Image forming system

Abstract

To assist the execution of appropriate image inspection conducted by a user.SOLUTION: An image forming system performs determination processing in which the intensity of image processing is a first intensity and a determination threshold is a first value, and does not perform determination processing in which the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity and the determination threshold is a second value. The image forming system performs determination processing in which the intensity of image processing is a second intensity and the determination threshold is the first value, and does not perform determination processing in which the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity and the determination threshold is the second value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has been required to inspect the quality of images formed on sheets. According to Patent Document 1, the pass / fail of an image is determined by comparing the original image data with the reading result of the image formed on the sheet. Thus, it is important to find sheets that do not meet the passing criteria. On the other hand, misjudgment (false determination) that a sheet is incorrectly determined as non-pass even though it meets the passing criteria should be reduced. According to Patent Document 2, since embossed paper or sheets with punched holes are often incorrectly determined as non-pass, it has been proposed to exclude these from the inspection targets.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the prior art, since embossed paper and the like cause misjudgment, it has been impossible to inspect the quality of images formed on embossed paper. For such sheets, misjudgment in image inspection would be reduced if appropriate settings were made. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to assist a user in appropriately performing image inspection.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention is, for example, an image forming system, An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, A reading unit is provided downstream of the image forming unit in the conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed, and reads the image on the sheet being conveyed from the image forming unit. It has one or more processors, and the one or more processors are This represents the result of the reading unit reading the image on the sheet. picture Generate image data, The intensity of the image processing applied to the aforementioned image data is set. A determination process is performed to determine the degree of agreement between the image corresponding to the reference data and the image data to which the image processing has been applied, based on a determination threshold. The reference data is image data that serves as the basis for the determination in the determination process, and the determination threshold is set by one or more processors. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a first value, and do not perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a second value smaller than the first value. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity greater than the first intensity and the determination threshold is the first value, and perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity and the determination threshold is the second value. figure, The one or more processors prohibit setting the determination threshold to the second value and permit setting the determination threshold to the first value when the intensity of the image processing is set to the first intensity. The one or more processors prohibit setting the determination threshold to the second value and permit setting the determination threshold to the first value when the intensity of the image processing is set to the second intensity. The present invention provides an image forming system characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to assist users in performing appropriate image inspections. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating an image inspection system. [Figure 2] Figure for explaining the control device. [Figure 3] Figure for explaining the inspection controller. [Figure 4] Figure for explaining the print settings screen and inspection settings. [Figure 5] Figure for explaining the intensity (effect) of the reduction process. [Figure 6] Figure for explaining the decision table. [Figure 7] Figure for explaining the inspection settings. [Figure 8] Figure for explaining the inspection settings. [Figure 9] Flowchart for explaining the image inspection method. [Figure 10] Flowchart for explaining the image inspection method. [Figure 11] Figure for explaining the inspection settings. [Figure 12] Figure for explaining the inspection settings. [Figure 13] Figure for explaining the inspection settings. [Figure 14] Figure for explaining the inspection settings. [Figure 15] Figure for explaining the inspection settings. [Figure 16] Figure for explaining the inspection settings. [Figure 17] Figure for explaining the inspection settings.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments 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, all of these plurality of features are not necessarily essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0009] 〔First Embodiment〕 <System Configuration> As shown in Figure 1, the image inspection system 100 includes an operation unit 20, an image forming apparatus 30, a control device 40, an image inspection apparatus 50, a loading device 60, and a post-processing device 70. The operation unit 20 includes a display device that outputs information to the user and an input device (e.g., a touch panel sensor) that receives instructions from the user. The image inspection system 100 may also be called an image forming system.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 30 forms a toner image on the sheet P according to the YMCK color signal supplied from the control device 40. The letters YMCK assigned to the reference code indicate the toner colors: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. When explaining matters common to the four colors, the letters YMCK are omitted from the reference code.

[0011] The photoreceptor 1 is an image carrier that holds an electrostatic latent image and a toner image. The charger 2 uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor 1. The exposure unit 3 irradiates the photoreceptor 1Y with laser light corresponding to the color signal supplied from the control device 40 to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer unit 4 develops the electrostatic latent image using toner to form a toner image. The primary transfer roller 5Y transfers the toner image from the photoreceptor 1 to the intermediate transfer belt 6. Here, the YMCK toner images are superimposed to form a color image. The intermediate transfer belt 6 transports the toner image to the secondary transfer unit 7.

[0012] The sheet cassette 11 is a storage unit that holds a large number of sheets P. Here, the sheets P may be plain paper or embossed paper with an uneven surface. The transport roller 12 feeds the sheets P contained in the sheet cassette 11 and transports the sheets P along the transport path.

[0013] The secondary transfer unit 7 transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 6 to the sheet P. The fuser unit 8 applies heat and pressure to the sheet P and the toner image to fix the toner image onto the sheet P. The discharge roller 17 discharges the sheet P to the image inspection device 50.

[0014] The image inspection device 50 is a device that inspects the quality of the image formed on the sheet P. The inspection controller 51 inspects the image of the sheet P, which is read using image sensors 52a and 52b, while the sheet P is being transported by transport rollers 53. Image sensors 52a and 52b include a light source that illuminates the sheet P and a CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) sensor. The inspection controller 51 passes the inspection results to the control device 40. The image inspection device 50 discharges the sheet P to the loading device 60. The control device 40 controls the image forming device 30 to form the same image on a new sheet P if the image inspection device 50 determines that the sheet P is NG (failed).

[0015] The loading device 60 transports the sheets P using transport rollers 63. The loading device 60 has an NG tray 62 and a large-capacity tray 61. The NG tray 62 loads sheets P that have been determined to have unacceptable image quality by the image inspection device 50, for example. The large-capacity tray 61 is a sheet loading unit capable of loading a large number of sheets P. The loading device 60 has flappers 64a and 64b that switch the destination of the sheets P. The control device 40 controls the flappers 64a and 64b based on the print job and image inspection results. The control device 40 may also control the flappers 64a and 64b to output the sheets P to the post-processing device 70.

[0016] The post-processing device 70 transports the sheets P using a plurality of transport rollers 73. The post-processing device 70 has an upper tray 74a, a middle tray 74b, and a lower tray 74c as output trays. The control device 40 controls the flappers 72a and 72b to discharge the sheets P into one of the upper tray 74a, the middle tray 74b, or the lower tray 74c. The post-processing device 70 may also include a binding machine that bundles the sheets P discharged from the loading device 60 to create sheet bundles and staples the sheet bundles together. The post-processing device 70 may also include a bookbinding machine that folds the sheet bundles in half. The post-processing device 70 may also include a cutting machine that cuts the sheet bundles.

[0017] In this embodiment, sheets P that are judged to pass by the image inspection device 50 are loaded onto a large-capacity tray 61 or bundled into sheets by the post-processing device 70. Conventionally, if one sheet P in a sheet bundle consisting of several hundred sheets P is rejected, the entire sheet bundle is discarded. However, in this embodiment, the rejected sheet P is removed from the sheet bundle and reprinted on another sheet P, so the sheet bundle is not wasted. In other words, this embodiment contributes to the effective use of resources.

[0018] <Control device> Figure 2 shows details of the control device 40. The CPU 201 implements multiple functions by executing a control program 213 stored in the memory 210. The CPU 201 may have multiple processors or CPU cores. Some or all of the multiple functions implemented by the CPU 201 may be implemented by hardware circuits different from the CPU 201. The memory 210 is a storage device that includes ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), SSD (solid state drive), and HDD (hard disk drive).

[0019] The UI display unit 203 of the setting unit 202 displays the user interface (UI) necessary for setting up image inspection on the display device 21 of the operation unit 20. The reception unit 204 of the setting unit 202 receives operations and instructions for the user interface from the input device 22. The reception unit 204 receives, for example, sheet information, inspection content (position misalignment detection or black spot detection, etc.), inspection level, and reduction level. The inspection content may also be called an inspection item. The sheet information indicates the type of sheet P. The inspection level indicates the severity of the image inspection. The reduction level indicates the intensity (degree of effect) of the reduction process that reduces shadows caused by the unevenness of embossed paper, for example, based on the reading results of sheet P. The setting unit 202 stores inspection setting data 212, which is information related to image inspection such as sheet information, inspection content, inspection level, and reduction level set by the user via the display device 21, in the memory 210.

[0020] In image inspection, reference data 211 is used as the acceptance criterion. The inspection control unit 207 transmits the reference data 211 along with the inspection setting data 212 to the image inspection device 50. The reference data 211 may be, for example, original image data (RIP image data) associated with a print job received from the host computer 80 via the communication circuit 209. RIP is an abbreviation for Raster Image Processing. The reference data 211 may also be, for example, image data obtained by reading one or more sheets on which images corresponding to the reference image are formed.

[0021] The yield calculation unit 206 calculates the yield rate based on the inspection results received from the image inspection device 50, and creates actual data 215 including the yield rate along with sheet information, inspection content, inspection level, and reduction level, and stores it in the memory 210. The update unit 250 updates the combination table 214 according to the yield rate.

[0022] The inspection control unit 207 transfers the inspection setting data 212 to the image inspection device 50 and also sends an execution command for image inspection to the image inspection device 50. The job processing unit 208 controls printing jobs to print images onto sheets P, loading jobs to load sheet bundles onto the loading device 60, and post-processing jobs for sheet bundles in the post-processing device 70. In particular, the job processing unit 208 also accepts inspection jobs to print images onto sheets P and inspect the quality of the printed images.

[0023] The loading device 60 drives the motor M1 to rotate the transport roller 63 according to control commands from the job processing unit 208. The loading device 60 drives solenoids 65a and 65b according to control commands from the job processing unit 208 to switch between flappers 64a and 64b. As a result, the sheet P is guided and transported to either the NG tray 62, the large capacity tray 61, or the post-processing device 70. For example, if the image inspection result by the image inspection device 50 is NG (fail), the job processing unit 208 controls the loading device 60 to discharge the sheet P determined to be NG to the NG tray 62. The image forming apparatus 30 and the post-processing device 70 also include solenoids to drive the flappers and motors to drive the transport rollers.

[0024] <Inspection Controller> Figure 3 shows details of the test controller 51. The CPU 301 implements multiple functions by executing a control program 313 stored in the memory 310. Some or all of these functions may be implemented by hardware circuits. The memory 310 is a storage device including ROM, RAM, SSD, and HDD.

[0025] The inspection unit 302 performs image inspection according to the inspection setting data 212 received from the control device 40 and transmits the inspection results to the control device 40.

[0026] The transport control unit 307 drives the motor M2 to rotate the transport roller 53. The reading control unit 308 controls the image sensors 52a and 52b to read the sheet P and generate image data. Image sensor 52a reads the first surface of the sheet P, and image sensor 52b reads the second surface of the sheet P. As a result, this embodiment can perform image inspection on both sides of the sheet P.

[0027] The processing unit 303 processes the image data generated by the reading control unit 308 to create inspection image data 312 and stores it in the memory 310. The position correction unit 304 performs position correction on the reading results of the image sensors 52a and 52b. If the sheet P is read by the image sensors 52a and 52b while it is skewed, the sheet P may appear slanted in the read image. Also, the leading edge of the sheet P may be shifted from its ideal position in the read image. Therefore, the position correction unit 304 corrects the position of the sheet P in the reading result by rotating the reading result or shifting the coordinates of each pixel. The reduction unit 305 reduces shadows caused by, for example, the unevenness of the embossed paper from the position-corrected reading result. For example, the reduction unit 305 performs a reduction process on the position-corrected inspection image data 312 according to the reduction level specified by the inspection setting data 212. The reduction process will be described later.

[0028] The pass / fail determination unit 306 determines the quality of the image formed on sheet P based on the reference data 211 and the inspection image data 312 according to the inspection setting data 212. For example, the inspection content may be "positional misalignment detection". The pass / fail determination unit 306 may determine it to be a pass if the amount of misalignment between the position of the image in the reference data 211 and the position of the image in the inspection image data 312 is less than or equal to the determination threshold. The pass / fail determination unit 306 may determine it to be a fail if the amount of misalignment exceeds the determination threshold. That is, the pass / fail determination unit 306 performs a determination process to determine the "positional misalignment" as the degree of agreement between the image corresponding to the reference data 211 and the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 to which reduction processing (image processing processing) has been applied. In addition, the inspection content may be set to "black spot detection". The pass / fail determination unit 306 may determine it to be a pass if the size of the black spots that are not present in the image of the reference data 211 but are present in the image of the inspection image data 312 is less than or equal to the determination threshold. In other words, the black spots correspond to noise images that are not present in the image corresponding to the reference data 211 but are present in the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 to which reduction processing has been applied. The pass / fail determination unit 306 may determine that the image is unsuccessful if the size of the black spots exceeds the determination threshold. In other words, the pass / fail determination unit 306 performs a determination process to determine the degree of agreement between the image corresponding to the reference data 211 and the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 to which reduction processing (image processing processing) has been applied, specifically the "black spots". When the inspection level is high (strict), the determination threshold becomes low. When the inspection level is low (lenient), the determination threshold becomes high. The pass / fail determination unit 306 transmits the inspection result and the inspection image data 312 to the control device 40. In this embodiment, "positional misalignment detection" and "black spot detection" are described as inspection contents, but these are merely examples. For example, "streak detection" may be included as inspection contents. Streak detection refers to the detection of streak-like images that are not present in the original image. In other words, the streaks correspond to noise images that are not present in the image corresponding to the reference data 211 but are present in the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 to which noise reduction processing has been applied. Streaks may occur when cleaning, replacement, or repair of components involved in image formation is necessary.In other words, a determination process may be performed to determine the degree of agreement between the image corresponding to the reference data 211 and the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 to which reduction processing (image processing) has been applied, specifically determining the presence of "streaks." In this embodiment, when the inspection content is "position misalignment detection," the relative position between the image of the reference data 211 and the image of the inspection image data 312 is inspected, but this is only one example. For example, the absolute position of the image of the inspection image data 312 with respect to the edge of the sheet may be inspected. In this case, if the distance between the absolute position of the image of the reference data 211 and the absolute position of the image of the inspection image data 312 is less than or equal to a determination threshold, it is determined to pass. If the distance exceeds the determination threshold, it is determined to fail.

[0029] <Inspection Settings UI> Figure 4A shows an example of the print settings screen 400. Figure 4B shows an example of the inspection settings UI 410. The CPU 201 (UI display unit 203) displays the print settings screen 400 on the display device 21 according to the control program 213. The print settings screen 400 has a sheet selection button 401. When the sheet selection button 401 is pressed, the CPU 201 (reception unit 204) accepts the specification of the sheet cassette for feeding the sheet P, the size of the sheet P, and the type of sheet P (e.g., thick paper, plain paper, thin paper, gloss paper, embossed paper). When the inspection settings button 402 is pressed, the CPU 201 (UI display unit 203) displays the inspection settings UI 410 shown in Figure 4B on the display device 21. When the cancel button 403 is pressed, the CPU 201 (setting unit 202) discards the settings set by the user on the print settings screen 400 and returns to the initial settings screen (not shown). When the print start button 404 is pressed, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 208) starts printing without performing image inspection.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4B, the inspection setting UI 410 has an image display area 411 and a detailed setting area 412. The image display area 411 is an area that displays a reference image such as reference data 211 or a reference image that has been processed according to a set reduction level, or accepts the setting of an inspection area for the reference image.

[0031] The detailed settings area 412 displays one or more inspection settings and accepts inspection settings. The sheet menu 413a displays candidates for the type of sheet P (e.g., thick paper, plain paper, thin paper, gloss paper, embossed paper) and accepts the user's specification of the type of sheet P. The sheet menu 413a may be implemented by control objects that allow the user to specify the type of sheet P, such as buttons or checkboxes. The CPU 201 (reception unit 204) stores the type of sheet P selected by the user from the sheet menu 413a in the inspection setting data 212.

[0032] The reduction level menu 414a is a control object that becomes operable when "embossed paper" is selected by the sheet menu 413a. The reduction level menu 414a displays multiple reduction level candidates and accepts the selection of one of them. In some cases, the type of sheet P specified by the sheet menu 413a may be a type to which reduction processing cannot be applied (e.g., thick paper, plain paper, thin paper). In this case, the CPU 201 (reception unit 204) may make it impossible or prohibited for the user to operate the reduction level menu 414a by graying it out. When a reduction level is selected, the CPU 201 may display a reference image in the image display area 411 that has been processed to match the selected reduction level. Details of this will be described later.

[0033] The setting area 415a includes an area setting button 416a, a content menu 417a, and an inspection level menu 418a. When "embossed paper" is selected via the sheet menu 413a and a reduction level is set via the reduction level menu 414a, the CPU 201 allows the user to operate on the setting area 415a. Furthermore, when "thick paper," "plain paper," "thin paper," or "glossy paper" is selected via the sheet menu 413a, the CPU 201 controls the setting area 415a to enable user operation.

[0034] The following explanation will primarily focus on the case where "embossed paper" is selected via sheet menu 413a.

[0035] The area setting button 416a displays the name of the inspection area. To the left of the area setting button 416a, it is indicated that the inspection area 421a is displayed by a dashed line. When the area setting button 416a is pressed, the CPU 201 (reception unit 204) accepts the designation of the inspection area 421a entered by the user in the image display area 411. For example, the CPU 201 (reception unit 204) sets the area touched by the user with their finger or stylus in the image display area 411 as the inspection area. For example, the CPU 201 (reception unit 204) sets coordinates with the upper left corner of the reference image as the origin and stores the coordinates of the inspection area 421a specified by the user in the inspection setting data 212. The CPU 201 (UI display unit 203) may highlight the inspection area set by the user. Highlighting includes enclosing the inspection area in a frame or displaying the inspection area as a band.

[0036] The content menu 417a displays candidate inspection options and accepts the user's selection of inspection options. The CPU 201 (reception unit 204) stores the selected inspection options from the content menu 417a in the inspection setting data 212.

[0037] When the inspection content is specified by the content menu 417a, the CPU 201 allows the user to operate on the inspection level menu 418a. The inspection level menu 418a displays candidate inspection levels and accepts the user's selection of an inspection level. The CPU 201 (reception unit 204) stores the inspection level selected from the inspection level menu 418a in the inspection setting data 212.

[0038] When the add button 419a is pressed, the CPU 201 (UI display unit 203, reception unit 204) displays a second content menu and accepts the specification of additional inspection content.

[0039] The setting area 415b accepts inspection settings in the same way as the setting area 415a. The setting area 415b has an area setting button 416b, a content menu 417b, and an inspection level menu 418b for accepting the second inspection area 421b. To the left of the area setting button 416b, it is indicated that the second inspection area 421b is displayed by a dashed line. The image display area 411 displays the second inspection area 421b by a dashed line.

[0040] The add button 420 is used to add a setting area 415. For example, in the default state, only setting area 415a is displayed. When the add button 420 is pressed in this state, the CPU 201 (UI display unit 203) adds and displays setting area 415b.

[0041] When the back button 422 is pressed, the CPU 201 (UI display unit 203) returns to the print settings screen 400. When the inspection print start button 423 is pressed, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 207) starts a print job that includes image inspection.

[0042] Note that the layout of each selection item in the inspection setting UI410 in Figure 4B is merely one example in this embodiment. In other words, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0043] <Reduction process> Figures 5A to 5D show examples of images processed according to the reduction level. In this embodiment, since the embossed paper is read by the image sensor 52a, the unevenness on the surface of the sheet P casts a shadow on the reading result. This shadow may appear as a patterned image.

[0044] Figure 5A shows the reading results before any reduction processing has been applied. The shape and location of the bumps and irregularities on the surface of sheet P may differ from sheet P to sheet P. Therefore, if the image shown in Figure 5A is used as the reference image for inspection, it may be judged as NG due to differences in the bumps and irregularities between the embossed paper corresponding to the reference image and the embossed paper on which the image to be inspected is formed. In other words, even if the image formed on sheet P is not NG, it may be judged as NG due to the bumps and irregularities.

[0045] Therefore, the reduction unit 305 changes all densities below a specified density to a predetermined value (e.g., zero). For example, if the density (gradation) of the image is represented by 8 bits (0 to 255), densities below the threshold are reduced, and densities above the threshold are maintained. This reduces shadows caused by the unevenness of the sheet P in the image obtained from reading. For example, if the density of the image is represented in 255 levels, if the reduction level is "1", densities from 0 to the 16th level are reduced. If the reduction level is "2", densities up to the 32nd level are reduced. If the reduction level is "3", densities up to the 48th level are reduced.

[0046] Figure 5B shows the reading result with reduction processing applied at reduction level "1". Figure 5C shows the reading result with reduction processing applied at reduction level "2". Figure 5D shows the reading result with reduction processing applied at reduction level "3". It can be seen that more shadows are reduced as the reduction level increases. In particular, at reduction level "3", the reading result becomes almost equivalent to a blank page. In this embodiment, the reduction processing is performed by changing the density of pixels below a threshold corresponding to the reduction level to a predetermined value (e.g., zero), but this is just one example. For example, a reduction processing that thins the density of pixels below a threshold corresponding to the reduction level by a predetermined percentage may be employed. Alternatively, a known white background removal process may be employed for pixels with a density below a threshold corresponding to the reduction level.

[0047] <Setting the reduction level> If the sheet P is embossed paper, the user can set a high reduction level to remove shadows from the reading results of sheet P. As a result, misjudgments caused by unevenness are suppressed. On the other hand, if a high reduction level is set, printed images may also disappear. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 5D, the halftone image "2020 / XX / XX" disappears due to the reduction process. If "2020 / XX / XX" is selected as the inspection target, "2020 / XX / XX" will not be properly inspected.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the user selects a reduction level using the reduction level menu 414a, the CPU 201 displays an image processed according to the selected reduction level in the image display area 411 of the inspection setting UI 410. Specifically, if reduction level "1" is selected, the image in Figure 5B is displayed in the image display area 411 of the inspection setting UI 410. If reduction level "2" is selected, the image in Figure 5C is displayed in the image display area 411 of the inspection setting UI 410. If reduction level "3" is selected, the image in Figure 5D is displayed in the image display area 411 of the inspection setting UI 410.

[0049] The user can set the reduction level while viewing the image displayed in the image display area 411. In other words, the user sets the reduction level while checking whether the image to be inspected (for example, "2020 / XX / XX") will disappear due to the reduction process. As a result, the possibility of the image to be inspected not being properly inspected is suppressed.

[0050] <Combinations of reduction level and inspection level> When the inspection level is high and the reduction level is low, the possibility of misjudgment due to shadows increases. In other words, even if the image formed on sheet P is not NG, there is an increased possibility that it will be judged as NG due to unevenness.

[0051] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the concept of a combination table 214 that shows combinations of reduction levels and inspection levels. As shown in Figure 6A, for example, if the inspection content is "sunspot detection", reduction level "2" and inspection level "1" is a combination that is relatively unlikely to produce NGs due to shadows (OK). Also, for example, if the inspection content is "sunspot detection", reduction level "2" and inspection level "2" is a combination that is relatively likely to produce NGs due to shadows (NG). For example, if the inspection content is "position displacement detection", reduction level "2" and inspection level "2" is a combination that is relatively unlikely to produce NGs due to shadows (OK). For example, if the inspection content is "position displacement detection", reduction level "2" and inspection level "3" is a combination that is relatively likely to produce NGs due to shadows (NG). Thus, in this embodiment, for each inspection content, the table stores whether or not a combination of reduction level and inspection level is likely to produce an NG. Note that the tables shown in Figures 6A and 6B are merely examples in this embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[0052] Figures 7A and 7B show the inspection setting UI410 when "sunspot detection" is selected as the inspection content. Figure 7A shows the inspection setting UI410 when "sunspot detection" is selected as the inspection content and reduction level "3" is set. Figure 7B shows the inspection setting UI410 when "sunspot detection" is selected as the inspection content and reduction level "2" is set.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7A, there are cases where "sunspot detection" is selected as the inspection content and reduction level "3" is set. In this case, when the inspection level menu 418a is pressed, a list is pulled down and displayed. As shown in the table in Figure 6A, there are cases where "sunspot detection" is selected as the inspection content and reduction level "3" is set. In this case, inspection levels "1", "2", and "3" are all "OK". Therefore, the user can select inspection levels "1", "2", or "3". On the other hand, as shown in the table in Figure 6A, there are cases where "sunspot detection" is selected as the inspection content and reduction level "2" is set. In this case, inspection level "1" is "OK", and inspection levels "2" and "3" are "NG". According to this embodiment, the CPU 201 prohibits the user from selecting the options that are "NG". That is, as shown in Figure 7B, there are cases where "sunspot detection" is selected as the inspection content and reduction level "2" is set. In this case, CPU201 grays out inspection levels "2" and "3". As a result, the user cannot select inspection levels "2" and "3". Therefore, the user can only select inspection level "1". Thus, in this embodiment, when "black spot detection" is performed as the inspection content, the judgment process is not performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity (e.g., "1") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the second value (e.g., "2" or "3"). Furthermore, when "black spot detection" is performed as the inspection content, the judgment process is performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity (e.g., "1") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the first value (e.g., "1"). Furthermore, when "black spot detection" is performed as the inspection content, the judgment process is not performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity (e.g., "2") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the second value (e.g., "2" or "3"). Furthermore, if "sunspot detection" is performed as part of the inspection, a determination process is carried out where the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity (e.g., "2") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the first value (e.g., "1").

[0054] Figures 8A and 8B show the inspection setting UI410 when "position misalignment detection" is selected as the inspection content. Figure 8A shows the inspection setting UI410 when "position misalignment detection" is selected as the inspection content and reduction level "3" is set. Figure 8B shows the inspection setting UI410 when "position misalignment detection" is selected as the inspection content and reduction level "2" is set.

[0055] As shown in Figure 8A, when "position misalignment detection" is selected as the inspection content and reduction level "3" is set, pressing the inspection level menu 418a causes the CPU 201 to pull down and display the list. As shown in the table in Figure 6B, when "position misalignment detection" is selected as the inspection content and reduction level "3" is set, inspection levels "1", "2", and "3" are all "OK". Therefore, the user can select inspection levels "1", "2", or "3". On the other hand, as shown in the table in Figure 6B, when "position misalignment detection" is selected as the inspection content and reduction level "2" is set, inspection levels "1" and "2" are "OK". However, inspection level "3" is "NG". In this embodiment, the CPU 201 prohibits the user from selecting the options that are "NG". That is, as shown in Figure 8B, when "position misalignment detection" is selected as the inspection content and reduction level "2" is set, the CPU 201 grays out inspection level "3". As a result, inspection level "3" becomes unavailable to the user. On the other hand, the user can select inspection levels "1" and "2". Thus, in this embodiment, when "position shift detection" is performed as the inspection content, the determination process is not performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity (e.g., "1") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the second value (e.g., "3"). Furthermore, when "position shift detection" is performed as the inspection content, the determination process is performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity (e.g., "1") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the first value (e.g., "1"). Furthermore, when "position shift detection" is performed as the inspection content, the determination process is not performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity (e.g., "2") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the second value (e.g., "3"). Furthermore, if "positional displacement detection" is performed as part of the inspection, a determination process is performed in which the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity (e.g., "2") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the first value (e.g., "1").

[0056] <Flowchart> Figure 9 shows the image inspection method executed by the CPU 201 of the control device 40. The processing in this flowchart starts when the inspection setting button 402 is pressed.

[0057] In S901, CPU201 displays the inspection settings UI410 on the UI display unit 203.

[0058] In S902, CPU201 determines whether embossed paper is set as the type of sheet P. If embossed paper is set as the type of sheet P, CPU201 proceeds to S903. On the other hand, if something other than embossed paper is set as the type of sheet P, CPU201 makes the setting area 415a operable and then proceeds to S904.

[0059] In S903, the CPU 201 determines whether a reduction level has been set. If a reduction level is set, the CPU 201 makes the setting area 415a operable and then proceeds to S904. The reduction level is also stored in the inspection setting data 212. When the inspection content is set, the CPU 201 performs grayout processing based on the already set reduction level and inspection content. The grayout processing is as explained in relation to Figures 7B and 8B. The reduction level is also stored in the inspection setting data 212.

[0060] In S904, CPU201 determines whether the inspection content and inspection level have been set. If the inspection content and inspection level have been set, CPU201 proceeds to S905. The inspection content and inspection level are stored in inspection setting data212.

[0061] In S905, the CPU 201 determines whether the user has instructed it to start the inspection job. If the user has instructed it to start the inspection job, the CPU 201 proceeds to S906. In S906, the CPU 201 transfers the inspection setting data 212 to the image inspection device 50.

[0062] Subsequently, in S907, CPU201 controls the image forming apparatus 30 according to the original image data associated with the inspection job, forms an image on sheet P, and instructs the image inspection apparatus 50 to perform image inspection.

[0063] In S908, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 207) receives the image inspection results from the CPU 301 of the inspection controller 51. In S909, the CPU 201 sorts the sheets P according to the image inspection results. If the inspection result is unsatisfactory, the job processing unit 208 controls the motor M1 and solenoids 65a and 65b of the loading device 60 to discharge the sheets P that have been determined to be unsatisfactory to the NG tray 62. If the inspection result is unsatisfactory (NG), the control device 40 may control the image forming apparatus 30 to eliminate the cause of the unsatisfactory result. For example, if the cause of the unsatisfactory result is "misalignment", the control device 40 may control the image forming apparatus 30 to bring the formed image closer to the reference image. If the inspection result is satisfactory, the job processing unit 208 controls the motor M1 and solenoids 65a and 65b of the loading device 60 to discharge the sheets P that have been determined to be satisfactory to the large-capacity tray 61 or the post-processing device 70.

[0064] In S910, the CPU 201 (yield calculation unit 206) calculates the yield rate. The yield rate X may be calculated based on the total number N of sheets P inspected by the inspection job and the number M of sheets P determined to be NG (X = M / N). The yield rate X may also be expressed as a percentage.

[0065] In S911, the CPU 201 (yield calculation unit 206) creates actual data 215 including the yield rate X and stores it in memory 210. The CPU 201 may also include the reading results (image data) of sheet P that were determined to be unacceptable in the actual data 215. This allows the user to display the image data on the display device 21 and verify the image inspection results.

[0066] Figure 10 shows an image inspection method performed by the CPU 301 of the image inspection device 50. When the CPU 301 is instructed or commanded by the control device 40 to perform an inspection, it starts the following process.

[0067] In S1001, the CPU 301 (inspection unit 302) receives inspection settings (inspection setting data 212) from the control device 40 and stores the inspection settings in the memory 310.

[0068] In step S1002, the CPU 301 (inspection unit 302) controls the image sensor 52a via the reading control unit 308 to read the sheet P. The reading control unit 308 stores the inspection image data 312, which is the reading result, in the memory 310.

[0069] In S1003, the CPU 301 (position correction unit 304) performs position correction processing on the reading result (inspection image data 312). Position correction processing may be omitted.

[0070] In S1004, the CPU 301 (reduction unit 305) performs reduction processing on the reading result (inspection image data 312) according to the reduction level included in the inspection setting data 212. If no reduction level is set, the reduction processing is skipped.

[0071] In step S1005, the CPU 301 (inspection unit 302) performs an inspection according to the inspection settings included in the inspection setting data 212. The inspection unit 302 performs an image inspection in the inspection area specified by the inspection setting data 212, according to the inspection level specified by the inspection setting data 212.

[0072] In S1006, CPU 301 (inspection unit 302) sends the inspection results to CPU 201. Inspection unit 302 may also send the inspection image data 312 that failed the inspection to CPU 201 along with the inspection results. When printing and image inspection are performed continuously on multiple sheets P, CPU 301 repeatedly executes S1002 to S1006.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, a reduction process is performed when "embossed paper" is selected as the type of sheet to be inspected. The reduction process suppresses the possibility of the sheet being judged as NG due to unevenness.

[0074] According to this embodiment, the user can select the reduction level in the reduction process. When a reduction level is selected, the image processed according to the selected reduction level is displayed in the image display area 411 of the inspection setting UI 410. The user can set the reduction level while viewing the image displayed in the image display area 411. That is, the user can set the reduction level while confirming whether the image to be inspected (for example, "2020 / XX / XX") will disappear due to the reduction process. As a result, it is likely that the image to be inspected will not be properly inspected.

[0075] In this embodiment, selectable inspection levels are displayed based on the selected inspection content and reduction level. For example, unselectable inspection levels may be grayed out. As a result, misjudgments due to shadows are suppressed. For example, it is reduced the likelihood of an image formed on sheet P being judged as NG due to unevenness, even though the image itself is not NG.

[0076] Thus, according to this embodiment, an appropriate reduction level is adopted according to the type of sheet P and the inspection level, and image inspection is performed. As a result, misjudgments are reduced, and the yield rate of deliverables is expected to improve compared to conventional methods.

[0077] In this embodiment, when "embossed paper" is selected as the type of sheet P, the reduction level becomes selectable. Furthermore, once the reduction level is selected, the inspection content and inspection level become selectable. In other words, there is a specific order in which each item becomes selectable, but this order is merely an example. For example, the type of sheet P, the reduction level, the inspection content, and the inspection level may all be selectable in any order.

[0078] In this embodiment, the control device 40 performs inspection settings and sheet P allocation, and the image inspection device 50 performs image inspection. However, this is only one example. The functions of the control device 40 may be incorporated into the controller of the image inspection device 50 or the image forming apparatus 30.

[0079] In this embodiment, embossed paper is given as an example of the type of sheet P that affects image inspection. However, this is only one example. The technical concept of this embodiment can be applied to any type of sheet P, including sheets with patterns on their surface. This embodiment is applicable to any type of sheet P that results in a pattern appearing in the reading result.

[0080] In this example, we assume 255 levels of concentration for the reduction level setting, and vary the reduction level increments of 16 steps, but this is just one example. The amount of change in the threshold per level can be less than or greater than 16 steps.

[0081] Various types of embossed paper are available on the market. Therefore, the depth of the embossing also varies. The CPU 201 may accept the brand name of the embossed paper via the input device 22 and store a combination table 214 for each brand of embossed paper in the memory 210. This allows the CPU 201 to switch the combination table 214 according to the brand name specified by the user.

[0082] [Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment of the image inspection system 100, the descriptions of the components that are the same as those in the first embodiment are omitted. In other words, the descriptions of identical or similar components are based on those of the first embodiment.

[0083] In the first embodiment, as an example, processing corresponding to the reduction level set by the reduction level menu 414a is applied to the entire reference image. In this embodiment, the reduction level can be set individually for each set inspection area.

[0084] <Inspection Settings UI> Figure 11 shows an example of the inspection setting UI410 in this embodiment. Note that in the following description, the parts having the same function as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0085] In the inspection setting UI 410 of this embodiment, a reduction level menu 414a corresponding to the first inspection area 421a is provided within the setting area 415a. In addition, a reduction level menu 414b corresponding to the second inspection area 421b is provided within the setting area 415b.

[0086] The setting area 415a includes an area setting button 416a, a content menu 417a, and an inspection level menu 418a. The setting area 415a becomes operable when the sheet type is specified by the sheet menu 413a.

[0087] The following explanation will focus on the case where "embossed paper" is selected via sheet menu 413a.

[0088] When "embossed paper" is selected via sheet menu 413a, reduction level menus 414a and 414b become operable. Furthermore, the CPU 201 displays multiple reduction level candidates in reduction level menus 414a and 414b and accepts the selection of one of these reduction levels. There may be cases where the type of sheet P specified by sheet menu 413a is a type to which reduction processing cannot be applied (e.g., thick paper, plain paper, thin paper). In this case, the CPU 201 may gray out reduction level menus 414a and 414b to prevent user operation.

[0089] The area setting button 416a displays the name of the inspection area. To the left of the area setting button 416a, it is suggested that inspection area 421a will be displayed by a dashed line. The area setting button 416b displays the name of the inspection area. To the left of the area setting button 416b, it is suggested that inspection area 421b will be displayed by a dashed line.

[0090] In this embodiment, the area to which the reduction process set by the reduction level menu 414a is applied is the area shown by the dashed line. Also in this embodiment, the area to which the reduction process set by the reduction level menu 414b is applied is the area shown by the dashed line.

[0091] In this embodiment, when the user selects a reduction level, the CPU 201 performs processing corresponding to the selected reduction level on the area corresponding to that reduction level. Furthermore, the CPU 201 displays the image to which the processing has been applied in the image display area 411 of the inspection setting UI 410.

[0092] Figure 12 shows the inspection setting UI410 when different reduction levels are set for each inspection area. As shown in Figure 12, when the reduction level in the first inspection area 421a is "2" and the reduction level in the second inspection area 421b is "3", the "Company Profile" image is not removed. However, the text image "2020 / XX / XX" has disappeared.

[0093] The user sets the reduction level while viewing the image displayed in the image display area 411. That is, the user sets the reduction level while checking whether the image in the inspection area will disappear due to the reduction process. For example, in the case of the image shown in Figure 12, the user may change the reduction level applied to the second inspection area 421b to "2" or "1". This will prevent the text image "2020 / XX / XX" from disappearing.

[0094] In this embodiment, when "embossed paper" is selected as the type of sheet to be inspected, a reduction level is set for each designated inspection area. The reduction process suppresses the possibility of a sheet being judged as NG due to unevenness.

[0095] In this embodiment, the reduction level in the reduction process is selectable. When a reduction level is selected, the process corresponding to the selected reduction level is applied to the image in the specified inspection area. Furthermore, the image to which the reduction process of the selected reduction level has been applied is displayed in the image display area 411 of the inspection setting UI 410. The user can set the reduction level while viewing the image displayed in the image display area 411. That is, the user sets the reduction level while checking for each inspection area whether the image to be inspected (for example, "2020 / XX / XX") will disappear due to the reduction process. As a result, the possibility of the image to be inspected not being properly inspected is suppressed.

[0096] In this embodiment, the selectable inspection levels are displayed for each set inspection area based on the selected inspection content and reduction level. For example, unavailable inspection levels may be grayed out. That is, in this embodiment, a combination of reduction level and inspection level can be set for each set inspection area. As a result, misjudgments due to shadows are suppressed. For example, it is reduced the likelihood of an image formed on sheet P being judged as NG due to unevenness, even though it is not NG. Note that the combination of reduction level and inspection level has been explained in the first embodiment, so that explanation is omitted in the second embodiment.

[0097] Thus, according to this embodiment, an appropriate reduction level is adopted according to the type of sheet P and the inspection level, and image inspection is performed. As a result, misjudgments are reduced, and the yield rate of deliverables is expected to improve compared to conventional methods.

[0098] [Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, the description of the configuration of the image inspection system 100 that is the same as or similar to the configuration described in the first or second embodiment will be omitted. In other words, the description of such configurations will be based on the description of the first or second embodiment.

[0099] In the first embodiment, the selectable inspection levels are displayed based on the selected inspection content and reduction level. In other words, the unselectable inspection levels are grayed out. In this embodiment, the selectable reduction levels are displayed based on the selected inspection content and inspection level. In other words, the unselectable reduction levels are grayed out.

[0100] <Inspection Settings UI> Figure 13 shows an example of the inspection setting UI 410 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the inspection setting UI 410 has an image display area 411 and a detailed setting area 412.

[0101] The detailed settings area 412 displays one or more inspection settings and accepts inspection settings. The sheet menu 413a displays a list of candidate sheet P types (e.g., thick paper, plain paper, thin paper, gloss paper, embossed paper) and accepts the user's specification of the sheet P type. The CPU 201 (reception unit 204) stores the sheet P type selected from the sheet menu 413a in the inspection setting data 212.

[0102] When the type of sheet P is specified by the sheet menu 413a, the CPU 201 may switch the setting area 415a from inoperable to operable. The setting area 415a includes an area setting button 416a, a reduction level menu 414a, a content menu 417a, and an inspection level menu 418a.

[0103] The following explanation will focus on the case where "embossed paper" is selected via sheet menu 413a.

[0104] The area setting button 416a displays the name of the inspection area. To the left of the area setting button 416a, it is indicated that the inspection area 421a will be displayed by a dashed line. When the area setting button 416a is pressed, the CPU 201 (reception unit 204) accepts the designation of the inspection area 421a entered by the user in the image display area 411.

[0105] The content menu 417a displays candidate inspection options and accepts the user's selection of inspection options. The CPU 201 (reception unit 204) stores the selected inspection options from the content menu 417a in the inspection setting data 212.

[0106] When the inspection content is specified by the content menu 417a, the CPU 201 may switch the inspection level menu 418a from inoperable to operable. The inspection level menu 418a displays candidate inspection levels and accepts the user's specification of an inspection level. The CPU 201 (reception unit 204) stores the inspection level selected from the inspection level menu 418a in the inspection setting data 212.

[0107] The reduction level menu 414a displays several reduction level options and accepts the selection of one reduction level. The type of sheet P specified by the user via the sheet menu 413a may be a type to which reduction processing cannot be applied (e.g., thick paper, plain paper, thin paper). In this case, the CPU 201 may gray out the reduction level menu 414a to prevent user operation. Once a reduction level is specified, the image display area 411 displays a reference image processed according to the specified reduction level.

[0108] Note that the layout of each selection item in the inspection setting UI410 shown in Figure 13 is merely one example in this embodiment, and this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0109] <Combinations of reduction level and inspection level> When the inspection level is high and the reduction level is low, the possibility of misjudgment due to shadows increases. For example, an image formed on sheet P may be judged as NG even though it is not NG, due to unevenness.

[0110] Figures 14A and 14B show the inspection setting UI410 when "sunspot detection" is selected as the inspection content. Figure 14A shows the inspection setting UI410 when "sunspot detection" is selected as the inspection content and inspection level "1" is set. Figure 14B shows the inspection setting UI410 when "sunspot detection" is selected as the inspection content and inspection level "2" is set.

[0111] As shown in Figure 14A, there are cases where "sunspot detection" is selected as the inspection content and inspection level "1" is set. In this case, when the reduction level menu 414a is pressed, the CPU 201 displays a list (menu) of reduction levels via a pull-down menu. As shown in the table in Figure 6A, when "sunspot detection" is selected as the inspection content and inspection level "1" is set, reduction levels "1", "2", and "3" are all "OK". Therefore, the user can select reduction levels "1", "2", or "3". On the other hand, as shown in the table in Figure 6A, when "sunspot detection" is selected as the inspection content and inspection level "2" is set, only reduction level "3" is "OK". Reduction levels "1" and "2" are "NG". In this embodiment, the CPU 201 does not accept user selections for options that are "NG". In other words, as shown in Figure 14B, when "spot detection" is selected as the inspection content and inspection level "2" is set, CPU 201 grays out reduction levels "1" and "2". As a result, reduction levels "1" and "2" become unavailable to the user. Therefore, the user can only select reduction level "3". Thus, in this embodiment, when "spot detection" is performed as the inspection content, the determination process is not performed in which the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity (e.g., "1") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the second value (e.g., "2" or "3"). However, when "spot detection" is performed as the inspection content, the determination process is performed in which the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity (e.g., "1") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the first value (e.g., "1"). Furthermore, when "sunspot detection" is performed as part of the inspection, the judgment process is not performed if the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity (e.g., "2") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the second value (e.g., "2" or "3"). Also, when "sunspot detection" is performed as part of the inspection, the judgment process is performed if the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity (e.g., "2") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the first value (e.g., "1").

[0112] Figures 15A and 15B show the inspection setting UI410 when "position misalignment detection" is selected as the inspection content. Figure 15A shows the inspection setting UI410 when "position misalignment detection" is selected as the inspection content and inspection level "1" is set. Figure 15B shows the inspection setting UI410 when "position misalignment detection" is selected as the inspection content and inspection level "2" is set.

[0113] As shown in Figure 15A, "position misalignment detection" may be selected as the inspection content and inspection level "1" may be set. When the reduction level menu 414a is pressed, the CPU 201 displays a list (menu) of reduction levels via a pull-down menu. As shown in the table in Figure 6B, when "position misalignment detection" is selected as the inspection content and inspection level "1" is set, reduction levels "1", "2", and "3" are all "OK". Therefore, the user can select any of reduction levels "1", "2", or "3". On the other hand, as shown in the table in Figure 6B, when "position misalignment detection" is selected as the inspection content and inspection level "2" is set, only reduction levels "2" and "3" are "OK". In other words, reduction level "1" is "NG". In this embodiment, the CPU 201 does not allow the user to select the options that are "NG". That is, as shown in Figure 15B, when "position misalignment detection" is selected as the inspection content and inspection level "2" is set, the CPU 201 grays out reduction level "1". As a result, reduction level "1" becomes unavailable to the user. Therefore, the user can select reduction level "2" or "3". Thus, in this embodiment, when "position shift detection" is performed as the inspection content, the determination process is not performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity (e.g., "1") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the second value (e.g., "3"). Furthermore, when "position shift detection" is performed as the inspection content, the determination process is performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity (e.g., "1") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the first value (e.g., "1"). Furthermore, when "position shift detection" is performed as the inspection content, the determination process is not performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity (e.g., "2") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the second value (e.g., "3"). Furthermore, if "positional displacement detection" is performed as part of the inspection, a determination process is performed in which the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity (e.g., "2") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the first value (e.g., "1").

[0114] <Setting the reduction level> If sheet P is embossed paper, the user can set a high reduction level to remove shadows from the reading results of sheet P. As a result, misjudgments caused by unevenness are suppressed. On the other hand, if a high reduction level is set, printed images may also disappear. For example, in the example shown in Figure 5D, the halftone image "2020 / XX / XX" has disappeared due to the reduction process. If "2020 / XX / XX" is selected as the inspection target, "2020 / XX / XX" will not be properly inspected.

[0115] In this embodiment, when the user selects a reduction level using the reduction level menu 414a, an image processed according to the selected reduction level is displayed in the image display area 411 of the inspection setting UI 410. Specifically, if reduction level "1" is selected, the image in Figure 5B is displayed in the image display area 411 of the inspection setting UI 410. If reduction level "2" is selected, the image in Figure 5C is displayed in the image display area 411 of the inspection setting UI 410. If reduction level "3" is selected, the image in Figure 5D is displayed in the image display area 411 of the inspection setting UI 410.

[0116] The user sets the reduction level while viewing the image displayed in the image display area 411. That is, the user sets the reduction level while confirming whether the image to be inspected (for example, "2020 / XX / XX") will disappear due to the reduction process. As a result, the possibility of the image to be inspected not being properly inspected is suppressed.

[0117] Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment and the configuration of the second embodiment (a configuration in which a reduction level is set for each inspection area) may be combined.

[0118] [Fourth Embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, the description of the configuration of the image inspection system 100 that is the same as or similar to the configuration described in the first to third embodiments will be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of such configurations will be based on the descriptions of the first to third embodiments.

[0119] In the first embodiment, the selectable inspection levels are displayed based on the selected inspection content and reduction level. Unselectable inspection levels are grayed out. In this embodiment, after the reduction level, inspection content, and inspection level have been selected, the CPU 201 issues a warning to the user based on the combination table 214.

[0120] Figure 16 shows the inspection setting UI 410 when the inspection content is specified as "spot detection", and both reduction level "2" and inspection level "2" are specified. As shown in the combination table 214 of Figure 6A, when the inspection content is "spot detection", and both reduction level "2" and inspection level "2" are specified, the result is "NG". Therefore, when "spot detection" is specified as the inspection content, and both reduction level "2" and inspection level "2" are specified, the CPU 201 displays a dialog 424 or the like in the inspection setting UI 410. Specifically, the CPU 201 displays information indicating that the specified combination of reduction level and inspection level is not recommended, and information indicating that the yield rate may be low (the NG rate may be high) with this combination. The CPU 201 may also issue a notification prompting a change in the reduction level and inspection level.

[0121] In this way, the CPU 201 notifies the above information based on the specified combination of reduction level and inspection level, and the information in the combination table 214.

[0122] In this embodiment, when the combination of reduction level and inspection level is an "NG" combination in the combination table 214, the inspection print start button 423 is grayed out. That is, in this embodiment, when the combination of reduction level and inspection level is an "NG" combination in the combination table 214, the print job (judgment job) that includes inspection is not started. In other words, in this embodiment, when "black spot detection" is performed as the inspection content, the judgment process is not performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity (e.g., "1") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the second value (e.g., "2" or "3"). Also, when "black spot detection" is performed as the inspection content, the judgment process is performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity (e.g., "1") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the first value (e.g., "1"). Furthermore, when "sunspot detection" is performed as part of the inspection, the judgment process is not performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity (e.g., "2") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the second value (e.g., "2" or "3"). Also, when "sunspot detection" is performed as part of the inspection, the judgment process is performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity (e.g., "2") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the first value (e.g., "1"). On the other hand, when "position shift detection" is performed as part of the inspection, the judgment process is not performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity (e.g., "1") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the second value (e.g., "3"). Also, when "position shift detection" is performed as part of the inspection, the judgment process is performed when the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity (e.g., "1") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the first value (e.g., "1"). Furthermore, when "positional displacement detection" is performed as part of the inspection, the judgment process is not performed if the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity (e.g., "2") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the second value (e.g., "3").Furthermore, if "positional displacement detection" is performed as part of the inspection, a determination process is performed in which the reduction level corresponding to the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity (e.g., "2") and the inspection level corresponding to the judgment threshold is the first value (e.g., "1").

[0123] As described above, in this embodiment, if a print job involving inspection cannot be started based on the selected inspection content and reduction level, it is indicated by a grayed-out display. As a result, misjudgments due to shadows are suppressed. For example, it is reduced the occurrence of an image formed on sheet P being judged as NG due to unevenness, even though the image itself is not NG.

[0124] Thus, according to this embodiment, an appropriate reduction level is adopted according to the type of sheet P and the inspection level, and image inspection is performed. As a result, misjudgments are reduced, and the yield rate of deliverables is expected to improve compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment can be applied to either the second or third embodiment.

[0125] [Fifth Embodiment] In the fifth embodiment, the description of the configuration of the image inspection system 100 that is the same as or similar to the configuration described in the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of such configurations will be based on the descriptions of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0126] Figure 17 shows the inspection setting UI 410 when the inspection content is specified as "spot detection", and the reduction level is set to "2" and the inspection level to "2". As shown in the combination table 214 of Figure 6A, when the inspection content is "spot detection", and the reduction level is set to "2" and the inspection level to "2", the result is "NG". Therefore, when "spot detection" is specified as the inspection content, and the reduction level is set to "2" and the inspection level to "2", the CPU 201 displays a dialog 424 in the inspection setting UI 410. Specifically, the CPU 201 displays information indicating that the specified combination of reduction level and inspection level is not recommended, and that the yield rate may be low (the NG rate may be high) with this combination. The CPU 201 may also provide a notification prompting a change to at least one of the reduction level and inspection level.

[0127] In this way, the CPU 201 notifies the above information based on the specified combination of reduction level and inspection level, and the information in the combination table 214.

[0128] In this embodiment, even when the combination of reduction level and inspection level is an "NG" combination in the combination table 214, the inspection print start button 423 can still be pressed. That is, in this embodiment, even if the combination of reduction level and inspection level is an "NG" combination in the combination table 214, the CPU 201 is permitted to start a print job that includes inspection.

[0129] [Sixth Embodiment] <Feedback on test results> The CPU 201 (update unit 250) analyzes the performance data 215 and modifies the combination table 214 so that the number of "NG" combinations in Figures 6A and 6B decreases if the yield rate is sufficiently high (e.g., 95% or higher). For example, the yield rate may be higher than a predetermined value when the inspection content is "black spot detection", the reduction level is "2", and the inspection level is "2". In this case, the CPU 201 changes the data in the combination table 214 for the case where the inspection content is "black spot detection", the reduction level is "2", and the inspection level is "2" to "OK". Various types of embossed paper are available on the market. Therefore, the depth of the bumps and indentations on embossed paper also varies. For this reason, the CPU 201 may create a database containing both the sheet information and the yield rate included in the performance data 215. For example, the CPU 201 may accept the brand name of the embossed paper via the input device 22 and store a combination table 214 for each brand of embossed paper in the memory 210. This allows CPU201 to switch combination table214 according to the stock specified by the user.

[0130] As described above, in this embodiment, a print job involving inspection can be started regardless of the selected inspection content and reduction level. The CPU 201 (update unit 250) changes "NG" to "OK" in the combination table 214 if the yield rate of a print job involving inspection that was executed with "NG" set in the combination table 214 is higher than a predetermined value. By updating the combination table 214 in this way according to the paper used by the user, the number of combinations of sheet types, reduction levels and inspection levels available to the user increases, improving usability.

[0131] In the first to fifth embodiments, a reduction process is described for reducing shadows caused by the unevenness of embossed paper, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, when inspecting the quality of an image formed on a sheet with a background pattern, a process to reduce the background pattern may be used as the reduction process. Also, the shadows caused by the unevenness may be referred to as the background pattern.

[0132] <Technical concept derived from the embodiment> [perspective A1] The image forming apparatus 30 is an example of an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet. The image sensors 52a and 52b are examples of reading units that are located downstream of the image forming unit in the transport direction in which the sheet P is transported, and read the image on the sheet P being transported from the image forming unit. The CPUs 201 and 301 are examples of one or more processors. One or more processors may generate image data representing the result of the reading unit reading the image on the sheet P. One or more processors may set the intensity of the image processing applied to the image data. One or more processors perform a determination process to determine the degree of agreement between the image corresponding to the reference data and the image corresponding to the image data to which the image processing has been applied, based on a determination threshold. Here, determining the degree of agreement corresponds to, for example, detecting black spots or detecting positional misalignment. The reference data is image data that serves as the basis for determination in the determination process. The determination threshold is set by one or more processors. As described above, setting the inspection level corresponds to setting the determination threshold.

[0133] As illustrated in Figure 6A, one or more processors perform a determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity (e.g., reduction level 1) and the determination threshold is a first value (e.g., inspection level 1). One or more processors do not perform a determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a second value (e.g., inspection level 2) which is less than the first value. One or more processors perform a determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity (e.g., reduction level 2) which is greater than the first intensity and the determination threshold is a first value (e.g., inspection level 1). One or more processors do not perform a determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity (e.g., reduction level 2) and the determination threshold is a second value (e.g., inspection level 2).

[0134] [perspective A2] As illustrated in the first embodiment, in the image forming system according to viewpoint A1, one or more processors may prohibit setting the determination threshold to a second value and permit setting the determination threshold to a first value when the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity. One or more processors may prohibit setting the determination threshold to a second value and permit setting the determination threshold to a first value when the intensity of the image processing is set to a second intensity.

[0135] [perspective A3] The image forming system described in perspective A1 or A2 may further include a display unit that displays a screen for receiving input for setting the intensity of the image processing and the setting of a judgment threshold. One or more processors may prohibit the selection of a second value on the judgment threshold setting screen on the display unit and allow setting it to the first value when the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity. One or more processors may prohibit the selection of a second value on the judgment threshold setting screen on the display unit and allow setting it to the first value when the intensity of the image processing is set to a second intensity.

[0136] [Perspective A4] In the image forming system described in viewpoint A3, prohibiting the selection of a second value may correspond to graying out the option corresponding to the second value on the judgment threshold setting screen in the display unit.

[0137] [perspective A5] As illustrated in the third embodiment, in the image forming system according to viewpoint A1, one or more processors may prohibit setting the intensity of the image processing to a first intensity and a second intensity when the determination threshold is set to a second value. One or more processors may permit setting the intensity of the image processing to a first intensity and a second intensity when the determination threshold is set to a first value.

[0138] [perspective A6] An image forming system as described in viewpoint A1 or A5 may further include a display unit that displays a screen for receiving input for setting the intensity of the image processing and the setting of a judgment threshold. If the judgment threshold is set to a second value, one or more processors may prohibit the selection of the first and second intensity on the image processing intensity setting screen on the display unit. If the judgment threshold is set to a first value, one or more processors may allow the selection of the first and second intensity on the image processing intensity setting screen on the display unit.

[0139] [perspectiveA7] In the image forming system described in viewpoint A6, prohibiting the selection of the first and second intensities may correspond to graying out the options corresponding to the first and second intensities on the judgment threshold setting screen in the display unit.

[0140] [perspective A8] As illustrated by the fourth embodiment, in the image forming system described in viewpoint A1, one or more processors may be configured to receive an instruction to start a determination process. Upon receiving the instruction, one or more processors may control a reading unit to read an image on sheet P and perform a determination process. One or more processors may prohibit starting the determination process if the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity and the determination threshold is set to a second value. One or more processors may allow starting the determination process if the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity and the determination threshold is set to a first value. One or more processors may prohibit starting the determination process if the intensity of the image processing is set to a second intensity and the determination threshold is set to a second value. One or more processors may allow starting the determination process if the intensity of the image processing is set to a second intensity and the determination threshold is set to a first value.

[0141] [perspective A9] The image forming system described in perspective A8 may further include a display unit that displays a screen for receiving instruction inputs. One or more processors may prohibit the input of instructions on the display unit when the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity and the judgment threshold is set to a second value. One or more processors may allow the input of instructions on the display unit when the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity and the judgment threshold is set to a first value. One or more processors may prohibit the input of instructions on the display unit when the intensity of the image processing is set to a second intensity and the judgment threshold is set to a second value. One or more processors may allow the input of instructions on the display unit when the intensity of the image processing is set to a second intensity and the judgment threshold is set to a first value.

[0142] [perspective A10] In the image forming system described in viewpoint A9, prohibiting the input of instructions may correspond to graying out the buttons for inputting instructions on the display unit.

[0143] [perspective A11] An image forming system according to any one of the viewpoints A8 to A10, which may further include a notification unit for notifying the user of information. The notification unit may provide a notification prompting the user to change at least one of the image processing intensity and the judgment threshold when the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity and the judgment threshold is set to a second value. The notification unit may provide a notification prompting the user to change at least one of the image processing intensity and the judgment threshold when the intensity of the image processing is set to a second intensity and the judgment threshold is set to a second value.

[0144] [perspective A12] An image forming system according to any one of viewpoints A1 to A11, wherein one or more processors may be configured to receive information regarding the type of sheet P. If sheet P is a first type of sheet P, one or more processors set the intensity of the image processing and the judgment threshold, but do not set the intensity of the image processing and the judgment threshold if sheet P is a second type of sheet P.

[0145] [perspective A13] The image forming system described in viewpoint A12, wherein the second type of sheet P may be embossed paper having an uneven surface.

[0146] [Perspective A14] An image forming system according to any one of viewpoints A1 to A13, wherein the reading unit may include a light source that emits light (e.g., a light-emitting diode) and a reading sensor that receives light emitted from the light source and reflected by the sheet P. Image data represents the result of the reading sensor reading an image on the sheet P. Image processing may be a process of changing the image data value that is smaller than a threshold value to a predetermined value. The threshold value when the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity is smaller than the threshold value when the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity.

[0147] [perspective A15] As illustrated by the second embodiment, an image forming system according to any one of viewpoints A1 to A14 is provided. One or more processors may be configured to accept the setting of an area of ​​an image corresponding to image data that is subject to judgment processing, the setting of the intensity of the image processing in the area, and the setting of a judgment threshold in the area. One or more processors may apply the set intensity of image processing to the image within the set area. One or more processors may perform judgment processing on the image within the area to which the image processing has been applied based on the set judgment threshold.

[0148] [perspective A16] The image forming system is described in any one of the viewpoints A1 to A15, wherein the reference data may be image data obtained by a reading unit reading a sheet P on which an image has been formed by an image forming unit.

[0149] [perspective A17] The image forming system described in viewpoint A16 may further include a display unit that displays an image corresponding to reference data to which a set intensity of image processing has been applied.

[0150] [Perspective A18] An image forming system according to any one of the viewpoints A1 to A17, wherein the reference data may be image data transmitted from a host computer outside the image forming system.

[0151] [Perspective A19] One or more processors can determine, in the judgment process, whether the distance between the image corresponding to the reference data and the image data to which the image processing has been applied is smaller than the judgment distance, which is the judgment threshold.

[0152] [perspective A20] The image forming system described in viewpoint A19 may further include: (1) a first discharge loading section located downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, on which sheets P whose distance is determined to be less than the determination distance are loaded; and (2) a second discharge loading section located downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, on which sheets P whose distance is determined to be greater than the determination distance are loaded.

[0153] [perspective A21] One or more processors may, in the judgment process, determine whether the size of the noise image that is not present in the image corresponding to the reference data but is present in the image corresponding to the image data to which the image processing has been applied is smaller than the judgment size which is the judgment threshold.

[0154] [perspective A22] The image forming system described in viewpoint A21 may further include the following: (1) A first discharge loading section provided downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, on which sheets P in which the size of the noise image is determined to be smaller than the determination size are loaded. (2) A second discharge loading section provided downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, on which sheets P in which the size of the noise image is determined to be larger than the determination size are loaded.

[0155] [perspective A23] As illustrated in the first to fourth embodiments, CPU201,301 is an example of one or more processors. One or more processors may generate image data representing the result of the reading unit reading an image on sheet P, and set the intensity of the image processing applied to the image data. One or more processors perform a first determination process to determine a first degree of agreement between an image corresponding to reference data and an image corresponding to image data to which image processing has been applied, based on a first determination threshold. One or more processors perform a second determination process to determine a second degree of agreement between an image corresponding to reference data and an image corresponding to image data to which image processing has been applied, based on a second determination threshold. The reference data is image data that serves as the basis for the determination in the first and second determination processes. One or more processors set a determination level that indicates the level of determination in the first and second determination processes. Here, if the determination level is the first determination level, the first determination threshold is the first value, and the second determination threshold is the third value. If the judgment level is the second judgment level, the first judgment threshold is the second value which is smaller than the first value, and the second judgment threshold is the fourth value which is smaller than the third value. One or more processors do not perform the first judgment process where the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity and the judgment level is the first judgment level, but perform the second judgment process where the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity and the judgment level is the second judgment level. For example, as illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, at inspection level "2" and reduction level "2", black spot detection is prohibited, but misalignment detection is permitted.

[0156] [Perspective A24] The image forming system described in viewpoint A23, wherein one or more processors may perform a first determination process in which the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity greater than a first intensity and the determination level is the first determination level. One or more processors may also perform a second determination process in which the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity and the determination level is the first determination level. For example, at reduction level "3" and inspection level "2", both black spot detection and positional displacement detection are permitted.

[0157] [perspective A25] An image forming system as described in viewpoint A23 or A24, wherein one or more processors do not perform a first determination process in which the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination level is a second determination level. One or more processors do not have to perform a second determination process in which the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination level is a second determination level. For example, at reduction level "2" and inspection level "3", both black spot detection and positional displacement detection are prohibited.

[0158] [perspective A26] An image forming system according to any one of viewpoints A23 to A25, wherein one or more processors may prohibit setting the determination level to the first determination level if the intensity of the image processing is set to the first intensity in the first determination process. One or more processors may permit setting the determination level to the first determination level if the intensity of the image processing is set to the first intensity in the second determination process.

[0159] [perspective A27] An image forming system according to any one of viewpoints A23 to A26 may further include a display unit that displays a screen for receiving input for setting the intensity of the image processing and the setting of the judgment level. If the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity in the first judgment process, one or more processors may prohibit the selection of the first judgment level on the judgment level setting screen on the display unit. If the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity in the second judgment process, one or more processors may allow the selection of the first judgment level on the judgment level setting screen on the display unit.

[0160] [perspective A28] In the image forming system described in viewpoint A27, prohibiting the selection of the first judgment level may correspond to graying out the option corresponding to the first judgment level on the judgment level setting screen displayed on the display unit.

[0161] [Perspective A29] In the image forming system described in viewpoint A23, one or more processors may prohibit setting the intensity of the image processing to a first intensity if the determination level is set to a first determination level in the first determination process. One or more processors may permit setting the intensity of the image processing to a first intensity if the determination level is set to a first determination level in the second determination process.

[0162] [perspective A30] An image forming system as described in viewpoint A23 or A29 may further include a display unit that displays a screen for receiving input for setting the intensity of the image processing and the judgment level. If the judgment level is set to the first judgment level in the first judgment process, one or more processors may prohibit the selection of the first intensity on the image processing intensity setting screen on the display unit. If the judgment level is set to the first judgment level in the second judgment process, one or more processors may allow the selection of the first intensity on the image processing intensity setting screen on the display unit.

[0163] [perspective A31] In the image forming system described in viewpoint A30, prohibiting the selection of the first intensity may correspond to graying out the option corresponding to the first intensity on the judgment level setting screen in the display unit.

[0164] [perspective A32] As illustrated in the fourth embodiment, the image forming system according to viewpoint A23 may be configured such that one or more processors receive instructions to start a determination job. Upon receiving the instructions, one or more processors control an image forming unit to form an image on sheet P, control a reading unit to read an image on sheet P, and perform a first determination process or a second determination process. In the first determination process, one or more processors may prohibit starting the determination job if the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity and the determination level is set to a first determination level. In the second determination process, one or more processors may permit starting the determination job if the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity and the determination level is set to a first determination level.

[0165] [viewpointA33] The image forming system described in viewpoint A32 may further include a display unit that displays a screen for receiving instruction inputs. One or more processors may prohibit the input of instructions on the display unit if, in the first determination process, the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity and the determination level is set to a first determination level. One or more processors may allow the input of instructions on the display unit if, in the second determination process, the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity and the determination level is set to a first determination level.

[0166] [Perspective A34] In the image forming system described in viewpoint A33, prohibiting the input of instructions may correspond to graying out the buttons for inputting instructions on the display unit.

[0167] [perspective A35] An image forming system according to any one of viewpoints A32 to A34, which may further include a notification unit for notifying the user of information. The notification unit provides a notification prompting a change in at least one of the image processing intensity and the judgment level if, in the first determination process, the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity and the determination level is set to a first determination level. The notification unit provides a notification prompting a change in at least one of the image processing intensity and the judgment level if, in the second determination process, the intensity of the image processing is set to a first intensity and the determination level is set to a first determination level.

[0168] [perspectiveA36] An image forming system according to any one of viewpoints A23 to A35, wherein one or more processors may be configured to receive information regarding the type of sheet P. If sheet P is a first type of sheet P, one or more processors set the intensity and judgment level of the image processing, but do not set the intensity and judgment level of the image processing if sheet P is a second type of sheet P.

[0169] [livingA37] The image forming system described in viewpoint A36, wherein the second type of sheet P is embossed paper with an uneven surface.

[0170] [Perspective A38] The image forming system described in viewpoint A24 may include a reading unit comprising a light source (e.g., a light-emitting diode) that emits light, and a reading sensor that receives light emitted from the light source and reflected by the sheet P. The image data represents the result of the reading sensor reading the image on the sheet P. The image processing may be a process of changing the image data value that is smaller than a threshold value to a predetermined value. The threshold value when the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity is smaller than the threshold value when the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity.

[0171] [perspective A39] The image forming system described in viewpoint A38 may include an image processing process that reduces background patterns in the image corresponding to the image data by reading the irregularities present on the surface of the sheet P.

[0172] [Perspective A40] As illustrated in the second embodiment, one or more processors may accept the setting of an area to be judged within an image corresponding to the image data, the setting of the intensity of the image processing in the area, and the setting of a judgment level in the area. One or more processors may apply the set intensity of image processing to the image within the set area. One or more processors may perform a judgment based on the set judgment level for the image within the area to which the image processing has been applied.

[0173] [Perspective A41] The image forming system described in any one of the viewpoints A23 to A40, wherein the reference data may be image data obtained by a reading unit reading a sheet P on which an image has been formed by an image forming unit.

[0174] [Perspective A42] The image forming system described in viewpoint A40 may further include a display unit that displays an image corresponding to reference data to which a set intensity of image processing has been applied.

[0175] [Perspective A43] An image forming system according to any one of the viewpoints A23 to A42, wherein the reference data may be image data transmitted from a host computer outside the image forming system.

[0176] [Perspective A44] One or more processors may, in the second determination process, determine whether the distance between the image corresponding to the reference data and the image data to which the image processing has been applied is smaller than the determination distance, which is the second determination threshold.

[0177] [Perspective A45] The image forming system described in viewpoint A44 may be provided with the following: (1) A first discharge loading section provided downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, on which sheets P whose distance is determined to be less than the determination distance are loaded. (2) A second discharge loading section provided downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, on which sheets P whose distance is determined to be greater than the determination distance are loaded.

[0178] [Perspective A46] One or more processors may, in the first determination process, determine whether the size of noise images that are not present in the image corresponding to the reference data but are present in the image corresponding to the image data to which the image processing process has been applied is smaller than the determination size, which is the first determination threshold.

[0179] [perspective A47] The image forming system described in viewpoint A46 may include the following: (1) A first discharge loading section provided downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, on which sheets P in which the size of the noise image is determined to be smaller than the determination size are loaded. (2) A second discharge loading section provided downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, on which sheets P in which the size of the noise image is determined to be larger than the determination size are loaded.

[0180] [perspective B1] The image forming apparatus 30 is an example of an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet P. The image forming method may be any of the following: electrophotography, inkjet recording, thermal transfer, etc. The image sensors 52a and 52b are an example of a reading unit that reads the sheet P on which the image has been formed and generates inspection image data. The processing unit 303 is an example of a processing unit that applies image processing according to the processing level to the inspection image data. The inspection unit 302 functions as an image inspection unit that determines whether the image quality is acceptable by performing an image inspection according to the inspection level on the inspection image data to which the image processing has been applied. The setting unit 202 and inspection setting UI 410 are an example of a receiving unit that accepts the specification of the type of sheet, a preset processing level indicating the intensity of the image processing applied to the inspection image data, the inspection content of the image inspection, and an inspection level indicating the severity of the image inspection. The setting unit 202 is an example of a determination unit that determines whether the combination of the processing level (e.g., reduction level) and the inspection level is a recommended combination for the type of sheet and the inspection content (e.g., positional misalignment detection). The processing level is a preset level indicating the intensity of image processing (e.g., reduction processing) applied to the inspection image data. The inspection level is a preset level indicating the strictness of the image inspection. The setting unit 202 and the inspection control unit 207 function as restriction units that limit the combination of processing level and inspection level specified for the type of sheet and inspection content received by the reception unit. This assists the user in performing appropriate image inspections.

[0181] [perspective B2~B4] The setting unit 202 may prohibit the acceptance of specifications for processing level and inspection level combinations that are not recommended for the sheet type and inspection content received by the reception unit. For example, the reception unit may have a user interface (e.g., reduction level menu 414a, inspection level menu 418a) that accepts input for processing level and inspection level specifications. The setting unit 202 may prohibit the acceptance of specifications for processing level and inspection level combinations that are not recommended by controlling the user interface to be inoperable. As illustrated in Figures 7B, 8B, 14B, and 15B, controlling the user interface to be inoperable may include graying out the user interface.

[0182] [perspective B5] The CPU 201 (setting unit 202 and inspection control unit 207), etc., is an example of a control unit that controls the image forming unit and the image inspection unit. The CPU 201 does not allow the image forming unit to form an image for image inspection of the image inspection unit if the combination of processing level and inspection level is not a recommended combination. The CPU 201 allows the image forming unit to form an image for image inspection of the image inspection unit if the combination of processing level and inspection level is a recommended combination for the sheet type. This will reduce misjudgments and save toner and sheet P. Furthermore, the yield rate will improve.

[0183] [perspective B6, B7] The image processing may be a reduction process that reduces the influence of the sheet P surface (e.g., shadows) in the inspection image data. In particular, the reduction process may be a process that reduces shadows generated in the inspection image data by reading the irregularities present on the surface of the sheet P.

[0184] [perspective B8] The determination unit (setting unit 202) may determine whether the combination of processing level and inspection level is a recommended combination for the type of sheet P, based on the determination conditions associated with the type of sheet P. As explained in relation to Figures 6A and 6B, the combination table 214 is an example of a determination condition.

[0185] [perspective B9-B11] The yield calculation unit 206 functions as an acquisition unit that obtains the yield rate based on the results of the image inspection. The update unit 250 functions as an update unit that updates the judgment conditions according to the yield rate. The update unit (e.g., update unit 250) may update the judgment conditions so that the range of recommended combinations widens as the yield rate increases. This will further improve the yield rate. The memory 210 may function as a storage unit that stores judgment conditions (e.g., combination table 214) for each type of sheet P.

[0186] [perspective B12] As illustrated with Figure 4B, the image inspection unit (e.g., CPU301) may perform image inspection on images within a pre-defined inspection area from the inspection image data. This limits the inspection area, further reducing the influence of the surface properties of sheet P on the image inspection.

[0187] [perspectives B13~B15] The image inspection unit (e.g., CPU301) may determine whether the image quality is acceptable by comparing the inspection image data with reference image data (reference data 211) that serves as the acceptance standard. While the use of reference image data is not mandatory, using it will make it easier to evaluate the reproducibility of the image on sheet P relative to the original document. The image inspection unit (e.g., CPU301) may also determine whether the image quality is acceptable based on the difference between the reference image data and the inspection image data and a threshold. The threshold may be set according to the inspection level.

[0188] [perspective B16] The combination of processing level and inspection level may not be the recommended combination for the type of sheet P and the inspection content. In this case, the setting unit 202 functions as a change unit to change the combination of processing level and inspection level. Thus, according to this embodiment, since the processing level and inspection level are changed according to the type of sheet P, image inspection can be performed on a wide variety of sheet P. Conventionally, there were types of sheet P that were excluded from inspection, but with this embodiment, inspection can be performed on such types of sheet P as well.

[0189] As illustrated in Figure 4B, the display device 21 functions as a display unit that displays multiple inspection levels as selection candidates. The reception unit 204 and input device 22 function as reception units that receive the specification of one of the multiple inspection levels displayed on the display unit. The change unit (e.g., the setting unit 202) changes (sets or adopts) the inspection level received by the reception unit to an inspection level that constitutes a combination. This will allow the user to easily select an inspection level. The change unit (e.g., the setting unit 202) may also prohibit changes to inspection levels that do not constitute a recommended combination. This will allow the user to avoid incorrect inspection levels that would reduce the yield rate.

[0190] As illustrated in Figure 4B, the display device 21 functions as a display unit that displays multiple processing levels as selection candidates. The reception unit 204 and input device 22 function as reception units that receive the specification of one processing level from among the multiple processing levels displayed on the display unit. The change unit (e.g., the setting unit 202) may change (set or adopt) one processing level received by the reception unit to a processing level that constitutes a combination. This will allow the user to easily select a processing level. The change unit (e.g., the setting unit 202) may also prohibit changes to processing levels that do not constitute a recommended combination. This will allow the user to avoid selecting an incorrect processing level that would reduce the yield rate.

[0191] [Perspectives B17~B19] The CPU 201 may output a warning if the combination of processing level and inspection level is not a recommended combination for the type of sheet and inspection content received by the reception unit. As illustrated in Figure 16, the CPU 201 may output a warning and prohibit image formation by the image formation unit for image inspection. As shown in Figure 17, the CPU 201 may output a warning and allow image formation by the image formation unit for image inspection.

[0192] [perspective B20] The combination of processing level and inspection level may not be the recommended combination for the type of sheet P and inspection content received by the reception unit. In this case, the display device 21 may function as an output unit that outputs a message prompting the user to change the combination of processing level and inspection level. This will allow the user to easily understand that the current combination is not recommended.

[0193] The 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, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 30: Image forming apparatus, 52a: Image sensor, 201, 301: CPU

Claims

1. An image forming system, An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, A reading unit is provided downstream of the image forming unit in the conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed, and reads the image on the sheet being conveyed from the image forming unit. It has one or more processors, and the one or more processors are The reading unit generates image data representing the result of reading the image on the sheet, The intensity of the image processing applied to the aforementioned image data is set. A determination process is performed to determine the degree of agreement between the image corresponding to the reference data and the image data to which the image processing has been applied, based on a determination threshold. The reference data is image data that serves as the basis for the determination in the determination process, and the determination threshold is set by one or more processors. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a first value, and do not perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a second value smaller than the first value. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity greater than the first intensity and the determination threshold is the first value, and do not perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity and the determination threshold is the second value. The one or more processors prohibit setting the determination threshold to the second value and permit setting the determination threshold to the first value when the intensity of the image processing is set to the first intensity. An image forming system characterized in that, when the intensity of the image processing is set to the second intensity, one or more processors prohibit setting the determination threshold to the second value and permit setting the determination threshold to the first value.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, The system further includes a first display unit that displays a screen for receiving input for setting the intensity of the image processing and setting the judgment threshold, If the intensity of the image processing is set to the first intensity, the one or more processors prohibit the selection of the second value on the setting screen for the determination threshold on the first display unit and permit setting it to the first value on the setting screen. The image forming system is characterized in that, when the intensity of the image processing is set to the second intensity, one or more processors prohibit the selection of the second value on the setting screen for the determination threshold on the first display unit and permit the setting of the first value on the setting screen.

3. An image forming system, An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, A reading unit is provided downstream of the image forming unit in the conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed, and reads the image on the sheet being conveyed from the image forming unit. It has one or more processors, and the one or more processors are The reading unit generates image data representing the result of reading the image on the sheet, The intensity of the image processing applied to the aforementioned image data is set. A determination process is performed to determine the degree of agreement between the image corresponding to the reference data and the image data to which the image processing has been applied, based on a determination threshold. The reference data is image data that serves as the basis for the determination in the determination process, and the determination threshold is set by one or more processors. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a first value, and do not perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a second value smaller than the first value. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity greater than the first intensity and the determination threshold is the first value, and do not perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity and the determination threshold is the second value. The aforementioned image forming system is The system further includes a first display unit that displays a screen for receiving input for setting the intensity of the image processing and setting the judgment threshold, If the intensity of the image processing is set to the first intensity, the one or more processors prohibit the selection of the second value on the setting screen for the determination threshold on the first display unit and permit setting it to the first value on the setting screen. The image forming system is characterized in that, when the intensity of the image processing is set to the second intensity, one or more processors prohibit the selection of the second value on the setting screen for the determination threshold on the first display unit and permit the setting of the first value on the setting screen.

4. An image forming system according to claim 2 or 3, The image forming system is characterized in that prohibiting the selection of the second value corresponds to graying out the option corresponding to the second value in the determination threshold setting screen of the first display unit.

5. An image forming system, An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, A reading unit is provided downstream of the image forming unit in the conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed, and reads the image on the sheet being conveyed from the image forming unit. It has one or more processors, and the one or more processors are The reading unit generates image data representing the result of reading the image on the sheet, The intensity of the image processing applied to the aforementioned image data is set. A determination process is performed to determine the degree of agreement between the image corresponding to the reference data and the image data to which the image processing has been applied, based on a determination threshold. The reference data is image data that serves as the basis for the determination in the determination process, and the determination threshold is set by one or more processors. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a first value, and do not perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a second value smaller than the first value. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity greater than the first intensity and the determination threshold is the first value, and do not perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity and the determination threshold is the second value. If the determination threshold is set to the second value, one or more of the aforementioned processors prohibit setting the intensity of the image processing to the first intensity and the second intensity. An image forming system characterized in that, if the determination threshold is set to the first value, one or more processors permit setting the intensity of the image processing to the first intensity and the second intensity.

6. An image forming system, An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, A reading unit is provided downstream of the image forming unit in the conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed, and reads the image on the sheet being conveyed from the image forming unit. It has one or more processors, and the one or more processors are The reading unit generates image data representing the result of reading the image on the sheet, The intensity of the image processing applied to the aforementioned image data is set. A determination process is performed to determine the degree of agreement between the image corresponding to the reference data and the image data to which the image processing has been applied, based on a determination threshold. The reference data is image data that serves as the basis for the determination in the determination process, and the determination threshold is set by one or more processors. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a first value, and do not perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a second value smaller than the first value. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity greater than the first intensity and the determination threshold is the first value, and do not perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity and the determination threshold is the second value. The system further includes a second display unit that displays a screen for receiving input for setting the intensity of the image processing and setting the judgment threshold. If the determination threshold is set to the second value, one or more processors prohibit the selection of the first intensity and the second intensity on the image processing intensity setting screen in the second display unit. The image forming system is characterized in that, when the determination threshold is set to the first value, one or more processors allow the selection of the first intensity and the second intensity on the image processing intensity setting screen in the second display unit.

7. The image forming system according to claim 6, The image forming system is characterized in that prohibiting the selection of the first intensity and the second intensity corresponds to graying out the options corresponding to the first intensity and the second intensity on the determination threshold setting screen in the second display unit.

8. An image forming system, An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, A reading unit is provided downstream of the image forming unit in the conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed, and reads the image on the sheet being conveyed from the image forming unit. It has one or more processors, and the one or more processors are The reading unit generates image data representing the result of reading the image on the sheet, The intensity of the image processing applied to the aforementioned image data is set. A determination process is performed to determine the degree of agreement between the image corresponding to the reference data and the image data to which the image processing has been applied, based on a determination threshold. The reference data is image data that serves as the basis for the determination in the determination process, and the determination threshold is set by one or more processors. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a first value, and do not perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a second value smaller than the first value. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity greater than the first intensity and the determination threshold is the first value, and do not perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity and the determination threshold is the second value. The one or more processors are configured to receive an instruction to start the determination process. When one or more processors receive the instruction, they control the reading unit to read the image on the sheet and perform the determination process. The one or more processors prohibit the start of the determination process if the intensity of the image processing is set to the first intensity and the determination threshold is set to the second value. The one or more processors allow the determination process to start if the intensity of the image processing is set to the first intensity and the determination threshold is set to the first value. The one or more processors prohibit the start of the determination process if the intensity of the image processing is set to the second intensity and the determination threshold is set to the second value. An image forming system characterized in that one or more processors permit the start of the determination process when the intensity of the image processing is set to the second intensity and the determination threshold is set to the first value.

9. The image forming system according to claim 8, The system further includes a third display unit that displays a screen for receiving the aforementioned instructions, If the intensity of the image processing is set to the first intensity and the determination threshold is set to the second value, the one or more processors prohibit the input of the instruction in the third display unit. If the intensity of the image processing is set to the first intensity and the determination threshold is set to the first value, the one or more processors permit the input of the instruction to the third display unit. If the intensity of the image processing is set to the second intensity and the determination threshold is set to the second value, the third display unit will be prohibited from inputting the instruction. The image forming system is characterized in that one or more processors permit the input of the instruction in the third display unit when the intensity of the image processing is set to the second intensity and the determination threshold is set to the first value.

10. The image forming system according to claim 9, The image forming system is characterized in that prohibiting the input of the aforementioned instructions corresponds to graying out the button for inputting the aforementioned instructions on the third display unit.

11. An image forming system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, It further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of information, The notification unit, when the intensity of the image processing is set to the first intensity and the determination threshold is set to the second value, provides a notification prompting a change in at least one of the intensity of the image processing and the determination threshold. The image forming system is characterized in that the notification unit provides a notification prompting a change in at least one of the image processing intensity and the judgment threshold when the intensity of the image processing is set to the second intensity and the judgment threshold is set to the second value.

12. An image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The one or more processors are configured to receive information about the type of sheet, An image forming system characterized in that one or more processors set the intensity of the image processing and the judgment threshold when the sheet is a first type of sheet, and do not set the intensity of the image processing and the judgment threshold when the sheet is a second type of sheet.

13. An image forming system, An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, A reading unit is provided downstream of the image forming unit in the conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed, and reads the image on the sheet being conveyed from the image forming unit. It has one or more processors, and the one or more processors are The reading unit generates image data representing the result of reading the image on the sheet, The intensity of the image processing applied to the aforementioned image data is set. A determination process is performed to determine the degree of agreement between the image corresponding to the reference data and the image data to which the image processing has been applied, based on a determination threshold. The reference data is image data that serves as the basis for the determination in the determination process, and the determination threshold is set by one or more processors. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a first value, and do not perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a first intensity and the determination threshold is a second value smaller than the first value. The one or more processors perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity greater than the first intensity and the determination threshold is the first value, and do not perform the determination process where the intensity of the image processing is a second intensity and the determination threshold is the second value. The one or more processors are configured to receive information about the type of sheet, The one or more processors set the intensity of the image processing and the judgment threshold if the sheet is a first type of sheet, and do not set the intensity of the image processing and the judgment threshold if the sheet is a second type of sheet. The image forming system is characterized in that the first type of sheet is embossed paper with an uneven surface.

14. An image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The aforementioned reading unit is A light source that emits light, The system includes a reading sensor that receives light emitted from the light source and reflected by the sheet, The aforementioned image data represents the result of the reading sensor reading the image on the sheet, The image processing is a process of changing the value of the image data to a predetermined value if the value of the image data is less than a threshold, and the threshold when the intensity of the image processing is the first intensity is less than the threshold when the intensity of the image processing is the second intensity, characterized in that the image forming system.

15. An image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The one or more processors receive the setting of an area in the image corresponding to the image data that is subject to the determination process, the setting of the intensity of the image processing in the area, and the setting of the determination threshold in the area. The one or more processors apply the image processing of the set intensity to the image within the set area. The image forming system is characterized in that one or more processors execute the determination process on an image within the area to which the image processing is applied, based on the set determination threshold.

16. An image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The image forming system is characterized in that the reference data is image data obtained by the reading unit reading a sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit.

17. The image forming system according to claim 16, An image forming system further comprising a fourth display unit that displays an image corresponding to the reference data to which the set intensity of the image processing has been applied.

18. An image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, The image forming system is characterized in that the reference data is image data transmitted from a host computer outside the image forming system.

19. An image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, The image forming system is characterized in that, in the determination process, one or more processors determine whether the distance between the image corresponding to the reference data and the image data to which the image processing has been applied is smaller than the determination distance, which is the determination threshold.

20. The image forming system according to claim 19, A first discharge loading section is provided downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, and the sheets for which the distance is determined to be less than the determination distance are loaded, An image forming system further comprising: a second discharge loading section provided downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, on which sheets are loaded if the distance is determined to be greater than the determination distance.

21. An image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, The image forming system is characterized in that, in the determination process, one or more processors determine whether the size of a noise image that is not present in the image corresponding to the reference data but is present in the image corresponding to the image data to which the image processing has been applied is smaller than the determination size which is the determination threshold.

22. The image forming system according to claim 21, A first discharge loading section is provided downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, and the sheets on which the size of the noise image is determined to be smaller than the determination size are loaded, An image forming system further comprising: a second discharge loading section provided downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, on which sheets are loaded if the size of the noise image is determined to be larger than the determination size.

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