JP2023073010A - IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Abstract

An image forming apparatus capable of reliably comparing an image of a printed matter output from a printing device with a reference image corresponding to the printed matter is provided.
An image forming apparatus (101) includes a printing device (107) for outputting a plurality of prints on which images are printed, an inspection device (109) for inspecting the printed matter output from the printing device (107), and a printed matter output from the printing device (107). and a finisher 111 for post-processing the image. The image forming apparatus 101 performs control to register in the inspection apparatus 109 a plurality of reference images used for inspection of each of a plurality of printed materials. The inspection device 109 acquires one reference image from among a plurality of registered reference images according to the order of registration when inspecting printed matter output from the printing device 107 , and transmits the acquired reference image from the printing device 107 . Compare with the output printed image. The image forming apparatus 101 performs control so that the order of registration is the order of output of printed matter output from the printing apparatus 107 .
[Selection drawing] Fig. 5

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus control method, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been known an inspection system in which an inspection device inspects a printed matter on which an image is printed by a printing device before it is transported to a post-processing device. In the inspection of printed matter, the inspection device performs image analysis on the printed matter (object to be inspected) output by the printing device executing a print job, and compares the image of the printed matter with a pre-registered reference image. , to determine whether the inspection object is normal. By inspecting the printed matter in this manner, it is possible to detect, for example, missing barcodes or ruled lines, missing images, printing stains, missing pages, color shifts, and the like.

By the way, in registering the reference image, the inspection device reads the printed matter on which the image to be inspected is printed, and registers the read image as the basic image. At this time, the operator needs to visually judge whether the read printed matter or the read image is appropriate. For example, when registering basic images of a plurality of pages, the amount of work for confirmation by the operator increases, and there is a risk that the confirmation will take a long time or that work errors may occur. In response to this, a technique has been proposed in which a basic image is acquired based on print image data obtained by performing image processing on raster data that has undergone raster image processing, and the acquired basic image is registered in an inspection device (for example, see Patent Document 1). For example, when registering basic images of a plurality of pages, the basic images of each page are registered in the inspection device in page order. When reading a printed matter output from a printing device, the inspection device acquires a reference image corresponding to the printed matter from among a plurality of registered reference images in order of registration, and compares the acquired reference image with the printed matter. Images obtained by reading can be compared.

JP 2019-95476 A

However, due to the configuration of the printing device and the post-processing device connected to the printing device, the output order of the printed matter by the printing device may not match the registration order of the basic images. For example, when the post-processing device performs post-processing such as folding a bundle of printed matter output from the printing device in half with the image-printed side facing inward, the printing device outputs the printed matter in reverse page order. There is a need to. Also, when the post-processing device performs bookbinding processing on a bundle of printed materials output from the printing device, the printing device needs to rearrange the printed materials that will be the front and back covers to the top or the bottom and output them. . In this way, when the output order of the printed matter by the printing device does not match the registration order of the basic images, the intended images are not compared with each other, resulting in a problem that correct inspection results cannot be obtained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a program capable of reliably comparing an image of a printed matter output from a printing apparatus with a reference image corresponding to the printed matter. be.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes: printing means for outputting a plurality of prints on which images are printed; inspection means for inspecting the prints output from the printing means; post-processing means for performing post-processing on an output printed matter, the image forming apparatus performing control for registering a plurality of reference images used for inspection of each of the plurality of printed matter in the inspection means in accordance with received instructions. wherein the inspection means acquires one reference image from among the plurality of registered reference images according to the order of registration when inspecting the printed material output from the printing means; The reference image thus obtained is compared with the image of the printed matter output from the printing means, and the control means performs control so that the order of registration becomes the output order of the printed matter output from the printing means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably compare an image of a printed matter output from a printing device with a reference image corresponding to the printed matter.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing configurations of the image forming apparatus, an external controller, and a PC in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a side view of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a procedure of reference image registration processing executed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of reference image transmission processing in step S404 of FIG. 4; FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a system including an image forming apparatus 101 according to an embodiment of the invention. The system shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming apparatus 101 and an external controller 102 . Note that the image forming apparatus is also called a multifunction peripheral, a multifunction peripheral, an MFP, or the like. External controllers may also be referred to as image processing controllers, digital front ends, print servers, DFEs, and the like.

The image forming apparatus 101 is communicably connected to an external controller 102 via an internal LAN 105 and a video cable 106 . The external controller 102 is communicably connected to the PC 103 via the external LAN 104, and receives print data from the PC 103, for example.

A printer driver (not shown) having a function of converting print data into a print description language that can be processed by the external controller 102 is installed in the PC 103 . A user can issue a print instruction from various applications via a printer driver. A printer driver of the PC 103 transmits print data to the external controller 102 based on the print instruction received from the user. The external controller 102 analyzes the print data received from the PC 103 and rasterizes the print data to generate image data. The external controller 102 transmits print data to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105 and also transmits the image data to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video cable 106 .

The image forming apparatus 101 includes a printing device 107, an inserter 108, an inspection device 109, a large-capacity stacker 110, and a finisher 111, and is capable of performing complicated printing processes such as bookbinding. The printing device 107 uses toner to form an image on a sheet conveyed from a paper feeding unit located below the printing device 107 . In this embodiment, as an example, a case where the print medium is paper will be described, but the print medium is not limited to paper. The printing device 107 reflects a light beam such as a laser beam modulated in accordance with image data by a rotating polygon mirror such as a polygon mirror, and irradiates the photosensitive drum as scanning light. An electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by the laser beam is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet attached to the transfer drum. A full-color image is formed on the paper by sequentially executing this series of image forming processes for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners. The paper on the transfer drum on which the full-color image is formed is conveyed to the fixing device. The fixing device includes rollers, belts, and the like, and heat sources such as halogen heaters are built in the rollers, and the toner on the paper with the toner image transferred is melted by heat and pressure and fixed on the paper.

The inserter 108 is a device for inserting insert sheets. The inserter 108 can insert the set insert sheet between two printed materials continuously conveyed from the printing device 107 . The inspection device 109 determines whether or not the printed image is normal by comparing the image data generated by reading the image of the conveyed printed matter with a pre-registered reference image. Based on the determination result, the inspection device 109 separates and discharges, for example, printed materials determined to be normal and printed materials determined to be abnormal. The large-capacity stacker 110 can stack a large amount of paper. The finisher 111 performs finishing processing (post-processing) on the conveyed printed matter. The finisher 111 can perform finishing processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle-stitching according to settings, and discharges processed printed materials to a discharge tray.

Note that although the configuration in which the external controller 102 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 will be described in the present embodiment, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 101 may be connected to the external LAN 104 and the PC 103 may transmit print data processable by the image forming apparatus 101 to the image forming apparatus 101 .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing configurations of the image forming apparatus 101, the external controller 102, and the PC 103 in FIG.

First, the configuration of the printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The printing device 107 includes a communication I/F 217, a LAN I/F 218, a video I/F 220, an HDD 221, a CPU 222, a memory 223, an operation unit 224, a display 225, a document exposure unit 226, a laser exposure unit 227, an image forming unit 228, and a fixing unit. 229 and a paper feeding unit 230 . These are connected to each other via a system bus 231 .

The communication I/F 217 is connected to the inserter 108, the inspection device 109, the large-capacity stacker 110, and the finisher 111 via a communication cable 254, and performs communication for controlling each device. A LAN I/F 218 is connected to the external controller 102 via the internal LAN 105 to communicate print data and the like. The video I/F 220 is connected to the external controller 102 via the video cable 106 and communicates rasterized image data and the like. The HDD 221 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The CPU 222 comprehensively controls image processing and printing based on programs and the like stored in the HDD 221 . The memory 223 functions as a work area for storing image data and programs necessary for the CPU 222 to perform various processes.

The operation unit 224 receives input operations for various settings by the user. The display 225 displays the setting information of the image forming apparatus 101, the processing status of the print job, and the like. The document exposure unit 226 reads the image of the document when using the copy function or the scan function. Specifically, the document exposure unit 226 reads the image of the document by photographing the image with the CCD camera while illuminating the sheet placed by the user with an exposure lamp.

The laser exposure unit 227 is a device that performs laser exposure. In the laser exposure unit 227, first, primary charging is performed to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum to a negative potential. Next, the laser driver irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light while adjusting the angle of reflection with the polygon mirror. As a result, the negative charge in the irradiated portion is neutralized to form an electrostatic latent image.

The image forming unit 228 includes a developing unit, a transfer unit, a toner supply unit, and the like, and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum onto the paper. The developing unit attaches negatively charged toner from a developing cylinder to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to visualize the image. The transfer unit applies a positive potential to the primary transfer roller to perform primary transfer to transfer the toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum to the transfer belt. The transfer unit also applies a positive potential to the secondary transfer outer roller to perform secondary transfer to transfer the toner on the transfer belt to the paper.

The fixing unit 229 is a device for melting and fixing the toner on the paper with heat and pressure, and is composed of a heating heater, a fixing belt, a pressure belt, and the like. The paper feeding unit 230 is a device for feeding paper, and controls the paper feeding operation and transport operation using rollers and various sensors.

Next, the configuration of the inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I/F 232 , a CPU 233 , a memory 234 and a paper feed controller 235 . These are connected to each other via a system bus 236 . A communication I/F 232 is connected to the printing apparatus 107 via a communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary for control. The CPU 233 performs various controls required for paper feeding according to the control program stored in the memory 234 . The memory 234 is a storage device in which control programs are stored. The paper feed control unit 235 controls the paper feed and transport of paper transported from the paper feed unit of the inserter 108 and the printer 107 while controlling the rollers and sensors based on instructions received from the CPU 222 .

Next, the configuration of the inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101 includes a communication I/F 237 , a CPU 238 , a memory 239 , an imaging section 240 , a display section 241 , an operation section 242 and an HDD 272 . These are connected to each other via a system bus 243 .

A communication I/F 237 is connected to the printing apparatus 107 via a communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary for control. For example, the communication I/F 237 receives a reference image used for inspection from the printing apparatus 107 via the communication cable 254 and stores the received reference image in the HDD 272 . The CPU 238 performs various controls necessary for inspection according to the control program stored in the memory 239 . A memory 239 is a storage device in which control programs are stored.

The photographing unit 240 photographs the conveyed paper based on the instruction received from the CPU 238 . CPU 238 compares the image captured by imaging unit 240 with the reference image stored in HDD 272 and determines whether the printed image is normal. The display unit 241 displays inspection results, setting screens, and the like. The operation unit 242 is operated by a user and receives instructions such as changing the settings of the inspection device 109 and registering a reference image. The HDD 272 stores reference images. In a configuration in which the inspection device 109 does not include the HDD 272, the HDD 221 stores the reference image in the HDD 221 of the printing device 107, and when performing processing for determining whether the printed image is normal, A reference image may be read out and used.

Next, the configuration of the large-capacity stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The large-capacity stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I/F 244 , a CPU 245 , a memory 246 and a paper ejection control section 247 . These are connected to each other via a system bus 248 . A communication I/F 244 is connected to the printing apparatus 107 via a communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary for control. The CPU 245 performs various controls necessary for paper ejection according to the control program stored in the memory 246 . A memory 246 is a storage device in which control programs are stored. The paper ejection control unit 247 performs control to transport the transported paper to the stack tray, the escape tray, or the subsequent finisher 111 based on the instruction received from the CPU 245 .

Next, the configuration of the finisher 111 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. A finisher 111 of the image forming apparatus 101 includes a communication I/F 249 , a CPU 250 , a memory 251 , a paper ejection control section 252 and a finishing processing section 253 . These are connected to each other via a system bus 255 . A communication I/F 249 is connected to the printing apparatus 107 via a communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary for control. The CPU 250 performs various controls necessary for finishing and paper discharge according to control programs stored in the memory 251 . The memory 251 is a storage device that stores control programs. The paper discharge control unit 252 controls paper transport and paper discharge based on instructions received from the CPU 250 . A finishing processing unit 253 controls finishing processing such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching based on instructions received from the CPU 250 .

Next, the configuration of the external controller 102 will be described. The external controller 102 includes a CPU 208 , a memory 209 , an HDD 210 , a keyboard 211 , a display 212 , a LAN I/F 213 , a LAN I/F 214 and a video I/F 215 . These are connected to each other via a system bus 216 .

The CPU 208 comprehensively executes reception of print data from the PC 103 , RIP processing, transmission of print data to the image forming apparatus 101 , and the like, based on programs and data stored in the HDD 210 . A memory 209 stores programs and data necessary for the CPU 208 to perform various processes, and functions as a work area. The HDD 210 stores programs and data necessary for operations such as print processing. A keyboard 211 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the external controller 102 . The display 212 displays information such as an application to be executed by the external controller 102 in the form of a still image or moving image signal. A LAN I/F 213 is connected to the PC 103 via the external LAN 104 and performs communication such as print instructions. A LAN I/F 214 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105, and communicates print data as a print instruction. A video I/F 215 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video cable 106 and communicates rasterized image data and the like.

Next, the configuration of the PC 103 will be explained. The PC 103 is composed of a CPU 201 , a memory 202 , an HDD 203 , a keyboard 204 , a display 205 and a LAN I/F 206 . These are connected to each other via a system bus 207 . The CPU 201 creates print data and issues print instructions based on a document processing program or the like stored in the HDD 203 . Also, the CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 207 . The memory 202 stores programs and data required when the CPU 201 performs various processes, and functions as a work area. The HDD 203 stores programs and data necessary for operations such as print processing. A keyboard 204 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the PC 103 . The display 205 displays information such as an application to be executed by the PC 103 in the form of a still image or moving image signal. A LAN I/F 206 is connected to the external LAN 104 and performs communication such as print instructions.

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 is connected to the external controller 102 via the internal LAN 105 and the video cable 106. However, any configuration capable of transmitting and receiving data necessary for printing can be used. Not limited to configuration. For example, a connection configuration using only a video cable may be used. The memory 202, the memory 209, the memory 223, the memory 234, the memory 239, the memory 246, and the memory 251 may each be a storage device for holding data and programs. For example, a configuration in which a volatile RAM, a nonvolatile ROM, a built-in HDD, an external HDD, a USB memory, or the like is substituted may be used.

3 is a side view of the image forming apparatus 101 of FIG. 1. FIG. In addition, in FIG. 3, the internal configuration is transparently shown for easy understanding. The printing device 107 includes a paper feed deck 301 and a paper feed deck 302 . The paper feed deck 301 and the paper feed deck 302 can store various types of paper. Paper information (paper size, paper type) stored in each of the paper feed decks 301 and 302 can be set from the operation unit 224 of the printing apparatus 107 .

In the paper feed deck 301 and the paper feed deck 302 , it is possible to separate only the uppermost sheet of stored paper and convey it to the paper conveying path 303 . Developing stations 304 to 307 form toner images using colored toners of Y, M, C, and K, respectively, in order to form color images. The toner image formed here is primarily transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt 308 , and the intermediate transfer belt 308 rotates clockwise. be transcribed.

A display 225 displays the printing status of the image forming apparatus 101 and information for setting. A fixing unit 311 fixes the toner image onto the paper. The fixing unit 311 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller, and the toner image is fixed on the paper by melting and pressing the toner as the paper passes between the rollers. After passing through the fixing unit 311 , the sheet is conveyed to the sheet conveying path 315 through the sheet conveying path 312 .

For example, if the paper to be used is of a type that requires further melting and pressure bonding for fixing, after passing through the fixing unit 311, it is conveyed to the second fixing unit 313 using the upper paper conveying path. be. The sheet that has been additionally fused and pressed by the second fixing unit 313 is conveyed to the sheet conveying path 315 through the sheet conveying path 314 . When the image forming mode is double-sided, the paper is transported to the paper reversing path 316, reversed by the paper reversing path 316, then transported to the double-sided transporting path 317, and the second side image is transferred at the secondary transfer position 309. done.

The inserter 108 includes an inserter tray 321, and merges the sheets fed to the inserter tray 321 through a sheet conveying path 322 into the conveying path. As a result, the paper set on the inserter tray 321 can be inserted between two printed materials continuously conveyed from the printing device 107 and conveyed to the subsequent device.

The paper that has passed through the inserter 108 is conveyed to the inspection device 109 . Cameras 331 and 332 are arranged in the inspection device 109 so as to face each other. Camera 331 reads the top surface of the paper, and camera 332 reads the bottom surface of the paper. The inspection device 109 uses the cameras 331 and 332 to read the image of the sheet at the timing when the sheet conveyed to the sheet conveying path 333 reaches a predetermined position, and checks whether the printed image is normal. can judge. The display unit 241 displays inspection results and the like performed by the inspection device 109 .

The large-capacity stacker 110 has a stack tray 341 as a tray for stacking printed materials determined to be normal by the inspection device 109 . Printed materials determined to be normal by the inspection device 109 are stacked on the stack tray 341 via the paper transport path 344 and the paper transport path 345 .

The large-capacity stacker 110 also has an escape tray 346 as a discharge tray for discharging printed matter determined to be in error by the inspection device 109 . A printed matter determined to be in error by the inspection device 109 is discharged to an escape tray 346 via a paper transport path 344 and a paper transport path 347 . It should be noted that when the printed matter is conveyed to the post-processing device in the post-stage of the large-capacity stacker 110 , the printed matter is conveyed via the paper conveying path 348 . A reversing unit 349 reverses the printed material. The reversing unit 349 is used when stacking printed materials on the stack tray 341 . When stacking the printed matter on the stack tray 341 so that the orientation of the input printed matter and the orientation of the printed matter at the time of output are the same, the printed matter is once inverted by the reversing unit 349 . When conveying to the escape tray 346 or the subsequent post-processing device, the printed matter is discharged as it is without being flipped during stacking.

The finisher 111 has finishing functions such as stapling (1-point, 2-point binding), punching (2-hole, 3-hole), and saddle stitch binding. The finisher 111 includes a paper discharge tray 351 and a paper discharge tray 352 . Finished printed matter is output to a paper discharge tray 351 via a paper transport path 353 . However, the sheet conveying path 353 cannot perform finishing processing such as stapling. When finishing processing such as stapling is performed, a finishing function designated by the user is executed by the processing unit 355 via the sheet conveying path 354 , and the processed printed matter is output to the discharge tray 352 . The paper discharge tray 351 and the paper discharge tray 352 can each be moved up and down, and it is also possible to lower the paper discharge tray 351 and stack the printed matter on which the processing unit 355 has finished the finishing process on the paper discharge tray 351 . is. When saddle stitching is specified, the saddle stitching processing unit 356 staples the center of the printed matter, folds the processed printed matter in half, and passes the paper conveying path 357 to the saddle stitching tray. output to 358. The saddle-stitch bookbinding tray 358 has a belt conveyor configuration, and the saddle-stitch book bundle stacked on the saddle-stitch bookbinding tray 358 is configured to be conveyed to the left.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of reference image registration processing executed by the image forming apparatus 101 of FIG. The reference image registration processing in FIG. 4 is realized by the CPUs of the inspection device 109 and the printing device 107 executing programs stored in respective memories. In the reference image registration process of FIG. 4, an image generated from raster data is registered as a reference image. In this embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 101 receives raster data rasterized by the external controller 102 via the video cable 106 will be described, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 101 may generate raster data based on PDL data received from the PC 103 .

In FIG. 4, first, the image forming apparatus 101 receives an operator's instruction to set a reference image through the operation unit 242 of the inspection apparatus 109 (step S401). When the reference image setting instruction is received, the inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101 enters a reference image registration mode.

Next, the image forming apparatus 101 receives a print instruction from the operator (step S402). This print instruction instructs printing of one copy of the printed matter to be inspected. This print instruction includes information on the printed material to be inspected, at least the print paper size, resolution, image orientation, image size of each page, print settings including post-processing settings such as folding and binding, and image data. included. In this embodiment, a configuration for receiving a print instruction for a printed matter to be inspected will be described. For example, the configuration may be such that a reference image registration job including print settings for the printed material to be inspected is received from the PC 103 . Upon receiving a print instruction from an operator, the printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 acquires raster data for registering a reference image from the external controller 102 via the video cable 106 .

Next, the image forming apparatus 101 performs layout processing on the raster data acquired from the external controller 102 based on the print settings of the printed matter to be inspected to generate a reference image (step S403). Note that in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 acquires raster data for generating images of multiple pages from the external controller 102, and generates reference images of multiple pages from the raster data in step S403. and Next, the image forming apparatus 101 performs reference image transmission processing in FIG. 5 (step S404), rearranges the reference images, and transmits the reference images to the inspection device 109 in accordance with the rearranged order. The inspection device 109 registers the reference images in the memory 239 in order of reception.

Next, the image forming apparatus 101 determines whether or not an instruction to register a reference image has been received from the operator (step S405). If it is determined in step S405 that the reference image registration instruction is not received from the operator, the reference image registration processing returns to step S401. At this time, the operator cleans the image forming apparatus 101 and changes the settings of the print job so that the image printed on the output paper or the image displayed on the display unit 241 can be registered as the reference image. etc. In this manner, the processing of steps S401 to S405 is repeatedly executed until the registration instruction of the reference image is received from the operator.

In step S405, if it is determined that the reference image registration instruction has been received from the operator, the image forming apparatus 101 stores the reference image stored in the memory 239 in the HDD 272, and terminates this process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of reference image transmission processing in step S404 of FIG. The reference image transmission process in FIG. 5 is implemented by the CPU 222 of the printing apparatus 107 loading a program stored in the HDD 221 into the memory 223 and executing the loaded program.

In FIG. 5, the CPU 222 determines whether post-processing settings are included in the print instruction received in step S402 (step S501). If it is determined in step S501 that the print instruction received in step S402 does not include post-processing settings, the CPU 222 terminates this process.

If it is determined in step S501 that the print instruction received in step S402 includes post-processing settings, the CPU 222 determines whether reverse order printing is necessary based on the post-processing settings included in the print instruction. (step S502). Here, for example, when the image forming apparatus 101 folds the printed material with the printed side of the image facing inward, the image forming apparatus 101 folds the pages in the reverse order of the page order set in the raster data due to the configuration of the printing apparatus 107 and the finisher 111 . It is necessary to perform reverse order printing to output printed matter. For this reason, in step S502, for example, if the print instruction includes a post-processing setting corresponding to a predetermined folding process in which the printed material is folded with the image-printed side facing inward, the CPU 222 determines that reverse order printing is to be performed. determine that it is necessary. On the other hand, if post-processing settings corresponding to the predetermined folding process are not included in the print instruction, the CPU 222 determines that reverse-order printing is not necessary.

When it is determined in step S502 that reverse order printing is necessary, the CPU 222 sets the reference image of each page generated in step S403 in the output order of the printed matter corresponding to reverse order printing, that is, in the raster data. are sorted in reverse page order (step S503). Next, the CPU 222 transmits the reference images of each page to the inspection device 109 according to the rearranged order (step S504). As a result, in the inspection device 109, the reference images of each page are registered in the rearranged order.

If it is determined in step S502 that reverse order printing is not necessary, the CPU 222 determines whether or not the page order needs to be changed based on the post-processing settings included in the print instruction (step S505). Here, for example, when the image forming apparatus 101 performs bookbinding including a front cover and a back cover, due to the configuration of the printing apparatus 107 and the finisher 111, it is necessary to output at least the front cover and back cover printed matter at the beginning or the end. There is In other words, it is necessary to change the page order set in the raster data. Therefore, in step S505, for example, if the print instruction includes a post-processing setting corresponding to a predetermined bookbinding process for binding a plurality of pages including a front cover and a back cover, the CPU 222 needs to change the page order. It is determined that On the other hand, if post-processing settings corresponding to the predetermined bookbinding process are not included in the print instruction, the CPU 222 determines that the page order does not need to be changed.

If it is determined in step S505 that the page order does not need to be changed, the reference image transmission process proceeds to step S504, and the reference image of each page is transmitted to the inspection device 109 according to the page order set in the raster data. be done. As a result, in the inspection device 109, the reference image of each page is registered according to the page order set in the raster data.

If it is determined in step S505 that the page order needs to be changed, the CPU 222 rearranges the reference images of each page generated in step S403 in the output order of the printed matter corresponding to the predetermined bookbinding process (step S506). As for the output order of the printed matter corresponding to the predetermined bookbinding process, at least the printed matter to be the front and back covers is at the top or the last. Next, the reference image transmission process proceeds to step S504, and the reference images of each page are transmitted to the inspection device 109 according to the output order of the printed matter corresponding to the predetermined bookbinding process. As a result, in the inspection device 109, the reference image of each page is registered according to the output order of the printed matter corresponding to the predetermined bookbinding process.

According to the embodiment described above, the registration order of the reference images is controlled to match the output order of the printed matter output from the printing apparatus 107 . As a result, the image of the printed matter output from the printing device 107 can be reliably compared with the reference image corresponding to the printed matter.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the plurality of reference images are rearranged in the output order of printed matter output from the printing device 107, and the plurality of reference images are transmitted to the inspection device 109 according to the rearranged order. The inspection device 109 registers the reference images in order of reception. As a result, the registration order of the reference images can be reliably set to the output order of the printed matter output from the printing apparatus 107 .

In the above-described embodiment, when the print instruction includes a post-processing setting corresponding to a predetermined folding process in which the printed material is folded with the image printed side facing inward, a plurality of reference images are arranged in reverse order. be replaced. As a result, in a configuration in which the output order of the printed matter output from the printing device 107 is reversed when performing the predetermined folding process, the image of the printed matter output from the printing device 107 is used as the reference image corresponding to the printed matter. can be compared with certainty.

In the above-described embodiment, when the print instruction includes a post-processing setting corresponding to a predetermined bookbinding process for binding a plurality of pages including a front cover and a back cover, a plurality of reference images are included in the predetermined bookbinding process. They are sorted in the output order of the corresponding printed matter. As for the output order of the printed materials corresponding to the predetermined bookbinding process, at least the printed materials that become the front and back covers are the first or the last. By controlling in this manner, in a configuration in which the output order of printed matter output from the printing device 107 needs to be changed from the page order set in the raster data, the image of the printed matter output from the printing device 107 can be displayed. , can be reliably compared with a reference image corresponding to the printed matter.

In the above-described embodiment, the output order of printed materials output from the printing apparatus 107 is determined based on the configuration of the printing apparatus 107 and the finisher 111 and the print instruction. Accordingly, in a configuration in which the output order of printed matter output from the printing apparatus 107 is changed from the page order set in the raster data based on the configuration of the printing apparatus 107 and the finisher 111 and the print instruction, the printing apparatus 107 can be reliably compared with a reference image corresponding to the print.

The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or apparatus reads the program. It can also be realized by executing processing. The invention can also be implemented by a circuit (eg, an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

101 Image forming device 107 Printing device 109 Inspection device 111 Finisher 222 CPU

Claims (9)

An image comprising: printing means for outputting a plurality of prints on which an image is printed; inspection means for inspecting the prints output from the printing means; and post-processing means for performing post-processing on the prints output from the printing means. A forming device,
a control means for controlling registration of a plurality of reference images used for inspection of each of the plurality of printed materials in the inspection means according to the received instructions;
The inspection means acquires one reference image from among the plurality of registered reference images in order of registration when inspecting the printed material output from the printing means, and prints the acquired reference image. Compare with the printed image output from the means,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control means performs control so that the order of registration is the order of output of printed matter output from the printing means. The control means rearranges the plurality of reference images in the output order, and transmits the plurality of reference images to the inspection means in accordance with the rearranged order;
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit registers the reference images in the order received from the control unit. If the instruction includes a post-processing setting corresponding to a predetermined folding process for folding the printed matter with the surface printed with the image on the inside, the control means arranges the plurality of reference images in reverse order. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is replaced. When the instruction includes a post-processing setting corresponding to a predetermined bookbinding process for binding a plurality of pages including a front cover and a back cover, the control means causes the plurality of reference images to correspond to the predetermined bookbinding process. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printed matter is sorted in order of output. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein in the order of output of the printed matter corresponding to the predetermined bookbinding process, at least the printed matter to be the front cover and the back cover is first. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, in the order of output of the printed matter corresponding to the predetermined bookbinding process, at least the printed matter to be the front cover and the back cover is the last. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the output order of printed matter output from said printing means is determined based on the configuration of said printing means and said post-processing means and said instruction. image forming device. An image comprising: printing means for outputting a plurality of prints on which an image is printed; inspection means for inspecting the prints output from the printing means; and post-processing means for performing post-processing on the prints output from the printing means. A method for controlling a forming device, comprising:
a control step of controlling registration of a plurality of reference images used for inspection of each of the plurality of printed materials in the inspection means according to instructions received by the image forming apparatus;
The inspection means acquires one reference image from among the plurality of registered reference images in order of registration when inspecting the printed material output from the printing means, and prints the acquired reference image. Compare with the printed image output from the means,
In the controlling step, the control is performed so that the order of registration is the order of output of printed matter output from the printing means. A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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