JP2015216417A - Image processor and control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor that is capable of continuing printing for using residual toner all up even when the residual amount of toner is small, while being capable of satisfying a request of a user that printing for a received fax be temporarily stopped until the residual amount of toner is detected to be adequate.SOLUTION: When the residual amount of toner detected by a toner residual amount detection section 321 is a threshold or less, a setting of whether printing of image information received by fax is stopped or continued is accepted. When the residual amount of toner is the threshold or less, printing of image information is determined to be stopped or continued according to the preliminarily set contents before the execution of printing. When printing of image information is determined to be continued, an inspection device 505 inspects the quality of the image on a recording medium having the image information printed thereon. An ejection device 506 separates a recording medium determined to be normal printing in the image quality inspection from a recording medium determined to be error printing in the image quality inspection, and ejects the recording media to prescribed ejection trays, respectively.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method therefor, and a program, and more particularly, to an inspection technique for quality of a facsimile reception image printed on a recording medium such as paper.

  Printing called on-demand printing (hereinafter also referred to as “POD”), which uses an image processing apparatus based on electrophotographic technology, etc., without using large-scale printing by an offset printing machine, and produces a necessary amount of printed matter when necessary There is a technique. Conventionally, in the inspection of the image quality of a POD printed output, it is common for an operator to visually confirm the printed output. For this reason, the inspection time depends on the skill level of the operator, and there is a limit to shortening the inspection time even if the skill level is increased.

  Therefore, in recent years, an apparatus for inspecting image quality by comparing print data and printed matter has been devised. For example, an apparatus that detects a printing error by reading an image of a printed matter and comparing the image data with the print data has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, a method has been proposed in which the printing position of an image on a recording medium of a printed matter output by a printing apparatus is detected, and the inspection process is speeded up and accuracy is improved based on the detection result (see Patent Document 2). ). In addition, there has been proposed an apparatus that removes paper that has been misprinted by discharging it to another tray or the like without stopping the processing operation in the event of an error (see Patent Document 3).

  As an image processing apparatus that performs POD, a digital multifunction peripheral is used, and it is naturally conceivable that a facsimile (hereinafter also referred to as “FAX”) function is added as the digital multifunction peripheral becomes multifunctional.

  Image quality inspection (hereinafter also simply referred to as “inspection”) of FAX received images is not currently performed, but if this inspection function becomes cheap, an inspection function will be added to a digital multi-function peripheral having a FAX function. Of course, you can also think

JP 2007-257539 A JP 2008-52115 A JP 2008-142938 A

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some image processing apparatuses having a FAX function are equipped with a print engine using an electrophotographic technology and have a toner remaining amount detection unit. In such an image processing apparatus, there is a possibility that the print image may be faint or missing due to lack of toner. Therefore, when the toner remaining amount detection unit detects that the toner amount is low, printing of the image data received by FAX is temporarily stopped. . Then, the image data received by FAX is temporarily stored in the memory in the image processing apparatus, and when the toner is replenished or the toner cartridge is replaced and it is detected that the remaining toner amount is sufficient, the image data is temporarily stopped. The printing of the received FAX image is resumed. Further, there is a specification in which image data received by FAX is deleted from the memory in order to secure a storage capacity after printing a FAX reception image.

  When the toner remaining amount detecting unit detects that the toner remaining amount is low, there is a case where the FAX reception image cannot be printed until the toner is replenished or the toner cartridge is replaced. Even with these specifications, I would like to continue printing to use up the remaining toner, but even if the printed image is blurred or missing due to insufficient toner, there is no transmission document at the receiving user's side, so there is a problem that I do not notice is there.

  In addition, we want to reduce the possibility of fading or missing printed images even when the amount of toner is low, so the user's request to stop FAX reception printing until it can be detected that the toner is sufficient There is.

  Furthermore, there is a demand for a user who uses an image processing apparatus equipped with a FAX function and an inspection function to distinguish between cases where the received FAX image is correct, even if the received FAX image data is correct. .

  Further, when the inspection function is installed in the image processing apparatus on the reception side, there is a demand for confirming the result of inspection of the image data received by FAX and the printed FAX reception image on the transmission side.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to continue printing to use up the remaining toner even when the remaining amount of toner is low, while the user's desire to pause FAX reception printing until it is detected that the remaining amount of toner is sufficient Provide technology that can meet the demands.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus of the present invention includes a communication unit, a printing unit that prints image information received by the communication unit on a recording medium, and the printing unit stores the image information on the recording medium. An image processing apparatus comprising: a detecting unit configured to detect a remaining amount of recording material used for printing; and an image received by the communication unit when the remaining amount of the recording material detected by the detecting unit is equal to or less than a threshold value. A setting unit that accepts a setting of whether to stop or continue printing of information; and when the remaining amount of the recording material is equal to or less than a threshold value, according to the setting by the setting unit before the printing by the printing unit is executed. And determining means for determining stop or continuation of printing of the image information, and if the determination means determines that printing of the image information is to be continued, printing is performed by the printing means. An image quality inspection unit that performs an image quality inspection of the recording medium; and a discharge unit that discharges the recording medium separately into a recording medium determined to be normal printing and a recording medium determined to be defective printing by the image quality inspection unit. Features.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to continue printing to use up the remaining toner even when the remaining amount of toner is low, while the user wants to pause FAX reception printing until it can be detected that the remaining amount of toner is sufficient. Can also meet the demands of.

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the inspection apparatus and discharge apparatus which are connected with the image processing apparatus of FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation process at the time of FAX reception in the image processing system of FIG. 1. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operation processing at the time of FAX reception in the image processing system according to the second embodiment. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an example of a print setting screen displayed when receiving a FAX, in which (a) a FAX reception print stop setting screen when the amount of remaining toner is low, (b) a discharge tray setting screen, and (c) a user. This is a warning message screen. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a print setting screen when receiving a FAX displayed on the UI; (a) a setting screen for a discharge tray of a recording medium determined to be normal printing; and (b) a recording medium determined to be defective printing. It is a setting screen of a discharge tray.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image processing apparatus 501 constitutes an image processing system together with the inspection apparatus 505 and the discharge apparatus 506 connected to the subsequent stage of the image processing apparatus 501. In the present embodiment, the case where the image processing device 501, the inspection device 505, and the discharge device 506 are separate and independent devices will be described, but these may be integrally configured.

  The image processing apparatus 501 is connected to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 503, and can perform FAX communication with a facsimile (FAX) apparatus 504 via the PSTN 503. Further, the image processing apparatus 501 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 502, and can perform network communication with a PC (Personal Computer) 507, a server (not shown), and a multifunction peripheral via the LAN 502.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 501 is connected to an inspection apparatus 505 for performing quality inspection of an image printed on a recording medium (paper or the like) by the image processing apparatus 501. The inspection device 505 is connected to a discharge device 506 that discharges the recording medium discharged from the inspection device 505 in a predetermined tray.

  In the image processing apparatus 501, a CPU (central control apparatus) 302 reads out a control program of the image processing apparatus 501 from the ROM 304 or the HDD 306, develops it in the RAM 305, and executes it to control the entire apparatus.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 304 includes a flash memory or the like, and stores a boot program of the apparatus, fixed parameters, and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 305 is used to store temporary work data, image data received by FAX, print data, and the like when the CPU 302 controls the image processing apparatus 501.

  An HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 306 is used to store various data such as FAX, PDL (Page Description Language), scan image data, FAX received image data, and apparatus setting parameters. The RAM 305 and the HDD 306 are also used as work areas in which the CPU 302 performs image processing, encoding / decoding, and resolution conversion of image data.

  The UI control unit 313 controls a user interface (UI) 314 to display various information and input instructions from the user. In the image processing apparatus 501, the user can give an instruction such as FAX, copy, and scan from the UI 314.

  A printer I / F 315 is an interface that controls the printer unit 316.

  The printer unit 316 is a printing unit that performs printing using a method in which a recording material such as toner is fixed to a recording medium such as paper by an electrophotographic method. Note that the printer unit 316 may be a printing unit that uses an ink jet method for ejecting ink onto a sheet and fixing it, and is not limited to these methods.

  In addition, the printer unit 316 includes a toner remaining amount detecting unit 321 that detects the remaining amount of toner. The method of detecting the remaining amount of toner is a method of detecting by a change in electrostatic capacity of a toner container (not shown), but may be another method. In the case where the printer unit 316 is an inkjet method, a method of optically measuring and detecting the remaining ink amount may be used, or another method may be used.

  A scanner I / F 317 is an interface that controls the scanner unit 318. The scanner unit 318 is an image reading unit that optically reads an original by using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) with reflected light that is emitted from the light source to the original.

  The network I / F 319 controls transmission and reception of data with the LAN 502, and analyzes and generates IP packets such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol). Data transmitted or received by transmission / reception of an IP (Internet Protocol) packet is temporarily stored in the RAM 305 or the HDD 306, and then interpreted by the CPU 302 and processed in accordance with the protocol specification.

  A RIP (Raster Image Processor) unit 312 is a processor that converts a PDL (Page Description Language) into a raster image that can be printed by the printer unit 316. The RIP unit 312 may be realized by software by increasing the CPU speed.

  The image processing unit 320 is a part that performs image processing for resolution conversion, encoding / decoding, and high image quality.

  The external I / F 301 is a part that transmits / receives data, instructions, and responses to / from external devices (for example, the inspection device 505 and the discharge device 506) connected to the image processing apparatus 501. Any standard may be used for the external I / F 301 as long as it is a transmission means having a bandwidth necessary for the amount of data to be transmitted, including USB, LAN, PCI, and the like.

  A bus 311 is a system bus that transmits and receives control signals from the CPU 302 and data signals between the devices, and connects the illustrated units to each other.

  The FAX apparatus 504 is a G3 ITU-T recommendation T.264. A terminal corresponding to 30 voice communications is assumed. ITU-T is an abbreviation for International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector.

  Note that the FAX apparatus 504 may be a terminal that supports G4 FAX via ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network) instead of PSTN. Further, the FAX apparatus 504 replaces the PSTN with a T.264 network that passes through a next-generation IP network called NGN (Next Generation Network) or a conventional IP (Internet Protocol) network. A terminal that communicates with the terminal 38 may be used. Further, NGN, IP network, and PSTN may be connected by a gateway and may pass through a plurality of networks. Further, a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) adapter is connected between the network and the image processing apparatus 501, and T.V. It is possible to use 30 FAX communications.

  Next, the image processing apparatus 501 receives the ITU-T recommendation T.264 of G3. The operation when FAX transmission is performed to the FAX apparatus 504 at 30 will be described.

  When the CPU 302 detects that the user places a document on the scanner unit 318 and issues a transmission instruction to the UI 314, a FAX transmission process is started.

  The CPU 302 performs A / D conversion on the image data scanned by the scanner unit 318, performs shading correction, and the like, then converts the resolution by the image processing unit 320, and codes such as MH, MR, MMR, and JBIG. Convert to digitized data. Then, control is performed to save the data in the RAM 305.

  The FAX_I / F 307 performs a call connection process to the FAX apparatus 504 with respect to the PSTN 503, and the call connection is completed when the FAX apparatus 504 of the counterpart machine responds. Also, the FAX_I / F 307 modulates the encoded digital image data transmitted from the RAM 305 via the bus 311, converts it into an audio signal, and sends it to the FAX apparatus 504 of the counterpart machine via the PSTN 503. Then, the FAX apparatus 504 performs reception and printing processing.

  Next, an operation when the image processing apparatus 501 receives a FAX from the FAX apparatus 504 will be described.

  When the call signal arrives from the PSTN 503 to the FAX_I / F 307 and is detected by the CPU 302, the FAX 302 controls the FAX_I / F 307 to establish a call connection with the FAX apparatus 504 via the PSTN 503. The audio signal sent from the FAX apparatus 504 is sent to the image processing apparatus 501 via the PSTN 503. The audio signal is demodulated by the FAX_I / F 307, and the encoded digital image data such as MH, MR, MMR, JBIG is decoded into raw image data by the CPU 302 or the image processing unit 320, and the RAM 305 is obtained as raw image data. Alternatively, it is stored in the HDD 306.

  Raw image data stored in the RAM 305 or the like is 8 × 3.85 pixels / mm when the resolution specified at the time of FAX transmission is standard, 8 × 7.7 pixels / mm when fine, and 8 × when super fine. It is 15.4 pixels / mm, and it is 16 × 15.4 pixels / mm for Ultra Fine. In addition, when specified in the inch system, the resolution is 200 × 100 dpi, 200 × 200 dpi, 200 × 400 dpi, 400 × 400 dpi, 600 × 600 dpi, or other expanded pixel density.

  The raw image data stored in the RAM 305 or the like is converted in resolution by the image processing unit 320 according to the printer resolution (for example, 600 × 600 dpi), sent to the printer I / F 315, and printed on the recording medium by the printer unit 316. . As the recording medium, A4 or A3 size plain paper is usually used. The resolution of the image data for one page transmitted by FAX is converted by the image processing unit 320 so as to fit on one page of the recording medium. It should be noted that the image processing apparatus 501 is T.264 As for the operation when performing FAX communication with 38 or G4, only the operation of the FAX_I / F 307 changes, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the internal configuration of the inspection device 505 and the discharge device 506 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the inspection device 505 and the discharge device 506 connected to the image processing device 501 in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the inspection apparatus 505 includes a recording medium conveyance unit 322 that conveys a recording medium to be inspected, a scanner unit A323 that optically reads the surface of the recording medium, and a scanner unit B324 that optically reads the back surface of the recording medium. The inspection execution unit 303 is incorporated. Note that the inspection execution unit 303 may be a PC connected outside the inspection apparatus 505 without being incorporated.

  The recording medium transport unit 322 incorporates a mechanism for transporting the recording medium to the scanner unit A323 and the scanner unit B324 with appropriate timing and accuracy. Although it is possible to simultaneously inspect the back side and the front side of the printed matter printed on both sides by the scanner unit B 324 for the back side and the scanner unit A 323 for the front side, in this embodiment, the inspection of the recording medium printed on one side is performed. explain.

  The inspection execution unit 303 includes an external I / F 325, an inspection control unit 326, a scanner I / F 327, a bus 328, a comparison determination control unit 329, a scan image storage unit 330, and a reference image storage unit 331. The bus 328 connects these units to each other and transmits data, commands, and responses.

  The inspection control unit 326 includes a CPU, RAM, and ROM (not shown), reads a control program from the ROM, executes it on the RAM, and controls the inspection device 505.

  The scanner I / F 327 controls the scanner unit A323 and the scanner unit B324. The images read by the scanner unit A323 and the scanner unit B324 are subjected to A / D conversion, shading correction, and other necessary image processing by the scanner I / F 327, and then transmitted to the scan image storage unit 330, where the image data Saved as Note that. Image processing such as tilt correction at the time of image reading is also executed by the image processing unit 308.

  The external I / F 325 is an interface for connecting to the image processing apparatus 501 and the discharge apparatus 506, and transmits data, commands, and responses. The external I / F 325 receives reference image data stored in the RAM 305 or the HDD 306 of the image processing apparatus 501. The received reference image data is stored in the reference image storage unit 331. Reference image data is for comparison with image data read from a recording medium.

  The comparison determination control unit 329 compares the image data stored in the scan image storage unit 330 with the reference image data stored in the reference image storage unit 331, and the print image printed on the recording medium is blurred or missing. Determine whether there is any defect. This determination is called image quality inspection or inspection. Although the determination algorithm and the determination threshold can be arbitrarily changed as necessary, the processing content itself is publicly known, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. Then, the inspection result indicating whether the printing is normal printing or defective printing is notified from the comparison determination control unit 329 to the CPU 302 or the discharge device 506 of the image processing apparatus 501 via the external I / F 325.

  The discharge device 506 includes a recording medium discharge unit 333 and a recording medium discharge control unit 332.

  The recording medium discharge unit 333 includes a mechanism necessary for discharge, a normal recording medium discharge tray 334 (first discharge tray), a defective recording medium discharge tray 335 (second discharge tray), and an NG stamp pressing unit 336. The recording medium discharge unit 333 and the recording medium discharge control unit 332 are connected by an electric signal, and transmit data, commands, and responses. In response to data, commands, and responses transmitted from the external I / F 325 of the inspection execution unit 303 and the external I / F 301 of the image processing apparatus 501, the recording medium discharge control unit 332 discharges the recording medium in order to discharge the recording medium appropriately. The mechanism of the unit 333 is controlled.

  The recording medium discharge control unit 332 selects whether the recording medium is discharged to the normal recording medium discharge tray 334 or the defective recording medium discharge tray 335 as necessary, or the NG stamp pressing unit 336 applies an NG stamp to the recording medium. Control such as pressing is executed. If the inspection result is determined to be defective, the image data received by FAX is not erased, and the image data received by FAX can be held in the storage means of the HDD 306 and reprinted until it is determined that there is no omission in the comparison result. Like that.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process at the time of FAX reception in the image processing system of FIG. This process is realized by the CPU 302 executing a control program read from the ROM 304 or the HDD 306.

  It is assumed that the image processing apparatus 501 is in a state where the power is turned on and the initial setting is performed.

  In step S <b> 102, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 receives print settings at the time of FAX reception from the user (or service person) via the UI 314. Specifically, the UI 314 accepts selection of whether to stop printing or continue printing of an image received by FAX when the toner remaining amount detecting unit 321 in the printer unit 316 detects that the toner remaining amount is low. For example, a screen 50 as shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the UI 314, and a selection from the user (or serviceman) is accepted. When “Yes” is selected, a screen 51 as shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the UI 314 to accept selection of the discharge tray. The selected discharge tray becomes a standard discharge tray for printing when receiving a FAX, and the selected setting is stored in the HDD 306 or the like. On the other hand, when “No” is selected on the screen 50, a screen 52 as shown in FIG. 5C is displayed on the UI 314 to alert the user.

  Further, it is possible to set so that the discharge tray is changed when printing of an image received by FAX from the inspection result is determined as normal printing and when it is determined as defective printing. For example, a screen 600 as shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the UI 314, and selection of a discharge tray is accepted. The selected discharge tray becomes a discharge tray from which the recording medium determined to be normal printing from the inspection result by the inspection apparatus 505 is discharged. On the other hand, a screen 601 as shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the UI 314, and selection of a discharge tray is accepted. The selected discharge tray becomes a discharge tray from which the recording medium determined to be defective printing from the inspection result by the inspection apparatus 505 is discharged. Note that overlapping selection of discharge trays selected on the screen 600 and the screen 601 is limited.

  In addition, when the FAX reception printing is defective from the result of the image quality inspection, it is possible to set to press an NG stamp indicating that the printing is defective. For example, a screen 602 as shown in FIG. 6C is displayed on the UI 314, and selection of “Yes” or “No” is accepted.

  The setting accepted by the UI 314 is stored in the HDD 306 (or ROM 304) as setting information. The above settings can be arbitrarily changed. The CPU 302 reads the setting information from the HDD 306 or the like when the image processing apparatus 501 is activated, and performs control to operate according to the setting.

  In step S103, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 performs a FAX reception process, and proceeds to step S104. Since the details of the FAX reception process in step S103 have been described above, the description thereof will be omitted. The image data received by FAX is stored in the RAM 305 or the HDD 306.

  In step S104, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 performs image processing on the FAX reception data, and proceeds to step S105. Specifically, the CPU 302 decodes encoded digital image data such as MH, MR, MMR, JBIG, etc. stored in the RAM 305 or the HDD 306 into raw image data, and stores the raw image data in the RAM 305 or the HDD 306 as raw image data. save. Then, the CPU 302 converts the resolution of the stored raw image data in accordance with the printer resolution (for example, 600 × 600 dpi) by the image processing unit 320, stores it as a print image in the RAM 305 or the HDD 306, and proceeds to step S105.

  In step S <b> 105, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 performs processing for detecting and determining the remaining amount of toner (also referred to as “toner remaining detection”). Specifically, the CPU 302 inquires of the remaining toner amount detection unit 321 in the printer unit 316 about the remaining toner amount via the printer I / F 315. As a result of the inquiry, if the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than the threshold (LOW), the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of toner exceeds the threshold (not LOW), the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, since the remaining amount of toner is sufficient, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 causes the printer unit 316 to execute a FAX received image printing process. The CPU 302 sends the image data stored in the RAM 305 or the HDD 306 to the printer unit 316 via the printer I / F 315 and prints it on a recording medium, and the process proceeds to step S117.

  In step S117, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 instructs the inspection apparatus 505 to convey the recording medium without inspection. The inspection control unit 326 of the inspection device 505 drives the recording medium transport unit 322 to transport the recording medium transported from the printer unit 316 to the discharge device 506. Then, the CPU 302 instructs the discharge device 506 based on the setting information set in step S102. The recording medium discharge control unit 332 of the discharge device 506 drives and controls a conveyance path (not shown) according to the setting information, and sets the recording medium on which the FAX reception image is printed as a normal recording medium discharge tray 334 or a defective recording medium discharge tray. Then, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S110, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 refers to the setting information stored in the ROM 304 or the HDD 306, and determines whether to stop printing or continue printing of an image received by FAX. If it is set in step S102 to stop FAX reception printing when the remaining amount of toner is low, the process proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if it is set in step S102 to continue FAX reception printing when the remaining amount of toner is low, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S111, since the remaining amount of toner is low and there is a possibility that the print image may be faint or missing, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 issues a warning to the UI 314 indicating that the remaining amount of toner is low and that the toner needs to be replaced. And the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S106, if printing is performed in a state where the remaining amount of toner is low, the print image may be blurred or missing, so the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 performs the above-described inspection. Specifically, the CPU 302 generates a reference image for image quality inspection and transfers it to the inspection apparatus 505, prints a FAX reception image, and scans the inspection apparatus 505. The CPU 302 instructs the inspection apparatus 505 to execute inspection via the external I / F 301. The CPU 302 uses print image data stored in the RAM 305 or the HDD 306 as inspection reference image data. If necessary, the image processing unit 320 performs image processing for converting print image data into a reference image. Then, the CPU 302 transmits inspection reference image data to the inspection device 505 via the external I / F 301. The inspection control unit 326 stores the reference image data for inspection in the reference image storage unit 331. The CPU 302 sends print image data stored in the RAM 305 or the HDD 306 to the printer unit 316 via the printer I / F 315 and prints it on a recording medium.

  The inspection control unit 326 of the inspection apparatus 505 drives the recording medium conveyance unit 322 to convey the recording medium conveyed from the printer unit 316 to the scanner unit A323, and causes the image reading to be performed at 600 dpi which is the same as the printer resolution. The image read by the scanner unit A323 is subjected to A / D conversion, shading correction, and other necessary image processing by the scanner I / F 327, and then transmitted to the scan image storage unit 330 and read from the recording medium. Saved as image data. The comparison determination control unit 329 compares the image data stored in the scan image storage unit 330 with the reference image data stored in the reference image storage unit 331, and whether there is a defect such as blurring or missing in the recording medium. Judge whether there is. Then, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 determines whether the inspection result is normal printing. If the inspection result is normal printing, the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the inspection result is defective printing, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S108, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 discharges the recording medium to the normal recording medium discharge tray 334 set in step S102, and proceeds to step S109. When the CPU 302 instructs the discharge device 506 based on the setting information stored in the HDD 306 or the like, the recording medium discharge control unit 332 of the discharge device 506 drives and controls a conveyance path (not shown) according to the setting information. Are discharged to the normal recording medium discharge tray 334. Since it is determined that the quality of the print image is normal even when the toner remaining amount is low, the FAX reception data is deleted from the HDD 306 or the like to free up a storage area.

  In step S112, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 discharges the recording medium to the defective recording medium discharge tray 335 set in step S102, and proceeds to step S109. When the CPU 302 instructs the ejection device 506 based on the setting information stored in the HDD 306 or the like, the recording medium ejection control unit 332 of the ejection device 506 drives and controls the conveyance path in accordance with the setting information, thereby causing the recording medium to become a defective recording medium. It is discharged to a discharge tray 335. In step S112, if the setting for pressing the NG stamp is made when the FAX reception print is defective based on the inspection result, the CPU 302 instructs the discharge device 506 in accordance with the setting information, and the NG stamp pressing unit 336 is set. The NG stamp is pressed on the recording medium by controlling. Note that FAX received data stored in the HDD 306 or the like is not deleted so that reprinting can be performed.

  In step S109, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 stores the FAX reception print result as a log in the HDD 306, displays the inspection result on the UI 314, notifies the user, ends the process, and returns to the standby state. . As the inspection result displayed on the UI 314, for example, a recording medium determined to be defective in the image quality inspection is discharged to the defective recording medium discharge tray 335, and image data printed on the recording medium determined to be defective is recorded. The information stored in the HDD 306 or the like is included.

  According to the first embodiment, when the toner remaining amount detected by the toner remaining amount detecting unit 321 is equal to or less than the threshold value, the UI 314 accepts the setting for stopping or continuing printing of the image information received by facsimile. . When the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than the threshold value, whether printing of image information is to be stopped or continued is determined according to the setting contents set in advance in the UI 314 before printing by the printer unit 316 is executed. When it is determined that the printing of the image information is continued, the inspection apparatus 505 performs an image quality inspection of the recording medium on which the image information is printed by the printer unit 316. The discharge device 506 separates the recording medium determined to be normal printing by the image quality inspection and the recording medium determined to be defective printing, and discharges them to a predetermined discharge tray. This makes it possible to continue printing to use up the remaining toner even when the remaining amount of toner is low, but to meet the user's request to pause FAX reception printing until it is detected that the remaining amount of toner is sufficient. Can also respond.

  In addition, as a result of continuing printing to use up the remaining toner, even if the printed image is blurred or missing due to toner shortage or the like, the recording medium determined to be a defective image is transferred to the tray from which the defective recording medium is discharged. Discharged. Thus, the user can easily recognize that the print image is not correct even if the image data received by FAX is correct.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment of the present invention, the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the first embodiment. The description is omitted. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

  In the second embodiment, a case is assumed in which inspection is instructed from the transmission side to the reception side using NSS and NSF defined by the facsimile protocol (* NSS: Non-Standard facilities Setup, NSF: Non-Standard Facilities).

  NSS and NSF are ITU-T Recommendation T.30. 30 is a bit specified for a manufacturer's unique command or function, and can be handled only when both the transmitting and receiving FAX have predetermined bit definitions.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation process at the time of FAX reception in the image processing system according to the second embodiment. This process is realized by the CPU 302 executing a control program read from the ROM 304 or the HDD 306.

  It is assumed that the image processing apparatus 501 is in a state where the power is turned on and the initial setting is performed.

  In step S <b> 202, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 receives initial settings regarding printing at the time of FAX reception from the user (or service person) via the UI 314. In step 202, as in step S102 of FIG. 3, the screen 50 or the like is displayed on the UI 314 to accept the setting. Further, in step S202, a setting as to whether or not to use NSS and NSF can be received from the user or the like via the UI 314. For example, the receiver can declare that the NSF has an image quality inspection function, and the transmitter can be set to request the receiver to receive the image, perform the image quality inspection, and return the result of the image quality inspection. It is. The setting accepted by the UI 314 is stored in the HDD 306 (or ROM 304) as setting information. The above settings can be arbitrarily changed.

  In step S203, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 performs a FAX reception process, and proceeds to step S204. The details of the FAX reception process in step S203 have been described above as in step S103 in FIG. Further, in step S203, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 declares that there is an inspection function by NSF when operating as a receiver. When the FAX machine 504 on the transmission side that can understand the declared unique NSF requests inspection, the NSS requests reception and inspection. When the FAX machine 504 on the transmission side requests the inspection result notification, the NSS also requests the inspection result notification at the same time, and returns the FAX transmission to the email address or the FAX apparatus 504 on the transmission side as the notification destination. Request with NSS. The FAX number on the transmission side is notified in TSI (Transmitting Subscriber Identification) or NSS. When the notification destination is an Email address, notification is made in the NSS. The NSS may be set to request only reception and inspection execution. In that case, the user on the transmission side checks the inspection result by another means of communication such as a telephone call to the user on the reception side.

  In step S204, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 performs image processing of FAX reception data, and the process proceeds to step S214. Note that step S204 is the same as step S104 in FIG.

  In step S214, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 determines whether there is an inspection instruction by NSS of the facsimile protocol from the transmission side. If there is an inspection instruction by NSS, the process proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if there is no inspection instruction by NSS, the process proceeds to step S215.

  In step S215, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 performs a residual toner detection as in step S105 of FIG. When the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than the threshold (LOW), the process proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of toner exceeds the threshold (not LOW), the process proceeds to step S216.

  In step S216, since the remaining amount of toner is sufficient, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 causes the printer unit 316 to execute the printing process of the FAX reception image, and proceeds to step S217. Since step S216 is the same as step S116 of FIG. 3, the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S217, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 discharges the recording medium to the set recording medium discharge tray, and proceeds to step S218. Since step S217 is the same as step S117 of FIG. 3, the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S205, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 performs a residual toner detection as in step S105 of FIG. When the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than the threshold (LOW), the process proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of toner exceeds the threshold (not LOW), the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S210, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 refers to the setting information stored in the ROM 304 or the HDD 306, and determines whether to stop printing or continue printing of an image received by FAX. If it is set in step S202 that the FAX reception printing is to be stopped when the toner remaining amount is low, the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if it is set in step S202 to continue FAX reception printing when the remaining amount of toner is low, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S211, the remaining amount of toner is low, and printing may be faint or missing. Therefore, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 warns the UI 314 that the remaining amount of toner is low and the toner needs to be replaced. The process proceeds to step S218.

  In step S206, if printing is performed with a small amount of toner remaining, the print image may be blurred or missing, and an inspection instruction is issued from the transmission side. Therefore, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 is similar to step S106 in FIG. The product is inspected and the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S207, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 determines whether the inspection result is normal printing. If the inspection result is normal printing, the process proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if the inspection result is defective printing, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S208, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 discharges the recording medium to the normal recording medium discharge tray set in step S202, and proceeds to step S218. Since step S208 is the same as step S108 in FIG. 3, the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S212, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 discharges the recording medium to the defective recording medium discharge tray 335 set in step S202, and proceeds to step S218. Since step S212 is the same as step S112 of FIG. 3, the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S218, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 stores the FAX reception print result as a log in the HDD 306, displays the inspection result on the UI 314, notifies the user, and proceeds to step S219.

  In step S219, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 determines whether there is a request for notification of the inspection result by the facsimile protocol NSS from the transmission side. When there is an inspection result notification request by NSS, the process proceeds to step S220. On the other hand, when there is no inspection result notification request by the NSS, this process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state.

  In step S220, the CPU 302 of the image processing apparatus 501 notifies the inspection result to the transmission side by a designated method, ends the processing, and returns to the standby state.

  If the sending FAX apparatus 504 requests the inspection result to be notified by NSS, if the designated notification method is Email, the inspection result is transmitted from the network I / F 319 to the Email address. On the other hand, if the designated notification method is FAX, the inspection result is transmitted to the FAX apparatus 504 by FAX. The contents of the inspection result to be notified include a normal image page and a defective image page in the FAX reception image data, a reason why printing cannot be performed (such as no recording medium or a minimal amount of toner), a printer jam, and the like. Note that the contents of the inspection result to be notified may include, for example, the fact that reprinting after the printer jam (paper clogging) was restored, the reception date / time, the inspection date / time, and the image scanned by the inspection.

  According to the second embodiment, the reception side declares the presence of the image quality inspection function by the NSF of the facsimile protocol. On the other hand, when the transmission side detects that the image quality inspection function is present, the transmission side instructs reception of image information, execution of the image quality inspection, return of the result of the image quality inspection, return destination, and return method by NSS of the facsimile protocol. The In this case, even when it is detected that the remaining amount of the recording material is sufficient before printing is performed, the image quality inspection is performed, and the result is returned to the transmission side by a reply method designated by NSS. Is done. Thereby, when the inspection function is mounted on the reception side, the transmission side can know the image information received by FAX and the inspection result of the print image.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

302 CPU
316 Printer unit 321 Toner remaining amount detection unit 322 Recording medium transport unit 326 Inspection control unit 329 Comparison determination control unit 501 Image processing device 504 FAX device 505 Inspection device 506 Discharging device

Claims (13)

A communication unit; a printing unit that prints image information received by the communication unit on a recording medium; and a detection unit that detects a remaining amount of recording material used by the printing unit to print the image information on the recording medium; In an image processing apparatus comprising:
A setting means for accepting a setting for stopping or continuing printing of the image information received by the communication means when the remaining amount of the recording material detected by the detection means is less than or equal to a threshold;
When the remaining amount of the recording material is equal to or less than a threshold value, a determination unit that determines whether to stop or continue printing of the image information according to the setting by the setting unit before the printing by the printing unit is executed;
If the determination means determines that the printing of the image information is to be continued, an image quality inspection means for performing an image quality inspection of the recording medium printed by the printing means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a discharge unit that discharges the recording medium that has been determined to be normal printing by the image quality inspection unit and that has been determined to be defective printing. An image reading means for reading an image of the recording medium printed by the printing means;
The image quality inspection means includes
Generating means for generating a reference image for image quality inspection from image information received by the communication means;
Comparing means for comparing the reference image generated by the generating means and the scanned image obtained by the image reading means,
If it is determined by the determination means that the printing of the image information is to be continued, after the printing by the printing means is executed, the generated reference image and the scanned image are compared by the comparison means, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus determines that the printing is normal printing or defective printing.   2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a user of a warning without executing printing by the printing unit when the determination unit determines that printing of the image information is stopped. Or the image processing apparatus of 2. The setting means can accept selection of a first discharge tray from which a recording medium determined to be normal printing is discharged and a second discharge tray from which a recording medium determined to be defective printing is discharged,
The discharge means discharges the recording medium determined to be normal printing and the recording medium determined to be defective printing into the first discharge tray and the second discharge tray according to the setting by the setting means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a result of the image quality inspection unit is displayed and stored in a storage unit.   6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a stamp unit that presses a stamp indicating that printing is defective with respect to a recording medium determined to be defective printing.   7. The image processing according to claim 1, wherein the image information received by the communication unit is not erased from the storage unit so that the recording medium determined to be defective printing can be reprinted. apparatus.   When the reception side declares the presence of the image quality inspection function by the NSF of the facsimile protocol and detects the presence of the image quality inspection function from the transmission side, the reception side receives the image information and performs the image quality inspection by the NSS of the facsimile protocol. When instructed, the image quality inspection means displays image information on the receiving side even when the detection means detects that the remaining amount of the recording material is sufficient before the printing means executes printing. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image quality inspection of the printed recording medium is performed.   When the reception side declares the presence of an image quality inspection function in the NSF (Non-Standard Facilities) of the facsimile protocol and detects the presence of the image quality inspection function on the transmission side, the NSS (Non-Standard facilities Setup) of the facsimile protocol is detected from the transmission side. When the reception of the image information, the execution of the image quality inspection, the reply of the result of the image quality inspection, the reply destination, and the reply method are instructed, the communication means, before the printing means executes the printing, the detecting means Even when it is detected that the remaining amount of the recording material is sufficient, the image quality inspection means performs the image quality inspection and returns the result to the transmission side by the reply method specified by the NSS. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is characterized.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints a recording material that is toner on a recording medium that is paper by an electrophotographic method.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints a recording material, which is ink, on a recording medium, which is paper, by an inkjet method. A communication unit; a printing unit that prints image information received by the communication unit on a recording medium; and a detection unit that detects a remaining amount of recording material used by the printing unit to print the image information on the recording medium; In a control method of an image processing apparatus comprising:
A setting step of accepting a setting to stop or continue printing of the image information received by the communication unit when the remaining amount of the recording material detected by the detection unit is equal to or less than a threshold;
When the remaining amount of the recording material is equal to or less than a threshold, a determination step of determining whether to stop or continue printing of the image information according to the setting by the setting step before printing by the printing unit is performed
If it is determined in the determination step that the printing of the image information is continued, an image quality inspection step of performing an image quality inspection of the recording medium printed by the printing unit;
A control method comprising: a discharge step of discharging separately into a recording medium determined to be normal printing and a recording medium determined to be defective printing in the image quality inspection step.   A computer-readable program for causing an image processing apparatus to execute the control method according to claim 12.

Images