Printing system, information processing device, printing device, and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide an image formation device having a sample output function that is a print for confirmation by a user before usual printing and during printing which solves the problem that since sample output is not performed on a job whose image is inspected, user convenience is impaired.SOLUTION: A printing system has a printer for printing an image on a sheet, an inspection device for receiving and inspecting the sheet printed and conveyed by the printer, and an information processor, and inspects the printed sheet, wherein the information processor determines whether or not there exists a device having a paper discharge tray between the printer and the inspection device, and performs control so as to discharge the sheet printed in sample printing of confirming a user to perform printing on the sheet to the paper discharge tray at a timing of the sample printing during execution of a printing job using the printer and the inspection device when determining that there exists the device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, an information processing apparatus, a printing apparatus, and control methods thereof. In the law

Background Art

[0002] There is known an inspection apparatus that reads a printed matter printed by a printing apparatus and inspects the quality of the printed matter. Such an inspection apparatus can detect image defects such as dirt and printing omissions, character errors, bar code quality, and the like. Printed matters in which these defects are detected are separated from normal printed matters without defects by, for example, discharging them to a discharge tray different from the discharge tray for normal printed matters. In order to perform inspection with such an inspection apparatus, it is necessary to register a reference image serving as a reference for a printed matter without defects in advance.

[0003] On the other hand, a printing apparatus has a sample printing (intermediate check printing) function. This sample printing is a function of discharging a printed matter to a discharge tray different from the discharge tray set in the print job. By using this function, for example, even when discharging a printed matter to a discharge tray that cannot be opened or closed until all jobs are completed (for example, a large-capacity stacker), the user can discharge the printed matter to another discharge tray. By discharging the printed matter subjected to sample printing to another discharge tray, it becomes possible to confirm the color tone of the printed matter and print data.

[0004] When sample printing is performed, since a sheet subjected to sample printing (hereinafter, a sample printing sheet) is added, there is a possibility that an inconsistency with the order of the reference image expected by the inspection apparatus may occur, and the inspection result may become NG (defective). Patent Document 1 describes that, in an image forming apparatus having a sample printing function that is printing for confirmation by a user before or during normal printing, sample printing is not performed for a job that performs image inspection.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] ​ [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-048387 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, Patent Document 1 does not uniformly perform sample printing for jobs that involve image inspection. In other words, even in equipment configurations or situations where both image inspection and sample printing are possible, the process is not made to allow both inspection and sample printing to be performed simultaneously, which presents a problem of reduced user convenience.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the prior art described above.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide a technology that improves user convenience by enabling both the inspection of printed sheets and the printing of samples. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, a printing system according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, A printing system for inspecting printed sheets, A printing device that prints images onto a sheet, An inspection device that receives and inspects sheets printed and transported by the aforementioned printing device, It has an information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is Between the printing device and the inspection device , capable of ejecting the sheets output from the printing device It has an output tray. unit If present, the control means controls the ejection of the sheet printed in the sample print to the output tray when it is time for a sample print for the user to confirm the printing on the sheet during the execution of a print job using the printing device and the inspection device. death, The control means stops the sample printing if the unit is not present or if the sheet cannot be ejected to the output tray. It is characterized by doing so. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, by enabling both the inspection of printed sheets and the printing of samples, user convenience can be improved.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numeral. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] The attached drawings are included in the specification and constitute part thereof, illustrating embodiments of the present invention and are used together with the description to explain the principles of the present invention. [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system including an information processing device, a printing device, and other devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A block diagram illustrating the control configuration of a printing device, inspection device, information processing device, and other devices in a printing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] A structural cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the process when the inspection device according to the embodiment registers a reference image. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the basic operation of the inspection device according to this embodiment when it performs an inspection. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the processing during inspection execution by the inspection unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of information used by the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 to manage the equipment configuration of a printing device. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 when it acquires the equipment configuration of a printing system. [Figure 9]A diagram showing an example of a sample print setting screen created by the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 and displayed on the operation panel of the printing apparatus. [Figure 10] A flowchart for explaining the processing when the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 executes a print job. [Figure 11] A flowchart for explaining the operation when the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 executes a print job. [Figure 12] An image diagram for explaining the arrangement order of the reference image of the inspection apparatus and the paper discharge result of the printing apparatus during sample printing in Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] A flowchart for explaining the processing when the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 receives and processes a print job. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the screen information created by the information processing apparatus in S1302 of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] A flowchart for explaining the operation when the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 receives and executes a print job. [Figure 16] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the screen information created by the information processing apparatus in S1501 of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] A flowchart for explaining the operation when the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 4 receives and executes a print job. [Figure 18] A flowchart for explaining the processing during inspection execution by the inspection unit according to Embodiment 4.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] 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 invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to information processing devices that are connected and processed via networks such as LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks), as long as the functions of the present invention are realized. In other words, the system configuration with various terminals connected as described in the following embodiments is just one example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system including an information processing device, a printing device, and other devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. While the printing device according to the embodiment is described using an electrophotographic printing device, this printing device may be an inkjet or offset printing device, or other devices using different image forming methods. Furthermore, the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1(A), which shows a configuration with an upstream unit of the inspection unit 108 (the adjustment unit 106 in Figure 1), and Figure 1(B), which shows a configuration without an upstream unit of the inspection unit 108.

[0016] First, let's explain Figure 1(A).

[0017] The printing device 101 is connected to the information processing device 118 via a cable 119. The information processing device 118 is connected to the client computer (PC) 120 via a network 121. The printing device 101 includes an operation panel 102 and paper feed decks 103 and 104. Furthermore, an optional deck 105 consisting of three paper feed decks is connected to the printing device 101. The printing device 101 is, for example, an electrophotographic printing device. The operation panel 102 is a user interface equipped with, for example, a capacitive touch panel.

[0018] Furthermore, the printing device 101 is connected to an adjustment unit 106, an inspection unit 108, a large-capacity stacker 111, and a stapling unit 114. The adjustment unit 106 is equipped with a top tray 107. The adjustment unit 106 also has an imaging unit inside, and uses the captured image to correct the density and front / back registration of the printed image. The inspection unit 108 is connected to the inspection device 109 via a cable 110. The large-capacity stacker 111 is equipped with a main tray 112 and a top tray 113, and the main tray 112 can hold several thousand sheets of paper at once. The stapling unit 114 is equipped with a lower tray 115, a middle tray 116, and an upper tray 117, and can discharge and stack the output into these trays.

[0019] A print job is generated on the client PC 120, sent to the information processing device 118 via the network 121, and managed by the information processing device 118. The print job is then sent from the information processing device 118 to the printing device 101 via the cable 119, and the printing device 101 processes the print job on paper according to the print job. The printed paper passes through the adjustment unit 106, inspection unit 108, high-capacity stacker 111, and stapling unit 114 to create the printed output.

[0020] Furthermore, the client PC 120, information processing device 118, and inspection device 109 may be connected to cable 119 and be able to communicate with the printing device 101. In other words, the connection configuration of the printing device 101, information processing device 118, and client PC 120 shown in Figure 1 is just one example, and it goes without saying that there are various other connection configurations besides those shown in this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 1(B) shows a different system example from Figure 1(A). In Figure 1(B), parts common to both Figure 1(A) are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted.

[0022] Commercial printing presses are connected to various units with different functions. Since the required functions vary depending on the user, the types of units connected to the printing press differ from user to user. The printing press 101 in Figure 1(B) is connected to an inspection unit 108, a high-capacity stacker 111, and a stapling unit 114. That is, compared to Figure 1(A), the adjustment unit 106 is not connected. In other words, this is a system configuration that can be used by users who do not require the functions of the adjustment unit.

[0023] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the printing device 101, inspection device 109, information processing device 118, and other devices in the printing system according to this embodiment.

[0024] First, let's explain the hardware configuration of the printing device 101.

[0025] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the printing device 101 via the system bus 212. The CPU 201 is stored in the memory unit 205 and is responsible for executing programs loaded into the RAM (Ramdom Access Memory) 202. The RAM 202 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 201 and is used as the CPU 201's work area or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 205 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the printing device. The memory unit 205 includes, for example, an HDD, SD memory, or flash memory. The memory units of each device described below are similar.

[0026] The engine interface 209 is responsible for communication and control between the CPU 201 and the printer engine 210. The paper feed deck interface 204 is responsible for communication and control with the paper feed deck 211. The paper feed deck 211 is a hardware configuration that collectively refers to the aforementioned paper feed decks 103, 104, and optional deck 105. The operation panel 203 is the hardware configuration of the aforementioned operation panel 102 and provides a user interface for general operation of the printing device 101. In this embodiment, the operation panel 203 is equipped with a capacitive touch panel. The network interface (hereinafter referred to as NWI / F) 207 is connected to the NWI / F 238 of the information processing device 118 via cable 213 and is responsible for communication between the information processing device 118 and the printing device 101. In this example, the interfaces connected to system buses 212 and 239 are directly connected to each other, but the information processing device 118 and the printer 101 may be connected via a network or other means, and the connection method is not limited. The video interface 206 is connected to the video interface 233 via the video cable 241 and is responsible for the communication of image data between the information processing device 118 and the printer 101.

[0027] Furthermore, the connection interface between the information processing device 118 and the printing device 101 may be a form that integrates the functions of NWI / F238 and video I / F233. Also, the connection interface between the printing device 101 and the information processing device 118 may be a form that integrates the functions of NWI / F207 and video I / F206.

[0028] Accessory I / F 208 connects to Accessory I / F 214, Accessory I / F 220, Accessory I / F 249, and Accessory I / F 255 via cable 225. That is, the printing device 101 communicates with the adjustment unit 106, inspection unit 108, high-capacity stacker 111, and stapling unit 114 via Accessory I / F 208, 214, 220, 249, and 255.

[0029] Next, the hardware configuration of the adjustment unit 106 will be described.

[0030] The CPU 256 controls and performs calculations in each part of the adjustment unit 106 via the system bus 260. The CPU 256 is stored in the memory unit 259 and is responsible for executing programs loaded into the RAM 257. The RAM 257 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 256 and is used as the CPU 256's work area or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 259 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the adjustment unit 106. The paper output unit 258 is responsible for paper output to the top tray 107 and monitoring and controlling the loading status of the top tray 107.

[0031] Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the inspection unit 108.

[0032] The CPU 216 controls and performs calculations in each part of the inspection unit 108 via the system bus 219. The CPU 216 is stored in the memory unit 247 and is responsible for executing programs deployed in the RAM 217. The RAM 217 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed from the CPU 216 and is used as the CPU 216's work area or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 247 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the inspection unit 108. The inspection device I / F 215 is connected to the inspection unit I / F 231 of the inspection device 109 via the cable 110. That is, the inspection unit 108 communicates with the inspection device 109 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 231. The imaging unit 218 has an imaging function equipped with, for example, a contact image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CIS), and photographs the paper passing through the inspection unit 108 and transmits the captured image to the inspection device 109 via the inspection device I / F 215. Note that the CIS of the imaging unit 218 is just one example of a sensor; other types of sensors such as a CCD image sensor may also be used, and the imaging method is not limited.

[0033] Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the high-capacity stacker 111.

[0034] The CPU 221 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the large-capacity stacker 111 via the system bus 224. The CPU 221 is stored in the memory unit 248 and is responsible for executing programs loaded into the RAM 222. The RAM 222 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 221 and is used as the CPU 221's work area or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 248 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the large-capacity stacker 111. The paper output unit 223 is responsible for paper output operations to the main tray 112 and top tray 113 shown in Figure 1, as well as monitoring and controlling the loading status of the main tray 112 and top tray 113, respectively.

[0035] Next, we will describe the hardware configuration of the staple unit 114.

[0036] The CPU 250 controls and performs calculations in each part of the staple unit 114 via the system bus 254. The CPU 250 is responsible for executing programs stored in the memory unit 253 and loaded into the RAM 251. The RAM 251 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 250 and is used as the CPU 250's work area or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 253 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the staple unit 114. The paper output unit 252 is responsible for paper output operations to the lower tray 115, middle tray 116, and upper tray 117 shown in Figure 1, as well as monitoring and controlling the loading status of each tray.

[0037] Next, the hardware configuration of the inspection device 109 will be described. The CPU 226 controls and performs calculations in each part of the inspection device 109 via the system bus 230. The CPU 226 is stored in the memory unit 228 and is responsible for executing programs loaded into the RAM 227. The RAM 227 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed from the CPU 226 and is used as the CPU 226's work area or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 228 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the inspection device 109. The PDL analysis unit 229 reads PDL data such as PDF, PostScript, and PCL received from the client PC 120 or the information processing device 118 and performs interpretation processing. The display unit 245 is, for example, a display connected to the inspection device 109 and accepts user input to the inspection device 109 and displays the status of the inspection device 109.

[0038] Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 118 will be described.

[0039] The CPU 234 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the information processing device 118 via the system bus 239. The CPU 234 is stored in the memory unit 236 and is responsible for executing programs loaded into the RAM 235. The RAM 235 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 234 and is used as the CPU 234's work area or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 236 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the information processing device 118. The network interface (hereinafter referred to as NWI / F) 237 is connected to the NWI / F 240 of the client PC 120 via the network 121. The information processing device 118 communicates with the client PC 120 via the NWI / F 237 and NWI / F 240.

[0040] Finally, I will explain the hardware configuration of client PC120.

[0041] The CPU 243 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the client PC 120 via the system bus 246. The CPU 243 is stored in the memory unit 244 and is responsible for executing programs loaded into the RAM 242. The RAM 242 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 243 and is used as the CPU 243's work area or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 244 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the client PC 120.

[0042] Note that the equipment configuration shown in Figure 1(B) is different from the equipment configuration shown in Figure 1(A) in that the adjustment unit 106 is not connected. Therefore, the block diagram of the equipment configuration shown in Figure 1(B) is the same as the block diagram shown in Figure 2, but without the adjustment unit 106. The various roles and functions are the same as in Figure 2, so their explanation is omitted.

[0043] Figure 3(A) is a structural cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of the printing apparatus 101 according to this embodiment.

[0044] The printing device 101 accepts user input via the operation panel 102 and displays the printing and device status. Various types of paper can be stored in the paper feed decks 103 and 104. Each paper feed deck can separate only the top sheet of paper stored and transport it to the paper transport path 305. The developing stations 301 to 304 use colored toners Y, M, C, and K respectively to form a toner image in order to form a color image. The toner image formed here is first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 306. The intermediate transfer belt 306 rotates clockwise in Figure 3, and at the secondary transfer position 307, the toner image is transferred to the paper transported from the paper transport path 305. The fixing unit 308 is equipped with a pressure roller and a heating roller, and as the paper passes between these rollers, the toner is melted and pressed, fixing the toner image to the paper. The paper that has passed through the fixing unit 308 is transported to 312 via the paper transport path 309. If further melting and pressing are required for fixing depending on the type of paper, after passing through the fixing unit 308, the paper is transported to the second fixing unit 310 using the upper paper transport path, where additional melting and pressing are performed, and then transported to the transport path 312 via the paper transport path 311. If the image forming mode is double-sided, the paper with the image fixed to one side is transported to the paper inversion path 313, where the front and back sides of the paper are inverted, and then transported via the double-sided transport path 314, where the image is transferred to the second side at the secondary transfer position 307.

[0045] The adjustment unit 106 has CIS331 and CIS332 positioned opposite each other. CIS331 is a sensor for reading the top surface of the paper, and CIS332 is a sensor for reading the bottom surface of the paper. The adjustment unit 106 scans the paper using CIS331 and CIS332 when the paper transported on the paper transport path 329 reaches a predetermined position. The image data obtained from the scan is transmitted to the printer 101 via accessory I / F255 and accessory I / F208. The CPU 201 of the printer 101 calculates the amount of deviation in density and front / back registration based on the received image data. Based on the calculated deviation amount, the CPU 256 of the adjustment unit 106 corrects the density and front / back registration so that they reach ideal values. Note that a correction chart is required to correct the density and front / back registration. This correction chart is printed by an execution command from the operation panel 203 before the execution of a print job, or at periodic intervals during the print job (for example, every 100 sheets of paper). When printing a correction chart, the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 issues an instruction to transport the correction chart to the paper transport path 330 and eject it to the top tray 107. This prevents the correction chart, which will be waste paper, from being loaded onto the same output tray as the final product, making it easier for the user to distinguish between the final product and the waste paper.

[0046] Next, we will explain the configuration of the inspection unit 108.

[0047] Inside the inspection unit 108, CIS315 and 316 are arranged facing each other. CIS315 is a sensor for reading the top surface of the paper, and CIS316 is a sensor for reading the bottom surface of the paper. When the paper transported on the paper transport path 317 reaches a predetermined position, the inspection unit 108 scans the paper using CIS315 and 316. The image data obtained by the scan is transmitted to the inspection device 109 via the inspection device I / F215, cable 110, and inspection unit I / F231. The CPU 226 of the inspection device 109 determines whether there is a defect in the received image data and notifies the inspection unit 108 of the result of the determination again via the inspection unit I / F231, cable 110, and inspection device I / F215. The CPU 216 of the inspection unit 108 then notifies the high-capacity stacker 111 of the received determination result via the accessory I / F214 and 220.

[0048] Next, we will explain the configuration of the high-capacity stacker 111.

[0049] The high-capacity stacker 111 has a main tray 112 as a tray for stacking paper. Paper that has passed through the inspection unit 108 enters the high-capacity stacker 111 via the paper transport path 318 and then the paper transport path 319. The paper is then loaded onto the main tray 112 via the paper transport path 322 from the paper transport path 319. Furthermore, the high-capacity stacker 111 has a top tray 113 as an output tray. The CPU 221 of the high-capacity stacker 111 discharges paper that has been detected as defective by the inspection device 109 to the top tray 113. When discharging to the top tray 113, the paper is transported from the paper transport path 319 to the top tray 113 via the paper transport path 321. The reversing unit 323 for reversing paper is used when loading paper onto the main tray 112. When loading paper onto the main tray 112, the paper is reversed once by the reversing unit 323 so that the orientation of the paper when it enters and the orientation of the paper when it is loaded are the same. When transporting to the top tray 113, the paper is ejected without flipping during loading, so the reversal operation at the reversal unit 323 is not performed. When outputting to the staple unit 114, the paper is transported from the paper transport path 319 via the paper transport path 325.

[0050] Next, we will describe the configuration of the staple unit 114.

[0051] The stapling unit 114 is a unit capable of stapling paper and producing saddle-stitched pamphlets. The stapling unit 114 has an upper tray 117 for loading paper, a middle tray 116 for discharging stapled output, and a lower tray 115 for discharging saddle-stitched output. Paper that has passed through the large-capacity stacker 111 enters the stapling unit 114 via the paper transport path 326. When producing stapled output, the paper is stapled via the paper transport path 326 and loaded into the middle tray 116. When producing saddle-stitched output, the paper is transported from the paper transport path 326 to the saddle-stitching section 328 via the paper transport path 327. The CPU 250 of the stapling unit 114 saddle-stitches the paper at the paper discharge section 252 and discharges the saddle-stitched output into the lower tray 115.

[0052] Figure 3(B) is a structural cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration in which the adjustment unit 106 is not connected, corresponding to Figure 1(B). Therefore, Figure 3(B) is the configuration in which the adjustment unit 106 is removed from Figure 3(A), and the parts common to both Figure 3(A) and Figure 3(A) are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0053] The following describes the characteristic processes of this embodiment with reference to the flowchart. The processing of the printing device 101 described in the following flowchart is achieved by the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 loading the program stored in the storage unit 205 into the RAM 202 and executing it. The processing of the inspection device 109 described in the following flowchart is achieved by the CPU 226 of the inspection device 109 loading the program stored in the storage unit 228 into the RAM 227 and executing it. The processing of the information processing device 118 described in the following flowchart is achieved by the CPU 234 of the information processing device 118 loading the program stored in the storage unit 236 into the RAM 235 and executing it. Furthermore, the processing of the inspection unit 108 described in the following flowchart is achieved by the CPU 216 of the inspection unit 108 loading the program stored in the storage unit 247 into the RAM 217 and executing it.

[0054] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process by which the inspection device 109 according to this embodiment registers a reference image (correct image).

[0055] First, in S401, the CPU 226 receives an instruction from the user to start reading images via the inspection button (not shown) displayed on the display unit 245, and proceeds to S402. In S402, the CPU 226 initializes the sheet counter i, which counts the number of sheets to be read, to "0". This sheet counter i is a counter for counting the sheets that have passed through the inspection unit 108 and is provided in the RAM 227. In this embodiment, the unit to be counted is described as a sheet, but the unit to be counted may be other units such as pages.

[0056] Then, proceeding to S403, CPU226 continues processing to S404 if there are sheets of paper to read images from. In S404, CPU226 receives image data obtained by scanning the printed sheets of paper with the inspection unit 108 via inspection unit I / F231 and inspection device I / F215. Then, in S405, CPU226 increments the sheet counter i by 1 and proceeds to S406, where CPU226 stores the image data received in S404 as the reference image in RAM227. At this time, the sheet number of the image to be registered as the reference image is also stored. The value of sheet counter i is used for this sheet number. Then, proceeding to S407, CPU226 repeats the processing from S403 to S407 until all sheets of paper have been read. Once all sheets of paper have been read, proceed to S408.

[0057] In S408, the CPU 226 stores the number of sheets (N) used to register the reference image in the storage unit 228. The sheet counter i value is used for this number of reference image sheets (N). The reference image registered here is always only the image from the original print job, regardless of the number of copies printed at the time of inspection. For example, when registering a reference image for a print job that prints on 5 sheets, even if, for example, 3 copies are printed at the time of inspection, resulting in a total of 15 sheets, only the image data for 5 sheets will be registered as the reference image. Therefore, the number of sheets (N) for the reference image is stored as the number of 1 sheet. The method for comparing the reference image and the scanned image data at the time of inspection will be described later with reference to Figure 5. Then, in S409, the CPU 226 receives an instruction from the user via the display unit 245 to finish reading the image and terminates this process.

[0058] The examples shown here are just examples, and the user's instruction to start image reading on the display unit 245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with the instruction to start printing on the printer 101, information processing device 118, or client PC 120, and the form is not limited. Similarly, the user's instruction to stop image reading on the display unit 245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with the end of printing on the printer 101, and the form is not limited. Furthermore, for example, the inspection device 109 may read images from the same sheet multiple times, combine these multiple image data, and register the result as a reference image.

[0059] This process allows the inspection device 109 to have the inspection unit 108 read a sheet on which a reference image is printed, and to register the scanned image data as the reference image.

[0060] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the basic operation of the inspection device 109 according to this embodiment when it performs an inspection.

[0061] In S501, when the CPU 226 receives a command from the user to start reading the image to be inspected via the display unit 245, the process proceeds to S502, where the CPU 226 initializes the sheet counter i. This sheet counter i is a counter for counting the number of sheets that have passed through the inspection unit 108 and is provided in the RAM 227. In this embodiment, the unit to be counted is described as a sheet, but the unit to be counted may be other units such as pages.

[0062] Next, the process proceeds to S503, and if there are sheets to be inspected, the CPU 226 proceeds to S504. In S504, the CPU 226 receives image data obtained by scanning the sheets to be inspected with the CIS 315 and CIS 316 via the inspection unit I / F 231 and inspection device I / F 215. Then, proceeding to S505, the CPU 226 increments the sheet counter i by 1. Next, proceeding to S506, the CPU 226 compares the value of the sheet counter i with the number of sheets (N) of the reference image stored in S408 in Figure 4. If the value of the sheet counter i exceeds the number of sheets (N) of the reference image, the process proceeds to S507, resets the value of the sheet counter i to "1", and proceeds to S508. On the other hand, if the sheet counter i in S506 is less than or equal to the number of sheets (N) of the reference image, the process proceeds to S508. As explained in Figure 4, the image data corresponding to one copy is always registered as the reference image. Therefore, for the second and subsequent sheets, the image data of the first copy registered as the reference image is repeatedly used. In order to repeatedly use the reference image, the seat counter i is updated in S506 and S507.

[0063] Then, in S508, the CPU 226 compares the i-th sheet reference image stored in RAM 227 with the scanned image data of the paper to be inspected, received in S504. As mentioned above, this reference image is assumed to be a sheet printed in advance by the printer 101 before the start of this process, scanned by the inspection unit 108's CIS 315, 316, transmitted from the inspection unit I / F 215 to the inspection unit I / F 231 and stored in RAM 227. In this comparison operation, first, characteristic points of the image are used as alignment reference points to align the image positions of the reference image and the scanned image data of the paper to be inspected. Next, in the scanned image data of the paper to be inspected, the four corners of the paper and the alignment reference points of the scanned image data are analyzed to detect any misalignment of the image relative to the paper. Next, the density values ​​of the reference image and the scanned image data of the paper to be inspected are compared pixel by pixel. If no defects are detected as a result of the above, the inspection result is considered OK. RAM227 has separate storage locations for reference images to be compared with image data scanned by CIS315 and reference images to be compared with image data scanned by CIS316. The inspection device 109 reads out the reference images by referring to a predetermined storage location according to the CIS to be compared. In other words, the order of the scanned image data corresponds to the order of the corresponding reference images to be compared.

[0064] Thus, in S509, the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection result is OK, that is, whether the scanned image data is good or bad. If it is OK, the process proceeds to S510. In S510, the CPU 226 notifies the inspection unit 108 of the inspection result OK via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215. By notifying the inspection unit 108 of the inspection result OK in this way, the inspection unit 108 can be instructed in S607 (Figure 6), described later, to eject the inspected paper to the tray specified in the print job.

[0065] On the other hand, if the CPU 226 determines in S509 that the inspection result is NG, it proceeds to S511. In S511, the CPU 226 notifies the inspection unit 108 of the inspection result NG via the inspection unit I / F 231 and the inspection device I / F 215. By notifying the inspection unit 108 of the inspection result NG, the inspection unit 108 can instruct the inspection unit 108 to eject the inspected paper to the top tray 113 of the large-capacity stacker 111 in S606 (Figure 6), which will be described later. Then, the processing from S503 to S512 is repeated until all sheets have been inspected. Once all sheets have been inspected, the process proceeds to S513, where the CPU 226 receives an instruction from the user via the display unit 245 to end image reading and terminates image reading.

[0066] The examples shown here are just examples, and for example, the user's instruction to start image loading on the display unit 245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with the instruction to start printing on the printer 101, information processing device 118, or client PC 120, and the form is not limited. Similarly, the user's instruction to stop image loading via the display unit 245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with the end of printing on the printer 101, and the form is not limited.

[0067] Through the above process, the inspection device 109 can compare the image data of the sheets to be inspected, read by the inspection unit 108, with a reference image to determine whether the image of each sheet is appropriate, and can instruct the device to eject any sheets that are deemed inappropriate to a separate tray.

[0068] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process when an inspection is performed by the inspection unit 108 according to this embodiment.

[0069] In S601, the CPU 216 receives an instruction from the inspection device 109 to start the inspection. Then, proceeding to S602, the CPU 216 proceeds to S603 if there are any papers to be inspected. In S603, the CPU 216 scans the image of the printed and transported paper using the CIS 315 and CIS 316. Then, proceeding to S604, the CPU 216 transmits the image data obtained from the scan to the inspection device 109 via the inspection device I / F 215 and inspection unit I / F 231. Then, proceeding to S605, the CPU 216 receives the inspection result from the inspection device 109 via the inspection device I / F 215 and inspection unit I / F 231 and determines whether the result is NG or not. If the inspection result is NG, the process proceeds to S606, where the CPU 216 instructs via accessory I / F 214, 220, and 255 to eject all paper already fed from paper decks 103-104 and on the paper transport path to the top tray 113. On the other hand, if the inspection result in S605 is not NG, the process proceeds to S607, where the CPU 216 instructs via accessory I / F 214 and 220 to eject that paper to the output destination specified in the print job. Then, steps S602-S608 are repeated until all paper has been inspected.

[0070] In this way, the inspection unit 108 can read an image of the paper to be inspected according to the instructions of the inspection device 109, and specify the output destination of the paper according to the inspection result of the image data.

[0071] The following describes specific embodiments for changing the output destination of sample prints according to the equipment configuration of the printing device.

[0072] [Embodiment 1] Embodiment 1 describes a configuration in which the information processing device 118 determines the equipment configuration of the printing device 101 and changes the output destination of the sample print sheet when the inspection device 109 performs an inspection.

[0073] Figure 7 shows an example of information used by the information processing device 118 according to Embodiment 1 to manage the equipment configuration of the printing device 101. This information is stored in the storage unit 236 of the information processing device 118.

[0074] Figure 7(A) shows the unit information 700, which is a table showing a list of units that can be connected to the printing device 101 and information about the output trays provided by those units. The unit information 700 is information statically maintained by the information processing device 118 and the printing device 101 in the storage unit 228 and storage unit 205, respectively. The unit name 701 indicates the name of each unit. The unit ID 702 is an ID (identification information) uniquely assigned to each unit. For example, the adjustment unit 106 is assigned "Unit1", and the large-capacity stacker is assigned the unit ID "Unit4". The output tray name 703 indicates the name of the output tray provided by each unit. The output tray ID 704 is an ID uniquely assigned to each output tray. For example, the top tray 107 of the adjustment unit 106 is assigned "Tray1", and the main tray 112 of the large-capacity stacker 111 is assigned "Tray4". Furthermore, for units that do not have an output tray, such as the inspection unit 108, information indicating that they do not have an output tray (N / A in Embodiment 1) is assigned to the output tray name 703 and output tray ID 704. The unit information 700 is sorted from top to bottom in the order in which the units are connected to the upstream side of the printing device 101. In the unit information 700, the adjustment unit 106 is the unit connected furthest upstream, and the stapling unit 114 is the unit connected furthest downstream.

[0075] The connection unit list 710 in Figure 7(B) is information representing a list of units connected to the printing device 101 in Figure 1(A).

[0076] This connected unit list 710 is dynamic information and is acquired by the information processing device 118 from the printer 101 when it starts up. When the printer 101 receives a request from the information processing device 118 to acquire the connected unit list 710, it identifies the type of each unit via accessory I / F 208, 255, 214, 220, and 249. The printer 101 then transmits the information to the information processing device 118 as the connected unit list 710. The unit name 711 indicates the name of each unit assigned in the unit information 700. The unit ID 712 indicates the ID of each unit assigned in the unit information 700. The printer 101 is connected to an adjustment unit 106, an inspection unit 108, a large-capacity stacker 111, and a stapling unit 114. Therefore, the connected unit list 710 lists the adjustment unit, inspection unit, large-capacity stacker, and stapling unit. In Embodiment 1, the connection unit list 710 includes information on both the unit name and the unit ID. However, since the unit information 700 can identify the other information even if only one of the pieces of information is included, it is also acceptable to include only one of the pieces of information.

[0077] The connection unit list 720 in Figure 7(C) is information representing a list of units connected to the printing device 101 in Figure 1(B).

[0078] Unit name 721 and unit ID 722 are the same as unit name 711 and unit ID 712, respectively, so their explanation is omitted. The printing device 101 in Figure 1(B) is connected to an inspection unit 108, a large-capacity stacker 111, and a stapling unit 114. Therefore, the connected unit list 720 lists the inspection unit, the large-capacity stacker, and the stapling unit.

[0079] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing device 118 according to Embodiment 1 when it acquires the equipment configuration of the printing system. The process shown in this flowchart starts when the information processing device 118 is powered on.

[0080] In S801, the CPU 234 sets the presence or absence of the sample print sheet output tray to "none" as an initial setting. This information indicating the presence or absence of the sample print sheet output tray is stored in the storage unit 236 and is used to determine the presence or absence of an output tray for outputting the sample print sheet when a sample print is performed during the inspection. Next, in S802, the CPU 234 obtains the connection unit list 710 or 720 from the printing device 101. Then, in S803, the CPU 234 determines whether there is an upstream unit interposed between the printing device 101 and the inspection unit 108. This determination of the presence or absence of an upstream unit is made by comparing the connection unit list obtained in S802 with the unit information 700 held in the storage unit 236 by the information processing device 118.

[0081] First, we will explain using the equipment configuration shown in Figure 1(A), in which the adjustment unit 106, inspection unit 108, large-capacity stacker 111, and staple unit 114 are connected to the printing device 101. In this equipment configuration, the connection unit list 710 shown in Figure 7(B) is obtained as the connection unit list.

[0082] The CPU 234 compares the unit IDs in the connection unit list 710 with the unit IDs in the unit information 700 and extracts the matching units from the unit information 700. The units extracted from the unit information 700 are, from top to bottom, the adjustment unit (Unit 1), the inspection unit (Unit 2), the large-capacity stacker (Unit 4), and the stapling unit (Unit 6). As mentioned above, the unit information 700 is sorted from top to bottom in the order in which the units are connected upstream from the printing device 101. Therefore, if there is a unit above the row for the inspection unit (Unit 2) in the unit information 700, it means that the unit is upstream of the inspection unit 108. In the example of the connection unit list 710, it can be seen that the adjustment unit (Unit 2) is upstream of the inspection unit (Unit 2). Therefore, in the equipment configuration described in Figure 1(A), it is determined that there is a unit upstream of the inspection unit 108 (Yes in S803).

[0083] Next, we will explain using the equipment configuration shown in Figure 1(B), in which the printing device 101 is connected to an inspection unit 108, a large-capacity stacker 161, and a stapling unit 164. In this equipment configuration, the connection unit list 720 shown in Figure 7(C) is obtained as the connection unit list. Similar to the case of the connection unit list 710, the presence or absence of a unit upstream of the inspection unit 108 is determined by comparing the connection unit list 720 with the unit information 700. When units that match the connection unit list 720 are extracted from the unit information 700, the inspection unit (Unit 2) is at the top, indicating that there are no units upstream of the inspection unit 108. Therefore, in the equipment configuration shown in Figure 1(B), it is determined that there are no units upstream of the inspection unit 108 (No in S803).

[0084] In this manner, it is determined whether there is a unit upstream of the inspection unit 108. If it is determined that there is a unit upstream, the process proceeds to S804. If it is determined that there is no unit upstream, this process is terminated.

[0085] In S804, CPU234 repeats the following process until it has checked all units upstream of inspection unit 108. In S805, CPU234 determines whether or not the units upstream of inspection unit 108 have an output tray. Here, it refers to the unit information 700 for the units upstream of the inspection unit identified in S803 and identifies units where the output tray ID 704 is not N / A. In the equipment configuration described in Figure 1(A), it determines whether or not the adjustment unit (Unit1) upstream of the inspection unit (Unit2) has an output tray. According to the unit information 700, it can be seen that the adjustment unit (Unit1) has a top tray (Tray1). Therefore, it is determined that the upstream unit has an output tray and proceeds to S806. On the other hand, if it is determined that the upstream unit does not have an output tray, it proceeds to S808.

[0086] In S806, the CPU 234 sets the presence or absence of the sample print sheet output tray to "yes". Next, in S807, the CPU 234 registers the output tray identified in S805 as the sample print sheet output tray and stores it in the storage unit 236. The sample print sheet output tray refers to the output tray that the sample print sheet should be ejected to the printing device 101 when the sample print is executed. In Embodiment 1, the output tray (top tray) of the adjustment unit 106, which is upstream of the inspection unit 108, is registered as the sample print sheet output tray. Then, steps S804 to S808 are repeated until all upstream units of the inspection unit 108 have been checked.

[0087] In this way, the information processing device can determine whether there is a unit with a paper output tray upstream of the inspection unit 108, and if so, it can register that paper output tray as the paper output tray for the sample print sheet.

[0088] Figure 9 shows an example of a sample print settings screen created by the information processing device 118 according to Embodiment 1 and displayed on the operation panel 203 of the printing device 101. The information on this screen is generated by the CPU 234 of the information processing device 118, transmitted to the printing device 101 via NWI / F238, 207 and displayed on the operation panel 203.

[0089] The sample print interval setting screen 901 in Figure 9(A) is a screen for setting the execution interval of sample prints. The information processing device 118 executes sample prints at the interval entered by the user in the sample print interval 902. As shown in Figure 9(A), if "6" is entered in the sample print interval 902, the information processing device 118 duplicates the image data of the 6th sheet and executes a sample print every time 6 sheets are printed. If the user does not want to execute a sample print, they enter "0" in the sample print interval 902.

[0090] The sample print execution screen 910 in Figure 9(B) is a screen for executing a sample print by pressing a button. The information processing device 118 executes a sample print when the sample print button 911 is pressed.

[0091] The sample print interval setting screen 901 is used for the function that automatically executes sample prints on the information processing device 118 at periodic intervals entered by the user. On the other hand, the sample print execution screen 910 in Figure 9(B) is a screen that allows the user to execute a sample print at any time during a print job. The operation flowchart of the sample print performed by the sample print interval setting screen 901 and the sample print execution screen 910 will be described later with reference to Figure 10.

[0092] Figure 10(A) is a flowchart illustrating the process when the information processing device 118 according to Embodiment 1 executes a print job. The process shown in this flowchart begins when the information processing device 118 receives a print job.

[0093] First, at S1001, the CPU 234 receives a print job. This print job includes job setting information and image data. Next, at S1002, the CPU 234 initializes the print sheet counter j, which counts the number of sheets printed, to 0. This print sheet counter j is stored in RAM 235. In this embodiment 1, the unit of counting is described as a sheet, but the unit of counting may be other units such as pages.

[0094] Next, the process proceeds to S1003, and if there are sheets to print, it proceeds to S1004. In S1004, the CPU 234 issues a print command for one sheet to the printer 101. Job setting information, such as post-processing settings and output tray destination, is also sent to the printer 101 via NWI / F238,207. Image data to be used for printing is also sent to the printer 101 via video I / F233,206. The operation of the printer 101 after receiving the job setting information and image data is explained in Figure 11.

[0095] In S1005, the CPU 234 reads the information stored in S801 or S806 indicating whether the sample print sheet has an output tray, and determines whether the sample print sheet has an output tray. If it determines that it does, it proceeds to S1006; otherwise, it proceeds to S1012. In S1006, the CPU 234 determines whether the sample print button 911 on the sample print execution screen 910 in Figure 9(B) has been pressed. If it determines that the sample print button 911 has been pressed, it proceeds to S1011 to execute the sample print.

[0096] On the other hand, if it is determined that the sample print button 911 has not been pressed, the system proceeds to S1007 to determine the timing for executing the sample print according to the sample print interval setting screen 901. In S1007, the CPU 234 increments the print sheet counter j by 1 and proceeds to S1008. In S1008, the CPU 234 determines whether the sample print interval M is 0. If the sample print interval M is 0, the system proceeds to S1012; otherwise, it proceeds to S1009. In S1009, the CPU 234 compares the value of the print sheet counter j with the sample print interval M entered in the sample print interval 902. If it is determined that the value of the print sheet counter j is greater than or equal to the sample print interval M, the system proceeds to S1010, resets the print sheet counter i to 0, and proceeds to S1011. In S1011, the CPU 234 instructs the printing device 101 to execute the sample print. On the other hand, in S1009, if the CPU 234 determines that the value of the print sheet counter j is less than the sample print interval M, it skips the sample print in S1011 and proceeds to S1012. In S1011, the CPU 234 instructs the printing device 101 to eject the printed sheet to the output tray of the sample print sheet registered in S807 in Figure 8 above.

[0097] Here, to print on the sheet to be ejected to the output tray of the sample print sheet, the job setting information and image data for one sheet that were sent to the printer 101 in S1004 are used and sent to the printer 101 again. At this time, the output tray in the job setting information is overwritten with the output tray of the sample print sheet registered in S807 before being sent. In this way, the sample print sheet can be ejected to the output tray of the sample print sheet. An image of the ejection result after switching the output destination to the output tray of the sample print sheet will be shown later using Figure 12. Then, steps S1003 to S1012 are repeated until printing of all sheets is complete.

[0098] Figure 10(A) illustrates an example where a print command is issued in S1004, followed by a sample print command in S1011. In other words, if the sample print button is pressed while the second sheet is being processed, the process proceeds from S1006 to S1011, and the sample print of the second sheet is performed. Another possible configuration is shown in Figure 10(B). Note that in Figure 10(B), the same reference numbers are used for processes common to Figure 10(A), and their explanations are omitted.

[0099] If the sample print button 911 in Figure 10(B) is pressed, or if the sample print interval reaches a default value, the process proceeds to S1013, where the CPU 226 sets the sample print flag to ON. This sample print flag is stored in RAM 235. During the repetitive process until all sheets are completed, if the CPU 234 determines in S1014 that the sample print flag is ON, the process proceeds to S1011 to perform a sample print. After performing the sample print, the process proceeds to S1015, where the CPU 234 sets the sample print flag to OFF. Thus, if the sample print button is pressed during the processing of the second sheet, a configuration in which a sample print is performed on the third sheet is also conceivable.

[0100] The sample printing method shown here is just one example. For example, the sample print may be performed several sheets later, rather than immediately after pressing the sample print button or after the specified interval for sample printing has been reached. The method is not limited to this. Also, for example, the sample print may be performed by printing only one sheet.

[0101] This process allows the system to execute a sample print when a sample print command is issued, or according to the set interval for sample prints, provided that the output tray for the sample print sheet is set to "yes".

[0102] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printing device 101 according to Embodiment 1 when it executes a print job. The process shown in this flowchart begins when the printing device 101 receives a print job from the information processing device 118.

[0103] First, in S1101, the CPU 201 analyzes the job setting information contained in the print job received from the information processing device 118. This job setting information is received from the information processing device 118 via NWI / F207,238. This job setting information includes post-processing settings such as stapling and paper size, as well as information on the output tray. Here, the CPU 201 analyzes the received job setting information and determines the post-processing settings and the output tray. Next, in S1102, the CPU 201 feeds paper from the paper feed deck 211 via the paper feed deck I / F204. Then, in S1103, the CPU 201 controls the printer engine 210 to print on the paper fed in S1102. For printing on the paper here, the image data of the print job received from the information processing device 118 is used. Finally, in S1104, the CPU 201 controls the printer engine 210 to eject the printed paper to the output tray specified in the job setting information. Here, CPU201 reads the output destination setting from the job setting information analyzed by S1101 and performs the output process to the output units 258, 223, and 252 of the specified unit via accessory I / F208, 255, 220, and 249.

[0104] Figure 12 is an illustrative diagram illustrating the order of the reference image of the inspection device and the paper output results of the printing device during sample printing in Embodiment 1. In the figure, "6" is entered for the sample printing interval 902 in Figure 9(A), and the example shows that three copies of a 5-sheet print job are printed for inspection.

[0105] The inspection device 109 compares the reference image of the i-th sheet stored in RAM 227 with the scanned image data of the sheet to be inspected received in S504 of Figure 5 (S508 in Figure 5). As mentioned above, the image registered as the reference image is always registered as image data of only one part. Therefore, the reference image used for comparison in the second and third parts in the figure is the same reference image as the first part. The scanned image data of the sheet to be inspected received in S504 is the image data obtained by scanning the sheet to be inspected with CIS in S603 of Figure 6, and is equivalent to the scanned image data of the sheet passing through the inspection unit 108. Therefore, the inspection device 109 compares the reference image with the scanned image data of the sheet passing through the inspection unit 108 to produce the inspection result. In other words, sheets that do not pass through the inspection unit 108 are not scanned with CIS in S603 and are therefore not compared with the reference image.

[0106] In the example in Figure 12, one set consists of five sheets, and since "6" is entered for the sample printing interval 902 in Figure 9(A), sample printing is performed after the first sheet of the second set and after the second sheet of the third set. The sample print sheets are ejected to the sample print sheet output tray, as explained in S1011 in Figure 10(A). The sample print sheet output tray is the output tray of the unit upstream of the inspection unit 109, as registered in S807. Therefore, the sheets after the first sheet of the second set and the second sheet of the third set, which are the sample print sheets, are ejected to the top tray 107 of the adjustment unit 106. Consequently, the sample print sheets are not fed into the inspection unit 108, and no comparison with the reference image is performed, thus preventing any inconsistency with the order of the reference image expected by the inspection device 109.

[0107] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, even if sample printing is performed during inspection, no inconsistency occurs between the order of the reference images expected by the inspection device 109 and the order of the sheets to be inspected. In other words, sample printing can be performed while the sheets are being inspected. Therefore, the problem that users cannot handle jobs that enable both inspection and sample printing can be resolved.

[0108] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the presence or absence of a paper output tray in a unit upstream of the inspection unit connected to the printing device is determined, and if such a paper output tray exists, the sample print sheet is output to that tray. By outputting the sample print sheet in this way so that it does not pass through the inspection unit and excluding it from the inspection target of the inspection device, it is possible to prevent inconsistencies between the order of the reference images and the order of the sheets to be inspected. In this way, it is possible to perform sample printing without the inspection result being rejected due to inconsistencies between the order of the reference images and the order of the sheets to be inspected.

[0109] [Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 1 described above, if the output tray for ejecting the sample print sheet was unavailable, printing and inspection were stopped without notifying the user. In contrast, in Embodiment 2, if the output tray for the sample print sheet is unavailable, the user is notified that the output tray is unavailable, prompting the resumption of printing and inspection. Note that the system configuration (Figure 1), block configuration (Figure 2), internal configuration (Figure 3), operation of the inspection device (Figures 4 and 5), operation of the inspection unit (Figure 6), and operation of acquiring the equipment configuration (Figure 8) in Embodiment 2 are the same as in Embodiment 1, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0110] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the process when the information processing device 118 according to Embodiment 2 receives and processes a print job. The process shown in this flowchart begins when the information processing device 118 receives a print job. In Figure 13, the process that is common to Figure 10 is shown using the same reference cipher, and its explanation is omitted.

[0111] In S1301, the CPU 234 determines whether the output tray for ejecting the sample print sheet is available. At this time, the CPU 234 reads the output tray information for the sample print sheet stored in the memory unit 236. Then, it queries the CPU 201 of the printer 101 via NWI / F238,207 whether the output tray registered as that output tray is available. Upon receiving this query, the CPU 201 of the printer 101 obtains the availability status of the output tray from the unit equipped with the output tray via accessory I / F208,255,220,249. To determine whether the output tray is available, the CPU of each unit obtains the paper load status of the output tray and checks if it exceeds the load limit. If it does not exceed the load limit, it determines that the output tray is available and sends information indicating availability to the CPU 201. On the other hand, if it exceeds the load limit, it sends information indicating that the output tray is unavailable to the CPU 201. Having received information indicating whether the output tray is usable or not, the CPU 201 of the printing device 101 notifies the CPU 234 of the information processing device 118 of the result via NWI / F207,238.

[0112] In this way, the CPU 234 of the information processing device 118 determines whether the output tray for the sample print sheet is available. If it determines that it is available, it proceeds to S1011 and executes the sample print. On the other hand, if the CPU 234 determines in S1301 that the output tray for the sample print sheet is unavailable, it proceeds to S1302. In S1302, the CPU 234 creates screen information indicating that printing is temporarily paused due to the sample print. The contents of this screen will be described later with reference to Figure 14. The screen information thus created is transmitted to the printing device 101 via NWI / F238, 207 and displayed on the operation panel 203 of the printing device 101.

[0113] Figure 14 shows an example of a screen displayed by the screen information created by the information processing device 118 in step S1302 of Figure 13.

[0114] The job status screen 1400 displays the execution status of jobs on the printer 101. In Figure 14, the print queue is displayed, showing the names of the jobs included in the print queue, as well as the number of pages and copies for each job. Item 1401 indicates the operating status of the printer 101. "Printing" is displayed when printing is in progress, "Stopped" is displayed when printing has stopped for any reason, and "Standby" is displayed when the printer 101 is not performing any printing operations. In S1302, printing is stopped due to sample printing, so "Stopped" is displayed in item 1401. Message 1402 displays supplementary information in message format regarding the operating status displayed in item 1401. When printing is in progress, a message indicating the progress of printing is displayed, for example, "Printing the second copy." When printing has stopped, the cause of the stoppage and how to resolve it are displayed. In S1302, the sample print output tray is unusable because it has exceeded its loading limit. Therefore, message 1402 displays a message indicating that the output tray has exceeded its loading limit and prompting the user to remove paper from the output tray as a solution.

[0115] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, if the output tray for the sample print sheet is unavailable, the user can be notified that the output tray is unavailable, thereby encouraging the resumption of printing and inspection.

[0116] [Embodiment 3] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, if the output tray for the sample print sheet is not present, sample printing is disabled without notification to the user. In contrast, in embodiment 3, if the output tray for the sample print sheet is not present and sample printing cannot be performed during inspection, the user is notified that sample printing cannot be performed. Note that the system configuration (Figure 1), block configuration (Figure 2), internal configuration (Figure 3), operation of the inspection device (Figures 4 and 5), operation of the inspection unit (Figure 6), and operation of acquiring the equipment configuration (Figure 8) related to embodiment 3 are the same as in embodiment 1, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0117] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing device 118 according to Embodiment 3 when it receives and executes a print job. The process shown in this flowchart begins when the information processing device 118 receives a print job. Processes common to Figures 10 and 13 are indicated by the same reference numbers, and their explanations are omitted.

[0118] If the CPU 234 determines in S1005 that the presence or absence of the sample print sheet output tray is set to "none", it proceeds to S1501. The presence or absence of the sample print sheet output tray is set to "none" in the equipment configuration shown in Figure 1(B), in which the printing device 151 is connected to the inspection unit 158, the large-capacity stacker 161, and the stapling unit 164.

[0119] In S1501, CPU234 creates screen information indicating that sample printing cannot be performed while the test is running. The content of the screen information to be created will be described later with reference to Figure 16. The screen information thus created is transmitted to the printer 101 via NWI / F238 and 207 and displayed on the operation panel 203 of the printer 101.

[0120] Figure 16 shows an example of a screen displayed using the screen information created by the information processing device 118 in step S1501 of Figure 15.

[0121] The job status screen 1600 in Figure 16(A) is the same screen as the job execution status screen 1400 in Figure 14. In item 1601, which displays the operating status of the printer 101, "Printing" is displayed because the printer 101 is printing in S1501. In addition, message 1602, which displays supplementary information regarding the operating status of the printer 151, indicates that sample printing cannot be performed during inspection. The reason why sample printing cannot be performed is that the upstream unit of the inspection unit does not exist, or the output tray of the upstream unit does not exist. Therefore, it is indicated that the cause is the equipment configuration of the printer.

[0122] The sample print execution screen 1610 in Figure 16(B) shows an example screen for executing a sample print by pressing a button. As explained in the sample print execution screen 910 in Figure 9(B), this screen allows the user to execute a sample print at any time during a print job. In the S1501, the equipment configuration does not allow sample printing during inspection, so the sample print button 1611 is grayed out to notify the user that sample printing cannot be performed.

[0123] As described above, according to Embodiment 3, if there is no output tray for the sample print sheet and sample printing cannot be performed during inspection, the user can be notified that sample printing cannot be performed. In such cases, the system can prevent the user from instructing sample printing, for example by graying out the button.

[0124] [Embodiment 4] In embodiments 1 to 3 described above, when a sample print sheet output tray is present, the sample print sheet is prevented from passing through the inspection unit 109, thereby enabling jobs that enable both inspection and sample printing. In contrast, embodiment 4 enables jobs that enable both inspection and sample printing even when a sample print sheet output tray is not present. Note that the system configuration (Figure 1), block configuration (Figure 2), internal configuration (Figure 3), operation of the inspection device (Figures 4 and 5), operation of the inspection unit (Figure 6), and operation of acquiring the equipment configuration (Figure 8) related to embodiment 4 are the same as in embodiment 1, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0125] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing device 118 according to Embodiment 4 when it receives and executes a print job. The process shown in this flowchart begins when the information processing device 118 receives a print job. Note that the same process as in Figure 10 above uses the same reference cipher, and their explanations are omitted.

[0126] In S1005, CPU234 determines whether the output tray for the sample print sheet is set to "none". If it is "none", it proceeds to S1701. After executing S1701 to S1705, it proceeds to S1706 when it is time to print the sample. The processing in S1701 to S1705 is the same as the processing in S1006 to S1010. In S1706, CPU234 issues an instruction to exclude the sample print sheet from inspection. This inspection exclusion instruction is sent to inspection unit 108 via NWI / F238, 207, accessory I / F208, 214. The operation of inspection unit 108 upon receiving this inspection exclusion instruction will be described later with reference to the flowchart in Figure 18.

[0127] Then, proceeding to S1707, the CPU 234 instructs the printer 101 to eject the sample print sheet to the output tray set in the print job. In the case of sample printing, the job setting information and image data for one sheet sent to the printer 101 in S1004 are used and sent to the printer 101 again. At this time, the output tray in the job setting information is not overwritten with the output tray of the sample print sheet registered in S807.

[0128] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating the process during inspection execution by the inspection unit 109 according to Embodiment 4. In Figure 18, the same reference code is used for processes that are common to Figure 6, and their explanations are omitted.

[0129] In S1801, the CPU 216 determines whether it has received an inspection exclusion instruction via the accessory I / F 214. If it determines that it has not received an inspection exclusion instruction, it proceeds to S603. In S603, the CPU 216 performs an image scan using the CIS and transmits the scanned image data in S604. On the other hand, if the CPU 216 determines in S1801 that it has received an inspection exclusion instruction, it skips the image scan using the CIS and the transmission of the scanned image data and proceeds to S605. In this way, when an inspection exclusion instruction is received, the inspection device 109 does not perform the inspection process (S504~S511) during inspection execution by not performing the image scan and transmitting the scanned image data. This makes it possible to exclude the sample printed sheet from the inspection target.

[0130] As described above, according to Embodiment 4, even when there is no output tray for the sample print sheet, it is possible to handle jobs that enable both inspection and sample printing.

[0131] According to the embodiments described above, even if sample printing is performed during inspection, inconsistencies with the order of the reference images expected by the inspection device will not occur. In other words, sample printing can be performed while inspection is in progress, resulting in improved user convenience.

[0132] In the above-described embodiment, it was explained that the printing device is connected to an adjustment unit, an inspection unit, a large-capacity stacker, and a stapling unit. However, the printing device may also be configured to include an adjustment unit, an inspection unit, a large-capacity stacker, and a stapling unit.

[0133] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0134] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to make the scope of the invention public. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 101…Printing device, 106…Adjustment unit, 108…Inspection unit, 109…Inspection device, 111…High-capacity stacker, 114…Stapling unit, 118…Information processing device, 120…Client computer

Claims

1. A printing system for inspecting printed sheets, A printing device that prints images onto a sheet, An inspection device that receives and inspects sheets printed and transported by the aforementioned printing device, It has an information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is If a unit having an output tray capable of ejecting sheets output from the printing device exists between the printing device and the inspection device, the control means controls the ejection of the sheet printed in the sample print to the output tray when it is time for a sample print for the user to confirm the printing on the sheet during the execution of a print job using the printing device and the inspection device. The printing system is characterized in that the control means stops the sample printing if the unit is not present or if the sheet cannot be discharged into the output tray.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the unit is interposed between the printing apparatus and the inspection apparatus and has at least a transport path for receiving a sheet printed by the printing apparatus and transporting the sheet to a downstream apparatus.

3. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized in that the control means controls to display a message indicating that the sample printing will not be performed when the unit is not present between the printing device and the inspection device.

4. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the timing of the sample printing is set based on the number of sheets printed by the printing device.

5. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the timing of the sample printing is based on instructions from the user.

6. The information processing device includes a determination means for determining whether a unit having a paper output tray exists between the printing device and the inspection device, The printing system further comprises a unit connected to the downstream side of the printing device, and a storage means for storing information of the unit. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the determination means determines whether a unit having a paper output tray exists between the printing device and the inspection device based on the contents stored in the storage means.

7. The printing system according to claim 6, characterized in that the control means displays a message indicating that the sample print will not be performed if the determination means determines that the unit exists and the output tray of the unit is unavailable, without performing the sample print.

8. The device further includes a sample printing means for causing the printing apparatus to perform the sample printing, The printing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means instructs the printing device to eject the sheet printed by the sample print to the output tray of the printing device when the unit is not present and the sample printing means causes the printing device to perform the sample print.

9. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the inspection device reads images of sheets printed by the printing device in a predetermined order and compares them with corresponding correct images arranged in the predetermined order to determine whether the images on the sheets are of good or bad quality.

10. An information processing device that controls a printing device and an inspection device that receives and inspects sheets printed and transported by the printing device, If a unit having a paper output tray exists between the printing device and the inspection device, the control means controls the ejection of the sheet printed in the sample print to the paper output tray when it is time for a sample print for the user to confirm the printing on the sheet during the execution of a print job using the printing device and the inspection device. The control means is characterized in that it stops the sample printing if the unit is not present or if the sheet cannot be ejected to the output tray.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the unit is interposed between the printing apparatus and the inspection apparatus and has at least a transport path for receiving a sheet printed by the printing apparatus and transporting the sheet to a downstream apparatus.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, further characterized in that the control means controls to display a message indicating that the sample printing will not be performed if the unit is not present between the printing apparatus and the inspection apparatus.

13. A determination means for determining whether a unit having a paper output tray exists between the printing apparatus and the inspection apparatus, The device further comprises a unit connected to the downstream side of the printing apparatus, and a storage means for storing information of the said unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the determination means determines whether a unit having a paper output tray exists between the printing apparatus and the inspection apparatus based on the contents stored in the storage means.

14. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the inspection device reads images of sheets printed by the printing device in a predetermined order and compares them with corresponding correct images arranged in the predetermined order to determine whether the images on the sheets are good or bad.

15. A printing method for printing an image onto a sheet, An inspection means that receives and inspects the sheets printed and transported by the aforementioned printing means, If a unit having a paper output tray exists between the printing means and the inspection means, the control means controls the ejection of the sheet printed in the sample print to the paper output tray when it is time for a sample print for the user to confirm the printing on the sheet during the execution of a print job using the printing means and the inspection means. The printing apparatus is characterized in that the control means stops the sample printing if the unit is not present or if the sheet cannot be discharged into the output tray.

16. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the inspection means reads images of sheets printed by the printing means in a predetermined order and compares them with corresponding correct images arranged in the predetermined order to determine whether the images on the sheets are of good or bad quality.

17. The printing apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, further characterized in that the control means controls to display a message indicating that the sample printing will not be performed if the unit is not present between the printing means and the inspection means.

18. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the timing of the sample printing is set based on the number of sheets printed by the printing apparatus.

19. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the timing of the sample printing is based on instructions from the user.

20. A control method for controlling an information processing device that controls a printing device and an inspection device that receives and inspects sheets printed and transported by the printing device, If a unit having a paper output tray exists between the printing device and the inspection device, the control step includes controlling the unit to discharge the sheet printed in the sample print to the paper output tray when it is time for a sample print for the user to confirm the printing on the sheet during the execution of a print job using the printing device and the inspection device, The control step is characterized by stopping the sample printing if the unit is not present or if the sheet cannot be discharged into the output tray.

21. A control method for a printing apparatus having a printing means for printing an image onto a sheet, and an inspection means for receiving and inspecting the sheet that has been printed and transported by the printing means, If a unit having a paper output tray exists between the printing means and the inspection means, the control step includes controlling the unit to eject the sheet printed in the sample print to the paper output tray when it is time for a sample print for the user to confirm the printing on the sheet during the execution of a print job using the printing means and the inspection means, The control step is characterized by stopping the sample printing if the unit is not present or if the sheet cannot be discharged into the output tray.

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