has not been completed, the process proceeds to S707.

[0092] In S707, the image forming apparatus 101 is instructed to cancel the reference image registration job, and the image forming apparatus 101 is instructed to delete the reference image that has been partially registered on the HDD 272 of the inspection apparatus 109.

[0093] In S708, since the reference image registration has already been completed, the image forming apparatus 101 is instructed to delete the reference image on the HDD 272 of the inspection apparatus 109.

[0094] In S709, it is determined whether a print job has been generated, and if a print job exists, the process proceeds to S710, and if a print job does not exist, the process proceeds to S711.

[0095] In S710, the image forming apparatus 101 is instructed to cancel the print job, and the print job being printed is canceled.

[0096] In S711, control is performed so that the print job is not sent to the image forming apparatus 101. Note that in S711, control may be performed so that the print job is not generated. Note that if multiple jobs are specified as targets for cancellation, the system may be configured to delete multiple reference images corresponding to the multiple jobs.

[0097] By performing the above-described processing, it becomes possible to select whether to erase or retain the reference image when canceling an automatic inspection job.

[0098] Example 3 In the second embodiment, it was possible to set in advance whether to delete or retain the reference image when canceling an automatic inspection job. However, depending on the circumstances of the cancellation, it may be better to delete the reference image for each job. For example, changing the number of copies, as mentioned in the second embodiment, does not require re-RIP and the reference image can be reused. Therefore, it is more efficient to retain the reference image and specify that reference image and resubmit the print job. However, for example, if you forget to set a page layout function that reduces and lays out multiple page images on one page, re-RIP is required, and the reference image cannot be reused. Therefore, if re-RIP is required, the reference image should be deleted. Therefore, in the third embodiment, when canceling an automatic inspection job, a reference image deletion setting window is displayed, allowing the user to select whether to delete the reference image for each job.

[0099] FIG. 8 shows a selection screen for selecting whether to delete the reference image when canceling an automatic inspection job in this embodiment.

[0100] Screen 801 is a selection screen (selection window) for selecting whether to delete the reference image when canceling an automatic inspection job, and is displayed on the display 205 of the PC 103 by the CPU 201 when canceling a print job. The setting screen 601 may also be displayed on the display 225 of the external controller 102 by the CPU 222. Screen 801 is displayed only when canceling an automatic inspection job, and is not displayed for print jobs that do not require inspection or print jobs for which a reference image ID is explicitly specified. Button 802 is a "YES" key, and is selected when deleting the reference image. Selecting button 802 closes screen 801, deletes the reference image, and cancels the print job. Key 803 is a "NO" key, and is selected when retaining the reference image. Selecting 803 closes screen 801 and cancels the print job. If a reference image is currently being registered, the job is canceled after the registration of the reference image is completed. To cancel job cancellation, press key 804 to close the screen. The instruction on this screen 801 is specified in the job cancellation data received in S701 of FIG. 7, and is determined in S704.

[0101] By performing the processing described above, it becomes possible to select whether to delete the reference image for each job when canceling an automatic inspection job, enabling more flexible and efficient automatic inspection job operation. Of course, it is also possible to set in advance whether to display the window 601 when canceling an automatic inspection job. As a modified example, when a cancellation instruction is given for multiple jobs, an input unit may be provided as a screen that allows an instruction to delete the reference image for job A but not the reference image for job B. Alternatively, it may be possible to set the device settings so that the reference images for all canceled jobs are deleted when the jobs are canceled.

[0102] According to the present embodiment, an external controller 102 has been described as an example of a controller that processes a print job. An image forming apparatus 101 has been described as an example of an image forming apparatus that can communicate with the external controller. A control method for a system including these apparatuses has been described. Specifically, when the external controller 102 receives a job, it controls the execution of an inspection process based on a reference image registered in association with the job. The inspection process is instructed by the external controller 102 and performed by the inspection apparatus 109 as described above.

[0103] The external controller 102 then receives and accepts a cancel instruction for the job that has been received and started to be processed. The registered reference image for the inspection process is then deleted. This process is executed by the CPU 222 under the control of the external controller 102. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 101 Image forming device 107 Printing device 109 Inspection equipment 222 CPU

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a controller that generates a job, a storage means for receiving a first job from the controller, acquiring an image from the first job, and storing a reference image created from the image; a control unit that, upon receiving a second job from the controller, executes an inspection process based on the reference image; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the control means deletes the reference image from the storage means when a cancel instruction for the second job based on a user operation is received from the controller.

2. When a cancel instruction for the second job based on a user operation is received, the control means controls so that the inspection process is not executed.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The first job is a reference image storage job for storing a reference image in the storage means.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. The second job is an inspection job for executing the inspection process.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. a printing means for printing an image acquired from the second job on a printing medium; a generating means for reading a printed matter on which the image is printed by the printing means and generating a scanned image; an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on the scanned image and the reference image stored in the storage means; Equipped with The inspection process executed when the second job is accepted is a process of inspecting the printed matter by the inspection means.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. The inspection means inspects the printed matter based on the scanned image generated by the generation means and a reference image corresponding to the scanned image stored in the storage means.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

7. The reference image is made up of image data obtained by RIP processing of the image.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. a transmitting means for issuing identification information for the reference image when the reference image is stored and transmitting the identification information to the controller; The second job is a job to which the identification information is attached.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

9. The second job is transmitted from the controller after the first job is executed by the image forming apparatus.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

10. A control method for an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a controller that generates a job, comprising: a storage step of, upon receiving a first job from the controller, acquiring an image from the first job and storing a reference image created from the image; When a second job is received from the controller, an inspection process is performed based on the stored reference image; a control step of performing control so as to delete the stored reference image when a cancel instruction for the second job based on a user operation is received from the controller; A control method for an image forming apparatus having the above-mentioned components.

11. A controller capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus having an inspection function, a first transmission means for transmitting a first job to the image forming apparatus for storing a reference image in the image forming apparatus; a receiving means for receiving identification information for the reference image from the image forming apparatus; a second transmission unit configured to transmit to the image forming apparatus a second job, to which the identification information is added, the second job being received by the reception unit and intended for causing the image forming apparatus to execute an inspection process; a third transmission means for transmitting a cancellation instruction to the image forming apparatus when the second job is canceled, to the image forming apparatus so as to delete the reference image stored in the image forming apparatus; A controller comprising:

12. a setting unit for setting whether to delete the stored reference image when the second job is canceled; When the setting means sets the reference image not to be deleted, a cancel instruction to delete the reference image stored in the image forming apparatus is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

12. The controller of claim 11.

13. the controller is capable of communicating with an external device; a receiving means for receiving an image to be printed from the external device; a job generating means for generating the first job and the second job from the image received by the receiving means; 13. The controller according to claim 11 or 12, comprising:

14. A cancellation for the second job is received from the external device.

14. The controller of claim 13.

15. A display control means for displaying a selection screen for determining whether to delete the stored reference image.

15. A controller according to claim 11 or 14.

16. A control method for a controller capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus having an inspection function, comprising: a first transmission step of transmitting a first job for storing a reference image in the image forming device; a receiving step of receiving identification information for the reference image from the image forming apparatus; a second transmission step of transmitting a second job to which the received identification information is attached, for causing the image forming apparatus to execute an inspection process; a third transmission step of transmitting a cancellation instruction to the image forming apparatus to delete the reference image stored in the image forming apparatus when a cancellation instruction for the second job is received; A control method for a controller, comprising:

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