Image forming system controlling the discharge of an image-inspected sheet

Abstract

There are cases where the length of the longer side of the sheet to be inspected by the inspection unit is longer than the length of the return path between the branch position corresponding to the first branch pass included in the multiple branch passes and the reading position of the reading device. In this case, the sheet inspected by the inspection unit is not discharged to the loading unit corresponding to the first branch pass, but is discharged to the loading unit corresponding to the branch pass branching from the main pass at a branch position located downstream from the branch position corresponding to the first branch pass. The branch position corresponding to the first branch pass is the branch position with the shortest return path length from the reading position among the branch positions corresponding to each of the multiple branch passes.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system that controls the discharge of an image-inspected sheet. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming system has been proposed that inspects whether an image printed on a printing medium (sheet) meets quality standards and changes the discharge location of the printing medium according to the inspection result (Patent Documents 1 and 2). Such an image forming system has an image forming device, an inspection device, and one or more discharge devices. The discharge device has a discharge tray for discharging printing media that meet quality standards, a discharge tray for discharging printing media that do not meet quality standards, and a mechanism (referred to as a branching mechanism) for classifying printing media into one of the trays. Prior art literature

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-137512 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-165020 The problem to be solved

[0004] In conventional technology, users could not freely select the discharge tray from which inspected printing media are discharged. Therefore, it would be convenient for users if they could freely select the discharge tray. However, when a configuration is applied that allows users to freely select the discharge tray, the following problems may occur. Specifically, if the length in the return direction (longer side direction) of the printing media is longer than the return distance from the reading position of the reading sensor that reads the image formed on the printing media to the branching position of the return path, the printing media may reach the branching position during inspection. As a result, there is a possibility that the printing media cannot be sorted according to the inspection results.

[0005] With the above problem in mind, the present invention aims to properly discharge an inspected sheet. means of solving the problem

[0006] The present invention, for example,

[0007] An image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, and

[0008] A reading device for reading an image on the sheet returned from the image forming device, and

[0009] Based on the result of the reading device reading the image on the sheet, an inspection unit that inspects the image on the sheet, and

[0010] A conveying path comprising a main path guiding the sheet read by the reading device, and a plurality of branch paths branching from the main path and also guiding the sheet, wherein each of the plurality of branch paths branches from the main path at a branching position corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths.

[0011] The apparatus has a plurality of loading sections in which discharged sheets are loaded, wherein each of the plurality of loading sections corresponds to a different specific branching path among the plurality of branching paths, and each of the plurality of branching paths guides the sheets toward a specific loading section corresponding to each of the plurality of branching paths.

[0012] When the length in the direction of the long side of the sheet to be inspected by the inspection unit is longer than the length of the return path between the branch position corresponding to the first branch path included in the plurality of branch paths and the reading position of the reading device, the sheet inspected by the inspection unit is not discharged to the loading unit corresponding to the first branch path, but is discharged to the loading unit corresponding to the branch path branching from the main path at a branch position located downstream from the branch position corresponding to the first branch path, and the branch position corresponding to the first branch path is the branch position with the shortest return path length from the reading position among the branch positions corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths. An image forming system is provided. Effects of the invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the inspected sheet can be properly discharged. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a control device. Figure 3 is a drawing illustrating an inspection controller. Figure 4 is a drawing illustrating a loading controller. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the transition of the settings screen. Figure 6 is a drawing illustrating the print settings screen. Figure 7 is a drawing illustrating the inspection settings screen. FIG. 8a is a diagram illustrating the inspection operation setting screen. FIG. 8b is a diagram illustrating the inspection operation setting screen. FIG. 9 is a diagram explaining the function of the setting unit. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for setting up an exhaust source. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for setting up an exhaust source. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a method of executing a task in a control device. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a method of executing an operation in a loading device. FIG. 14 is a diagram explaining the function of the setting unit. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] Embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments do not limit the invention covered by the patent claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined at will. Additionally, in the attached drawings, the same reference number is assigned to identical or similar components, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0016] [First Embodiment]

[0017] <System Configuration>

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the image inspection system (100) has an operating unit (20), an image forming device (30), a control device (40), an inspection device (50), and a loading device (60a, 60b, 60c). The image forming device (30), the inspection device (50), and the loading device (60a, 60b, 60c) each have a separate housing. The number of loading devices (60) may be one or more. The image inspection system (100) may be called an image forming system. In this example, the loading device (60a, 60b) may be called a sheet stacker or a sheet conveying device. The loading device (60c) may be called a post-processing device equipped with a post-processing function or a finisher. Although the same reference numeral is assigned to multiple identical or similar components, the last lowercase alphabet may be omitted when describing matters common to them.

[0019] The control unit (20) has 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.

[0020] The image forming device (30) forms a toner image on sheet P according to the color signal of YMCK supplied from the control device (40). The YMCK characters assigned to the reference numeral represent the toner colors yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. When describing matters common to the four colors, the YMCK characters are omitted from the reference numeral.

[0021] The photosensitive body (1) is an image carrier that holds an electrostatic latent image and a toner image. The electrostatic generator (2) uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive body (1). The exposure unit (3) irradiates the photosensitive body (1Y) with laser light according to a color signal supplied from the control unit (40) to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer (4) uses toner to develop the electrostatic latent image and form a toner image. The primary transfer roller (5Y) transfers the toner image from the photosensitive body (1) to the intermediate transfer belt (6). Here, each toner image of YMCK is superimposed to form a color image. The intermediate transfer belt (6) conveys the toner image to the secondary transfer unit (7).

[0022] The sheet cassette (11) is a storage unit that accommodates a number of sheets P. The conveyor roller (12) feeds the sheets P accommodated in the sheet cassette (11) and conveys the sheets P along the conveyor path.

[0023] The secondary transfer unit (7) transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt (6) to the sheet P. The fuser (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 inspection device (50).

[0024] The inspection device (50) as a reading device is a device that reads an image formed on sheet P and inspects the quality of the image. That is, the inspection device (50) is a device that inspects whether the image formed on sheet P satisfies inspection standards. In addition, sheet P on which the image is formed may be referred to as a printed material.

[0025] An image on sheet P being transported by a transport roller (53) is read at a reading position by an image sensor (54, 55). The image sensor (54, 55) includes a light source that illuminates sheet P and a CMOS sensor.

[0026] Sheet P, whose image has been read, is discharged to a loading device (60). Additionally, the control device (40) controls the image forming device (30) to form the same image on a new sheet P for a sheet P that has been judged as NG (not meeting inspection criteria; may also be called a rejection) by the inspection device (50). A sheet sensor (56) for detecting sheet P is provided at the entrance of the inspection device (50).

[0027] The loading device (60a) receives the sheet P discharged from the inspection device (50) at the inlet (64a) and discharges it to the sheet tray (62a) serving as a loading section, or discharges the sheet P from the outlet (65a). A sheet sensor (66a) for detecting the sheet P is provided at the inlet (64a).

[0028] Downstream of the inlet (64a), there is a branching section of return path P1a and return path P2a. A flapper not shown is placed at the branching section and guides the sheet P to either return path P1a or return path P2a. Return paths P1a and P2a are each connected to return path P3a.

[0029] Return path P3a is branched into return path P4a and return path P5a at a branching location where flapper F2a is installed. Sheet P, which is returned via return path P3a, is guided to return path P4a or return path P5a by flapper F2a.

[0030] A sheet tray (62a) is provided at the exit of the return path P4a. Sheet P, for example, which has been judged to have an image quality of non-acceptable by an inspection device (50), may be loaded into the sheet tray (62a). However, sheet P, which has been judged to have an image quality of non-acceptable, may be discharged from the exit (65a) to a device at the rear end. Additionally, sheet P, which has been judged to be OK (meeting inspection criteria; may be called acceptable), may be loaded (discharged) into the sheet tray (62a). The return path P5a is extended to the exit (65a).

[0031] The loading device (60b) receives the sheet P discharged from the loading device (60a) at the inlet (64b), loads (discharges) it into the sheet tray (61b, 62b) as a loading section, or discharges the sheet P from the outlet (65b). A sheet sensor (66b) for detecting the sheet P is provided at the inlet (64b).

[0032] The return path P1b extending from the entrance (64b) branches into return path P2b and return path P3b at a branching location where flapper F1b is installed. The sheet P that has been returned via return path P1b is guided to return path P2b or return path P3b by flapper F1b. A sheet tray (61b) is provided at the exit of return path P2b. The sheet tray (61b) is a large-capacity sheet loading means capable of loading multiple sheets P. For example, sheets P that have passed image inspection (quality inspection) may be loaded into the sheet tray (61b).

[0033] Return path P3b is branched into return path P4b and return path P5b at a branching location where flapper F2b is installed. Sheet P, which is returned via return path P3b, is guided to return path P4b or return path P5b by flapper F2b.

[0034] A sheet tray (62b) is provided at the exit of the return path P4b. Sheet P, for example, which has been judged to have an image quality of non-acceptable by the inspection device (50), may be loaded into the sheet tray (62b). However, sheet P, which has been judged to have an image quality of non-acceptable, may be discharged from the exit (65b) to the device at the rear end. Additionally, sheet P, which has been judged to be OK (meeting inspection criteria; may be called acceptable), may be loaded into the sheet tray (62b). The return path P5b is extended to the exit (65b).

[0035] A device at the rear end may be connected to the outlet (65b). Additionally, like the loading device (60c), a sheet tray (69) may be provided at the outlet (65c). The sheet tray (69) may also load sheet P that has been judged to have an image quality of non-acceptable or sheet P that has been judged to have an acceptable image quality. In this way, the type of sheet P discharged into the sheet tray (61b, 61c, 62a, 62b, 62c, 69) is determined in advance based on a setting by the user.

[0036] The sheet trays (61c, 62c, 69) provided in the loading device (60c) may each be called the upper tray, the middle tray, and the lower tray. The post-processing unit (68) may be equipped with a stapler that binds the sheet P discharged from the loading device (60b) to form a sheet bundle and staples the sheet bundle. The post-processing unit (68) may be equipped with a binding machine that folds the sheet bundle in half. The post-processing unit (68) may be equipped with a cutting machine that cuts the sheet bundle.

[0037] At least one conveying roller (63) is provided in each of the conveying paths P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5. The conveying roller (63) conveys the sheet P from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet P. The conveying roller (63) may be a roller pair consisting of two rollers that convey while supporting the sheet P.

[0038] In addition, the number of loading devices (60) connected to the downstream side of the inspection device (50) may be one or more. In addition, the number of sheet trays (61, 62, 69) provided in the loading devices (60) connected to the downstream side of the inspection device (50) may be two or more in total. In addition, the number of flappers F1 and F2 may be one or more.

[0039] Additionally, the return path (return route) from the reading position where the image sensor (54) reads the image on the sheet (or where the image sensor (55) reads the image on the sheet) to the branching position of flapper F2c may be called the main path. Additionally, the return path P4a branched from the main path at the branching position of flapper F2a may be called the branch path. Additionally, the return path P2b branched from the main path at the branching position of flapper F1b may be called the branch path. Additionally, the return path P4b branched from the main path at the branching position of flapper F2b may be called the branch path. Additionally, the return path P2c branched from the main path at the branching position of flapper F1c may be called the branch path. Additionally, the return path P4c branched from the main path at the branching position of flapper F2c may be called the branch path. In the loading device (60a) of FIG. 1, the path passing through the return path P1a from the reading position corresponds to the main path. That is, the first branch path branched from the main path corresponds to the return path P4a. Each return path functions as a return path that guides the sheet.

[0040] Controller

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates the details of a control device (40). A CPU (201) realizes multiple functions by executing a control program (213) stored in memory (210). The CPU (201) may be equipped with multiple processors or CPU cores. Some or all of the multiple functions realized by the CPU (201) may be realized by hardware circuits different from the CPU (201).

[0042] Memory (210) is a storage device including ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), SSD (solid-state drive) and HDD (hard disk drive), etc.

[0043] The communication circuit (220) has a network interface connected to a local area network, and a communication interface that communicates with an image forming device (30), an inspection device (50), and a loading device (60).

[0044] The CPU (201) communicates with the image forming device (30), the inspection device (50), and the loading device (60) through the communication circuit (220).

[0045] The control unit (20) includes a display device (21) and an input device (22). The control unit (20) may have a voice circuit and a speaker that output a message to the user.

[0046] The CPU (201) functions as a setting unit (202), an inspection control unit (205), and a work processing unit (206) according to the control program (213).

[0047] The setting unit (202) displays an inspection setting screen and a work input screen on a display device (21) provided in the operation unit (20). Additionally, the setting unit (202) receives setting instructions and work execution instructions from the user through an input device (22) provided in the operation unit (20). The setting unit (202) receives, for example, sheet information, inspection content (detection of positional misalignment or black spot detection, etc.), and an inspection level. The inspection content may be referred to as an inspection item. The sheet information includes the type of sheet P and the length of sheet P in the return direction (which may be referred to as the long side direction). The inspection level indicates the strictness of the image inspection. The setting unit (202) stores setting data (212), which is information regarding image inspection such as sheet information, inspection content, and inspection level set by the user through the display device (21), in the memory (210).

[0048] The memory (210) also stores reference data (211) and configuration information (214).

[0049] Reference data (211) is comparison data used as a pass criterion in image inspection. Reference data (211) may be, for example, original image data (RIP image data) related to a printing job received from a host computer outside the image forming system. RIP is an abbreviation for raster image processing. Reference data (211) may be, for example, image data obtained by reading one or more sheets in which an image corresponding to a reference image is formed.

[0050] Configuration information (214) is information indicating the configuration of a plurality of devices (image forming device (30), inspection device (50), and loading device (60)) constituting the image inspection system (100). Configuration information (214) is collected from the image forming device (30) and the loading device (60) by the CPU (201) via the communication circuit (220) when the image inspection system (100) starts. Configuration information (214) may include functional information and internal information indicating the functions of each device (image forming, sheet loading, inspection, post-processing). Internal information indicates the return distance of return paths P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, the installation location of the return roller (63), the installation location of the flappers F1, F2, the installation location of the sheet tray (61, 62, 69), etc. Flappers F1, F2 may be called guide plates, guide members, or branch claws.

[0051] The inspection control unit (205) controls the inspection device (50) based on the setting data (212). For example, when the inspection control unit (205) receives reference data (211) from the inspection device (50) via the communication circuit (220), it transmits the reference data (211) to the inspection device (50). The inspection control unit (205) obtains image inspection result information from the inspection device (50) as an inspection unit via the communication circuit (220). Based on the inspection result, the inspection control unit (205) controls flappers F1 and F2 to discharge sheet P to a sheet tray designated by the user among the sheet trays (61, 62, 69).

[0052] The work processing unit (206) controls the printing operation of printing an image on sheet P, the loading operation of loading a bundle of sheets into a loading device (60a, 60b), and the post-processing operation of the bundle of sheets in the loading device (60c). The work processing unit (206) may store work data (work information) required to execute these operations in memory (210).

[0053] The loading device (60) drives the motor M1 to rotate the conveyor roller (63) according to a control command from the work processing unit (206).

[0054] The loading device (60) drives solenoids SL1 and SL2 according to a control command from the work processing unit (206) to switch flappers F1 and F2. By doing so, the sheet P is guided and conveyed to either the sheet tray (61), the sheet tray (62), or the loading device (60c). For example, if the image inspection result by the inspection device (50) is NG, the work processing unit (206) controls the loading device (60) to discharge the sheet P determined to be NG to the sheet tray (62). The image forming device (30) also includes a solenoid that drives the flapper and a motor that drives the conveying roller, but these are not shown.

[0055] Inspection device

[0056] FIG. 3 illustrates the details of an inspection controller (51) provided in an inspection device (50). The CPU (301) realizes multiple functions by executing a control program (313) stored in memory (310). Some or all of the multiple functions may be realized by a hardware circuit different from the CPU (301).

[0057] The memory (310) is a storage device including ROM, RAM, SSD, and HDD. The CPU (301) is connected to the control device (40) through the communication circuit (320) to receive various commands and data, or to transmit test results.

[0058] The inspection unit (302) performs an image inspection according to the setting data (212) received from the control device (40) through the communication circuit (320) and transmits the image inspection result to the control device (40). Additionally, the CPU (201) may be configured to perform the inspection, or an external PC connected to the image forming system may be configured to perform the inspection. PC is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0059] The position correction unit (303) performs position correction on the reading result of the image sensor (54, 55). If the sheet P is read by the image sensor (54, 55) while in a skewed state, the sheet P may become oblique in the read image. In addition, the leading edge of the sheet P may be misaligned from the ideal position in the read image. Therefore, the position correction unit (303) corrects the position of the sheet P in the reading result by rotating the reading result or misaligning the coordinates.

[0060] Reference data (211) is comparison data used in inspecting image quality. Inspection image data (read image data) (312) is image data created by the image sensor (54, 55) reading sheet P.

[0061] The evaluation unit (304) compares the reference data (211) and the inspection image data (312) to determine whether the image formed on sheet P satisfies the inspection criteria.

[0062] For example, if the inspection content is "position misalignment detection," the evaluation unit (304) may determine that it passes 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 a predetermined value. The evaluation unit (304) may determine that it fails if the amount of misalignment exceeds the predetermined value. That is, 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) being less than or equal to a predetermined value corresponds to satisfying the inspection criteria. Furthermore, 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) being greater than a predetermined value corresponds to failing to satisfy the inspection criteria.

[0063] Additionally, when the inspection content is set to "black spot detection," the evaluation unit (304) may determine that it is a pass if the size of the black spot in the inspection image data (312) is not present in the image of the reference data (211) and is below the judgment threshold. That is, the black spot corresponds to a noise image in the inspection image data (312) to which reduction processing has been applied, which is not present in the image corresponding to the reference data (211). The evaluation unit (304) may determine that it is a fail if the size of the black spot exceeds the judgment threshold. That is, the fact that the size of the black spot does not exceed the judgment threshold corresponds to satisfying the inspection criteria. Furthermore, the fact that the size of the black spot exceeds the judgment threshold corresponds to failing to satisfy the inspection criteria.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, "position misalignment detection" and "black spot detection" are described as inspection contents, but this is merely an example. For instance, "striped detection" may be included as an inspection content. Striped detection refers to detecting a striped image that does not exist in the original image. That is, the stripes correspond to noise images that are not present in the image corresponding to the reference data (211) and are present in the image corresponding to the inspection image data (312) to which reduction processing has been applied. Stripes may occur when cleaning, replacement, or repair of the components involved in image formation is required. That is, a judgment process may be performed to determine "stripes" 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) has been applied.

[0065] In this embodiment, when the inspection content is "position misalignment detection," an inspection is performed on the relative position between the image of the reference data (211) and the image of the inspection image data (312), but this is merely an 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 threshold, it is judged to pass. If the distance exceeds the threshold, it is judged to fail.

[0066] The evaluation unit (304) creates an inspection result indicating a judgment result and transmits it to the control unit (40) and the loading unit (60) through the communication circuit (320).

[0067] When the CPU (301) receives configuration information (214) from the control device (40) through the communication circuit (320), it reads the configuration information (214) and transmits it to the control device (40).

[0068] The configuration information (214) of the inspection device (50) indicates, for example, performance information of the image sensors (54, 55), the number of image sensors (54, 55), the reading surface (upper side or lower side) of the image sensors (54, 55), the return distance from the reading position of the image sensors (54, 55) to the exit, etc.

[0069] The return control unit (306) drives the motor M2 to rotate the return roller (53). The reading control unit (307) controls the image sensors (54, 55) to read the sheet P and generate inspection image data (312). The image sensor (54) reads the first side of the sheet P, and the image sensor (55) reads the second side of the sheet P. By doing so, the present embodiment can perform image inspection on both sides of the sheet P.

[0070] Loading device

[0071] FIG. 4 illustrates the details of a loading controller (67) provided in a loading device (60). The CPU (401) realizes multiple functions by executing a control program (413) stored in memory (410). Some or all of the multiple functions may be realized by a hardware circuit other than the CPU (401).

[0072] Memory (410) is a storage device including ROM, RAM, SSD, and HDD. The CPU (401) is connected to the control device (40) through a communication circuit (420) to receive various commands and data, or to transmit execution results.

[0073] The work control unit (402) executes work data (411) from the control device (40) through the communication circuit (420). The work data (411) includes information indicating, for example, the content of the work.

[0074] The return control unit (406) starts the rotation of motor M1 according to a rotation command received from the control device (40). The return control unit (406) stops the rotation of motor M1 according to a stop command received from the control device (40). As a result, the return roller (63) driven by motor M1 rotates or stops.

[0075] The flapper control unit (407) drives solenoids SL1 and SL2 according to a switching command received from the control device (40) for each sheet P to switch flappers F1 and F2. By doing so, the discharge location of the sheet P is determined.

[0076] Instead of a switching command received from the control device (40), flappers F1 and F2 may be controlled based on a test result received from the test device (50).

[0077] If the loading device (60c) is a post-processing device, the loading device (60c) is equipped with a post-processing control unit (408). The post-processing control unit (408) controls the post-processing unit (68) according to a post-processing execution command received from the control device (40).

[0078] Settings Screen (User Interface)

[0079] FIG. 5 illustrates the state transitions of various setting screens displayed on a display device (21). Print setting screen SC1 is a screen that receives instructions for printing job settings (color printing, black and white printing), sheet selection, and printing start. Inspection setting screen SC2 is a screen that receives detailed settings for image inspection. Inspection operation setting screen SC3 is a screen that receives settings for the discharge mode and the discharge location of sheet P. As shown in FIG. 5, transitions between these screens are realized by operating buttons provided on each screen.

[0080] FIG. 6 illustrates a print setting screen SC1. The print setting screen SC1 may also be called a job input screen. Button (601a) is a button for specifying the size (including the length of the sheet in the return direction), basis weight, and sheet cassette (11) of the sheet P to be printed. Button (601b) is a button that indicates transitioning from the print setting screen SC1 to the inspection setting screen SC2. Button (601c) is a button that indicates transitioning from the print setting screen SC1 to the output location setting screen SC4. Button (601d) is a button that indicates canceling the settings. When the button (601d) is operated by an operator (user), it transitions to a predetermined initial screen. Button (601e) is a button that indicates the start of printing.

[0081] FIG. 7 illustrates an inspection setting screen SC2. The inspection setting screen SC2 is a screen that receives instructions from an operator to set an inspection area (705) where quality inspection by an inspection device (50) is performed. In FIG. 7, the display area (700) displays an image (704) of a print target, an inspection area (705a, 705b), and an inspection exclusion area (711), etc.

[0082] Inspection areas (705a, 705b) and inspection exclusion areas (711) are set via a mouse or touch panel, which is part of the input device (22). The inspection area (705a) is a standard inspection area set by operating the button (701a). A standard inspection area is, for example, an inspection area where a standard content inspection is performed. The menu (702a) is a pull-down menu for setting the inspection level (inspection precision) applied to the inspection area (705a). In this example, the lowest inspection precision is inspection level 1, and as the number of the inspection level increases, the inspection precision increases.

[0083] The inspection area (705b) is a point inspection area set by operating the button (701b). A point inspection area is, for example, an inspection area where high-precision inspection is performed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, high-precision inspection is performed on shapes such as circles or crosses.

[0084] The menu (702b) is a pull-down menu for setting the inspection level (inspection precision) applied to the inspection area (705b). The pull-down menu may also be called a drop-down list.

[0085] The inspection exclusion area (711) is set by operating the button (701c) and is an area where inspection is not performed. There is no need to perform high-precision inspection on cylindrical or triangular shapes. Therefore, the area containing these shapes may be set as an inspection exclusion area. In this way, an inspection level can be set for each area included in the printing target. Therefore, the user can set appropriate acceptance criteria. As a result, since printed materials of acceptable quality are judged as acceptable, unnecessary printing retries are reduced, and productivity is improved. In addition, unnecessary disposal of Sheet P is also reduced.

[0086] The button (701d) is a button for indicating a return to the original screen, the print settings screen SC1. The button (701d) may be implemented as a cancel button. In this case, when the button (701d) is pressed, the inspection settings entered through the inspection settings screen SC2 are discarded. When the button (701d) is implemented as a cancel button, an OK button is also implemented to validate the inspection settings and return to the print settings screen SC1.

[0087] The button (701e) is a button for indicating transition to the inspection operation setting screen SC3.

[0088] FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate inspection operation setting screens SC3a and SC3b, respectively. Button (801a) is a mode selection button for specifying the discharge mode of printed materials judged as failing the inspection. Fuzzy operation is a mode in which printed materials judged as passing and printed materials judged as failing are discharged to different discharge locations. In this example, since button (801a) is a radio button, the fuzzy operation is switched on and off by button (801a). When the fuzzy operation is off, printed materials judged as passing and printed materials judged as failing are discharged to the same discharge location.

[0089] The menu (802) is a pull-down menu that displays a list of candidate discharge locations where printed materials judged to be accepted and printed materials judged to be rejected can be discharged when the fuzzy operation is on, and accepts the selection of a discharge location. For example, the user can select a loading tray from which printed materials judged to be accepted are discharged by selecting a loading tray from the menu (802) after pressing the acceptance button (801d). Additionally, the user can select a loading tray from which printed materials judged to be rejected are discharged by selecting a loading tray from the menu (802) after pressing the rejection button (801e).

[0090] The menu (802) of the inspection operation setting screen SC3a displays all sheet trays in the image inspection system (100) as candidates for discharge locations. Meanwhile, the menu (802) of the inspection operation setting screen SC3b displays some sheet trays in the image inspection system (100) as candidates for discharge locations.

[0091] For example, when the images of both sides of Sheet P are inspected, if the length in the conveying direction of Sheet P is longer than the conveying distance (length of the conveying path) from the image sensor (55) (the reading position where the image sensor (55) reads the image) to the flapper F2a, Sheet P reaches the flapper F2a before the inspection result of Sheet P is determined. As a result, the discharge location of Sheet P cannot be changed to Sheet Tray (62a) and Sheet Tray downstream from Sheet Tray (62a) according to the inspection result. Also, when the image of the surface of Sheet P is inspected, if the length in the conveying direction of Sheet P is longer than the conveying distance from the image sensor (54) (the reading position where the image sensor (54) reads the image) to the flapper F2a, Sheet P reaches the flapper F2a before the inspection result of Sheet P is determined. As a result, the discharge location of sheet P cannot be changed to the sheet tray (62a) and the sheet tray downstream from the sheet tray (62a) depending on the inspection result. In this embodiment, the length of the conveying path from the reading position to the branching position flapper F2a is, for example, 1000 mm. From this, when an image of a long sheet is inspected, for example, with a length in the conveying direction longer than 1000 mm, the sheet tray (62a) is displayed as unselectable in the menu (802) of the inspection operation setting screen SC3b. Also, when an image of a sheet is inspected with a length in the conveying direction shorter than 1000 mm, the sheet tray (62a) is displayed as selectable in the menu (802) of the inspection operation setting screen SC3b. That is, in the present embodiment, when an image on a long sheet is inspected, the inspected long sheet is not discharged to the loading section corresponding to the first branching pass included in a plurality of branching passes (the loading section with the shortest return path length from the reading position among the plurality of loading sections).The inspected long sheet is discharged to a loading section corresponding to a branch path branching off from the main path at a branch position located downstream in the return direction from the branch position corresponding to the first branch path.

[0092] Additionally, for example, there are cases where the length in the return direction of Sheet P is longer than the length of the return path from the reading position to the branching position, Flapper F1b. In this case, Sheet P reaches Flapper F1b before the inspection result of Sheet P is determined. As a result, it becomes impossible to change the discharge location of Sheet P to Sheet Tray (62b) and to a Sheet Tray downstream of Sheet Tray (62b) based on the inspection result. Additionally, it becomes impossible to change the discharge location of Sheet P to Sheet Tray (62a) and to a Sheet Tray downstream of Sheet Tray (62a) based on the inspection result. Therefore, for example, when the length in the return direction of Sheet P is longer than the return distance from the reading position to Flapper F1b, Sheet Trays (62a, 61b) are displayed as unselectable in the menu (802) of the inspection operation setting screen SC3b.

[0093] Examples of display formats indicating that selection is not possible include the strikethrough display exemplified in FIG. 8b and the gray-out display.

[0094] Button (801b) is a button operated to confirm the settings when the user has completed the inspection operation settings. Also, when button (801b) is pressed, the user transitions from the inspection operation setting screen SC3a, SC3b to the print setting screen SC1. Button (801c) is a button that instructs the user to discard the settings entered in the inspection operation setting screen SC3a, SC3b and return to the original screen (inspection setting screen SC2).

[0095] Additionally, a button to return to the inspection settings screen SC2 may be added to the inspection action settings screen SC3. This allows the user to return to the inspection settings screen SC2 without passing through the inspection action settings screen SC3.

[0096] <Settings>

[0097] FIG. 9 illustrates the function of the setting unit (202) of the CPU (201). The UI unit (1010) displays a print setting screen SC1, an inspection setting screen SC2, and an inspection operation setting screen SC3 on the display device (21). The UI unit (1010) creates setting data (212) based on information or instructions input through the input device (22) and stores it in memory (210).

[0098] The sheet acquisition unit (1001) acquires information (size, basis weight, sheet cassette (11)) of the sheet P set in the print setting screen SC1 from the setting data (212), etc. The inspection setting unit (1002) stores the inspection settings entered through the inspection setting screen SC2 as setting data (212).

[0099] The configuration acquisition unit (1004) communicates with the image forming device (30), the inspection device (50), and the loading device (60a to 60c) when the image inspection system (100) starts up to acquire each configuration information (214) and store it in memory (210). The mode determination unit (1005) determines the discharge mode (e.g., on / off of fuzzy operation) based on user instructions and the presence or absence of discharge destination candidates. The distance acquisition unit (1008) acquires the return distance from the inlet (64) to flappers F1 and F2 included in the configuration information (214) acquired by the configuration acquisition unit (1004). Additionally, the distance acquisition unit (1008) also acquires the return distance from the image sensor (54) within the inspection device (50) to the outlet (inlet (64a) of the loading device (60a)) from the configuration information (214). Finally, the distance acquisition unit (1008) calculates the distance D from the image sensor (54) to each branch point.

[0100] Flowchart

[0101] (Configuration processing)

[0102] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a setting process (a process for creating an inspection operation setting screen SC3) executed by a CPU (201). When a button (701e) is detected being pressed in the inspection setting screen SC2, the CPU (201) executes the following processing. Additionally, the CPU (201) is an example of a control unit and one or more processors.

[0103] In S1101, the CPU (201) (sheet acquisition unit (1001)) acquires sheet information from the setting data (212). The sheet information includes at least the length L of sheet P in the conveying direction of sheet P.

[0104] In S1102, the CPU (201) (configuration acquisition unit (1004)) acquires configuration information (214) of the inspection device (50) and the loading device (60) connected to the downstream side of the image forming device (30). The configuration information (214) may be read from memory (210), or the CPU (201) may acquire the respective configuration information (214) from the inspection device (50) and the loading device (60) through the communication circuit (220).

[0105] In S1103, the CPU (201) (distance acquisition unit (1008)) selects one discharge location based on configuration information (214). Here, one sheet tray from the sheet trays (62a, 61b, 62b, 69) is selected as the discharge location to be determined. Typically, the sheet tray located upstream in the conveying direction of the sheet P is selected first. That is, the sheet tray (62a) is selected first, and the sheet tray (69) is selected last.

[0106] In S1104, the CPU (201) (distance acquisition unit (1008)) acquires distance information of the selected discharge location. The distance acquisition unit (1008) acquires distance information (e.g., return distance D) from the configuration information (214) of the selected discharge location. The return distance D for the sheet tray (62a) is the return distance from the image sensor (55) (reading position) to the flapper F2a (second branch point). The return distance D for the sheet tray (61b) is the return distance from the image sensor (55) (reading position) to the flapper F1b (third branch point). The return distance D for the sheet tray (62b) is the return distance from the image sensor (55) (reading position) to the flapper F2b (fourth branch point). The return distance D for the sheet tray (61c) is the return distance from the image sensor (55) (reading position) to the flapper F1c (fifth branch point). The return distance D for the sheet tray (62c, 69) is the return distance from the image sensor (55) (reading position) to the flapper F2c (sixth branch point). Additionally, if only the image of the surface of the sheet P is inspected, the return distance D is the return distance from the reading position of the image sensor (54).

[0107] In S1105, the CPU (201) (decision unit (1009)) determines whether the selected discharge source satisfies the discharge eligibility condition. The discharge eligibility condition is, for example, D > L. If the selected discharge source satisfies the discharge eligibility condition, the CPU (201) proceeds to S1106.

[0108] In S1106, the CPU (201) (decision unit (1009)) classifies the selected discharge location as selectable. If the discharge location selected in S1105 does not satisfy the discharge availability condition, the CPU (201) proceeds the processing to S1107.

[0109] In S1107, the CPU (201) (decision unit (1009)) classifies the selected discharge location as unselectable. Additionally, the availability or non-selectability of each discharge location may be stored in memory (210) as a discharge location setting.

[0110] In S1108, the CPU (201) (decision unit (1009)) determines whether all discharge locations have been determined. If not all discharge locations have been determined, the CPU (201) proceeds to S1103 to select the next discharge location. If all discharge locations have been determined, the CPU (201) proceeds to S1109.

[0111] In S1109, the CPU (201) (UI unit (1010)) displays the inspection operation setting screen SC3 on the display device (21) based on the judgment of S1105.

[0112] (Printing and Inspection Processing)

[0113] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a print process executed by the CPU (201) of the control device (40). When the button (601e) is pressed and the start of printing is indicated, the CPU (201) executes the following process.

[0114] In S1301, the CPU (201) (work processing unit (206)) creates work information including sheet information, inspection settings, and discharge location information based on setting data (212) and transmits it to the inspection device (50). The sheet information includes the size and number of sheets P. The inspection settings include whether to perform an inspection and the contents of the inspection performed by the inspection device (50) (inspection area, inspection level, etc.). The discharge location information includes identification information of one loading device among the loading devices (60a to 60c) that serves as the discharge location, and identification information of the OK tray and NG tray. The OK tray is a sheet tray from which sheets P that have passed the inspection are discharged. The NG tray is a sheet tray from which sheets P that have not passed the inspection are discharged. The OK tray and NG tray are selected in the inspection operation setting screen SC3.

[0115] In S1302, the CPU (201) (inspection control unit (205)) determines whether it has received a request from the inspection device (50) requesting the transmission of reference data. If no request is received, the CPU (201) proceeds to S1304. If a request is received, the CPU (201) proceeds to S1303.

[0116] In S1303, the CPU (201) (inspection control unit (205)) reads reference data (211) from memory (210) and transmits the reference data (211) to the inspection device (50).

[0117] In S1304, the CPU (201) (work processing unit (206)) determines whether the inspection device (50) has notified that the preparation is complete. If the inspection device (50) has notified that the preparation is complete, the CPU (201) proceeds to S1305.

[0118] In S1305, the CPU (201) (work processing unit (206)) controls the image forming device (30) to perform printing on sheet P.

[0119] In S1306, the CPU (201) (job processing unit (206)) determines whether there are no pages to be printed based on the print job. That is, the CPU (201) determines whether printing is completed for all pages. If there are pages to be printed remaining, the CPU (201) proceeds the processing to S1305 to execute the printing of the next page. If there are no pages to be printed remaining, the CPU (201) terminates the print job.

[0120] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an inspection process executed by the CPU (301) of the inspection device (50).

[0121] In S1401, the CPU (301) receives work information from the control unit (40). The work information may be stored in memory (310). Alternatively, the work information may be stored in memory (310) as part of the setting data (212).

[0122] In S1402, the CPU (301) transmits work information to the loading device (60a) at the rear end.

[0123] In S1403, the CPU (301) interprets the work information and determines whether the work information instructs that an inspection task be executed. Additionally, if no inspection task is instructed, the inspection device (50) executes a return task to return sheet P to the loading device (60a) at the rear. If an inspection task is instructed, the CPU (301) proceeds the processing to S1404. If no inspection task is instructed, the CPU (301) proceeds the processing to S1406.

[0124] In S1404, the CPU (301) sends a request to the control unit (40) to request reference data (211).

[0125] In S1405, the CPU (301) receives reference data (211) from the control unit (40). The reference data (211) is stored in memory (310).

[0126] In S1406, the CPU (301) notifies the control device (40) that preparation is complete. Additionally, the notification of preparation completion may also be transmitted to the loading devices (60a to 60c) at the rear.

[0127] In S1407, the CPU (301) determines whether sheet P has arrived based on the detection signal output from the sheet sensor (56). "Sheet P has arrived" means that the sheet sensor (56) has detected the leading edge of sheet P. When sheet P has arrived at the sheet sensor (56), the CPU (301) proceeds to S1408.

[0128] In S1408, the CPU (301) (reading control unit (307), inspection unit (302)) performs an image inspection specified by the work information. The reading control unit (307) reads Sheet P by the image sensors (54, 55) and creates inspection image data (312). Additionally, the inspection unit (302) inspects the inspection image data (312) according to the inspection settings specified by the work information. For example, the inspection unit (302) compares the inspection image data (312) with reference data (211) to determine whether the image formed on Sheet P satisfies the acceptance criteria.

[0129] In S1409, the CPU (301) (inspection unit (302)) transmits the inspection results to the control unit (40) and the loading units (60a to 60c). Additionally, if the work information designates the loading unit (60b) as the discharge location, the inspection results are transmitted to the loading unit (60b) at least. This is because the discharge location is switched based on the inspection results.

[0130] In S1410, the CPU (201) determines whether there are any pages to be inspected as specified by the work information. If there are still pages to be inspected, the CPU (301) proceeds the processing to S1407 and waits for the arrival of the next sheet P. If there are no pages to be inspected, the CPU (301) terminates the work. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the return and discharge processing executed by the CPU (401) of the loading device (60).

[0131] In S1501, the CPU (401) (work control unit (402)) receives work information from the inspection device (50) or the upstream loading device (60). Additionally, if the downstream loading device (60) exists, the CPU (401) proceeds the processing to S1502.

[0132] In S1502, the CPU (401) (work control unit (402)) transmits work information to the downstream loading device (60). Additionally, if the loading device (60) is the downstream loading device (60), in S1503, a response indicating successful reception of work information is transmitted to the inspection device (50) or the upstream loading device (60). The upstream loading device (60) transmits the response to the inspection device (50).

[0133] In S1504, the CPU (401) determines whether the magnetic (loading device (60)) is designated as a discharge location based on the work information. If the sheet P passes through the magnetic (loading device (60)) and is discharged to the rear loading device (60), the CPU (401) proceeds the processing to S1521.

[0134] In S1521, the CPU (401) determines whether sheet P has been reached based on the detection signal of the sheet sensor (66). If sheet P has been reached, the CPU (401) proceeds to S1522 for processing.

[0135] In S1522, the CPU (401) controls the motor M1 and solenoids SL1 and SL2 to discharge the seat P to the rear loading device (60).

[0136] In S1523, the CPU (401) determines whether there are no sheets P to be discharged based on the work information. If there are sheets P to be discharged remaining, the CPU (401) proceeds the processing to S1521. If there are no sheets P to be discharged remaining, the CPU (401) completes the return operation.

[0137] Meanwhile, if the device is designated as the discharge source, the CPU (401) proceeds the processing from S1504 to S1505.

[0138] In S1505, the CPU (401) determines whether sheet P has been reached based on the detection signal of the sheet sensor (66). If sheet P has been reached, the CPU (401) proceeds to S1506.

[0139] In S1506, the CPU (401) receives the test result from the test device (50).

[0140] In S1507, the CPU (401) determines whether Sheet P has passed the inspection based on the inspection results. If Sheet P has passed the inspection, the CPU (401) proceeds to S1508.

[0141] In S1508, the CPU (401) controls the motor M1 and solenoids SL1 and SL2 to discharge sheet P into the OK tray. If sheet P does not pass the inspection, the CPU (401) proceeds the processing to S1510. In S1510, the CPU (401) controls the motor M1 and solenoids SL1 and SL2 to discharge sheet P into the NG tray. The OK tray and the NG tray are designated in advance by the work information.

[0142] In S1509, the CPU (401) determines whether there are no sheets P to be ejected based on the work information. If there are sheets P to be ejected remaining, the CPU (401) proceeds to S1505. If there are no sheets P to be ejected remaining, the CPU (401) completes the ejection operation.

[0143] As described above, in the present embodiment, when an image on a long sheet is inspected, the inspected long sheet is not discharged to the loading section corresponding to the first branching path included in a plurality of branching paths (the loading section with the shortest return path length from the reading position among the plurality of loading sections) (discharge is not permitted). The inspected long sheet is discharged to the loading section corresponding to the branching path branching from the main path at a branching position located downstream in the return direction from the branching position corresponding to the first branching path. Specifically, if the length L of the inspected long sheet in the return direction is longer than the return distance D, the long sheet is not discharged to the loading section corresponding to said return distance D. The long sheet is discharged to a loading section located downstream in the return direction from the loading section corresponding to said return distance D. More specifically, for example, when the fuzzy operation is ON and an image on a long sheet is inspected, the sheets among the inspected long sheets that pass (OK) are discharged to a first loading section corresponding to a branch path branched from the main path at a branch position downstream from the branch position corresponding to the first branch path. The sheets among the inspected long sheets that fail (NG) are discharged to a second loading tray corresponding to a branch path branched from the main path at a branch position located downstream from the branch position corresponding to the first branch path. As a result, it becomes possible to classify and discharge the long sheets inspected by the inspection device (50) according to the inspection results. Additionally, when the fuzzy operation is OFF and an image on a long sheet is inspected, the sheets among the inspected long sheets that pass (OK) and the sheets among the inspected long sheets that fail (NG) are discharged to a loading section corresponding to a branch path branched from the main path at a branch position downstream from the branch position corresponding to the first branch path.

[0144] In addition, in this embodiment, a loading tray in which the return distance D is greater than the sheet length L can be selected by the user, and a loading tray in which the return distance D is smaller than the sheet length L cannot be selected by the user. As a result, an image forming system is provided that assists the user in making an appropriate selection (enabling the user to make an appropriate selection). Accordingly, the user will be able to appropriately select the discharge destination for printed media that does not meet the acceptance criteria.

[0145] In this embodiment, when inspection by the inspection device (50) is not performed, the user can select any of the loading trays displayed in screen SC3a shown in FIG. 8a as the discharge location. That is, when inspection by the inspection device (50) is not performed, the long sheet can be discharged to the loading section with the shortest return path length from the reading position among the multiple loading sections.

[0146] In the present embodiment, the user could not select a load that does not meet the dischargeability conditions, but this is not limited to this. For example, the UI unit (1010) may allow the user to select a load that does not meet the dischargeability conditions. For example, the UI unit (1010) may gray out the work start (print start) button so that the user cannot press the work start (print start) button. Additionally, the UI unit (1010) may notify the user that the selected load cannot be discharged when the work start (print start) button is pressed. Additionally, the UI unit (1010) may not display a load that does not meet the dischargeability conditions.

[0147] In this embodiment, the CPU (301) has acquired information on the sheet size (length of the sheet in the conveying direction) input by the user, but is not limited to this. For example, the CPU (301) may acquire information on the sheet size (length of the sheet in the conveying direction) based on the detection result of a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the sheet and is provided in the conveying path where the sheet is conveyed. Additionally, the CPU (301) may acquire information on the sheet size (length of the sheet in the conveying direction) based on a read image.

[0148] [Second Embodiment]

[0149] The description of the parts of the image forming system that are identical to the first embodiment is omitted.

[0150] When an inspection is performed, the inspection time may be prolonged due to the large area of ​​the intensive inspection area. In this case, the sheet P reaches flapper F2a before the inspection result of sheet P is determined. The inspection result must be determined before the leading edge of the printed material reaches the branching point. Therefore, in this embodiment, control is performed taking the inspection time into account.

[0151] FIG. 14 illustrates the function of the setting unit (202) of the CPU (201). In this embodiment, the setting unit (202) has the following configuration in addition to the configuration of the setting unit (202) in the first embodiment.

[0152] The speed determining unit (1003) determines the conveying speed of sheet P based on the size or basis weight of sheet P acquired by the sheet acquisition unit (1001). For example, the conveying speed of sheet P with a large basis weight is slower than the conveying speed of sheet P with a small basis weight. This is to maintain good toner fixation performance. Similarly, sheet P with a large size requires more heat for fixing compared to sheet P with a small size. Therefore, the conveying speed of sheet P with a large size is slower than the conveying speed of sheet P with a small size. In addition, the conveying speed S in the inspection device (50) and the loading device (60a to 60c) is determined here.

[0153] The time calculation unit (1006) calculates the inspection time T required for inspection per sheet P executed in the inspection device (50) based on the size and inspection content of sheet P. The inspection time T is highly correlated with the area of ​​the inspection area. Accordingly, the CPU (201) calculates the total area of ​​the inspection areas (705a, 705b) set for each sheet P. The CPU (201) compares the total areas of all sheets P and determines the maximum total area. Additionally, the CPU (201) calculates the inspection time T from the maximum total area. The control program (213) has a formula or table for calculating the inspection time T from the total area. Accordingly, the CPU (201) calculates the inspection time T from the total area based on the formula or table. In addition, instead of calculating the total area of ​​the inspection area (705a, 705b), the CPU (201) may calculate the surface area of ​​sheet P based on a formula or table from the size of sheet P, and calculate the inspection time T from the surface area of ​​sheet P.

[0154] The distance calculation unit (1007) calculates the return distance of sheet P (referred to as the calculated distance) based on the inspection time T and the return speed S. For example, the calculated distance is the product of T and S.

[0155] The distance acquisition unit (1008) acquires the return distance from the inlet (64) to flappers F1 and F2, which is included in the configuration information (214) acquired by the configuration acquisition unit (1004). Additionally, the distance acquisition unit (1008) also acquires the return distance from the image sensor (55) (reading position) within the inspection device (50) to the outlet (inlet (64a) of the loading device (60a)) from the configuration information (214). Finally, the distance acquisition unit (1008) calculates the distance D from the image sensor (55) (reading position) to each branch point. Additionally, if an index i is assigned as identification information to each branch point, the distance D for each branch point i can be denoted as Di. Additionally, each branch point i is associated with one of the sheet trays (61, 62, 69). The judgment unit (1009) determines candidates for the discharge location of the printed material based on the return distance and calculation distance from the image sensor (54) to each branch point.

[0156] (S×T)= <D-L ···Eq.1

[0157] In addition, Eq. 1 may be modified as follows.

[0158] (S×T)+L= <D ···Eq.2

[0159] Here, L is the length of Sheet P in the return direction of Sheet P. The discharge location connected to the branch point satisfying Eq. 1 is a discharge location capable of accepting Sheet P by reflecting the inspection result. The judgment unit (1009) determines whether discharge is possible for each of the sheet trays (62a, 61b, 62b, 69).

[0160] As described above, in the present embodiment, a loading tray capable of discharging a long sheet is determined based on the length L in the conveying direction of the long sheet, the conveying distance D, and the distance (S×T) over which the long sheet is conveyed during inspection. As a result, the long sheet inspected by the inspection device (50) can be classified and discharged according to the inspection results. Additionally, an image forming system is provided to assist the user in making an appropriate selection (enabling appropriate selection). Accordingly, the user will be able to appropriately select the discharge destination for the printing media that does not meet the acceptance criteria.

[0161] Additionally, in this embodiment, the return speed S and inspection time T were calculated for each sheet P, but this is merely an example. To make the determination simpler, the return speed S and inspection time T may be fixed values ​​stored in memory (210).

[0162] In addition, in the inspection setting screen SC2, the inspection items are configured to be configurable, and the distance at which a long sheet is returned during inspection may be calculated based on the inspection items.

[0163] <Technical concept derived from the embodiment>

[0164] [Perspective 1]

[0165] The image forming device (30) functions as a printing unit that prints an image on a printing medium based on image data. The image sensors (54, 55) function as a reading unit that generates inspection image data (312) by reading the printing medium. The CPU (301) and the inspection unit (302) inspect whether the printing medium meets a predetermined image quality standard based on the inspection image data. The predetermined image quality standard may be set by the user, for example, through the inspection setting screen SC2. The sheet trays (62a, 61b, 62b, 61c, 62c, 69) are examples of a plurality of discharge units from which the printing medium is discharged. Additionally, the loading device (60b) viewed from the loading device (60a) is also an example of a discharge unit. Likewise, the loading device (60c) viewed from the loading device (60b) is also an example of a discharge unit. Solenoids SL1 and SL2 and flappers F1 and F2 are examples of a guiding unit that guides a printing medium to a corresponding discharge unit among a plurality of discharge units based on the image inspection result by an inspection unit. As shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b, a display device (21) is an example of a display unit that displays candidates for a plurality of discharge locations where a printing medium that does not meet the image quality standard among a plurality of discharge units can be discharged. An input device (22) is an example of a receiving unit that receives the designation of one discharge unit from the candidates for a plurality of discharge locations displayed on the display unit. A CPU (201, 301, 401) is an example of a control unit that controls the guiding unit to guide a printing medium that does not meet the image quality standard to one discharge unit designated through the receiving unit. As explained using Eq. 1, conditions are imposed on the candidates for discharge units that can be selected by the user among a plurality of discharge units. Each of the multiple candidate discharge locations is a discharge location where quality inspection of the said print medium by the inspection unit can be completed until the print medium arrives at the guide located on the return path extending from the reading unit to the corresponding discharge location.For example, since an inappropriate discharge location is not considered as a candidate for a discharge location, the user will not be able to select an inappropriate discharge location. Accordingly, an image inspection system (100) is provided to assist the user in selecting a discharge location of the print medium inspected by the inspection device (50).

[0166] [Perspective 2]

[0167] A first return distance (e.g., S×T) is determined based on the inspection time T required for the inspection unit to perform a quality inspection on the print medium and the return speed S of the print medium. The CPU (201) and the decision unit (1009) function as a decision unit that determines candidates for multiple discharge locations from multiple discharge units based on the first return distance and the second return distance (e.g., D) of the print medium from the reading unit to the induction unit.

[0168] [Perspective 3]

[0169] As indicated by Eq. 2, the CPU (201) and the decision unit (1009) may calculate the sum of the length L in the conveying direction of the printing medium and the first conveying distance. The CPU (201) and the decision unit (1009) may determine multiple candidates for multiple discharge points from multiple discharge points based on whether the sum is shorter than the second conveying distance. If the sheet P is a long paper (e.g., L=30 inches), the time required for the sheet P to pass through the image sensor (54) increases. Image inspection cannot be performed until the rear end of the sheet P passes through the image sensor (54). Therefore, by determining multiple candidates for multiple discharge points in consideration of the length of the sheet P, the user will be able to select a more appropriate discharge point.

[0170] [Perspective 4]

[0171] The discharge mode in which the fuzzy operation is ON is an example of a first mode that determines the discharge location of the printed medium based on the inspection result of the printed medium. The discharge mode in which the fuzzy operation is OFF is an example of a second mode that determines the discharge location of the printed medium without relying on the inspection result of the printed medium. As described in relation to the inspection operation setting screen SC3, the display device (21) displays multiple candidates for discharge locations when the first mode is selected. The input device (22) may accept the designation of one discharge location from the multiple candidates for discharge locations displayed on the display device (21).

[0172] [Perspective 5]

[0173] As illustrated in FIG. 8a, etc., the receiving unit may also be configured to accept a selection of either the first mode or the second mode. There may be cases where there is no output unit capable of completing a quality inspection of the printed medium by the inspection unit until the printed medium arrives at the induction unit. In this case, the display device (21) does not display multiple candidates for output units, and the input device (22) does not accept a selection of the first mode. By doing so, the user will be able to review inspection settings, etc., to increase the number of candidates for output units.

[0174] [Perspective 6]

[0175] There are cases where the input device (22) receives the selection of the second mode. There are cases where the second mode is forcibly selected because there is no discharge point where quality inspection of the said printing medium by the inspection unit can be completed until the printing medium arrives at the induction unit. In this case, the display device (21) may display multiple discharge points as candidates for the discharge point where the said printing medium is discharged, without relying on the inspection result of the printing medium. In this way, when the fuzzy operation is off, more candidates for discharge points are displayed to the user.

[0176] [Perspective 7]

[0177] The display device (21) may display all of the multiple discharge sections as candidates for discharge locations where the printed medium is discharged, without relying on the inspection results of the printed medium. In this way, when the fuzzy operation is set to off, all discharge sections may be displayed as selection candidates.

[0178] [Perspective 8]

[0179] The setting unit (202) functions as a setting unit for setting the content of the quality inspection. As explained in relation to FIG. 7, the inspection time T depends on the inspection content and the inspection level (inspection precision). Accordingly, the CPU (201) and the judgment unit (1009) may determine the inspection time according to the content of the quality inspection set by the setting unit (202).

[0180] [Perspective 9]

[0181] The CPU (201) and the decision unit (1009) may determine candidates for multiple discharge locations from multiple discharge units based on the return time of the printing medium from the reading unit to the induction unit and the inspection time required for the inspection unit to perform a quality inspection on the printing medium. In this way, candidates for discharge units may be determined without converting time into distance. However, Eq. 1 or Eq. 2 needs to be converted from an inequality regarding distance to an inequality regarding time. For example, Eq. 1 can be converted to Eq. 3.

[0182] T=<(DL) / S ···Eq.3

[0183] [Perspective 10]

[0184] As indicated by Eq. 3, the CPU (201) and the decision unit (1009) may also narrow down the candidates for multiple discharge locations based on the size of the printing medium.

[0185] [Perspective 11]

[0186] There may be cases where there is no discharge unit capable of discharging printing media that does not meet image quality standards. In this case, the display device (21) may display a message or screen suggesting to the operator to review the inspection settings or inspection operation settings applied to the inspection unit.

[0187] [Perspective 12]

[0188] The inspection device (50) generates inspection image data by reading the printing medium and performs a quality inspection of the image printed on the printing medium based on the image data and the inspection image data. The loading device (60a to 60c) is an example of an ejection device in which the printing medium is ejected. The display device (21) is an example of a display device that displays information. The input device (22) is an example of an input device that receives input of instructions. The control device (40) and the CPU (201, 301, 401) are examples of control devices that control the ejection device.

[0189] The inlet (64) is an example of an inlet that receives printing media. Return path P1 is an example of a first return path extending from the inlet. Return paths P2 and P3 are examples of a second return path and a third return path branching from the first return path. Return paths P4 and P5 are examples of a fourth return path and a fifth return path branching from the third return path. Flapper F1 is an example of a first guide section that guides printing media returned via the first return path to the second return path or the third return path. Flapper F2 is an example of a second guide section that guides printing media returned via the third return path to the fourth return path or the fifth return path. Sheet tray (61) is an example of a first discharge section from which printing media returned via the second return path is discharged. The sheet tray (62) is an example of a second discharge section in which the printed medium returned via the fourth return path is discharged. The exit (65), the rear loading device (60), or the sheet tray (61, 62, 69) of the rear loading device (60) is an example of a third discharge section in which the printed medium returned via the fifth return path is discharged. The display device (21) may display the first discharge section, the second discharge section, and the third discharge section as candidates for discharge locations for the printed medium that does not meet the specified image quality standards. The input device (22) receives the designation of one discharge location from the candidates for multiple discharge locations displayed on the display device. The control device (40) and the CPU (401) may control the first and second guiding sections to guide the printed medium that does not meet the specified image quality standards to one discharge location designated through the input device. This control may be realized, for example, through work information. There are cases where a quality inspection of the printing medium by an inspection device can be completed by the time the printing medium arrives at the first induction section. In this case, the first discharge section, the second discharge section, and the third discharge section may be displayed on the display device (21) as candidates for multiple discharge locations.Although quality inspection of the printed medium by the inspection device cannot be completed until the printed medium arrives at the first induction section, there are cases where quality inspection of the printed medium by the inspection device can be completed until the printed medium arrives at the second induction section. In this case, the second discharge section and the third discharge section are displayed on the display device as candidates for multiple discharge locations.

[0190] [Perspective 13]

[0191] A loading device (60a) (or a loading device (60b)) is an example of a first discharge device in which a printing medium is discharged. A loading device (60b) (or a loading device (60c)) is connected to the rear end of the first discharge device and is an example of a second discharge device in which a printing medium is discharged. A control device (40) and a CPU (201, 301, 401) are examples of a control device that controls the first discharge device and the second discharge device.

[0192] [Item 1]

[0193] An image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, and

[0194] A reading device for reading an image on the sheet returned from the image forming device, and

[0195] Based on the result of the reading device reading the image on the sheet, an inspection unit that inspects the image on the sheet, and

[0196] A return path comprising a main path guiding the sheet read by the reading device, and a plurality of branch paths branching from the main path and also guiding the sheet, and

[0197] Multiple loading sections where discharged sheets are loaded

[0198] having,

[0199] Each of the plurality of branch paths is branched from the main path at a branching position corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths, and

[0200] Each of the above plurality of loading sections corresponds to each other branch path among the above plurality of branch paths, and

[0201] Each of the plurality of branch passes guides the sheet toward a loading portion corresponding to each of the plurality of branch passes, and

[0202] If the length in the direction of the long side of the sheet to be inspected by the inspection unit is longer than the length of the return path between the branch position corresponding to the first branch pass included in the plurality of branch passes and the reading position of the reading device, the sheet inspected by the inspection unit is not discharged to the loading unit corresponding to the first branch pass, but is discharged to the loading unit corresponding to the branch pass branching from the main pass at a branch position located downstream from the branch position corresponding to the first branch pass.

[0203] An image forming system characterized in that the branch position corresponding to the first branch pass is the branch position with the shortest return path length from the reading position among the branch positions corresponding to each of the plurality of branch passes.

[0204] [Item 2]

[0205] An image forming system described in Item 1, characterized in that when the length in the direction of the long side of the sheet to be inspected by the inspection unit is longer than the length of the return path between the branch position corresponding to the first branch pass and the reading position, the sheet satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a loading unit corresponding to a first branch pass branched from the main pass at a first branch position located downstream from the branch position corresponding to the first branch pass, and the sheet not satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a loading unit corresponding to a second branch pass branched from the main pass at a second branch position located downstream from the branch position corresponding to the first branch pass.

[0206] [Item 3]

[0207] The above image forming system is,

[0208] A means for acquiring information regarding the length of the sheet in the long side direction input by a user, and

[0209] If the information acquired above indicates that the length of the sheet in the long side direction is longer than the length of the return path from the reading position to the branch position corresponding to the first branch path, a control means that does not discharge the sheet inspected by the inspection unit to the loading unit corresponding to the first branch path.

[0210] An image forming system described in item 1 or 2, characterized by having

[0211] [Item 4]

[0212] The above image forming system is,

[0213] A determining means for determining the length in the long side direction of the sheet based on image data obtained by reading the above reading device, and

[0214] A control means that does not discharge the sheet inspected by the inspection unit to the loading unit corresponding to the first branch path when the length of the sheet in the long side direction determined above is longer than the length of the return path from the reading position to the branch position corresponding to the first branch path.

[0215] An image forming system described in any one of items 1 to 3, characterized by having

[0216] [Item 5]

[0217] The above image forming system is,

[0218] A sensor provided on the above return path and detecting the presence or absence of the above sheet, and

[0219] A means for acquiring information regarding the length in the conveying direction of the sheet based on the detection result of the sensor above, and

[0220] If the information obtained above indicates that the length of the sheet in the long side direction is longer than the length of the return path from the reading position to the branch position corresponding to the first branch path, a control means that does not discharge the sheet inspected by the inspection unit to the loading unit corresponding to the first branch path.

[0221] An image forming system described in any one of items 1 to 4, characterized by having

[0222] [Item 6]

[0223] An image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, and

[0224] A reading device that reads an image on the sheet returned from the image forming device at a reading position, and

[0225] Based on the result of the reading device reading the image on the sheet, an inspection unit that inspects the image on the sheet, and

[0226] A return path comprising a main path guiding the sheet read by the reading device, and a plurality of branch paths branching from the main path and also guiding the sheet, and

[0227] A plurality of loading sections where discharged sheets are loaded, and

[0228] Acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the length of the sheet in the direction of the long side of the sheet.

[0229] It is an image forming system having,

[0230] Each of the plurality of branch paths is branched from the main path at a branching position corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths, and

[0231] Each of the above plurality of loading sections corresponds to each other of the above plurality of branching paths, and

[0232] Each of the plurality of branch passes guides the sheet toward a loading portion corresponding to each of the plurality of branch passes, and

[0233] The image forming system has a control means for discharging the inspected sheet to a loading section corresponding to a first branching section, rather than to a loading section corresponding to a branching section located downstream from the first branching section, when the sum of the value representing the length of the sheet in the acquired long side direction and the value representing the distance the sheet is returned during inspection by the inspection section is greater than the value representing the length of the return path between the first branching section corresponding to a first branching section included in the plurality of branching sections.

[0234] An image forming system characterized in that the first branch position is the branch position with the shortest return path length from the reading position among the branch positions corresponding to each of the plurality of branch passes.

[0235] [Item 7]

[0236] The image forming system has a display unit that displays a selection screen for selecting an area of ​​an image on the sheet to be inspected by the inspection unit, and

[0237] An image forming system described in Item 6, characterized in that the distance over which the sheet is returned during inspection by the inspection unit is determined based on the size of the area of ​​the image on the sheet to be inspected by the inspection unit.

[0238] [Item 8]

[0239] The image forming system has a display unit that displays a selection screen for selecting an inspection item when the inspection unit inspects an image on the sheet, and

[0240] An image forming system described in item 6 or 7, characterized in that the distance over which the sheet is returned during inspection by the inspection unit is determined based on the inspection item.

[0241] [Item 9]

[0242] An image forming system described in Item 6, characterized in that when the above total value is longer than the length of the return path between the above first branch position and the above reading position, the sheet satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a loading section corresponding to a second branch path branched from the main path at a second branch position located downstream of the above first branch position, and the sheet not satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a loading section corresponding to a third branch path branched from the main path at a third branch position located downstream of the above first branch position.

[0243] [Item 10]

[0244] An image forming system described in any one of items 6 to 9, characterized in that the above-mentioned acquisition means acquires information regarding the length of the sheet in the long side direction input by the user.

[0245] [Item 11]

[0246] An image forming system described in any one of items 6 to 10, characterized in that the above acquisition means acquires information regarding the length in the long side direction of the sheet based on image data obtained by the reading device.

[0247] [Item 12]

[0248] The image forming system described above is provided on the return path and has a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the sheet,

[0249] An image forming system described in any one of items 6 to 11, characterized in that the above-mentioned acquisition means acquires information regarding the length in the conveying direction of the sheet based on the detection result of the sensor.

[0250] [Item 13]

[0251] An image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, and

[0252] A reading device that reads an image on the sheet returned from the image forming device at a reading position, and

[0253] Based on the result of the reading device reading the image on the sheet, an inspection unit that inspects the image on the sheet, and

[0254] A return path comprising a main path guiding the sheet read by the reading device, and a plurality of branch paths branching from the main path and also guiding the sheet, and

[0255] Multiple loading sections where discharged sheets are loaded

[0256] It is an image forming system having,

[0257] Each of the plurality of branch paths is branched from the main path at a branching position corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths, and

[0258] Each of the above plurality of loading sections corresponds to each other of the above plurality of branching paths, and

[0259] Each of the plurality of branch passes guides the sheet toward a loading portion corresponding to each of the plurality of branch passes, and

[0260] The image forming system is characterized by having a loading section capable of discharging a long sheet that is inspected by the inspection section and has a length of 1000 mm or more in the long side direction of the sheet, and a display section indicating a loading section that cannot discharge the long sheet inspected by the inspection section.

[0261] [Item 14]

[0262] An image forming system described in Item 13, characterized in that the length of the return path between a branch position corresponding to a loading section capable of discharging the long sheet and a reading position where an image on the sheet is read is longer than the length of the return path between a branch position corresponding to a loading section unable to discharge the long sheet and the reading position.

[0263] [Item 15]

[0264] An image forming system described in Item 14, characterized in that the length of the return path from the above reading position to the branch position corresponding to the loading tray where the above long sheet cannot be discharged is shorter than the length of the above long sheet in the direction of the long side.

[0265] [Item 16]

[0266] The above display unit displays a selection screen for selecting a loading unit from the plurality of loading units from which the sheet is to be discharged, and

[0267] The above display unit displays on the selection screen a loading unit capable of discharging the long sheet inspected by the inspection unit and a loading unit incapable of discharging the long sheet inspected by the inspection unit.

[0268] An image forming system described in any one of items 13 to 15, characterized in that the loading unit, which is unable to discharge the long sheet inspected by the inspection unit, is unselectable on the selection screen.

[0269] [Item 17]

[0270] The above display unit displays a selection screen for selecting a loading unit from the plurality of loading units from which the sheet is to be discharged, and

[0271] The above display unit displays a loading unit capable of discharging the long sheet inspected by the above inspection unit on the selection screen, and

[0272] An image forming system described in any one of items 13 to 16, characterized in that the loading portion of the long sheet that cannot be discharged, inspected by the inspection unit, is not displayed on the selection screen.

[0273] [Item 18]

[0274] An image forming system described in any one of items 13 to 17, characterized in that the long sheet satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a first loading section corresponding to a branch path located downstream of a branch position corresponding to a loading section where the long sheet cannot be discharged, and the long sheet not satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a second loading section corresponding to a branch path located downstream of a branch position corresponding to a loading section where the long sheet cannot be discharged.

[0275] [Item 19]

[0276] The above image forming system is,

[0277] A means for acquiring information regarding the length of the sheet in the long side direction input by a user, and

[0278] Based on the information obtained above, a control means for displaying a loading section capable of discharging the long sheet and a loading section unable to discharge the long sheet on the display section.

[0279] An image forming system described in any one of items 13 to 18, characterized by having

[0280] [Item 20]

[0281] The above image forming system is,

[0282] A means for acquiring information regarding the length in the long side direction of the sheet based on image data obtained by the reading device, and

[0283] Based on the information obtained above, a control means for displaying a loading section capable of discharging the long sheet and a loading section unable to discharge the long sheet on the display section.

[0284] An image forming system described in any one of items 13 to 19, characterized by having

[0285] [Item 21]

[0286] The above image forming system is,

[0287] A sensor provided on the above return path and detecting the presence or absence of the above sheet, and

[0288] A means for acquiring information regarding the length in the long side direction of the sheet based on the detection result of the sensor above, and

[0289] Based on the information obtained above, a control means for displaying a loading section capable of discharging the long sheet and a loading section unable to discharge the long sheet on the display section.

[0290] An image forming system described in any one of items 13 to 20, characterized by having

[0291] [Item 22]

[0292] An image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, and

[0293] A reading device that reads an image on the sheet returned from the image forming device at a reading position, and

[0294] Based on the result of the reading device reading the image on the sheet, an inspection unit that inspects the image on the sheet, and

[0295] A return path comprising a main path guiding the sheet read by the reading device, and a plurality of branch paths branching from the main path and also guiding the sheet, and

[0296] Multiple loading sections where discharged sheets are loaded

[0297] It is an image forming system having,

[0298] Each of the plurality of branch paths is branched from the main path at a branching position corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths, and

[0299] Each of the above plurality of loading sections corresponds to a different specific one of the above plurality of branching paths, and

[0300] Each of the plurality of branch passes guides the sheet toward a loading portion corresponding to each of the plurality of branch passes, and

[0301] The image forming system is characterized by having a control means that, when an image on a long sheet having a length of 1000 mm or more in the long side direction of the sheet is inspected, does not allow the discharge of the long sheet to a loading section corresponding to a branching path corresponding to the branching path with the shortest length of the return path from the reading position among the branching positions corresponding to each of the plurality of branching paths.

[0302] [Item 23]

[0303] An image forming system described in Item 22, characterized in that the above control means allows discharge to a loading section corresponding to a branching path corresponding to the branching position with the shortest length of the return path from the reading position, for a sheet that is inspected by the above inspection section and has a length shorter than 1000 mm in the long side direction.

[0304] [Item 24]

[0305] An image forming system described in item 22 or 23, characterized in that the length of the return path between the branch position with the shortest length of the return path from the reading position and the reading position is shorter than the length of the long sheet in the long side direction.

[0306] [Item 25]

[0307] An image forming system described in any one of items 22 to 24, characterized in that the long sheet satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a first loading section corresponding to a branch path located downstream of the branch position with the shortest return path length from the reading position, and the long sheet not satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a second loading section corresponding to a branch path located downstream of the branch position with the shortest return path length from the reading position.

[0308] [Item 26]

[0309] The image forming system has a means for acquiring information regarding the length of the sheet in the return direction of the sheet input by the user, and

[0310] An image forming system described in any one of items 22 to 25, characterized in that the control means does not permit the discharge of the long sheet to a loading unit corresponding to a branch path corresponding to the branch position with the shortest length of the return path from the reading position of the sheet inspected by the inspection unit when the acquired information indicates that the length of the sheet in the long side direction is longer than the length of the return path from the reading position to the first branch position.

[0311] [Item 27]

[0312] The image forming system has a determining means for determining the length in the conveying direction of the sheet based on image data obtained by reading the reading device, and

[0313] An image forming system described in any one of items 22 to 26, characterized in that the above control means does not permit the discharge of the long sheet to a loading unit corresponding to a branch path corresponding to the branch position with the shortest length of the return path from the reading position of the sheet inspected by the inspection unit when the length of the sheet in the determined long side direction is longer than 1000 mm.

[0314] [Item 28]

[0315] The above image forming system is,

[0316] A sensor provided on the above return path and detecting the presence or absence of the above sheet, and

[0317] Acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the length in the conveying direction of the sheet based on the detection result of the above sensor.

[0318] having,

[0319] An image forming system described in any one of items 22 to 27, characterized in that the control means does not permit the discharge of the long sheet to a loading section corresponding to a branch path corresponding to the branch position with the shortest length of the return path from the reading position of the inspected sheet when the acquired information indicates that the length of the sheet in the long side direction is longer than the length of the return path from the reading position to the first branch position.

[0320] (Other examples)

[0321] The present invention can also be realized in a process in which a program realizing one or more functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to a system or device through a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. In addition, it can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) realizing one or more functions.

[0322] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention.

[0323] The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-006570 filed on January 19, 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-189534 filed on November 28, 2022, and all contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference. Explanation of the symbols

[0324] 30: Image forming device 54, 55: Image sensor 50: Inspection device 61, 62, 69: Sheet tray F1, F2: Flapper (branch hook)

Claims

Claim 1 An image forming device for forming an image on a sheet; a reading device for reading an image on the sheet returned from the image forming device; an inspection unit for inspecting an image on the sheet based on the result of the reading device reading the image on the sheet; a main path for guiding the sheet read by the reading device; a return path including a plurality of branch paths that branch off from the main path and also guide the sheet; and a plurality of loading units for loading discharged sheets, wherein each of the plurality of branch paths branches off from the main path at a branching position corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths, and each of the plurality of loading units corresponds to another branch path among the plurality of branch paths, and each of the plurality of branch paths guides the sheet toward a loading unit corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths, and when the length in the direction of the long side of the sheet to be inspected by the inspection unit is longer than the length of the return path between the branching position corresponding to the first branch path included in the plurality of branch paths and the reading position of the reading device, the sheet inspected by the inspection unit is not discharged to the loading unit corresponding to the first branch path, and the first branch An image forming system characterized by a branching position located downstream of a branching position corresponding to a pass, wherein the branching position corresponding to the first branching pass is discharged to a loading section corresponding to a branching pass branching from the main pass, and the branching position corresponding to the first branching pass is the branching position with the shortest return path length from the reading position among the branching positions corresponding to each of the plurality of branching passes. Claim 2 An image forming system according to claim 1, wherein if the length in the direction of the long side of the sheet to be inspected by the inspection unit is longer than the length of the return path between the branch position corresponding to the first branch pass and the reading position, the sheet satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a loading unit corresponding to a first branch pass branched from the main pass at a first branch position located downstream from the branch position corresponding to the first branch pass, and the sheet not satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a loading unit corresponding to a second branch pass branched from the main pass at a second branch position located downstream from the branch position corresponding to the first branch pass. Claim 3 The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system comprises: a means for acquiring information regarding the length of the sheet in the long side direction input by a user; and a control means for not discharging the sheet inspected by the inspection unit to the loading unit corresponding to the first branch path when the acquired information indicates that the length of the sheet in the long side direction is longer than the length of the return path from the reading position to the branch position corresponding to the first branch path. Claim 4 The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system comprises a determining means for determining the length in the long side direction of the sheet based on image data obtained by reading the reading device, and a control means for not discharging the sheet inspected by the inspection unit to the loading unit corresponding to the first branch path when the determined length of the sheet in the long side direction is longer than the length of the return path from the reading position to the branch position corresponding to the first branch path. Claim 5 The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system comprises a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the sheet provided in the return path, an acquisition means that acquires information regarding the length of the sheet in the return direction based on the detection result of the sensor, and a control means that does not discharge the sheet inspected by the inspection unit to the loading unit corresponding to the first branch path when the acquired information indicates that the length of the sheet in the long side direction is longer than the length of the return path from the reading position to the branch position corresponding to the first branch path. Claim 6 An image forming system comprising: an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet; a reading device for reading an image on the sheet returned from the image forming device at a reading position; an inspection unit for inspecting an image on the sheet based on the result of the reading device reading the image on the sheet; a main path for guiding the sheet read by the reading device; a return path including a plurality of branch paths branched from the main path and also guiding the sheet; a plurality of loading units for loading discharged sheets; and an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the length of the sheet in the long side direction of the sheet, wherein each of the plurality of branch paths branches from the main path at a branching position corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths, and each of the plurality of loading units corresponds to another of the plurality of branch paths, and each of the plurality of branch paths guides the sheet toward a loading unit corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths, and the image forming system has a sum of a value representing the length of the sheet in the long side direction acquired and a value representing the distance the sheet is returned during inspection by the inspection unit, wherein the sum of the values ​​is the plurality of branch paths An image forming system having a control means for discharging the inspected sheet to a loading section corresponding to the first branching section, which is located downstream from the first branching section, to a loading section corresponding to a branching section branched from the main section when the value is greater than the length of the return path between the first branching section corresponding to the first branching section and the reading section, wherein the first branching section is the branching section with the shortest length of the return path from the reading section among the branching sections corresponding to each of the plurality of branching sections. Claim 7 In claim 6, the image forming system is characterized in that it has a display unit that displays a selection screen for selecting an area of ​​an image on the sheet to be inspected by the inspection unit, and the distance over which the sheet is returned during inspection by the inspection unit is determined based on the size of the area of ​​the image on the sheet to be inspected by the inspection unit. Claim 8 In claim 6, the image forming system is characterized in that the image forming system has a display unit that displays a selection screen for selecting an inspection item when the inspection unit inspects an image on the sheet, and the distance over which the sheet is returned during inspection by the inspection unit is determined based on the inspection item. Claim 9 An image forming system according to claim 6, wherein if the sum value is longer than the length of the return path between the first branch position and the reading position, the sheet satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a loading section corresponding to a second branch path branched from the main path at a second branch position located downstream of the first branch position, and the sheet not satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a loading section corresponding to a third branch path branched from the main path at a third branch position located downstream of the first branch position. Claim 10 An image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the acquisition means acquires information regarding the length of the sheet in the long side direction input by the user. Claim 11 An image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the acquisition means acquires information regarding the length in the long side direction of the sheet based on image data obtained by the reading device. Claim 12 In claim 6, the image forming system is characterized by having a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the sheet and is provided on the return path, and the acquisition means acquires information regarding the length of the sheet in the return direction based on the detection result of the sensor. Claim 13 An image forming device for forming an image on a sheet; a reading device for reading an image on the sheet returned from the image forming device at a reading position; an inspection unit for inspecting an image on the sheet based on the result of the reading device reading the image on the sheet; a main path for guiding the sheet read by the reading device; a return path including a plurality of branch paths branched from the main path and also guiding the sheet; and a plurality of loading units for loading discharged sheets, wherein each of the plurality of branch paths branches from the main path at a branching position corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths, and each of the plurality of loading units corresponds to another of the plurality of branch paths, and each of the plurality of branch paths guides the sheet toward a loading unit corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths, and the image forming system has a loading unit capable of discharging a long sheet inspected by the inspection unit and having a length of 1000 mm or more in the long side direction of the sheet, and a display unit indicating a loading unit that cannot discharge the long sheet inspected by the inspection unit, and a branch corresponding to the loading unit capable of discharging the long sheet An image forming system characterized in that the length of the return path between a position and a reading position where an image on the sheet is read is longer than the length of the return path between a branch position corresponding to a loading section where the long sheet cannot be discharged and the reading position, and the length of the return path from the reading position to a branch position corresponding to a loading tray where the long sheet cannot be discharged is shorter than the length of the long sheet in the long side direction. Claim 14 In claim 13, the display unit displays a selection screen for selecting a loading unit from the plurality of loading units to which the sheet is to be discharged, and the display unit displays on the selection screen a loading unit capable of discharging the long sheet inspected by the inspection unit and a loading unit unable to discharge the long sheet inspected by the inspection unit, and the loading unit unable to discharge the long sheet inspected by the inspection unit is characterized in that it is not selectable on the selection screen. Claim 15 An image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the display unit displays a selection screen for selecting a loading unit from the plurality of loading units from which the sheet is to be discharged, and the display unit displays a loading unit capable of discharging the long sheet inspected by the inspection unit on the selection screen, and a loading unit incapable of discharging the long sheet inspected by the inspection unit is not displayed on the selection screen. Claim 16 An image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the long sheet satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a first loading section corresponding to a branch path located downstream of a branch position corresponding to a loading section where the long sheet cannot be discharged, and the long sheet not satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a second loading section corresponding to a branch path located downstream of a branch position corresponding to a loading section where the long sheet cannot be discharged. Claim 17 In claim 13, the image forming system is characterized by having an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the length of the sheet in the long side direction input by a user, and a control means for displaying a loading section capable of discharging the long sheet and a loading section unable to discharge the long sheet on a display section based on the acquired information. Claim 18 In claim 13, the image forming system is characterized by having an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the length in the direction of the long side of the sheet based on image data obtained by reading the reading device, and a control means for displaying a loading part capable of discharging the long sheet and a loading part unable to discharge the long sheet on the display part based on the acquired information. Claim 19 In claim 13, the image forming system is characterized by having a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the sheet provided on the return path, an acquisition means that acquires information regarding the length of the sheet in the direction of the long side based on the detection result of the sensor, and a control means that displays a loading section capable of discharging the long sheet and a loading section unable to discharge the long sheet on the display section based on the acquired information. Claim 20 An image forming device for forming an image on a sheet; a reading device for reading an image on the sheet returned from the image forming device at a reading position; an inspection unit for inspecting an image on the sheet based on the result of the reading device reading the image on the sheet; a main path for guiding the sheet read by the reading device; a return path including a plurality of branch paths branched from the main path and also guiding the sheet; and a plurality of loading units for loading discharged sheets, wherein each of the plurality of branch paths branches from the main path at a branching position corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths, and each of the plurality of loading units corresponds to a different specific one among the plurality of branch paths, and each of the plurality of branch paths guides the sheet toward a loading unit corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths, and the image forming system, when an image on a long sheet having a length of 1000 mm or more in the long side direction of the sheet is inspected, [guides] the sheet toward a loading unit corresponding to a branch path corresponding to the branching position with the shortest return path length from the reading position among the branching positions corresponding to each of the plurality of branch paths. An image forming system having control means that does not permit the discharge of the long sheet, and characterized in that the length of the return path between the branch position with the shortest length of the return path from the reading position and the reading position is shorter than the length of the long sheet in the long side direction. Claim 21 An image forming system according to claim 20, wherein the control means allows discharge to a loading section corresponding to a branching path corresponding to the branching position with the shortest length of the return path from the reading position, for a sheet that is inspected by the inspection section and has a length shorter than 1000 mm in the long side direction. Claim 22 An image forming system characterized in that, in claim 20, the long sheet satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a first loading section corresponding to a branch path located downstream of the branch position with the shortest return path length from the reading position, and the long sheet not satisfying the inspection criteria is discharged to a second loading section corresponding to a branch path located downstream of the branch position with the shortest return path length from the reading position. Claim 23 In claim 20, the image forming system has a means for acquiring information regarding the length of the sheet in the return direction of the sheet input by a user, and the control means is characterized by not allowing the discharge of the long sheet to a loading unit corresponding to a branch path corresponding to the branch position with the shortest length of the return path from the reading position of the sheet inspected by the inspection unit when the acquired information indicates that the length of the sheet in the long side direction is longer than the length of the return path from the reading position to the first branch position. Claim 24 In claim 20, the image forming system has a determining means for determining the length in the conveying direction of the sheet based on image data obtained by reading the reading device, and the control means is characterized by not allowing the discharge of the long sheet to a loading section corresponding to a branching path corresponding to the branching position with the shortest length of the conveying path from the reading position of the sheet inspected by the inspection unit when the length of the sheet in the determined long side direction is longer than 1000 mm. Claim 25 In claim 20, the image forming system comprises a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the sheet provided in the return path and an acquisition means that acquires information regarding the length of the sheet in the return direction based on the detection result of the sensor, and the control means that if the acquired information indicates that the length of the sheet in the long side direction is longer than the length of the return path from the reading position to the first branch position, the long sheet is not allowed to be discharged to a loading section corresponding to a branch path corresponding to the branch position with the shortest length of the return path from the reading position of the inspected sheet. Claim 26 delete Claim 27 delete Claim 28 delete

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