JP2009124519A - Print system, print processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sort printed sheets according to print processing states and reprint the pages in bad print processing states without worsening productivity in print processing. <P>SOLUTION: First image data obtained from a comparison document by a printed matter reading unit 101 and second image data obtained from a printed sheet to be inspected by a printed matter reading unit 105 are compared in units of pages. A determination unit 103 determines the print processing state of the printed sheet. A paper ejection destination switch unit 106 ejects the printed sheet of a specific page to an inspection completion tray when the print processing state of the specific page is good, and ejects the printed sheet of the specific page to a disposal tray so as to suspend ejection of the printed sheet following the printed sheet of the specific page when the print processing state of the specific page is bad. A supplement print unit 104 reprints based on the first image data of the specific page, and performs such control that the reprinted sheet is ejected to the inspection completion tray. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing processing method, and a program.

  There is a conventional technique for determining the presence / absence of a printed image defect such as white spots or smudges in a printed material using an automatic image inspection apparatus or the like. Further, there is a conventional technique that uses an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) having a printing function and an image reading function as an automatic image inspection apparatus.

In Patent Documents 1 and 2, the sheet is printed, the image on the sheet is read by an image reading unit provided on the sheet conveyance path, and compared with the original image to check whether the print processing state of the printed sheet is good or bad. Techniques for determining are disclosed. Further, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a technique for distributing a page with a bad print processing state to a discard tray and reprinting the page.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-145530 JP 2002-292983 A

  However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in which the printed page is processed while inspecting the printed sheet, it is necessary to provide a dedicated image reading device on the printed sheet conveyance path.

  Further, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the print processing state of the printed sheet is determined and then the subsequent page print processing is started, there is a problem in that productivity decreases. Further, there has been a problem that no countermeasure is taken against an abnormality such as a jam that may occur on the conveyance path after a printed sheet is read by a dedicated image reading apparatus.

  It is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which all pages of a printed sheet are read to determine the print processing state, and only a page with a poor print processing state is reprinted. However, in that case, it is necessary to manually replace or insert the reprinted sheet. For this reason, a human error may occur during replacement (insertion).

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present invention is to sort a sheet according to a print processing state and to reprint a page with a bad print processing state when the printed sheet includes a sheet with a poor print processing state. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system, a printing processing method, and a program that are executed without reducing the productivity of printing processing.

  The present invention includes a printing unit that executes a printing process on a sheet based on first image data, an image acquisition unit that acquires a second image data by reading a printed sheet that has been printed by the printing unit, When the determination unit determines that the print processing state of the printed sheet is compared by comparing one image data and the second image data in units of pages, and the determination unit determines that the print processing state of a specific page is good The printed sheet of the specific page is discharged to the first stacking unit, and the printed sheet of the specific page is discharged to the second stacking unit when the determination unit does not determine that the print processing state of the specific page is good. When the determination unit does not determine that the print processing state of the specific page is good and the determination unit does not determine that the print processing state of the specific page is good, the discharge of the printed sheet subsequent to the printed sheet of the specific page is waited. Performing reprinting processing based on the first image data of a page and having a control means for controlling so as to discharge the reprinting process sheets in the first stacking portion.

  According to the present invention, when the printed sheet includes a sheet having a poor print processing state, the sheet is sorted according to the print processing state, and the reprint process of the page having a bad print processing state is performed. It is possible to provide a printing system, a printing processing method, and a program that can be executed without reducing the productivity of printing processing. Furthermore, it is not necessary to perform manual replacement (insertion), and human errors during replacement (insertion) can be prevented.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the system of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the MFP main body 210 and the finisher 220 are used as an image inspection supplement device.

  The operator sets a comparison document (a printed sheet document to be inspected) on the ADF 330 (FIG. 3) of the MFP main body 210. Further, a printed matter to be inspected (printed sheet to be inspected) is set in the inserter 225 of the finisher 220. Then, the inspection process is started.

  Then, the printed matter reading unit (printed matter reading means) 101 reads image data (first image data) from the document set on the ADF 330 of the MFP main body 210 (image acquisition). Further, the printed material reading unit (printed material reading means) 105 reads image data (second image data) from the printed sheet set on the inserter 225 of the finisher 220 (acquires an image).

  Then, the image analysis unit (image analysis means) 102 compares and analyzes the first image data read by the printed matter reading unit 101 and the second image data read by the printed matter reading unit 105 in units of pages. Note that various image comparison / analysis methods by the image analysis unit 102 are conceivable, such as comparison / analysis by pattern matching and comparison / analysis using analysis information (page, revision information) embedded in printed matter. In the present invention, the method is not limited.

  Further, based on the comparison / analysis result of the image analysis unit 102, the determination unit (determination means) 103 determines the quality of the second image data in units of pages. As a result of determination by the determination unit 103, the printed sheet whose print processing state is determined to be normal (good) is discharged by the discharge destination switching unit (discharge destination switching means) 106 by the first stacking unit (inspected tray, for example, described later). The paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 70) shown in FIG. That is, the discharge destination switching unit 106 discharges the printed sheet of the specific page to the inspected tray when the determination unit 103 determines that the print processing state of the specific page is good.

  On the other hand, for the printed sheets that have been determined to be in a poor print processing state by the determination unit 103, the discharge destination switching unit 106 is placed in the second stacking unit (discard tray, for example, the discharge tray 60 shown in FIG. 3 described later). Eject paper. That is, the paper discharge destination switching unit 106 discharges the printed sheet of the specific page to the discard tray when the determination unit 103 does not determine that the print processing state of the specific page is good. Then, the printed sheet following the printed sheet of the specific page is made to wait for discharge, and the complementary printing unit (control unit) 104 corresponds to the page (the specific page) that is determined to have a poor print processing state. One image data is reprinted. Then, the sheet (reprinted sheet) that has been reprinted and conveyed to the finisher 220 is discharged by the discharge destination switching unit 106 to the inspected tray.

  By performing such a series of processes for each page of the printed sheet to be inspected, the system according to the present embodiment performs an appropriate complementing operation such as replacement of defective pages (or insertion of missing pages). .

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the devices constituting the system of this embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 200 denotes a client PC. In the client PC 200, 201 is a CPU, and a program for realizing the operation of the client PC 200 such as print processing by directly or indirectly controlling each device (ROM 202, RAM 203, etc. described later) connected by an internal bus. Execute.

  The ROM 202 stores basic software such as BIOS (Basic Input / Output System). The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. In addition, data is temporarily stored in the RAM 203 so that the CPU 201 loads an application program from the HDD 204. An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 204 stores programs executed by the CPU 201 (various application programs, printer driver programs, etc.) as files.

  The input device 205 is a user interface, and for example, when an operation screen is displayed on the monitor 206 in a program, the input device 205 is for inputting a user operation on the operation screen (keyboard, pointing device, etc.). The monitor 206 displays the operation screen described above.

  The interface (I / F) 207 is for connecting the client PC 200 and the network 230 to each other.

  Next, the MFP of this embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes an MFP main body 210 and a finisher 220 that performs post-processing on a printed sheet.

  The MFP main body 210 is a network-compatible MFP that provides a print service, a scan service, a storage service, a transmission service, and the like to a computer terminal (client PC 200) via the network 230. Here, the transmission service refers to FAX transmission, e-mail transmission, file transfer, and the like.

  The MFP main body 210 includes a communication device 211, a CPU 212, a memory 213, an external storage device (hereinafter referred to as HDD) 214, an image processing device 215, an image reader unit 216, a printer unit 217, a display operation unit 218, and a control I / O. F219 and the like.

  The CPU 212 is a computer that executes programs for realizing various functions in the image processing apparatus 215. Specifically, the CPU 212 reads out an MFP agent, which is a program for realizing the operation of the MFP main body 210 in the present embodiment, from the HDD 214. Then, the CPU 212 executes the read program using the memory 213 as a work area and controls each unit, so that the printed matter reading unit 101, the image analysis unit 102, the determination unit 103, and the complementary printing unit 104 illustrated in FIG. Realize the function.

  The display operation unit (operation panel) 218 is a user interface and has a touch panel function. A control interface (control I / F) 219 communicates control signals and data with the finisher 220.

  The finisher 220 includes an image reading unit 223, an inserter 225, a paper discharge tray 227, a display operation unit 224, a control unit 221, an external storage device 222, a control I / F 226, and the like. Has been.

  The inserter 225 supplies a sheet such as a cover cardboard or partition colored paper (hereinafter referred to as an insertion sheet) to be inserted into a sheet printed by the MFP main body 210. The image reading unit 223 reads image data from a sheet fed from the inserter 225 (a sheet such as a sheet on which an image is formed).

  A plurality of trays (for example, discharge trays 60 and 70 shown in FIG. 3 to be described later) for receiving sheets discharged from the finisher 220 are movably provided in the discharge tray 227, and sorting of sheets after printing by the MFP main body 210 is performed. It is a movable paper discharge tray that performs processing and the like.

  The display operation unit 224 includes a liquid crystal touch panel for performing various operation inputs and displaying messages. The control unit 221 includes an MPU and its peripheral devices, and performs device control and various arithmetic processes.

  The external storage device 222 is a storage device such as a hard disk that stores various data processed by the control unit 221. A control interface (control I / F) 226 communicates control signals and data with the MFP main body 210.

  The control unit 221 implements the functions of the printed material reading unit 105 and the paper discharge destination switching unit 106 shown in FIG. 1 by executing a program stored in a ROM or the like provided therein to control each unit.

  The client PC 200 as an external device is used when a print job is generated and transmitted to the MFP main body 210 in the second embodiment to be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the mechanical configuration of the MFP main body 210 and the finisher 220 shown in FIG.

  3 includes an MFP main body 210, a folding device 40, and a finisher 220. The MFP main body 210 includes an image reader unit 216 serving as a document reading unit and a printer unit 217 serving as a printing unit. 1 and 2, the print processing apparatus of the present invention may be configured not to include the folding device 40.

  A document feeder (ADF) 330 is mounted on the image reader unit 216. The document feeder 330 feeds documents set upward on the document tray to the left one by one in order from the first page, and flows from the left on the platen glass 302 through a curved path, passing through the reading position. The paper is conveyed to the right and then discharged toward the external paper discharge tray 312. The document feeder 330 is provided with a sensor (not shown) that can detect that a document is set on the document tray.

  When the original passes through the sink reading position on the platen glass 302 from left to right, the original image is read by the scanner unit 304 held at a position corresponding to the sink reading position. This reading method is generally referred to as document scanning. Specifically, when the original passes through the reading position, the original reading surface is irradiated with light from the lamp 303 of the scanner unit 304, and the reflected light from the original passes through the mirrors 305, 306, and 307 to the lens. 308 leads. The light that has passed through the lens 308 forms an image on the imaging surface of the image sensor 309.

  By transporting the document so that it passes through the flow reading position from the left to the right in this way, the document reading scan in which the direction perpendicular to the document transport direction is the main scanning direction and the transport direction is the sub-scanning direction is performed. Done. That is, the entire original image is read by conveying the original in the sub-scanning direction while reading the original image by the image sensor 309 line by line in the main scanning direction when the original passes the reading position. The optically read image is converted into image data by the image sensor 309 and output.

  Image data output from the image sensor 309 is input as a video signal to the exposure control unit 310 of the printer unit 217 after being subjected to predetermined processing in an image signal control unit (not shown) described later.

  It is also possible to read the document by transporting the document onto the platen glass 302 by the document feeder 330 and stopping at a predetermined position, and scanning the scanner unit 304 from left to right in this state. This reading method is a so-called fixed document reading method.

  When reading a document without using the document feeder 330, first, the user lifts the document feeder 330 to place the document on the platen glass 302, and then scans the scanner unit 304 from left to right. The original is read by. That is, when reading a document without using the document feeder 330, a fixed document reading is performed.

  The exposure control unit 310 of the printer unit 217 modulates and outputs a laser beam based on the input video signal, and the laser beam is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 311 while being scanned by the polygon mirror 310a. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the scanned laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 311. Here, as will be described later, the exposure control unit 310 outputs a laser beam so that a correct image (an image that is not a mirror image) is formed during fixed document reading.

  The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 311 is visualized as a developer image by the developer supplied from the developing device 313. In addition, at the timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation, paper is fed from each cassette 314, 315, manual paper feed unit 325 or double-sided conveyance path 324, and this paper is between the photosensitive drum 311 and the transfer unit 316. It is conveyed to. The developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 311 is transferred onto a sheet fed by the transfer unit 316.

  The sheet on which the developer image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 317, and the fixing unit 317 fixes the developer image on the sheet by heat-pressing the sheet. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 317 is discharged from the printer unit 217 toward the outside (folding device 40) through the flapper 321 and the discharge roller 318. The folding device 40 is not shown in FIG.

  The paper discharged from the printer unit 217 is sent to the folding device 40. The folding device 40 performs a process of folding the paper into a Z shape. For example, when a folding process is specified for an A3 size sheet or a B4 size sheet, the folding apparatus 40 performs the folding process. In other cases, the sheet discharged from the printer unit 217 passes through the folding apparatus 40. Sent to the finisher 220. The finisher 220 is provided with an inserter 225 for feeding a special sheet such as a cover sheet or a slip sheet to be inserted into a sheet on which an image is formed.

  In this embodiment, the inserter 225 is provided with an image reading unit (sensor) 223 as a document reading unit for reading image data from a sheet fed by the inserter 225. The inserter 225 is also provided with a sensor (not shown) that can detect that a sheet is set on the inserter 225.

  The finisher 220 performs bookbinding processing, binding processing, punching, and other processing, and discharges the paper to the paper discharge tray 227 (the paper discharge trays 60 and 70).

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the image reader unit 216 includes a normal reading mode used when the printer unit 217 prints out image data read from the image reader unit 216, and an inspection mode described later. Have This mode can be switched by an operation from the display operation unit 218.

  Hereinafter, the operation of each step of the inspection supplement processing in the present embodiment will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the first control processing procedure in the present invention, and shows the operation of the MFP main body 210. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 212 of the MFP main body 210 illustrated in FIG. 2 executing a program stored in the memory 213 and the external storage device 214.

  First, in step S4-1, when the CPU 212 detects an operation of switching to the inspection mode by the MFP use worker from the display operation unit 218, the process proceeds to step S4-2.

  Next, in step S4-2, the CPU 212 waits until the operator detects that a comparison original to be inspected (original of a printed sheet to be inspected) is set on the ADF 330 of the MFP main body 210. Then, when CPU 212 detects the setting of the comparison document on ADF 330, the process proceeds to step S4-3.

  Next, in step S4-3, the CPU 212 confirms reception of the printed matter detection information (a notification indicating that a printed sheet to be inspected is set in the inserter 225) transmitted from the finisher 220. Communication between the MFP main body 210 and the finisher 220 is performed via the control I / F 219 and the control I / F 226 as shown in FIG. In step S4-3, when the CPU 212 confirms reception of the print detection information transmitted from the finisher 220, the process proceeds to step S4-4.

  In step S4-4, the CPU 212 transmits a document reading start instruction to the finisher 220, and the process proceeds to step S4-5.

  In step S <b> 4-5, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the inspection (the processing in steps S <b> 4-5 to S <b> 4-11 described below) has been completed for all pages of the comparison document set in the ADF 330.

  If the CPU 212 determines in step S4-5 that inspection of all pages of the comparison document set in the ADF 330 has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S4-6.

  In step S4-6, the CPU 212 controls to read one page of image data (first image data) from the comparison document set in the ADF 330. That is, the function of the printed matter reading unit 101 is executed.

  In step S4-7, the CPU 212 waits for reception of image data transmitted from the finisher 220 (image data (second image data) read from the printed sheet by the image reading unit 223 of the finisher 220). Then, when confirming the reception of the image data (second image data) transmitted from the finisher 220, the CPU 212 advances the process to step S4-8.

  In step S4-8, the CPU 212 analyzes the image data (first image data) obtained by the ADF 330 reading the document and the image data (second image data) read by the image reading unit 223 of the finisher 220. . That is, the function of the image analysis unit 102 is executed. Further, the CPU 212 determines the print processing state of the printed sheet read by the image reading unit 223 of the finisher 220 based on the analysis result. That is, the function of the determination unit 103 is executed. There are various analysis methods / determination methods such as a method of detecting an abnormality by pattern matching of a read image, and embedding analysis information (page, revision information) in a printed matter. However, the present invention limits the analysis method. It is not a thing.

  Next, in step S4-9, the CPU 212 transmits the determination result of the determination unit 103 to the finisher 220, and advances the process to step S4-10.

  In step S4-10, if the CPU 212 indicates that the print processing state is good as a result of the determination in step S4-8, the CPU 212 returns the process to step S4-5 to shift to the next page process. .

  In step S4-10, if the determination result in step S4-8 is not good (if not), the CPU 212 advances the process to step S4-11.

  In step S4-11, the CPU 212 stands by until a complementary printing instruction transmitted from the finisher 220 is received. If the CPU 212 determines that the complementary printing instruction has been received, the CPU 212 controls the printer unit 217 to print the first image data read in step S4-6 and convey the printed sheet to the finisher 220. That is, the function of the complementary printing unit 104 is executed. Then, the CPU 212 returns the process to step S4-5 to shift to the process for the next page.

  As described above, the CPU 212 repeats the processes of steps S4-5 to S4-11 until the inspection of all pages is completed. If the CPU 212 determines in step S4-5 that the inspection of all the pages of the comparative document set on the ADF 330 has been completed, the process of this flowchart is terminated.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the second control processing procedure in the present invention, and shows the operation of the finisher 220. Note that the processing of this flowchart corresponds to the processing executed by the control unit 221 of the finisher 220 shown in FIG.

  First, in step S5-1, the control unit 221 waits until the operator detects that a printed matter to be inspected (that is, a printed sheet to be inspected) is set in the inserter 225 attached to the finisher 220. . When the control unit 221 detects that a printed sheet is set in the inserter 225, the control unit 221 advances the process to step S5-2.

  In step S5-2, the control unit 221 transmits information (printed matter detection information) indicating that the printed sheet is set in the inserter 225 to the MFP main body 210.

  Next, in step S5-3, the control unit 221 waits until it receives a printed material reading start instruction transmitted from the MFP main body 210. When the printed material reading start instruction is received, the control unit 221 advances the process to step S5-4.

  In step S5-4, the control unit 221 determines whether or not the inspection (processing in steps S5-5 to S5-10 described later) for all pages of the printed sheet to be inspected set in the inserter 225 has been completed. To do. If the control unit 221 determines that the inspection for all pages of the printed sheet to be inspected set in the inserter 225 has not been completed, the control unit 221 advances the process to step S5-5.

  In step S5-5, the control unit 221 reads one page of image data (second image data) from the printed sheet set in the inserter 225, and transmits the read second image data to the MFP main body 210. To control. That is, the function of the printed material reading unit 105 is executed.

  Next, in step S5-6, the control unit 221 waits for reception of the analysis determination result transmitted from the MFP main body 210 (determination result transmitted in S4-9 in FIG. 4). The process proceeds to step S5-7.

  In step S5-7, the control unit 221 determines that the printed sheet from which the second image data is read in step S5-5 is determined to be non-defective in the determination result received in step S5-6 (that is, the determination result is If yes, the process proceeds to step S5-10.

  In step S5-10, the control unit 221 controls to discharge the printed sheet determined to be non-defective in step S5-5 to the inspected tray (discharge tray 70). Then, the process returns to step S5-4 to shift to the next page process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5-7 that the printed sheet from which the second image data is read in S5-5 is not a good product in the determination result received in S5-6 (that is, the determination result is negative). In step S5-8, the control unit 221 advances the process.

  In step S5-8, the control unit 221 controls to discharge the printed sheet determined to be non-defective in step S5-5 to the discard tray (discharge tray 60). Next, in step S5-9, the control unit 221 transmits to the MFP main body 210 a print instruction (complementary print instruction) for a page corresponding to the printed sheet determined to be non-defective in step S5-5. Then, the control unit 221 waits for the complementary printed sheet printed and conveyed by the MFP main body 210 according to the complementary printing instruction, and when the complementary printed sheet is conveyed, step S5-10. Proceed with the process. In step S5-10, the control unit 221 controls to discharge the complementary printed sheet received from the MFP main body 210 to the inspected tray (discharge tray 70). The control unit 221 waits for the discharge of the printed sheet subsequent to the printed sheet until the printed sheet conveyed from the MFP main body 210 is discharged to the inspected tray in response to the complementary printing instruction. Control. That is, the control unit 221 executes the function of the paper discharge destination switching unit 106 in steps S5-6 to S5-10.

  Then, when the process of step S5-10 ends, the control unit 221 returns the process to step S5-4, and shifts to the process for the next page.

  As described above, the control unit 221 repeats the processes in steps S5-4 to S5-10 until the inspection of all pages of the printed material to be inspected set in the inserter 225 is completed. If the control unit 221 determines in step S5-4 that the inspection of all pages of the printed material to be inspected set in the inserter 225 has been completed, the control unit 221 ends the processing of this flowchart.

  Through the above procedure, it is possible to carry out the inspection and the complementary processing of the printed sheet consistently and efficiently using the image reader unit 216, the printer unit 217, the finisher 220, the inserter 225, and the image reading unit 223 of the MFP. Become. As a result, when the printed sheet includes a sheet with a poor print processing state, the sorting of the sheet according to the print processing state and the reprint processing of the page with a poor print processing state are performed. It can be executed without reducing productivity. In addition, it is possible to automatically replace (or insert) the printed material to the corresponding location automatically (not manually), reducing the burden on the operator, and replacing (inserting) mistakes by the operator as in the past ( It is possible to prevent print defects caused by human error). In addition, it is possible to perform inspection supplement processing without quality deterioration.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system showing the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the finisher 220 does not include means corresponding to the printed material reading unit 105 shown in FIG. The configuration and operation will be described below.

  In the system of the present embodiment, the MFP main body 210 is used as an inspection complementing device, and a job to be inspected (inspection JOB) is stored (accumulated) in a storage device (external storage device 214) inside the MFP main body 210 in advance. And The storage of this inspection job will be described later with reference to FIG.

  First, the worker sets one or a plurality of printed materials (printed sheets) to be inspected in the ADF 330 (FIG. 3) of the MFP main body 210. Then, the inspection process is started.

  Then, the printed material reading unit (printed material reading means) 601 reads image information (second image data) from the printed material set in the ADF 330 of the MFP main body 210 (image acquisition).

  The image analysis unit (image analysis means) 602 reads the image data (first image data) of the corresponding page in the inspection job stored in the external storage device 214 of the MFP main body 210 and the printed matter reading unit 601. The second image data is compared and analyzed in page units. Various image comparison / analysis methods by the image analysis unit 602 are conceivable, such as comparison / analysis by pattern matching and comparison / analysis using analysis information (page, revision information) embedded in printed matter. In the present invention, the method is not limited.

  Further, based on the comparison / analysis result of the image analysis unit 602, the determination unit 603 compares both of them in units of pages and determines whether the print processing state is acceptable. Then, the inspection result management unit 604 registers (accumulates) the determination result of the determination unit 603 as an inspection log in the external storage device 214 as a determination result storage unit. The inspection log will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the printed matter (printed sheet) for which the second image data has been read by the printed matter reading unit 601 is moved (set) to the inserter 225 of the finisher 220. When the operator switches to the inspection confirmation mode by an operation from the display operation unit 224 of the finisher 220, the inspection analysis unit (inspection analysis unit) 607 checks the sheet inspection log information from the inspection result management unit (inspection result management unit) 604. Is read. As a result of the inspection log, a printed sheet that has been determined to have a good print processing state is output by the discharge destination switching unit (discharge destination switching means) 608 by the first stacking unit (inspected tray, for example, the discharge tray 70 in FIG. 3). ). That is, the discharge destination switching unit 608 discharges the printed sheet of the specific page to the inspected tray when the determination unit 603 determines that the print processing state of the specific page is good.

  On the other hand, printed sheets that are determined to be in poor print processing status as a result of the inspection log are discharged by the discharge destination switching unit 608 to the second stacking unit (discard tray, for example, the discharge tray 60 in FIG. 3). Then, the complementary printing unit (complementary printing unit) 605 is instructed to perform complementary printing of a page having a poor print processing state. That is, the paper discharge destination switching unit 608 discharges the printed sheet of the specific page to the discard tray when the determination unit 603 does not determine that the print processing state of the specific page is good. Then, it waits for the discharge of the printed sheet subsequent to the printed sheet of the specific page. The complementary printing unit 605 reprints the first image data corresponding to the page (the specific page) whose print processing state is not good from the inspection job stored in the external storage device 214 of the MFP main body 210. Then, the discharged sheet switching unit 608 discharges the printed sheet that has been reprinted and conveyed to the finisher 220 to the inspected tray. By performing such a series of processing for each page of the printed sheet to be inspected, the system according to the present embodiment can perform an appropriate complement operation such as replacement of a page with a poor print processing state (or insertion of a missing page). Is to do.

  In this embodiment, the inserter 225 simply has a normal mode for inserting a sheet acquired from the inserter 225 into a sheet printed and sent by the MFP main body 210 and an inspection mode described later. Note that this mode can be switched by an operation from the display operation unit 224.

  Hereinafter, storage of the above-described inspection job in the external storage device 214 of the MFP main body 210 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a printer driver setting screen displayed on the monitor 206 of the client PC 200 shown in FIG. This screen is displayed by a function realized by the CPU 201 loading the printer driver program stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 203 and executing it.

  The operator designates the output method setting (output method: “inspection job storage” 1101) on the printer driver setting screen shown in FIG. The print job to be inspected is generated). Then, the CPU 201 transmits the generated print job to the MFP main body 210 via the network 230. Then, the CPU 212 of the MFP main body 210 receives this print job and stores (accumulates) it as an inspection job in the external storage device 214. In other words, in the present embodiment, the MFP main body 210 acquires first image data (acquires an image) as an inspection job. Note that the CPU 212 of the MFP main body 210 performs a printing process using the inspection job and outputs a printed matter (printed sheet). When the printer driver setting (output method: “inspection job storage” 1101) shown in FIG. 7 is not specified in the client PC 200, the CPU 212 controls to discard the print job after the output of the printed matter is completed. To do.

  Here, as in the first embodiment, processing when the comparative document is a printed material (reflection document) such as paper will be described.

  When the comparison document is a printed material, the operator sets the comparison document on the ADF 330 of the MFP main body 210 and operates the display operation unit 218 to select the inspection job storage mode. Then, image data is read from the comparison document on the ADF 330 by the image reader unit 216. Then, the CPU 212 of the MFP main body 210 stores (accumulates) the read image data in the external storage device 214 of the MFP main body 210 as an inspection job (inspection job).

  In the case of this embodiment, the image reader unit 216 has the normal reading mode shown in the first embodiment, the comparison document reading mode for reading the above-described comparison document and storing the inspection job, and the inspection mode described later. . This mode can be switched by an operation from the display operation unit 218.

  Hereinafter, the operation of each step of the inspection supplement processing in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the third control processing procedure in the present invention, and shows the operation of the MFP main body 210. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 212 of the MFP main body 210 illustrated in FIG. 2 executing a program stored in the memory 213 and the external storage device 214.

  First, in step S7-1, when the CPU 212 detects an operation to switch to the inspection mode by the MFP user from the display operation unit 218, the process proceeds to step S7-2.

  Next, in step S <b> 7-2, the CPU 212 waits until the operator detects that a printed matter to be inspected (that is, a printed sheet to be inspected) is set on the ADF 330 of the MFP main body 210. If the CPU 212 detects a set of printed matter on the ADF 330, the process proceeds to step S7-3.

  In step S <b> 7-3, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the inspection (processing in steps S <b> 7-4 to S <b> 7-6, which will be described later) has been completed for all pages of the printed sheet to be inspected set in the ADF 330. If the CPU 212 determines that the inspection of all pages of the printed sheet to be inspected set in the ADF 330 has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S7-4.

  In step S7-4, the CPU 212 controls to read one page of image data (second image data) from the printed material set in the ADF 330. That is, the function of the printed matter reading unit 601 is executed.

  Next, in step S7-4, the CPU 212 causes the image data (first image data) corresponding to the corresponding page of the inspection job stored in the external storage device 214 of the MFP main body 210 and the data of the printed matter read from the ADF 330 ( (Second image data) is analyzed. That is, the function of the image analysis unit 602 is executed. Further, the CPU 212 determines pass / fail of the print processing state of the printed sheet read from the ADF 330 based on the analysis result. That is, the function of the determination unit 603 is executed. As an analysis method / determination method, there is a method of detecting an abnormality by pattern matching, but it is not limited thereto.

  In step S7-6, the CPU 212 registers (accumulates) the determination result in the inspection result table (FIG. 9) stored in the external storage device 214 of the MFP main body 210. That is, the function of the inspection result management unit 604 is executed.

  Here, the inspection result registration table will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection result registration table in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the inspection result information is stored in the inspection result registration table together with the page number. Here, an example in which the inspection result information is stored for each page is shown, but the present invention is not limited to the page. The inspection result registration table may be stored in the memory 213 or other storage device (not shown).

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the registration process in step S7-6 is completed, the CPU 212 returns the process to step S7-3 to shift to the process for the next page of the printed matter.

  As described above, the CPU 212 repeats the processes of steps S7-4 to S7-6 until reading of all pages of the printed material to be inspected set in the ADF 330 is completed. In step S7-3, if the CPU 212 determines that reading of all pages of the printed material has been completed, the processing of this flowchart is terminated.

  Next, the operation of the finisher 220 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the fourth control processing procedure in the present invention, and shows the operation of the finisher 220. Note that the processing of this flowchart corresponds to the processing executed by the control unit 221 of the finisher 220 shown in FIG.

  First, in step S8-1, when the control unit 221 detects a switching operation to the inspection mode by the MFP user from the display operation unit 224, the control unit 221 advances the process to step S8-2.

  Next, in step S <b> 8-2, the control unit 221 waits until it detects that a printed material (printed sheet to be inspected) is set in the inserter 225. Then, when the control unit 221 detects a printed material set to the inserter 225, the control unit 221 advances the process to step S8-3.

  In step S8-3, the control unit 221 determines whether or not the inspection (processing in steps S8-4 to S8-9 described later) for all pages of the printed material to be inspected set in the inserter 225 has been completed. If the control unit 221 determines that the inspection for all pages of the printed material to be inspected set in the inserter 225 has not been completed, the control unit 221 advances the process to step S8-4.

  In step S8-4, the control unit 221 controls to take in (feed) a single printed matter from the inserter 225. That is, the function of the printed matter acquisition unit 606 is executed.

  In step S8-5, the control unit 221 inspects the page (the page of the printed material fetched from the inserter 225 in step S8-4) from the inspection result registration table stored in the external storage device 214 of the MFP main body 210. Refer to (acquire) and analyze the result information. That is, the function of the inspection analysis unit 607 is executed. The inspection result information is referred to (acquired) by communicating with the MFP main body 210 via the control I / F 219 and the control I / F 226.

  Next, in step S8-6, the control unit 221 determines that the printed material (printed sheet) acquired in S8-4 is non-defective in the inspection result information of the page referred to in S8-5 (that is, FIG. If the inspection result of 9 is OK), the process proceeds to step S8-9.

  In step S8-9, the control unit 221 controls to discharge the printed sheet determined to be non-defective in step S8-6 to the inspected tray (discharge tray 70).

  On the other hand, in step S8-6, the control unit 221 determines that the printed sheet acquired in S8-4 is not a good product in the inspection result information of the page referred to in S8-5 (that is, FIG. 9). If the inspection result is NG), the process proceeds to step S8-7.

  In step S8-7, the control unit 221 controls to discharge the printed sheet determined to be non-defective in step S8-6 to the discard tray (discharge tray 60). Next, in step S8-8, the control unit 221 issues a page print instruction (complementary print instruction (including page number etc.)) corresponding to the printed sheet determined to be non-defective in step S8-6. Transmit to the main body 210. Then, the control unit 221 waits for a sheet (complementary printed sheet) printed and conveyed by the MFP main body 210 according to the complementary printing instruction. When the supplementally printed sheet is conveyed, the control unit 221 advances the process to step S8-9 to check the complementary printed sheet received from the MFP main body 210 with the inspected tray (discharge tray 70). Control to discharge the paper. The control unit 221 waits for the discharge of the printed sheet subsequent to the printed sheet until the printed sheet conveyed from the MFP main body 210 is discharged to the inspected tray according to the complementary printing instruction. To control. That is, the control unit 221 executes the function of the paper discharge destination switching unit 608 in steps S8-6 to S8-9.

  Then, when the process of step S8-9 is completed, the control unit 221 returns the process to step S8-3 and shifts to the process for the next page.

  In this way, the control unit 221 repeats the processes of steps S8-4 to S8-9 until the inspection of all pages of the printed material to be inspected set in the inserter 225 is completed. If the control unit 221 determines in step S8-3 that the inspection of all pages of the printed material to be inspected set in the inserter 225 has been completed, the control unit 221 ends the processing of this flowchart.

  Hereinafter, the complementary printing process in the MFP main body 210 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifth control processing procedure according to the present invention, and shows complementary printing processing of the MFP main body 210. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 212 of the MFP main body 210 illustrated in FIG. 2 executing a program stored in the memory 213 and the external storage device 214.

  First, when the CPU 212 detects that the complementary printing instruction (including the page number and the like) transmitted from the finisher 220 in step S8-8 in FIG. 9 is received, the processing of this flowchart is started.

  First, in step S9-1, the CPU 212 starts searching for complementary data of the corresponding page based on the received complementary printing instruction (including the page number and the like).

  Next, in step S9-2, the CPU 212 waits until the complementary data search is completed. If the CPU 212 completes the complementary data search and determines that the print data (first image data) of the page to be complemented is specified from the inspection JOB stored in the external storage device 214, the CPU 212 performs step S9. Proceed to -3.

  In step S <b> 9-3, the CPU 212 controls the printer unit 217 to print the print data (first image data) retrieved in step S <b> 9-2, and sends the printed matter (complementary printed sheet) to the finisher 220. . That is, the function of the complementary printing unit 605 is executed.

  As described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained by these procedures.

[Third Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a case where one or a plurality of printed materials (printed sheets) to be inspected is a double-sided document will be described.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, when one or a plurality of printed materials (printed sheets) to be inspected are double-sided originals, both sides of the printed material are read and the quality of both sides is determined. In this case, the determination unit (103, 603) determines the print processing state of the printed material in units of both sides of the printed material (that is, in units of one sheet). When the print processing state is determined to be good (when the print state of the printed material is determined to be good on both sides), the paper discharge destination switching unit (106, 608) discharges the printed material to the inspected tray. Make paper. On the other hand, when it is determined that the print processing state is negative (at least when it is determined that the print state of one side of the printed material is negative), the paper discharge destination switching unit (106, 608) discharges the printed material to the waste tray. Make paper. In this case, the paper discharge destination switching unit (106, 608) further transmits a duplex complementary printing instruction based on the first image data of the duplex page corresponding to the printed matter to the complementary printing unit (104, 605). Then, the complementary printing unit (104, 605) performs double-sided printing processing based on the first image data of the designated double-sided page. Further, the paper discharge destination switching unit (106, 608) discharges the printed material subsequent to the printed material determined to be in the print state until the sheet supplementarily printed by the complementary printing unit is discharged to the inspected tray. Is configured to wait.

  Note that an image reader unit 216 and an inserter 225 equipped with a scanner (for example, FIG. 12) capable of reading both sides of a sheet may be used for both-side reading of a sheet.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a scanner capable of one-pass duplex reading.

  In FIG. 12, reference numeral 801 denotes a sensor for reading image data from the front surface (back surface) of the sheet, and corresponds to the image sensor 309 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 802 denotes a sensor for reading image data from the back surface (front surface) of the sheet.

  As shown in FIG. 12, this scanner can read both sides of a sheet in one pass by sensors 801 and 802.

  It should be noted that the various configurations described above and the contents thereof are not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the configurations and contents are configured according to applications and purposes.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  As described above, according to the present invention, page missing, wrinkles, smudges, and print defects of a printed sheet can be achieved without changing the mechanism of the main body of the print processing apparatus (MFP) and without reducing print productivity. Etc. can be inspected, and automatic completion when a defect is found can be realized. Furthermore, it is not necessary to perform manual replacement (insertion), and human errors during replacement (insertion) can be prevented.

  The print processing apparatus of the present invention is effective when applied to a POD (Print On Demand) machine or the like.

  In particular, the printed matter on the POD machine is not normally allowed to have defects such as missing pages or smudges because the printed matter itself is a product. Therefore, inspection in the workflow occupies an important position. In addition, if a defect is found as a result of the inspection, it is necessary to perform appropriate supplementation. However, there has been no technology that consistently satisfies the inspection and the complement.

  As described above, in the present invention, automatic completion after inspection is realized by performing inspection processing that does not pass through the image forming process of printed matter (printed sheet) using the finisher and inserter connected to the MFP body. In addition, inspection supplement processing without quality deterioration is made possible. In addition, the above-described automatic complement can prevent the occurrence of human error at the time of replacement.

  A memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs that can be read by the print processing apparatus (the CPU 212 of the MFP main body 210 and the control unit 221 of the finisher 220) according to the present invention will be described below using the memory map shown in FIG. The configuration will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a memory map of a storage medium (recording medium) that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the print processing apparatus according to the present invention (the CPU 212 of the MFP main body 210 and the control unit 221 of the finisher 220). It is a figure explaining.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 8, 10, and 11 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of a program, the form of the program is not limited, such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, and script data supplied to the OS.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, the program can be supplied by connecting to a home page on the Internet using a browser of a client computer and downloading the program of the present invention from the home page to a storage medium such as a hard disk. It can also be supplied by downloading a file compressed from the home page and including an automatic installation function to a storage medium such as a hard disk. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. In other words, a WWW server, an FTP server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and distributed to users. Further, the user who has cleared the predetermined condition is allowed to download key information for decryption from the homepage via the Internet. Furthermore, it is also possible to execute the encrypted program using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but it is needless to say that the following configurations are included. For example, an OS (operating system) operating on a computer performs part or all of actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by the processing. Needless to say, it is included.

  Further, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Based on the instruction of the program code written in the memory, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Needless to say, it is also included.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description in the present specification.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system which shows 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the apparatus which comprises the system of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a mechanical configuration of an MFP main body and a finisher illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system which shows 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a printer driver setting screen displayed on the monitor of the client PC shown in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the test result registration table in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 5th control processing procedure in this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the scanner which can read 1 path | pass both sides. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium (recording medium) which stores the various data processing programs which can be read by the printing processing apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

210 MFP Main Body 101 Printed Product Reading Unit 102 Image Analysis Unit 103 Judgment Unit 104 Complementary Printing Unit 220 Finisher 105 Printed Product Reading Unit 106 Discharge Destination Switching Unit

Claims (13)

Printing means for executing a printing process on the sheet based on the first image data;
Image acquisition means for reading the printed sheet printed by the printing means and acquiring second image data;
Determining means for comparing the first image data and the second image data in units of pages to determine a print processing state of the printed sheet;
When the determination unit determines that the print processing state of the specific page is good, the printed sheet of the specific page is discharged to the first stacking unit, and the determination unit determines that the print processing state of the specific page is good. A paper discharge unit that discharges the printed sheet of the specific page to the second stack unit when it is not determined;
Based on the first image data of the specific page, when the print processing state of the specific page is not good and the determination unit does not determine, the discharge of the printed sheet subsequent to the printed sheet of the specific page is waited. Control means for performing a reprinting process and controlling the reprinted sheet to be discharged to the first stacking unit;
A printing system comprising: A print processing apparatus having the determination unit and the control unit;
A paper discharge device having the image acquisition means and the paper discharge means;
The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising:   The print processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image acquisition unit acquires the second image data by reading the printed sheet with an original reading unit provided in the paper discharge device.   The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the paper discharge device includes a paper feed unit that feeds the printed sheet to the document reading unit. Storing means for storing the determination result of the printed sheet;
5. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls a discharge destination of the printed sheet based on the determination result stored in the storage unit. 6.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the first image data is included in a print job received from an external device.   The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising a reading unit configured to read a document and acquire the first image data.   When the printed sheet is a double-sided document, the determination unit determines the print processing state of the printed sheet by comparing the double-sided pages of the first image data and the second image data. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing system is a printing system. A printing processing method,
A printing step for executing a printing process on the sheet based on the first image data;
An image acquisition step of acquiring the second image data by reading the printed sheet printed by the printing step;
A determination step of comparing the first image data and the second image data in units of pages to determine a print processing state of the printed sheet;
When the determination step determines that the print processing state of the specific page is good, the printed sheet of the specific page is discharged to the first stacking unit, and the determination step indicates that the print processing state of the specific page is good. A paper discharge step of discharging the printed sheet of the specific page to the second stack unit when not determined,
Based on the first image data of the specific page, when the print processing state of the specific page is not good and the determination unit does not determine, the discharge of the printed sheet subsequent to the printed sheet of the specific page is waited. A printing processing method comprising: performing a reprinting process and controlling the reprinted sheet to be discharged onto the first stacking unit.   The print processing method according to claim 9, wherein the first image data is included in a print job received from an external device.   The print processing method according to claim 9, further comprising a reading step of reading a document and acquiring the first image data.   When the printed sheet is a double-sided document, the determination step determines a print processing state of the printed sheet by comparing double-sided pages of the first image data and the second image data. The print processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 11.   A program for causing a print processing apparatus to execute the print processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

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