Image forming apparatus, inspection apparatus, information processing method, inspection system, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of reducing user's operation by executing a main print job at appropriate timing.SOLUTION: An inspection device in an inspection system in which at least the inspection device, a printer and an information processing device can perform communication receives inspection setting in image data, and transmits prescribed notification to the information processing device according to the completion of the inspection setting. In the inspection system, the information processing device transmits a main print job for executing inspection to the printer in receiving the prescribed notification, the printer performs printing on the basis of the main print job, and reads a printed printed matter to generate a scan image in receiving the main print job, and further, the inspection device executes inspection of the received scan image on the basis of the inspection setting received by reception means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an inspection apparatus, an information processing method, an inspection system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an inspection apparatus that reads a printed matter printed by an image forming apparatus (printing apparatus) and inspects its quality. The inspection apparatus can detect image defects such as dirt and printing omissions. Regarding these image defects and poor print quality, it is common to detect the type of defect and set a threshold value for detecting as an image defect for each detected type. For example, in the case of a dot which is a small circular image defect, it is common to be able to set in the inspection apparatus what diameter or more is to be regarded as an image defect.

[0003] In these inspections, a method of comparing an image without defects registered as a reference image with the printed matter is adopted. Therefore, first, it is necessary to register a reference image in the inspection apparatus, and the process for this registration is called a reference image registration job. Subsequently, the user performs an inspection setting for setting the area and threshold value for detecting defects performed in this print job with respect to the reference image. When the inspection setting is completed, a main print job for detecting defects by comparing with the reference image registered for the actual printed matter is executed.

[0004] Here, a print job inspected by the inspection apparatus is called an inspection job. The execution of the inspection job is performed in the following three steps. · Execution of the reference image registration job · Inspection setting · Execution of the main print job Patent Document 1 describes a method for controlling the execution of the reference image registration job and the main print job, in which, in each of the reference image registration job and the main print job, an instruction for starting and ending the reading of an image is received from the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-165020 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] however, If the user gives separate instructions for running the inspection and printing, the number of steps required for user operation is large. The cumbersome operation is a problem.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention is To improve user experience The objective. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to an inspection system comprising: receiving means for receiving data transmitted from an information processing device in response to the information processing device receiving a single instruction from a user for transmitting data to the information processing device; control means for (a) generating reference data and (b) causing a printing means to print on each of a plurality of recording media based on the received data; inspection means for inspecting a read image of an image printed on each of the plurality of recording media by the printing means based on the reference data; and display control means for displaying the result of the inspection by the inspection means, which indicates whether the read image of an image printed on one of the plurality of recording media by the printing means has a defect, while the inspection means is inspecting a read image of an image printed on another of the plurality of recording media by the printing means after the first recording media. The reference data is RIP image data. An inspection system characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the operability for performing inspections can be improved in the inspection system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]A schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device, an inspection device, and a printing device. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device, an inspection device, and a printing device. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the internal configuration of the information processing unit, inspection unit, printing device, and high-capacity stacker. [Figure 4] The settings screen for the inspection device, where you specify the operating mode of the inspection device and inspection unit. [Figure 5] The screen displaying the inspection status on the inspection device during the inspection. [Figure 6] Flowchart of the inspection device's operation when registering a reference image. [Figure 7] Flowchart of the inspection operation of the inspection device in the example. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the inspection of the information processing device in the embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the inspection device in the example. [Figure 10] The print settings screen displayed on the information processing device. [Figure 11] The inspection settings screen displayed on the inspection device. [Figure 12] This is an example of an inspection flow in an inspection system. [Figure 13] This is another example of an inspection flow in an inspection system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Needless to say, as long as the functions according to this embodiment are realized, this embodiment can be applied to a single device or an inspection device composed of a plurality of devices. Also, as long as the functions of this embodiment are realized, an inspection device connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) and performing processing may be used. That is, the system configuration in which various terminals described in the following embodiments are connected is an example, and it is needless to say that there are various configuration examples according to applications and purposes.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device, an inspection device, and a printing device in this embodiment, which is an inspection system. The information processing device, the inspection device, and the printing device can communicate with each other via a network. In this embodiment, the printing device is described using an electrophotographic printing device, but the printing device in this embodiment may be a printing device using a different image forming method such as an inkjet method or an offset method.

[0013] The printing device 0101 is connected to the information processing device 0109 via the cable 0112. The information processing device 0109 is connected to the client computer 0110 via the network 0113.

[0014] The printing device 0101 includes a UI panel 0102, a paper feed deck 0103, and a paper feed deck 0104. Further, an option deck 0105 composed of a three-stage paper feed deck is connected. The printing device 0101 is, for example, an electrophotographic printing device. Also, the UI panel 0102 is a user interface having, for example, a capacitive touch panel.

[0015] Furthermore, the printing device 0101 includes an inspection unit 0106 and a high-capacity stacker 0107. The inspection unit is connected to the inspection device 0108 via a cable 0114. The high-capacity stacker 0107 has a main tray and a top tray, and the main tray can hold several thousand sheets of paper at once.

[0016] A print job is generated on the client computer 0110, transmitted to the information processing device 0109 via the network 0113, and managed by the information processing device 0109. Then, the print job is transmitted from the information processing device 0109 to the printing device 0101 via the cable 0112, and the printing device 0101 performs the printing process on the paper. Alternatively, the print job may be generated and managed in the information processing device 0109, transmitted to the printing device 0101 via the network 0112, and managed by the printing device 0101.

[0017] Furthermore, the client computer 0110, the information processing device 0109, and the inspection device 0108 may be connected to cable 0112 and be able to communicate with the printing device 0101. Alternatively, the inspection device 0108 may also be connected to the information processing device 0109 and the client computer 0110 via network 0113. In other words, the connection configuration of the printing device 0101, the information processing device 0109, and the client computer 0110 shown in this embodiment is merely an example, and it goes without saying that there are various other connection configurations besides those shown in this embodiment.

[0018] Furthermore, the printing device 0101 may also be connected to other devices besides the inspection unit 0106 and the large-capacity stacker 0107, such as a stapling finisher, folding machine, or bookbinding machine.

[0019] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the printing device 0101, inspection device 0108, large-capacity stacker 0107, information processing device 0109, and client computer 0110 of this embodiment.

[0020] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 0201 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the printer 0101 via the system bus 0212. The CPU 0201 is responsible for executing programs stored in the memory unit 0205 and loaded into the RAM (Ramdom Access Memory) 0202. RAM 0202 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0201 and is used as the CPU 0201's work area or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 0205 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during printer operation.

[0021] The engine interface 0209 is responsible for communication and control with the printer engine 0210. The paper feed deck interface 0204 is responsible for communication and control with the paper feed deck 0211. The paper feed deck 0211 is a collective term for the hardware configuration of paper feed decks 0103, 0104, and the optional deck 0105. The UI panel 0203 is the hardware configuration of the UI panel 0102 and is a user interface for performing all operations of the printing device 0101. In this embodiment, the UI panel 0203 is equipped with a capacitive touch panel.

[0022] Network interface (hereinafter referred to as NW I / F) 0207 is connected to NW I / F 0238 of information processing device 0109 via cable 0213 and is responsible for communication between information processing device 0109 and printer 0101. In this example, the interfaces connected to system buses 0212 and 0239 are directly connected to each other, but information processing device 0109 and printer 0101 may be connected via a network, for example, and the connection method is not limited. Video I / F 0206 is connected to video I / F 0233 via video cable 0241 and is responsible for the communication of image data between information processing device 0109 and printer 0101.

[0023] Furthermore, the connection interface between the information processing device 0109 and the printing device 0101 may be a form that integrates the functions of NW I / F 0238 and video I / F 0233. Also, the connection interface between the printing device 0101 and the information processing device 0109 may be a form that integrates the functions of NW I / F 0207 and video I / F 0206.

[0024] Accessory I / F 0208 connects to accessory I / F 0214 and accessory I / F 0220 via cable 0225. That is, the printing device 0101 communicates with the inspection unit 0106 and the large-capacity stacker 0107 via accessory I / F 0208, 0214, and 0220.

[0025] CPU0216 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the inspection unit 0106 via the system bus 0219, and executes programs stored in memory unit 0247 and loaded into RAM0217. RAM0217 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed from CPU0216 and is used as the CPU0216's work area or other temporary data storage area. Memory unit 0247 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the inspection device is operating. Inspection device I / F0215 is connected to inspection device unit I / F0231 via cable 0248. That is, inspection unit 0106 communicates with inspection device 0108 via inspection device I / F0215 and inspection device unit I / F0231.

[0026] The imaging unit 0218 is equipped with an imaging function, such as a conduct image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CIS), which photographs the paper passing through the inspection unit and transmits the captured image to the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215. Note that the CIS for the imaging unit 0218 is just one example of a sensor, and other types of sensors such as CCD image sensors may also be used, and the imaging method is not limited. There are two purposes for transmitting the captured image. One is to photograph the printed material of the print job to be inspected, regardless of the inspection method, and transmit it to the inspection device 0108 for inspection. The other is, when the inspection method is scan inspection, to print and photograph one or more copies of the print job to be inspected in advance to create a reference image, and transmit it to the inspection device 0108 as a reference image. The inspection device 0108 stores the transmitted image as a reference image in the storage unit 0228.

[0027] CPU02220 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the large-capacity stacker 0107 via the system bus 0224, and executes programs stored in memory unit 0248 and loaded into RAM0222. RAM0222 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed from CPU0221 and is used as the work area or other temporary data storage area for CPU0221. Memory unit 0248 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the inspection device is operating. Paper output unit 0223 controls paper output to the main tray and top tray, and monitors and controls the loading status of the main tray and top tray, respectively.

[0028] The CPU 0226 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the inspection device 0108 via the system bus 0230, and executes programs stored in the memory unit 0228 and loaded into the RAM 0227. RAM 0227 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed from the CPU 0226 and is used as the CPU 0226's work area or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 0228 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the inspection device. The PDL analysis unit 0229 reads PDL data such as PDF, PostScript, and PCL received from the client computer 0110 or the information processing device 0109 and performs interpretation processing. The display unit 0245 is, for example, a liquid crystal display connected to the inspection device, and accepts user input to the inspection device and displays the status of the inspection device.

[0029] CPU0234 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the information processing unit 0109 via the system bus 0239, and is responsible for executing programs stored in memory unit 0236 and loaded into RAM0235. RAM0235 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by CPU0234 and is used as the CPU0234's work area or other temporary data storage area. Memory unit 0236 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the information processing unit. Network interface (hereinafter, NW I / F)0237 is connected to NW I / F0240 via the network. The information processing unit 0109 also communicates with client computer 0110 via NW I / F0237 and NW I / F0240.

[0030] Alternatively, the inspection device 0108 may have a network interface (NW I / F), and the information processing device 0109 may communicate with the inspection device 0108 via the NW I / F and NW I / F 0237. For example, consider a case where inspection is used as the inspection method, and the RIP image used for printing by the printing device 0101 is used as the reference image. In this case, the reference image may be transmitted to the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215, or it may be transmitted to the inspection device 0108 from the network interface provided by the inspection device 0108 via NW I / F 0207 and NW I / F 0237.

[0031] CPU0243 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the client computer 0110 via the system bus 0246, and executes programs stored in memory unit 0245 and loaded into RAM0242. RAM0242 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by CPU0243 and is used as the CPU0243's work area or other temporary data storage area. Memory unit 0244 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the client computer is operating.

[0032] Figure 3 shows the internal configuration of the printing device 0101, the inspection unit 0106, and the large-capacity stacker 0107. The printing device 0101 accepts user input via the UI panel 0102 and displays the printing and device status. Various types of paper can be stored in the paper feed decks 0103 and 0104. Each paper feed deck can separate only the top sheet of paper stored and transport it to the paper transport path 0305. 0301 to 0304 are developing stations, where colored toners Y, M, C, and K are used to form a toner image in order to create a color image. The toner image formed here is first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 0306. The intermediate transfer belt 0306 rotates clockwise, and at the secondary transfer position 0307, ​​the toner image is transferred to the paper transported from the paper transport path 0305.

[0033] The fuser unit 0308 is equipped with a pressure roller and a heating roller. As the paper passes between these rollers, the toner is melted and pressed, fixing the toner image to the paper. After passing through the fuser unit 0308, the paper is transported to 0312 via the paper transport path 0309. If further melting and pressing are required for fixing depending on the type of paper, after passing through the fuser unit 0308, the paper is transported to the second fuser unit 0310 using the paper transport path above, where additional melting and pressing are performed, and then the paper is transported to 0312 via the paper transport path 0311. If the image formation mode is double-sided, the paper is transported to the paper inversion path 0313, where it is inverted, and then transported to the double-sided transport path 0314, where the second image transfer takes place at the secondary transfer position 0307.

[0034] Inside the inspection unit 0106, CIS0315 and 0316 are arranged facing each other. CIS0315 is a sensor used as a reading means to read the top surface of the paper, and CIS0316 is a sensor used as a reading means to read the bottom surface of the paper. When the paper transported on the paper transport path 0317 reaches a predetermined position, the inspection unit 0106 scans the paper using CIS0315 and 0316. The scanned image is transmitted to the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and inspection unit I / F 0231. The CPU 0226 determines whether the received image has defects and notifies the inspection unit 0106 of the result of the determination again via the inspection unit I / F 0231 and inspection device I / F 0215. The CPU 0216 notifies the high-capacity stacker 0107 of the received determination result via the accessory I / F 0214 and 0220.

[0035] 0107 is a high-capacity stacker capable of loading large amounts of paper. The high-capacity stacker 0107 has a main tray 0324 as a tray for loading paper. Paper that has passed through the inspection unit 0106 enters the high-capacity stacker 0107 via the paper transport path 0319. The paper is loaded onto the main tray 0324 via the paper transport path 0322 from the paper transport path 0319. Furthermore, the high-capacity stacker 0107 has a top tray 0320 as an output tray. The CPU 0221 discharges paper that has been detected as defective by the inspection device 0108 to the top tray 0320. When outputting to the top tray 0320, the paper is transported from the paper transport path 0319 to the top tray 0321. 0323 is a reversing unit for reversing paper. This reversing unit 0323 is used when loading paper onto the main tray 0324. To ensure that the orientation of the incoming paper matches the orientation of the paper when it is loaded, the paper is flipped once in the flipping unit 0323 when loading it into the main tray 0324. When transporting to the top tray 0320, the paper is ejected without being flipped during loading, so the flipping operation in the flipping unit 0323 is not performed.

[0036] Figure 4(a) shows the operating mode setting screen for the inspection device. The operating mode setting screen 0401 is displayed on the display unit 0245 of the inspection device 0108 and accepts the operating mode setting from the user. When "Log Mode" is selected in the operating mode selection unit 0402, the printer 0101 outputs all inspected paper to the output destination specified in the print job properties, regardless of the inspection results from the inspection device 0108. The inspection results from the inspection device 0108 are provided to the user as a log. When "Purge Mode" is selected in the operating mode selection unit 0402, the printer 0101 outputs paper with an OK inspection result to the pre-specified output destination and outputs paper with an NG inspection result to the top tray 0320.

[0037] Figure 4(b) shows the recovery setting screen for the purge mode in the inspection device. If "Purge Mode" is selected in the operation mode selection unit 0402, the recovery mode setting on the recovery mode setting screen 0403 is also reflected. The recovery mode setting screen 0403 is displayed on the display unit 0245 and accepts recovery mode settings from the user. If "No Recovery Mode" is selected in the recovery mode setting screen 0403, the printer 0101 will eject only the paper with a failed inspection result into the top tray 0320. Even if there is paper with a failed inspection result, the printer 0101 will not stop printing, and the inspection device 0108 will continue to inspect subsequent paper.

[0038] If "Recovery Mode" is selected on the recovery mode setting screen 0403, the printer 0101 will eject all paper that failed inspection and any subsequent paper that was loaded into the machine at the time the inspection device 0108 determined that the inspection result was NG into the top tray 0320. After that, once there is no more paper in the paper transport path, the printer 0101 and inspection device 0108 will resume printing and inspection from the image printed on the paper that failed inspection.

[0039] In this embodiment, the inspection device 0108 performs an inspection by capturing images with the CIS0315 and 0316 of the inspection unit 0106 while printing is being performed by the printer 0101. Therefore, when the inspection device 0108 determines that a certain sheet of paper has failed the inspection, subsequent sheets of paper may have already reached the paper transport path 0309 or 0311. However, unless all the paper in the paper transport path is ejected, the image printed on the sheet with the failed inspection result cannot be reprinted and loaded in the correct output order to the output destination specified in the print job. Therefore, the above operation is performed in "recovery mode".

[0040] CPU0226 notifies the inspection unit of the operating mode, recovery mode, and inspection method set in the operating mode selection unit 0402, recovery mode setting screen 0403, and inspection method selection unit 1001 via the inspection unit I / F 0231 and inspection device I / F 0215. The operating mode, recovery mode, and inspection method set in the operating mode selection unit 0402, recovery mode setting screen 0403, and inspection method selection unit 1001 are saved by CPU0226 in RAM0227 and by CPU0216 in RAM0217, respectively.

[0041] Figure 5 shows the inspection status screen displayed on the display unit 0245 during inspection.

[0042] The inspection status screen 0501 is displayed on the display unit 0245 and accepts requests to start or stop the inspection, as well as displaying the inspection status. The inspection button 0502 accepts requests from the user to start or stop the inspection. When the inspection button 0502 is pressed, the text on the button changes to "Stop inspection" and the inspection status 0503 changes to "Inspecting". When the inspection button 0502 is pressed again, the text on the button changes to "Start inspection" and the inspection status 0503 changes to "Stopped". Thereafter, the text on the inspection button 0502 and the inspection status 0503 toggle each time the inspection button 0502 is pressed.

[0043] The inspection status screen 0501 displays the number of inspected sheets, the number of sheets with an inspection result of NG, the defect rate, and the number of occurrences of the cause of the inspection result NG in real time during inspection. Note that "Error" displayed on 0501 indicates the number of sheets that were determined to be equivalent to an inspection result NG because the inspection did not finish within the predetermined inspection time, causing the inspection device 0108 to time out and determine an error. In the inspection NG list 0504, each time an inspection result NG occurs, the sheet number of the inspection result NG, information on whether it was the front or back, the cause of the inspection result NG, the inspection time, and a link to the NG details screen (not shown) are added.

[0044] When "Details" is pressed, the display unit 0245 displays the NG details screen, which allows users to view the captured image with the inspection result NG, the location of defects, etc. Examples of the causes of the inspection result NG are given here as positional misalignment, circular defects (dots), and streaky defects (streaks). In each case, when comparing the scanned image with the reference image, a defect where all or part of the image is shifted overall is called positional misalignment, a circular defect where dirt appears in a circular shape only on the scanned image is called a circular defect, and a streaky defect where dirt appears in a streaky or linear pattern only on the scanned image is called a streaky defect.

[0045] In this way, the inspection device 0108 can identify the type of defect detected based on the characteristics of the defect and display it in the inspection NG list 0504. Note that these are just examples, and the types of defects that the inspection device 0108 can detect are not limited to these. For example, if an image is drawn only on the reference image side, and all or part of it is not drawn on the scan image side, it may be determined to be an image gap and added to the inspection result NG.

[0046] The following describes the characteristic processes of this embodiment using a flowchart. The program for the printing device related to this flowchart is stored in the storage unit 0205 of the printing device 0101, read into RAM 0202, and executed by CPU 0201. The program for the inspection device related to this flowchart is stored in the storage unit 0228 of the inspection device 0108, read into RAM 0227, and executed by CPU 0226. The program for the information processing device related to this flowchart is stored in the storage unit 0236 of the information processing device 0109, read into RAM 0235, and executed by CPU 0234. The program for the client computer related to this flowchart is stored in the storage unit 0245 of the client computer 0110, read into RAM 0242, and executed by CPU 0243.

[0047] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the inspection device 0108 when registering the reference image for inspection.

[0048] The method for generating reference images differs between the two inspection methods: scan inspection and RIP inspection. The method for generating reference images in each method will be explained below.

[0049] When the inspection method selected in the inspection method selection unit 1005, as explained in Figure 10, is scan inspection, the printer 0101 first prints the print job to be inspected. The printed material printed on the paper by the printer 0101 is photographed by the inspection unit 0106 and becomes image data. The printer 0101 transmits the image data to the inspection device 0108. The user confirms that the image data (image) displayed on the inspection device 0108 is free from stains and errors in text and registers it as a reference image. In this way, the method for registering a reference image in scan inspection is to register the image data obtained by scanning the printed material as a reference image in the inspection device 0108. Alternatively, the printer 0101 can print multiple copies, photograph them, and transmit them to the inspection device 0108, using the combined image of the multiple copies as the reference image.

[0050] If the inspection method selected in the inspection method selection unit 1005, as explained in Figure 10, is RIP inspection, the printing device 0101 transmits the generated RIP image to the inspection device 0108. At this time, the RIP image may be a RIP image generated by a RIP device other than the printing device (for example, RIP software, etc.). In this way, the reference image registration method for RIP inspection is to register the RIP image as the reference image to the inspection device 0108.

[0051] The flowchart in Figure 6 is a common flow for both scan inspection and RIP inspection.

[0052] In S601, the inspection device 0108 receives a notification from the printing device 0101 that a job for registering reference images has started. Next, the process proceeds to S602, and the process is repeated until the reference images for all sheets are stored in the storage unit 0228 of the inspection device 0108.

[0053] In S603, if the inspection method is scan inspection, the inspection unit I / F0231 receives images scanned by CIS0315 and CIS0316 from the inspection device I / F0215. If the inspection method is RIP inspection, it receives the RIP image generated by the printing device 0101 before printing from the inspection device I / F0215. The operation of the information processing device 0109 and the printing device 0101 under the two inspection methods, scan inspection and RIP inspection, is explained in Figure 8. The inspection method is the method selected by the inspection method selection unit 1005, which is explained in Figure 10.

[0054] Next, in S604, CPU0226 registers the image received in S603 as a reference image in RAM0227. Then it proceeds to S605, and steps S602 to S605 are repeated until all images on all the paper have been read.

[0055] This flow ends when all images on the paper have been scanned. Note that if the inspection method is scan inspection, the inspection device 0108 may, for example, scan multiple images on the same page and register the combined result as the reference image.

[0056] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the inspection operation of the inspection device. This flow starts with the step in which the printing device 0101 and the inspection device 0108 receive the print job from the information processing device 0109.

[0057] Before the job starts, CPU0226 accepts the operation mode and recovery mode settings from the operation mode selection unit 0402 and the recovery mode selection screen 0403, respectively, via the settings screens shown in Figures 4(a) and (b). Furthermore, this print job is created when client computer 0110 accepts the inspection method settings from the user via the inspection method selection unit 1001 on the job properties screen 1001. The transmission of this print job will be described later using Figure 8.

[0058] At S0701, the printing device 0101 receives the print job. Upon receiving it, it transmits the information necessary for inspection from the print job to the inspection device 0108. Alternatively, the information processing device 0109 may be configured to transmit the information to the inspection device 0108 directly.

[0059] Next, in S0702, CPU0226 receives the instruction to start image reading for this print job. Here, it is assumed that the instruction to start image reading is received from the user via the screen (not shown) displayed on display unit 0245. Next, the process proceeds to S0703, and if there is a paper to be inspected, it proceeds to S0704.

[0060] In S0704, the inspection unit I / F0231 receives images scanned by CIS0315 and CIS0316 from the inspection device I / F0215. These images are scans of the print results of the final print job.

[0061] In S0705, CPU0226 reads the reference image for the corresponding page, which was registered in S604, from RAM0227.

[0062] Next, in S0706, CPU0226 compares the reference image read in S0705 with the scanned image of the object to be inspected received in S0704. 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 of the object to be inspected. Next, in the scanned image of the object to be inspected, the four corners of the paper and the alignment reference points of the scanned image are analyzed to detect whether there is any misalignment of the image relative to the paper. Next, the density values ​​of the reference image and the scanned image of the object to be inspected are compared pixel by pixel. As a result of the above, if no difference is detected between the scanned image and the reference image, the inspection result is OK. If a difference is detected, the inspection result is NG, and the details of the inspection result NG, as explained in Figure 5, are recorded according to the type of defect. Note that, in order to explain the basic inspection operation, the process in which the inspection result is always NG when a difference is detected has been explained. In this embodiment, a process for selecting a desirable reference image when a difference is detected is proposed. This process is explained in the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0063] Next, in S0707, if the inspection is completed within the specified time, the process proceeds to S0708; otherwise, it proceeds to S0709. The inspection method in this embodiment is configured to perform the inspection in accordance with the printing speed, so there is a limit to the inspection time spent on one scanned image. This is because if the inspection is not completed and the inspection results are not produced within a certain time, the subsequent paper will not be scanned by CIS0315 and 0316 in time, and the inspection unit I / F0231 and inspection device I / F0215 will not be able to start manipulating the scanned image in time. In addition, when the purge mode is selected in the operation mode selection unit 0402, the CPU 0221 switches the transport destination so that the paper that the inspection device 0108 has deemed to have failed the inspection is ejected to the top tray 0320. Therefore, if the inspection is not completed within the time limit, it will not be possible to switch the transport destination in time. CPU0226 must notify CPU0221 of the inspection result NG via inspection unit I / F0231, inspection device I / F0215, accessory I / F0214, and accessory I / F0220 before the paper reaches a point where it can no longer switch its transport destination.

[0064] Therefore, if the inspection cannot be completed within the specified time, the inspection result cannot be determined as OK, and CPU0226 will classify the inspection result as an error, determining that the inspection result for that form is equivalent to an inspection result of NG.

[0065] If the test result is NG in S0708, the process proceeds to S0709. In S0709, CPU0226 reads the operating mode from RAM0227. If the operating mode is purge mode, the process proceeds to S0710. In S0710, CPU0226 notifies CPU0216 of the test result NG via the test unit I / F0231 and the test device I / F0215.

[0066] Next, the process proceeds to S0711. If the recovery mode read by CPU0226 from RAM0227 is "recovery enabled mode", the process proceeds to S0712. In S0712, CPU0226 waits until it receives print stop information from CPU0216 via the inspection unit I / F0231 and inspection device I / F0215. Once CPU0226 receives the print stop information, the process proceeds to S0713.

[0067] In S0713, CPU0226 reads the reference image corresponding to the paper with the inspection result NG from RAM0227 and holds it as the image to be inspected next. Next, proceeding to S0714, CPU0226 notifies CPU0216 to resume inspection via inspection unit I / F0231 and inspection device I / F0215.

[0068] Next, the process proceeds to S0715, where CPU0226 adds information about the paper with the "NG" (Not Good) inspection result to the "NG Inspection List" 0504. Then, it proceeds to S0716, repeating steps S0703 to S0716 until all paper has been inspected. Once all paper has been inspected, the process proceeds to S0717, where CPU0226 receives an instruction from the user to stop image loading via the inspection button 0502 on the display unit 0245.

[0069] If, at S0711, the recovery mode read by CPU0226 from RAM0227 is "no recovery mode", the process proceeds to S0715 and can be terminated in the same manner as described above. Also, if, at S0709, the operating mode is log mode, the process proceeds to S0715 and can be terminated in the same manner as described above.

[0070] Furthermore, if the test result is OK in S0708, the process proceeds to S0716, and the process can then be terminated in the same manner as described above.

[0071] The examples shown here are just examples, and for example, the user's instruction to start image loading in the display unit 0245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with the instruction to start printing in the printing device 0101, the information processing device 0109, or the client computer 0110, and the form is not limited. Similarly, the user's instruction to stop image loading in the display unit 0245 may be automatically executed in conjunction with the end of printing in the printing device 0101, and the form is not limited.

[0072] Here, we will explain the operation during the execution of the inspection job proposed in this embodiment. Using Figures 8 to 11, we will explain the flow in which the information processing device 0109, inspection device 0108, and printing device 0101 work together to process the inspection job.

[0073] First, Figure 10 will be used to explain the operation of selecting the inspection method for an inspection job. The operation described in Figure 10 is performed before starting the registration of the reference image. Figure 10 is an example of the job properties setting screen. The job properties setting screen (inspection method selection section) 1001 is a screen displayed on the client computer 0110. By selecting "Settings" from the tab on the left side of the job properties setting screen 1001, job settings related to inspection can be made, and print job settings related to inspection are accepted from the user. The print job generated on the client computer 0110 includes the accepted job settings, and the print job is sent from the client computer 0110 to the printing device 0101 via the information processing device 0109. The print job is also managed by the information processing device 0109.

[0074] If the user selects "ON" for inspection in the inspection mode setting unit 1002, the following property settings are performed. Here, a print job set to "ON" for inspection is called an "inspection job". If "OFF" for inspection is selected, for example, items 1003 to 1005 may be grayed out to prevent user selection. Also, if the Print button 1006 is pressed while "OFF" for inspection is selected, the printer 0101 performs normal printing operations.

[0075] The inspection setting unit 1003 allows the user to select the area to be inspected and how to set its level. If "Default" is selected, the inspection device 0108 inspects the entire reference image at the standard level. If "Preset1~10" is selected, the inspection device 0108 inspects the reference image based on the pre-specified area and level. The inspection settings for "Preset1~10" are stored in the memory unit 0228, and when the Print button 1006 is pressed, the CPU 0226 applies the inspection settings to the reference image. If "New Registration" is selected, the inspection device 0108 accepts new inspection settings from the user for the area to be inspected and its level, and performs the inspection based on the accepted area and level. When the inspection device 0108 accepts a print job with "New Registration" set in the inspection settings, the accepted reference image is displayed in the inspection setting screen 1101 displayed on the display unit 0245. The inspection setting screen 1101 will be explained later using Figures 11(a)~(c).

[0076] When "Default" or "Preset1~10" is selected in the inspection setting unit 1003 and the Print button 1006 is pressed, the inspection device 0108 is configured not to display the inspection setting screen 1101. When the Print button 1006 of the inspection method selection unit 1001 is pressed by the user, and the inspection device 0108 has finished receiving the reference image, it registers the reference image without any further operations. In this embodiment, when "Default" or "Preset1~10" is selected in the inspection setting unit 1003 and the Print button 1006 is pressed, the inspection device 0108 is configured not to display the inspection setting screen 1101, but it may be configured to display it. In this case, the purpose of displaying it is for the user to confirm the automatically set inspection settings.

[0077] The inspection operation setting unit 1004 allows the user to select the combination of registering a reference image and the printing operation for the print job. When "Register Only" is selected, the inspection device 0108 only registers the reference image and sets its inspection. When "Print Only" is selected, the printer 0101 prints using the pre-registered reference image, and the inspection device 0108 performs the inspection. Note that if "Print Only" is selected in the inspection operation selection unit 1004, the inspection mode setting unit 1002 is grayed out and does not accept input from the user. When "Register & Print" is selected, the "Register Only" operation and the "Print Only" operation described above are performed consecutively.

[0078] When "Scan Inspection" is selected in the Inspection Method Selection Unit 1005, the inspection device 0108 uses the scanned image of the printed material as the reference image for inspection. When "RIP Inspection" is selected, the inspection device 0108 uses the RIP image used by the printing device 0101 for printing as the reference image. The generation and storage process of the reference image is as explained in the flowchart in Figure 6. Finally, when the Print button 1006 is pressed, the printing and inspection operations are executed based on the settings entered in 1002 to 1005. Details of the printing and inspection operations according to the settings are explained using Figures 8 and 9.

[0079] Next, Figure 11 will be used to explain the general display of the inspection setting screen and user operation by the inspection device 0108. The inspection setting screen 1101 is an example of an inspection setting screen that the inspection device 0108 displays to the user. When a reference image registration job is sent in S802 of Figure 8, the inspection setting screen 1101 is displayed on the display unit 0245 of the inspection device 0108, and the user accepts the operation.

[0080] Figure 11(a) shows an example of the inspection settings screen displayed before accepting user input. 1102 is the preview area, which displays the reference image generated in S604 of Figure 6. 1103 is the inspection area setting unit, where the inspection level for each inspection area, i.e., the inspection accuracy, can be changed. The higher the inspection level is set, the more the inspection device 0108 will detect even slight differences between the reference image and the printed material as defects.

[0081] Furthermore, the level of defects detected can be changed depending on the type of inspection area, such as the priority inspection area and the standard inspection area. In addition to the examples given here, an area that is not inspected may be added as an area type. It is common to set the inspection level of the priority inspection area higher than that of the standard inspection area, but this setting is not limited to that.

[0082] Defects here are exemplified as circular defects (stains (dots)) and streaky defects (stains (streaks)). When comparing a reference image with a scanned image of a printed material, a circular defect is when stains appear in a circular pattern only on the scanned image of the printed material, and a streaky defect is when stains appear in a streaky or linear pattern only on the scanned image of the printed material. These are just examples, and the types of defects that the inspection device 0108 can detect are not limited to these.

[0083] In Figure 11(a), which shows the state before user intervention, the inspection levels for stains (dots) and stains (streaks) in the priority inspection area and the standard inspection area are assumed to be the default inspection levels stored by the inspection device 0108. In the example in Figure 11(a), the default for the priority inspection area is level 5, and the default for the standard inspection area is level 3.

[0084] The page number display unit 1104 can switch the image displayed when there are multiple reference images. The OK button 1105 is a button for registering the area set for the reference image. The Cancel button 1106 is a button for instructing the cancellation of the inspection job. Note that the buttons are objects displayed on the screen. 1109 and 1110 will be explained in detail using Figure 11(c).

[0085] Figure 11(b) illustrates an example of user operation and how the operation is reflected on the inspection settings screen.

[0086] The inspection device 0108 performs inspection of the specified area by selecting the type of inspection area in the inspection area setting unit 1103 and specifying the area in the preview area 1102. The method of specifying the area can be, for example, input using a mouse cursor, but the input format is not specified.

[0087] Furthermore, the user can change the inspection level using the inspection area setting unit 1103. In the example in Figure 11(b), the level of the priority inspection area is set to 7 and the level of the standard inspection area is set to 5.

[0088] Examples of area specification are shown in 1107 and 1108. This is an example where the priority inspection area is set in area 1107 and the standard inspection area is set in area 1108. In this figure, as shown, the solid line represents the priority inspection area and the dashed line represents the standard inspection area. In addition, the types of areas can be distinguished by color or background color. For pages that do not require inspection, this area does not need to be specified. Alternatively, the area can be specified for the entire page without dividing the range into small sections. By switching the image displayed in the page number display unit 1104, inspection areas can be set for all pages.

[0089] If the OK button 1105 is selected after the inspection area has been specified, the CPU 0226 sends a notification of completion of the inspection settings to the information processing device 0109. If the Cancel button 1106 is selected, the inspection device 0108 closes the inspection settings screen 1101 without registering the inspection settings.

[0090] The information processing device 0109 can execute the main print job for inspection jobs for which it has received notification that the inspection settings have been completed. As mentioned in the background technology, there are two types of operation methods for inspection jobs, and depending on the use case, the user can register the reference image and perform the main print at the desired timing. The method of executing a job with predetermined inspection settings is defined as Workflow A, and the method of determining the inspection settings after executing the job is defined as Workflow B, and the operation on conventional inspection devices will be explained in detail below.

[0091] In workflow A, the user executes only the main print job for inspection jobs in which a reference image is registered. The user instructs the execution of the main print job from client computer 0110 (step 1), and the printing device 0101 prints, photographs the printed material, and sends the photographed image to the inspection device 0108. The inspection device 0108 performs inspection by comparing the photographed image of the printed material with the reference image already registered in the inspection device 0108. Note that the instruction to execute the main print job may also be given by the information processing device 0109, and is not limited to this format. In this case, the user's operation is one step.

[0092] In Workflow B, the user executes the inspection job, sets the inspection settings, and executes the main print job. First, the user instructs the client computer 0110 to execute the inspection job (Step 1). Next, the user sets the inspection conditions on the inspection device 0108 (Step 2), and finally, the user instructs the client computer 0110 to execute the main print job (Step 3). The inspection job is completed in these three steps. The user can set the inspection conditions while viewing the reference image on the inspection setting screen displayed on the inspection device 0108. Note that the execution instructions for the inspection job and the main print job may also be given by the information processing device 0109, and this format is not limited to this.

[0093] Next, Figure 11(c) will be used to explain the operation when registering Preset settings. Preset is an inspection setting used when performing inspection using inspection areas and inspection levels that have been registered in advance by the user. Preset inspection settings can be registered when "New Registration" is selected in the inspection setting unit 1003. Alternatively, the inspection area and inspection level may be registered without a reference image, or they may be stored in the inspection device 0108 in advance without user input. The method of registering Preset shown in Figure 11(c) is just one example and is not limited to this method.

[0094] The registration operation of Preset will be explained using Figure 11(c). When the user selects "New Registration" in the inspection setting unit 1003, in addition to the inspection settings explained in Figures 11(a) and (b), inspection settings can be registered to the inspection device 0108 as "Preset1~10".

[0095] When the user selects a number to register as a preset in the Preset Number Selection Unit 1109, the Preset Registration Button 1110 becomes selectable. Until a preset number is selected in the Preset Number Selection Unit 1109, the Preset Registration Button 1110 is grayed out and cannot be selected by the user (Figures 11(a) and 11(b)).

[0096] When the user presses the Preset Registration button 1110, the currently set inspection area and inspection level are stored in the storage unit 0228. If the Preset number of an already registered Preset is selected by the Preset Number Selection Unit 1109 and the Preset Registration button 1110 is pressed, the inspection settings stored in the storage unit 0228 are overwritten. At this time, the user may be prompted to decide whether or not to overwrite the Preset.

[0097] Next, we will explain the operation of the information processing device 0109 when it executes an inspection job, using the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0098] When a user executes a print job with inspection set to "ON" in the inspection mode setting unit 1002, in S801, the CPU 0234 determines the operation set in the inspection operation setting unit 1004. If the setting in the inspection mode setting unit 1002 is "Register only" or "Register & Print", the process proceeds to S802; if it is "Print only", the process proceeds to S805. Next, in S802, the information processing device 0109 sends a reference image registration job to the printing device 0101 and proceeds to S803.

[0099] A reference image registration job is a print job with one or more copies when "scan inspection" is selected in the inspection method selection unit 1005. The information processing device 0109 sends a partial print job to the printing device 0101, and after the printing operation and image capture, the printing device 0101 sends the captured image to the inspection device 0108.

[0100] The reference image registration job is a job used when "RIP inspection" is selected in the inspection method selection unit 1005 to register the RIP image generated by the printing device 0101 before printing as the reference image. When registering a RIP image as the reference image, no printing or photography operations are performed, unlike in scan inspection. The information processing device 0109 transmits the RIP image used by the printing device 0101 for printing to the inspection device 0108.

[0101] After sending the reference image registration job to the printing device 0101 in S802, the inspection device 0108 accepts the user's setting of inspection levels for each inspection area of ​​the reference image, as explained in Figure 11. Since the inspection device 0108 performs inspection by comparing the reference image with the captured image of the printed material based on these settings, it is necessary to keep the information processing device 0108 waiting without starting the print job until the setting of the inspection conditions is complete. For this reason, in S803, the CPU 0234 waits without sending the print job to the printing device 0101 until it receives a notification from the inspection device 0108 that the registration of the reference image is complete. Once the CPU 0234 receives the registration completion notification, the process proceeds to S804. In S804, the CPU 0234 determines the operation set in the inspection operation setting unit 1004. If the operation set in the inspection operation setting unit 1004 is "Register & Print", the process proceeds to S805; if it is "Register Only", the process ends. At S805, the print job is sent to the printer 0101, and this process is terminated.

[0102] This print job is transmitted after undergoing the same processing regardless of the inspection method selected in the inspection method selection unit 1002. When this print job is transmitted from the information processing device 0109 to the printing device 0101, the printing device 0101 performs a printing operation, and after the printing unit 0218 takes a photograph of the printed paper, it transmits the captured image to the inspection device 0108. The inspection device 0108 compares the captured image of the printed material with a reference image and performs an inspection based on the inspection settings set on the setting screen 1101.

[0103] The operation of the inspection device 0108 when executing an inspection job will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 9. In S901, the CPU 226 accepts the inspection operation set in the inspection operation setting unit 1004. If the inspection operation is "registration only" or "registration & printing", the process proceeds to S902; if it is "printing only", the process proceeds to S910. As explained in Figure 10, if the inspection operation is "printing only", the inspection setting unit 1003 does not accept the setting. The inspection settings for the reference image are determined by the operations described in S914-S915 and S911-S913. In S902, the reference image generated in the flowchart in Figure 6 is received from the printing device 0101 and stored in the storage unit 0228.

[0104] In S903, the CPU 226 accepts the inspection operation set in the inspection operation setting unit 1003. If the inspection setting set in the inspection operation setting unit 1003 is "New", the process proceeds to S904; otherwise, it proceeds to S914. In S904, the inspection setting screen 1101 is displayed on the display unit 0245. In S905, the CPU 226 accepts the inspection operation set in the inspection operation setting unit 1004. If the inspection operation set in the inspection operation setting unit 1004 is "Register & Print", the process proceeds to S907; otherwise, it proceeds to S911.

[0105] If the process proceeds to S907, the information processing device 0109 does not send this print job to the printing device 0101, but instead temporarily stops it within the information processing device 0109 (waiting state). At 907, the CPU 0226 receives inspection settings from the user via the display unit 0245.

[0106] In S908, the CPU 0226 repeats the process in S908 until it receives input from the user via the OK button 1105 on the display unit 0245, and then proceeds to S909. It also stores the reference image reflecting the inspection settings in the storage unit 0228. If the Cancel button 1106 is received, the inspection device 0108 discards the reference image received in S902 from the storage unit 0228. If there are inspection jobs in a waiting state in the information processing device 0109, the inspection device 0108 sends a cancellation notification to the information processing device 0109. In S906, the information processing device 0109 cancels the inspection jobs that were in a waiting state within the information processing device 0109 and terminates this process.

[0107] In S909, CPU0226 sends a registration completion notification to information processing unit 0109. Next, the process proceeds to S910.

[0108] In steps S911-S913, the same processing as in steps S907-S909 is performed, and then the process is terminated.

[0109] Furthermore, S914 is a process performed when "Default" or "Preset1~10" is selected in the inspection setting unit 1003. The "Default" setting in the inspection setting unit 1003 is an inspection setting in which the inspection device 0108 specifies the entire reference image to the standard level, and the CPU 0226 reflects the inspection setting to the reference image. The "Preset1~10" setting in the inspection setting unit 1003 is a setting in which the inspection device 0108 performs inspection settings for specified areas and levels on the reference image. The inspection settings for "Preset1~10" are stored in the storage unit 0228 of the inspection device 0108, read into RAM 0227, and reflected to the reference image by CPU 0226. With the two inspection settings, "Default" and "Preset1~10," the inspection setting can be completed without user input as explained in Figures 11(a) and (b). In S914, the reference image with the inspection settings reflected is stored in the storage unit 0228. Alternatively, S914 may only register the reference image. In this case, the inspection setting unit 1003 accepts input when "print only" is selected in the inspection operation setting unit 1004. The inspection device 0108 reflects the settings received by the inspection setting unit 1003 in the reference image, and in S910, the printing device 0101 performs printing and inspection operations.

[0110] Next, proceed to S915.

[0111] In S915, CPU0226 sends a registration completion notification to information processing device0109. The process then proceeds to S916.

[0112] In S916, if the inspection operation set in the inspection operation setting unit 1004 is "Register & Print", the process proceeds to S910; if it is "Register Only", the process ends. In S910, the printing and inspection processes described in the flowchart in Figure 7 are performed, and then the process ends.

[0113] Following the above procedure, in workflow A, the user completes the operation by setting "Print Only" in the inspection operation setting unit 1004 for the inspection job and pressing the Print button 1006 to execute the inspection job. In this case, the procedure is the same as before, consisting of one step. On the other hand, in workflow B, the user completes the operation by executing an inspection job in which the setting in the inspection setting unit 1003 is set to "New Registration" and the setting in the inspection operation setting unit 1004 is set to "Register & Print," and then configuring the inspection settings.

[0114] To describe the operation in detail, select "Register & Print" in the inspection operation setting unit 1004 and press the Print button 1006 (step 1). Next, configure the inspection settings on the inspection setting screen 1101 and press the OK button 1105 (step 2). This registers the inspection settings in the inspection device 0108, and printing and inspection are performed in the printing device 0101, completing the operation. The procedure for this operation consists of the two steps described above. In S906, the information processing device 0109 temporarily stops this print job without sending it to the printing device 0101. When S909 receives the notification that the reference image registration is complete, it automatically restarts this print job (sends this print job to the printing device 0101), so the inspection job can be completed without any user intervention.

[0115] Thus, according to this embodiment, the number of steps in workflow B can be reduced from three to two, thereby reducing user operation. Furthermore, since the main print job is executed only after the registration of the reference image is complete, the user can restart the main print job at an appropriate time. In this way, it is possible to improve the operability for users using the inspection device.

[0116] Next, using Figures 12 and 13, we will explain the flow from reference image registration to the end of inspection when the inspection setting is "New Registration" and the inspection operation is "Register & Print" as shown in Figure 10.

[0117] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the data exchange flow of each device in the embodiment.

[0118] In step S1201, the information processing device 0109 sends an inspection job to the printing device 0101. Here, the job includes a reference image registration job for registering the correct image with the inspection device, a normal job for printing with the printing device, and a main print job for printing with the printing device and then performing an inspection to check the printed document with the inspection device. In this embodiment, the inspection job (inspection job) is a general term for a job that includes both the reference image registration job and the main print job.

[0119] In step S1202, the printing device 0101, which has received an inspection job including a reference image registration job from the information processing device 0109, transmits the reference image data to the inspection device 0108. Then, the inspection device executes a process to register the received reference image data. After that, the inspection settings from the user are accepted on the reference image displayed on 0108. The acceptance of inspection settings is explained in Figure 11. When button 1105 in Figure 11 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1203.

[0120] In step S1203, the inspection device 0108 sends a notification to the printing device that the registration of the correct image is complete.

[0121] In step S1204, the printing device 0101, which has received notification from the inspection device that the registration of the correct image is complete, performs printing according to the print job received in S1201.

[0122] In step S1205, the scanned image of the printed document is sent to the inspection device.

[0123] In S1206, the inspection device 0108 performs the inspection process.

[0124] In S1207, the inspection device 0108 notifies the printing device 0101 of the inspection results.

[0125] In S1208, the printing device 0101, having received the inspection results from the inspection device 0108, sends a print completion notification to the information processing device 0109. Also in S1209, the printing device 0101, having received the inspection results from the inspection device 0108, sends an inspection completion notification (inspection completion notification) to the inspection device 0108. Note that S1208 and S1209 may be performed simultaneously, triggered by the notification of inspection results from the inspection device 0108, or S1208 may be performed after S1209.

[0126] In Figure 12, the information processing device sends both the reference image registration job and the main print job at the same time, and when the inspection device notifies it that the inspection settings are complete, the printing device starts the main print job that it had been holding. However, the information processing device may be configured to send the main print job to the printing device when it receives the notification that the inspection settings are complete. This method will be explained using Figure 13.

[0127] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a flow chart illustrating the data exchange between each device using an alternative method.

[0128] In step S1301, the information processing device 0109 sends a reference image registration job to the printing device 0101.

[0129] In step S1302, the printing device 0101, which has received a reference image registration job from the information processing device 0109, transmits the correct image data to the inspection device 0108. Then, the inspection device executes a process to register the received reference image data. After that, the inspection settings from the user are accepted on the reference image displayed on 0108. The acceptance of inspection settings is explained in Figure 11. When button 1105 in Figure 11 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1303.

[0130] In step S1303, the inspection device 0108 sends a notification to the printing device 0101 that the reference image has been set.

[0131] In step S1304, the printing device 0101, having received a notification from the inspection device 0108 that the reference image has been set, transmits a notification to the information processing device 0109 that the reference image has been set. Alternatively, the inspection device may directly transmit the notification of completion of reference image setting to the information processing device.

[0132] In step S1305, the information processing device 0109, having received confirmation that the registration of the correct image is complete, sends the print job to the printing device 0101.

[0133] In step 1306, the printing device 0101, which has received the print job from the information processing device 0109, executes printing according to the received print job.

[0134] In step S1307, the scanned image of the printed document is sent to the inspection device. In S1308, the inspection device 0108 performs the inspection process. In S1309, the inspection device 0108 notifies the printing device 0101 of the inspection results. In S1310, the printing device 0101, having received the inspection results from the inspection device 0108, sends a printing completion notification to the information processing device 0109. Also, in S1311, the printing device 0101, having received the inspection results from the inspection device 0108, sends an inspection completion notification to the inspection device 0108. Note that S1310 and S1311 may be performed simultaneously, triggered by the notification of inspection results from the inspection device, or S1310 may be performed after S1311.

[0135] The above describes the sequence of steps for executing the correct image registration process and the inspection process in the image processing system of this embodiment.

[0136] (Other embodiments) This embodiment can also be realized by performing the following process: supplying software (programs) that realize the functions of the embodiment described above to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and having the computer (or CPU or MPU, etc.) of that system or device read and execute the program.

Claims

1. It is an inspection system, A receiving means for receiving data transmitted from an information processing device in response to the information processing device receiving a single instruction from a user to transmit data in the information processing device, Based on the received data, a control means (a) generates reference data and (b) causes the printing means to print on each of the multiple recording media, An inspection means for inspecting the read image of the image printed on each of the plurality of recording media by the printing means, based on the aforementioned reference data, The system includes a display control means that causes the inspection result of the inspection by the inspection means, which indicates whether the read image of an image printed on one of the plurality of recording media by the printing means has a defect, to be displayed on a display means while the inspection means is inspecting the read image of an image printed on another of the plurality of recording media by the printing means after the one recording media. The aforementioned reference data is RIP image data. An inspection system characterized by the following features.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the inspection means inspects the read image by comparing the reference data with the read image of the image printed on each of the plurality of recording media by the printing means.

3. The inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the received data is not printed by the printing means in order to generate the reference data.

4. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reference data is generated from the received data without using the printing means.

5. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means, in response to the receiving means receiving the data, (a) generates the reference data based on the data, and (b) causes the printing means to print on each of the plurality of recording media.

6. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the received data is a print job.

7. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the display control means causes the display means to display identification information that identifies a defective recording medium among the plurality of recording media.

8. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the display control means displays on the display means at least one of the following as a result of inspecting the read image of an image printed on one of the plurality of recording media by the printing means, which is one of the images of the other recording media, the number of recording media in which a defect of soiling was detected and the number of recording media in which a defect of misalignment was detected, as a result of inspecting the read image of an image printed on one of the recording media in which the printing means was detected prior to the other recording media.

9. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the display control means displays on the display means at least one of the following: the ratio of the number of defective recording media to the number of recording media inspected, and the number of defective recording media, as a result of inspecting the read image of an image printed on one of the plurality of recording media by the printing means, by the inspection means, of the read image of an image printed on one of the recording media prior to the other recording media by the printing means, and the number of recording media in which defects were detected.

10. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the display control means displays the read image inspected by the inspection means on the display means, and if the inspection result of the read image of an image printed on one of the plurality of recording media by the printing means is poor, the system displays the defective part in the read image of the image on the one recording media.

11. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control means generates the reference data from the image contained in the received data, and causes the printing means to print on each of the plurality of recording media.

12. The printing means and, A transport means for transporting each of the plurality of recording media, A reading means that generates a reading image of each recording medium transported by the transport means, The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by having the following features.

13. An inspection device having the inspection means, the display control means, the display means, and the control means having a function of generating reference data based on the received data, The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: a printing means and a printing device having a function of (b) causing the printing means to print on each of the plurality of recording media based on the received data.

14. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the display control means displays an area setting screen on the display means, which is an area setting screen that accepts an inspection area from a user by operation on the reference data, and which has an object that accepts a registration instruction for registering the inspection area so that it can be used in inspections using other reference data.

15. The inspection system according to claim 13, characterized in that the RIP image data is generated in the printing device.

16. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the image printed on one of the plurality of recording media by the printing means, and the image printed on the other recording media by the printing means after the one recording media, are images printed based on the received data.

17. Having a storage means, The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the control means generates the reference data by storing RIP image data in the storage means.

18. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the display control means displays the result of the inspection indicating that the read image is defective when the read image is defective, and does not display the result of the inspection relating to the read image when the read image is not defective.

19. A testing method, A receiving step in which the information processing device receives data transmitted from the information processing device in response to the information processing device receiving a single instruction from the user to transmit data in the information processing device, Based on the received data, a control step of (a) generating reference data and (b) causing the printing unit to print on each of the multiple recording media, An inspection step in which, based on the aforementioned reference data, the inspection unit inspects the read image of the image printed on each of the plurality of recording media by the printing unit, The system includes a display control step in which the inspection result by the inspection unit, which indicates whether the read image of an image printed by the printing unit on one of the plurality of recording media has a defect, is displayed on the display unit while the inspection unit is inspecting the read image of an image printed by the printing unit on another of the plurality of recording media after the one recording media. The aforementioned reference data is RIP image data. A testing method characterized by the following features.

20. The inspection method according to claim 19, characterized in that the inspection step causes the inspection unit to inspect the read image by comparing the reference data with the read image of the image printed on each of the plurality of recording media by the printing unit.

21. The inspection method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the received data is not printed by the printing unit in order to generate the reference data.

22. The inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the reference data is generated from the received data without using the printing unit.

23. The inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the control step, in response to the receiving step receiving the data, (a) generates the reference data based on the data, and (b) causes the printing unit to print on each of the plurality of recording media.

24. The inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that the received data is a print job.

25. The inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that the display control step causes the display unit to display identification information that identifies a defective recording medium among the plurality of recording media.

26. The inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that the display control step, while the inspection step is performing the inspection of the read image of the image printed on the other recording medium by the printing unit among the images of the plurality of recording media, displays on the display unit at least one of the number of recording media in which a defect of soiling was detected and the number of recording media in which a defect of misalignment was detected, as a result of the inspection of the read image of the image printed on the one recording medium prior to the other recording media by the printing unit.

27. The inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 26, characterized in that the display control step, while the inspection step is performing the inspection of the read image of the image printed on the other recording medium by the printing unit among the images of the plurality of recording media, displays on the display unit at least one of the following: the ratio of the number of recording media in which defects were detected to the number of recording media in which inspection was performed, and the number of recording media in which defects were detected, as a result of the inspection of the read image of the image printed on the one recording medium prior to the other recording media by the printing unit.

28. The inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the display control step displays the read image inspected by the inspection step on the display unit, and if the inspection result of the read image of the image printed by the printing unit on one of the images of the plurality of recording media is poor, the inspection method displays the poor part in the read image of the image of the one recording media.

29. The inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 28, characterized in that the control step generates the reference data from the image contained in the received data and causes the printing unit to print on each of the plurality of recording media.

30. A transport step of transporting each of the plurality of recording media, A reading step that generates a read image of each recording medium transported by the transport step, The inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 29, characterized by having the following features.

31. The inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 30, characterized in that the image printed by the printing unit on one of the plurality of recording media, and the image printed by the printing unit on the other recording media after the one recording media, are images printed based on the received data.

32. The inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 31, characterized in that the control step generates the reference data by storing the RIP image data in the storage unit.

33. The inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 32, wherein the display control step causes the display unit to display the result of the inspection indicating that the read image is defective if the read image is defective, and does not display the result of the inspection relating to the read image on the display unit if the read image is not defective.

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