JP2021056466A - Automatic inspection device, image forming system, automatic inspection method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an automatic inspection device, an image forming system, an automatic inspection method, and a program that automatically perform primary inspection and subsequently can select an inspection target for which secondary inspection is manually performed and present it to a user.SOLUTION: An automatic inspection device reads an image from a sheet P output from an image forming apparatus 10, compares a read image with a correct answer image and automatically performs primary inspection of the sheet P with the difference from the correct answer image as a deduction item, as a result of the primary inspection, takes one whose image quality is determined not to satisfy a predetermined condition, of the sheet P and a booklet B composed of a plurality of sheets P, as a rejected product and ejects it to a first ejection unit 41a, takes one whose image quality is determined to satisfy the predetermined condition as an accepted product in the primary inspection and ejects it to a second ejection unit 41b other than the first ejection unit 41a, based on inspection target information on a target of manual secondary inspection that is set in advance by a user, selects the sheet P or part of the booklet B taken as the accepted product as the target of the secondary inspection, and notifies the user of the target.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic inspection device, an image forming system, an automatic inspection method and a program.

Conventionally, a sheet (paper) on which an image is formed in an image forming apparatus is first inspected by an automatic inspection apparatus, and then a secondary inspection is performed in which a person visually inspects the sheet.
However, it takes time for a person to visually inspect the product, and it is difficult to check all of them.
For this reason, a sampling inspection is often performed in which a part of the sheet is sampled and inspected.

However, even if sampling is performed at random, depending on the number of samplings, defective products cannot be included in the inspection target and are overlooked, so that appropriate inspection may not be possible. As a result, it may not be possible to completely scrutinize the quality of the image-formed sheet.

In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes a mode in which a printed matter, which is a sheet on which an image is formed, is inspected and the quality of the printed matter is classified into two types, a good product class and a bad product class, and a good product class, a defective class, and an intermediate quality class. A printed matter inspection control device including a mode for sorting into three types is disclosed.
In this way, by automatically sorting the printed matter into a plurality of classes according to the inspection result, it is possible for a person to perform secondary inspection (re-sorting) by narrowing down to only the intermediate quality class, for example. As a result, it can be expected to some extent that the secondary inspection of the printed matter can be easily and quickly performed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-205977

However, since the secondary inspection is performed visually by a person, there is a limit to the quantity that can be inspected depending on the number of people performing the secondary inspection and the time that can be spent on the secondary inspection.
In this regard, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to set the quantity or the like of the inspection target to be the target of the secondary inspection. For example, as a result of the primary inspection, most of them may be classified into the intermediate quality class. possible. In this case, the ability to perform the secondary inspection may be exceeded, and the quality may not be sufficiently scrutinized.

Further, the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is assumed to be a single sheet at the stage of being discharged to the discharge section after the primary inspection.
For this reason, when performing post-processing to form a booklet by grouping a plurality of sheets, it is judged by the user that the sheets once discharged after inspection are acceptable quality and intermediate quality. It is necessary to insert the sheet into an appropriate part of the booklet.
Furthermore, when inserting a sheet that has been accepted as a passing product when the sheets that make up the booklet are unprinted, the inserted sheet has already been printed and inspected, so it is necessary to print or inspect it. Absent. Therefore, it is necessary to control the sheet so that it is not printed or the like, which is complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is an automatic inspection device and an image capable of selecting an inspection target to be manually inspected after performing a primary inspection automatically and showing the user an image. It is an object of the present invention to provide a forming system, an automatic inspection method and a program.

In order to solve the above problems, the automatic inspection device of the present invention is used.
A reading unit that reads a sheet output from an image forming device that forms an image,
An inspection unit that compares the scanned image read by the reading unit with a correct image based on the original image data, and automatically performs a primary inspection of the sheet with the difference from the correct image as a deduction item.
A transport unit that discharges the sheet and / or a booklet composed of a plurality of the sheets to a predetermined discharge unit according to the inspection result of the primary inspection by the inspection unit.
A control unit that controls each unit and
With
The control unit
Accepts inspection target information regarding the target of manual secondary inspection set in advance by the user,
Of the sheets and / or the booklets, those whose image quality is judged not to satisfy the predetermined conditions by the inspection section are discharged as rejected products to the first discharge section by the transport section.
Of the sheets and / or the booklets, those whose image quality is determined to satisfy a predetermined condition by the inspection section are discharged by the transport section to a discharge section different from the first discharge section as a passing product in the primary inspection. At the same time, a part of the sheet and / or the booklet which is the accepted product is selected as the target of the secondary inspection based on the inspection target information.
It is characterized in that the user is notified of the sheet and / or the booklet selected as the target of the secondary inspection.

Further, the image forming system, which is another aspect of the present invention, is
The automatic inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and the automatic inspection device.
An image forming apparatus arranged on the upstream side of the sheet in the transport direction and forming an image on the sheet, and an image forming apparatus.
It is characterized by having.

Further, the automatic inspection method, which is another aspect of the present invention, is
A reading process that reads a sheet output from an image forming apparatus that forms an image,
An inspection step in which the scanned image read in the reading step is compared with a correct image based on the original image data, and the sheet is automatically primaryly inspected with the difference from the correct image as a deduction item.
A transfer step of discharging the sheet and / or a booklet composed of a plurality of the sheets to a predetermined discharge unit according to the inspection result of the primary inspection in the inspection process.
Including
Accepts inspection target information regarding the target of manual secondary inspection set in advance by the user,
In the transfer process,
Of the sheets and / or the booklets, those whose image quality is determined not to meet the predetermined conditions in the inspection process are discharged to the first discharge section as rejected products.
Of the sheets and / or the booklets, those whose image quality is determined to satisfy a predetermined condition in the inspection process are discharged as acceptable products in the primary inspection to a discharge section different from the first discharge section, and the above. Based on the inspection target information, a part of the passed product, the sheet and / or the booklet, is selected as the target of the secondary inspection.
It is characterized in that the user is notified of the sheet and / or the booklet selected as the target of the secondary inspection.

Also, the program, which is another aspect of the present invention,
To the computer of the automatic inspection device,
A reading function that reads the sheet output from the image forming device that forms the image,
An inspection function that compares the scanned image read by the scanning function with the correct image based on the original image data, and automatically performs the primary inspection of the sheet with the difference from the correct image as a deduction item.
A transport function that discharges the sheet and / or a booklet composed of a plurality of the sheets to a predetermined discharge unit according to the inspection result of the primary inspection by the inspection function.
Realized,
Accepts inspection target information regarding the target of manual secondary inspection set in advance by the user,
The discharge function
Of the sheets and / or the booklets, those whose image quality is determined by the inspection section to not meet the predetermined conditions are discharged to the first discharge section as rejected products.
Of the sheets and / or the booklets, those whose image quality is determined to satisfy a predetermined condition by the inspection section are discharged to a discharge section different from the first discharge section as a passing product in the primary inspection, and the above. Based on the inspection target information, a part of the passed product, the sheet and / or the booklet, is selected as the target of the secondary inspection.
It is characterized in that the user is notified of the sheet and / or the booklet selected as the target of the secondary inspection.

According to the present invention, it is possible to select and show the inspection target to be manually inspected after the primary inspection is performed automatically.

It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the image formation system. It is a block diagram of a main part which shows an example of the hardware composition of the image forming apparatus which constitutes an image forming system. It is a block diagram of a main part which shows an example of the hardware composition of the automatic inspection apparatus which constitutes an image formation system. It is a flowchart which shows the basic flow of the automatic inspection process in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of the inspection target information, (a) is a screen example when the quantity of inspection target is set by the number, (b) is the case of setting the quantity of the inspection target by%. This is a screen example of. It is a figure which shows one configuration example of an automatic inspection apparatus and a post-processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows one configuration example of an automatic inspection apparatus and a post-processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows one configuration example of an automatic inspection apparatus and a post-processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the automatic inspection process in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the biological information input screen. It is a flowchart which shows the automatic inspection process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the automatic inspection process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the automatic inspection process in this embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying the result of the secondary inspection, and (b) is a sheet or the like having the same deduction points as the sheet or the like judged to be defective in the secondary inspection. It is a figure which shows an example of the notification screen which notifies a user.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[Configuration of image formation system]
FIG. 1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to the present embodiment.
The image forming system 100 receives image data for printing from an external device (not shown), forms (prints) an image on a sheet (sheet P in paper, FIG. 1, etc.) based on the image data, and outputs the image. An image forming apparatus 10 and an automatic inspection device 20 connected to the subsequent stage of the image forming apparatus 10 (that is, the downstream side in the transport direction of the sheet P) and inspecting whether or not the printed image is normal for each sheet P are provided. ing.
Further, the image forming system 100 of the present embodiment is arranged in front of the image forming apparatus 10 (that is, on the upstream side in the transport direction of the sheet P), is connected to the image forming apparatus 10, and is appropriately connected to the image forming apparatus 10. A paper feeding device 30 for supplying P and a post-processing device 40 connected to the subsequent stage of the automatic inspection device 20 are further provided.
In the entire image forming system 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the paper feeding device 30, the image forming device 10, the automatic inspection device 20, and the post-processing device 40 are connected in series from the upstream side along the conveying direction of the sheet P. It has a connected configuration.

The paper feed device 30 is called a PFU (Paper Feed Unit), and is a paper feed means including a plurality of paper feed trays 31 and, for example, a paper feed roller, a separation roller, a paper feed / separation rubber, a paper feed roller, and the like. 32 and. Sheets (paper) P are stored in each paper feed tray 31 for each type of paper (paper type, basis weight, paper size, etc.), and the sheets P are taken out one by one from the top of the sheet and an image is taken. It is transported to the forming device 10.
It is not essential that the paper feeding device 30 is provided as an independent device. For example, a paper feed tray in which various sheets P are stored may be provided inside the image forming apparatus 10, and printing may be performed by appropriately supplying the sheets P from the paper feed tray.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a document reading unit 13, an image forming unit 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, a communication unit 17, and the like. , Is configured.

The control unit 11 is, for example, a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (not shown).
The CPU reads various processing programs stored in the ROM or the like in response to an operation signal input from the operation unit 15 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 17, develops them in the work area of the RAM, and displays them in the RAM. By cooperating with various developed programs, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 is comprehensively controlled.

The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage means composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., and stores various programs, various setting data, and the like readable and writable from the control unit 11. Each program is loaded into the RAM of the control unit 11 as needed and executed by the CPU.

The document reading unit 13 scans and exposes an image of a document placed on a document table (ADF: Auto Document Feeder) (not shown) by the optical system of a scanning exposure device, and scans and exposes the reflected light by a line image sensor. Read, thereby obtaining an image signal. This image signal is input to the control unit 11 as image data after being subjected to processing such as A / D conversion, shading correction, and compression. The image data input to the control unit 11 is not limited to the image data read by the document reading unit 13, and may be, for example, received from an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 17.

The image forming unit 14 forms an image composed of four colors of C, M, Y, and K on the paper according to the pixel values of the four colors of each pixel of the image-processed original image.
The image forming unit 14 includes, for example, a writing unit, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing device, and the like.
For example, four writing units are provided, and each writing unit is arranged in series (tandem) along the belt surface of the transfer belt to form an image of each color of C, M, Y, and K. Although not shown, each writing unit includes an optical scanning device, a photoconductor, a developing unit, a charging unit, a cleaning unit, a primary transfer roller, and the like.

At the time of image formation, each writing unit charges the photoconductor with a charged portion and then scans the photoconductor with a luminous flux emitted by an optical scanning device based on the original image to form an electrostatic latent image. When a color material such as toner is supplied by the developing unit for development, an image is formed on the photoconductor.
The images formed on the photoconductors of the four writing units are sequentially superimposed and transferred (primary transfer) on the intermediate transfer belt by the respective primary transfer rollers. As a result, an image composed of each color is formed on the intermediate transfer belt. The intermediate transfer belt is an image carrier that is wound around a plurality of rollers and rotates. After the primary transfer, the cleaning unit removes the coloring material remaining on the photoconductor.

In the image forming unit 14, paper is fed from the paper feed tray at the timing when the image on the rotating intermediate transfer belt reaches the position of the secondary transfer roller. The secondary transfer roller constitutes one of a plurality of rollers in which one pair of rollers presses against the intermediate transfer belt and the other winds the intermediate transfer belt. When the image is transferred (secondary transfer) from the intermediate transfer belt onto the paper by pressure welding of the secondary transfer roller, the paper is transferred to the fixing device to be subjected to the fixing process, and then transferred to the automatic inspection device 20.
The fixing process is a process of heating and pressurizing the paper with a fixing roller to fix the image on the paper. When forming an image on both sides of the paper, the paper is conveyed to the reversing path to invert the paper surface, and then the paper is fed again to the position of the secondary transfer roller.

The operation unit 15 receives an operation input by the user. Specifically, the operation unit 15 is configured to include, for example, a touch panel provided on the screen of the display unit 16, various hard keys arranged around the screen of the display unit 16, and the like. When the button displayed on the screen is pressed with a finger, a stylus, or the like, the operation unit 15 detects the XY coordinates of the pressed force point with a voltage value and controls the operation signal associated with the detected position. Output to unit 11. The touch panel is not limited to the pressure-sensitive type, and may be, for example, an electrostatic type or an optical type. Further, when the hard key is pressed, the operation unit 15 outputs an operation signal associated with the pressed key to the control unit 11. The user can operate the operation unit 15 to perform image formation-related settings such as image quality setting, magnification setting, application setting, output setting, and paper setting, paper transport instruction, and stop operation of the device. Further, the operation unit 15 may be provided with a microphone or the like so that the user can input voice.

Further, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 15 of the image forming apparatus 10 may be able to perform various settings of the automatic inspection apparatus 20 described later.
For example, after the primary inspection is performed by the automatic inspection device 20, the operation unit 15 provides the inspection target information such as what kind of sheet P or booklet B (see FIG. 1 or the like) is manually subjected to the secondary inspection. The user may input and set in advance in.

The display unit 16 is configured to include a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various information (messages, operation instructions, etc.) to the user. The display unit 16 displays an operation screen or the like (various setting screens, various buttons, operating status of each function, etc.) according to a display control signal input from the control unit 11.
Further, when the touch panel is integrally configured on the screen of the display unit 16, a screen or the like for the user to input various operation instructions or information is displayed on the display unit 16, and when the user touches the touch panel. , A signal indicating the touched position is sent to the control unit 11 as an operation signal, and the touch panel functions as the operation unit 15.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 may display the inspection result of the primary inspection in the automatic inspection apparatus 20 and the like.
For example, based on the result of the primary inspection in the automatic inspection device 20, the sheet P or booklet B subject to the secondary inspection is displayed to notify the user, or the type of deduction item, the number of deduction points, and the secondary of each sheet P are displayed. Various information related to the inspection target, such as where (page) of the booklet B of which part of the inspection target has the sheet P having what kind of deduction item exists, is displayed on the display unit 16.

The communication unit 17 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 10 to a communication network (not shown). The communication unit 17 has a communication IC, a communication connector, and the like, and under the control of the control unit 11, transmits and receives various information to and from an external device connected to the communication network using a predetermined communication protocol. Further, the communication unit 17 can also input / output various information via USB.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a main part showing an example of the hardware configuration of the automatic inspection device 20.
As shown in FIG. 3, the automatic inspection device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a reading unit 23, an inspection unit 24, a transport unit 25, and the like. Further, the automatic inspection device 20 of the present embodiment also includes an operation unit 26, a display unit 27, a communication unit 28, and the like.

The control unit 21 is, for example, a computer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown).
The CPU reads various processing programs stored in the ROM or the like in response to the operation signal input from the operation unit 26 or the instruction signal received by the communication unit 28, expands them in the work area of the RAM, and expands them in the RAM. The operation of the automatic inspection device 20 is comprehensively controlled in cooperation with the various programs.

In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the user manually inputs and sets the inspection target information regarding the target of the secondary inspection from the operation unit 26 or the like, and the control unit 21 is set by the user. Accepts the inspection target information.
Here, the inspection target information is information on a target to be inspected, for example, the total number of prints or the total number of inspection targets (that is, the total number of sheets P and booklets B judged to be acceptable in the primary inspection). On the other hand, it is information such as how many manual secondary inspections are to be performed. The number of objects to be subjected to the secondary inspection may be indicated by a specific numerical value (see, for example, FIG. 5A), or may be indicated by a ratio to the total number of objects to be inspected (for example, FIG. 5). See (b)). In addition, the inspection target information may include an instruction as to what criteria / method should be used to select the target to be inspected (inspection target).
The inspection target information received by the control unit 21 is stored in the storage unit 22 or the like.

In addition, the control unit 21 of the present embodiment inspects a part of the sheet P and the booklet B, which are judged to be acceptable in the primary inspection, by the inspection target information and the inspection unit 24 described later, and the inspection result (point deduction items and deduction points). Etc.) and select as the target of secondary inspection.
The secondary inspection is an inspection performed manually by the user or the like with respect to the primary inspection automatically performed by the automatic inspection device 20. In the present embodiment, the first inspection by the user, which is performed as the next step of the primary inspection, is mainly described as "secondary inspection", but the secondary inspection is not limited to one time, and the second and third inspections are not limited to one. The next inspection may be further performed. By repeating the inspection by the user, the quality of the printed matter can be scrutinized more finely and surely.
Further, the control unit 21 notifies the user by various methods such as displaying the sheet P or the booklet B selected as the target of the secondary inspection on the display unit 27 described later.
The specific control content of the control unit 21 will be described later.

The storage unit 22 is a non-volatile storage means composed of an HDD, an SSD, or the like, and stores various programs, various setting data, and the like in a readable and writable manner from the control unit 21. Each program is loaded into the RAM of the control unit 21 as needed and executed by the CPU.

The reading unit 23 reads the sheet P output from the image forming apparatus 10 that forms an image.
Specifically, the reading unit 23 includes a linear image sensor (for example, a CCD line sensor, etc.), an optical system, a light source, and the like (not shown), and the surface (both sides) of the sheet P output from the image forming apparatus 10. In the case of printing, both sides) are scanned during the transportation to optically read the image formed on the surface of the sheet (paper) P, and the read image (image to be inspected) is sent to the control unit 21. Output.
The scanned image is appropriately output to the inspection unit 24.

The inspection unit 24 compares the scanned image read by the reading unit 23 with the correct image based on the original image data, and compares the quality of the sheet P on which the scanned image is formed (the quality of whether or not printing is performed accurately). ) Is inspected.
Specifically, the inspection unit 24 determines how different the read image is from the correct image, with the difference between the read image read by the reading unit 23 and the corresponding correct image as a deduction item. , Sheet P is automatically primaryly inspected.

In the present embodiment, when the inspection unit 24 has some deduction items in the sheet P determined to be a passing product in the primary inspection, it is preferable that the inspection unit 24 associates the information regarding the deduction items with the sheet P.
The deduction items of each sheet P determined by the inspection unit 24 are stored in the storage unit 22 or the like in a state associated with the sheet P.
Here, the deduction items are, for example, "character faintness", "color shift (density shift)", and "noise (for example, ink stain)". The points to be deducted at the time of inspection are not limited to the three types listed here. All the deduction items may have the same importance, or more prominent items may be weighted. For example, if some "noise" can be overlooked, but it cannot be overlooked because the printed content becomes difficult to read if there is "blurred characters", "blurred characters" is a deduction item. May be judged to be more important.
Since it is possible that the problems to be emphasized differ depending on the type of printed matter, when weighting, it is possible to set the weighting method such as which item is emphasized by the user and the level of weighting. You may.

Further, when the sheet P determined to be a passing product in the primary inspection has a deduction item, the inspection unit 24 preferably calculates the deduction point of the deduction item.
The deduction points may be, for example, a large difference from the correct image or a small difference even if the deduction items are the same as "character faintness", and the inspection unit 24 determines that the larger the difference, the larger the deduction points. ..
Furthermore, as described above, when each deduction item is weighted, even if the degree of difference from the correct image is the same, the deduction points should be increased for the more important deduction items. You may.
The deduction points of each sheet P determined by the inspection unit 24 are stored in the storage unit 22 or the like in a state of being associated with the sheet P.

The transport unit 25 is a booklet B composed of a sheet P or a plurality of sheets P in a predetermined discharge unit 41 (41a, 41b) according to the inspection result of the primary inspection by the inspection unit 24 according to the control of the control unit 21. To discharge.
Specifically, among the sheets P, those whose image quality is determined not to satisfy the predetermined conditions in the primary inspection by the inspection unit 24 are regarded as unacceptable products according to the control of the control unit 21. Discharge to the discharge unit 41a of 1.
On the other hand, in the transport unit 25, the sheet P whose image quality is determined by the inspection unit 24 to satisfy a predetermined condition is regarded as a passing product in the primary inspection, and is referred to as the first discharge unit according to the control of the control unit 21. Discharge to a different discharge unit (second discharge unit 41b in this embodiment).
Further, among the passed products in the primary inspection, the sheet P and the booklet B that are subject to the secondary inspection are discharged from the discharge unit 41 (for example, the third discharge unit 41c in FIG. 6) that is different from the one that is not subjected to the secondary inspection. ) May also be discharged. In this case as well, the sheet P and the booklet B are appropriately discharged to each discharge unit 41 according to the control of the control unit 21.

The post-treatment device 40 has a plurality of discharge units 41 (discharge units 41a, 41b, etc., discharge trays), a post-treatment unit 42, and the like, and performs various post-treatments on the sheet (paper) P after the primary inspection. .. The discharge unit 41 is not limited to the tray-shaped one as shown in the illustrated example.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, the post-processing unit 42 sets a plurality of sheets (paper) every time a predetermined number of sheets (paper) P determined to be acceptable in the primary inspection in the automatic inspection device 20 are stagged. P is bound to generate a booklet B.
The post-processing performed by the post-processing device 40 is not limited to the generation of the booklet B. For example, various processes such as a punch process for making a closing hole or the like at a predetermined position and a folding process for folding the sheet P at a predetermined position may be performed.

The post-processing by the post-processing device 40 is performed by the user's settings and the like, and is not an essential process in the image forming system 100.
Further, the post-processing is performed only on the products judged to be acceptable in the primary inspection of the automatic inspection device 20, and the products judged to be unacceptable in the primary inspection remain as a single sheet P. In this state, it is discharged to the first discharge unit 41a, and then discarded.
When the booklet B is generated as the post-processing by the post-processing device 40, the sheet (paper) P after the primary inspection is in the state of being processed into the booklet B, and the discharge unit 41 (the first other than the first discharge unit 41a). If the sheet (paper) P after the primary inspection is discharged to the discharge unit 41b, etc. of 2) and the post-treatment is not performed, the sheet (paper) P after the primary inspection remains as a single sheet P, and is discharged to the discharge unit 41 (first discharge unit). It is discharged to a second discharge part 41b or the like other than the part 41a).

[Operation of image formation system and automatic inspection device that composes it (automatic inspection method)]
Next, the automatic inspection method realized in the image forming system 100 (automatic inspection device 20) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13 and the like.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a basic flow of processing performed in the image forming system 100 (automatic inspection device 20).
As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the inspection target information regarding the target to be subjected to the secondary inspection is set in advance by the input operation of the user. The input of the inspection target information may be performed by the operation unit 26 of the automatic inspection device 20, the operation unit 5 of the image forming device 10, or an external device (for example, the image forming system 100 (automatic)). It may be input from the user's mobile terminal device, PC (personal computer), etc. connected to the inspection device 20) via a communication network. The input inspection target information is received and set by the control unit 21 or the like of the automatic inspection device 20 (step S1).

5 (a) and 5 (b) are examples of display screens when, for example, the display unit 27 of the automatic inspection device 20 inputs the inspection target information.
On the setting / input screen of the inspection target information of the display unit 27 shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), the "print set number" of how many prints are made and how many of them are secondary. It is possible to input "inspection target quantity" as inspection target information such as whether to inspect.
The "print set number of sheets" may reflect the content set in the image forming apparatus 10 as it is without the user performing an input operation. Further, after the primary inspection is performed by the automatic inspection device 20, the quantity of the acceptable products in the primary inspection may be displayed as the "total number of inspection targets". When the booklet B is generated in the post-processing device 40, the "inspection target quantity" is set as the number of copies (number of books) of the booklet B.

FIG. 5A shows a case where the “quantity to be inspected” is input in a specific number of sheets, and the “set number of prints” is “200” and “60 sheets” is the object to be inspected in the secondary inspection. The case where it is set to be is illustrated.
Further, FIG. 5B shows a case where the "inspection target quantity" is input as a ratio (%) to the "print set number", and the "print set number" is 3% with respect to "200". The case where it is set to be inspected in the secondary inspection is illustrated.
The layout of the inspection target information setting / input screen and the types of items that can be set / input are not limited to the illustrated examples. Further, the setting of the inspection target information is not limited to the case where the inspection target is set by the quantity. For example, it may be possible to make settings such as making all points deducted points exceeding a predetermined point subject to secondary inspection. It is preferable that the setting specifications can be set according to the user's application, such as when the accuracy of inspection is more important than the target quantity of secondary inspection.

When printing is performed on the sheet P in the image forming apparatus 10 and the printed sheet P is conveyed to the automatic inspection device 20, the reading unit 23 reads the image of the sheet P in the automatic inspection device 20, and the inspection unit 24 reads the image. By comparing the image with the correct image, the primary inspection is automatically performed (step S2).
In the present embodiment, the inspection unit 24 determines the difference between the read image and the correct image for three types of deduction items of "character faintness", "color shift", and "noise", and for which item and how much difference there is. Or, if there is a deduction item and if there is a deduction item, determine the type and the number of deduction points for each deduction item. The determination result of the inspection unit 24 is stored in the storage unit 22 or the like as the inspection result.
Then, as a result of the inspection, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the sheet P is at or above the predetermined inspection level (step S3). The deduction items determined by the inspection unit 24 are not limited to the above three types, and other items may be determined.
The predetermined inspection level serving as a reference for determination, may be determined in in advance by default, depending on the application of the sheet P, when the deduction number of users in advance which deduction matter remains within what point It may be possible to set that the inspection level is higher than the predetermined inspection level.
When the inspection level is not higher than the predetermined inspection level (less than or equal to the predetermined inspection level) (step S3; NO), the sheet P is regarded as a rejected product (“failed sheet Pn” in FIG. 1 and the like) by the transport unit 25. It is discharged to the first discharge unit 41a (step S4). The rejected sheet Pn is then disposed of.

On the other hand, when the sheet P is equal to or higher than the predetermined inspection level (step S3; YES), the sheet P is regarded as a passing product and discharged to the second discharge unit 41b by the transport unit 25 (step S5).
The sheet P that has passed the primary inspection is subjected to post-processing such as processing into a booklet B by the post-processing device 40 as necessary, and when it is discharged to the second discharge unit 41b, the booklet B is performed. It is preferable that it is discharged in the state of.
When the post-processing to be processed into the booklet B is performed, the target of the secondary inspection is also set for each booklet, how many sheets P are printed, and how many copies of the booklet B are formed in the post-processing device 40. Therefore, it is preferable that how many copies or what percentage of the booklet B is subject to the secondary inspection is set on the inspection target information setting / input screen.

Here, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the sheet P or the booklet B that has passed the primary inspection based on the inspection target information set by the user, the inspection result by the inspection unit 24, or the like is the target of the secondary inspection. Is further determined (step S6).
If it is determined that the product is not subject to the secondary inspection (step S6; NO), the process ends here.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the sheet P or the booklet B is the target of the secondary inspection (step S6; YES), the user is notified that the sheet P or the booklet B is the target of the secondary inspection, and the process is terminated.

Here, the method of notifying the user is not particularly limited.
For example, the control unit 21 discharges the sheet P, which is the target of the secondary inspection, and the booklet B, which is formed by binding the sheets P, among the products that have passed the primary inspection, different from the sheet P, which is not the target of the secondary inspection. The transport unit 25 may be controlled so as to be discharged to 41.
In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, among the passed products of the primary inspection, in addition to the first discharge unit 41a which is the discharge unit 41 from which the rejected product (failed sheet Pn) in the primary inspection is discharged. A second discharge unit 41 that discharges acceptable products that are not subject to secondary inspection (for example, booklet B that is not subject to secondary inspection because there are no deductions among booklets B formed by the aftertreatment device 40). A discharge unit 41b is provided, and separately, a third discharge unit 41c is provided as a discharge unit 41 from which the booklet Bn to be subject to the secondary inspection is discharged.
In this way, the discharge destinations of the sheet P and the booklet B are separated so that only the booklet Bn (or the sheet P) that is the target of the secondary inspection is discharged to the third discharge unit 41c, which is inspected. It is possible to notify the user in an easy-to-understand manner whether or not it is a target.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 21 inserts a sheet serving as an identification mark (identification sheet M in FIG. 7) immediately after the sheet P or booklet B to be subjected to the secondary inspection. The transport unit 25 may be controlled.
In this case, the identification sheet M may be the same paper as the printing sheet P and may be supplied from the image forming apparatus 10 side through the same transport path as the product that has passed the primary inspection, or the post-processing apparatus. A paper feed tray (not shown) for the identification sheet M may be provided in the 40 or the like so that the paper can be supplied from the paper feed tray (not shown). In this case, the identification sheet M may be different from the printing sheet P.
For example, the identification sheet M may be a sheet having a size different from that of the sheet P printed by the image forming apparatus 10 (for example, one size larger than the sheet P), or a color and texture (feeling, etc.) different from that of the sheet P. By using sheets having different thicknesses, it is possible to inform the user in an easy-to-understand manner which sheet P or booklet B is the target of the secondary inspection.
The identification sheet M may be any one that is easy for the user to identify when the paper is fed onto the sheet P or the booklet B that is the target of the secondary inspection, and the shape and the like are not limited to the above examples. .. For example, a strip-shaped sheet having a side larger than either the vertical or horizontal side of the sheet P or the booklet B may be used.

Further, it is preferable that the identification sheet M is printed with information on deduction items for the sheet P and the booklet B. In this case, for example, in the case of the sheet P, information that there are some points to be deducted such as "character faintness" and information that the number of points to be deducted is printed. Further, in the case of the booklet B, what kind of deduction items are on what page, the number of deduction points in the entire booklet B, and the like are printed.
In this case, printing on the identification sheet M may be performed by the image forming apparatus 10, and for example, simple printing capable of printing character information or the like in the post-processing apparatus 40 or the automatic inspection apparatus 20. A unit may be provided and the printing unit may perform the process.
In this way, when the information on the deduction items is printed on the identification sheet M, the user can check what kind of deduction items are on the sheet P and the booklet B that are the targets of the secondary inspection. Can be easily recognized and can be used as a reference in the secondary inspection.

Further, when the automatic inspection device 20 is provided with the display unit 27 as in the present embodiment, the control unit 21 controls the display unit 27 to provide information on the sheet P and the booklet B to be subject to the secondary inspection. The user may be notified by displaying the display on the display screen of the display unit 27.
The display unit that displays information about the sheet P and the booklet B that are the targets of the secondary inspection is not limited to the display unit 27 of the automatic inspection device 20. A user's mobile terminal device or PC (personal) connected to a display unit 16 (see FIG. 2) provided in the image forming device 10 or an external device (for example, an image forming system 100 (automatic inspection device 20) via a communication network or the like). It may be a display unit or the like of a computer) or the like.
By displaying various information about the sheet P and the booklet B, which are the targets of the secondary inspection, on the display unit 27 and the like in this way, the user can easily confirm the inspection target of the secondary inspection, and the secondary inspection can be smoothly performed. Inspection can be performed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the automatic inspection device 20 or the like is further provided with an audio output unit 29 such as a speaker, and the control unit 21 is provided with a timing of discharging the sheet P and the booklet B to be subject to the secondary inspection. The voice output unit 29 may be controlled to output voices such as a beep sound and various messages from the voice output unit 29.
When such a voice notification is performed, it is convenient that the user does not have to observe the sheet P or the booklet B all the time while the sheet P or the booklet B is ejected, but responds when the sound is heard.

It should be noted that the various methods listed here may be performed in combination of two or more.
For example, by combining a visual notification such as a display on the display unit 27 and an auditory notification such as a beep sound from the voice output unit 29, the sheet P that is more reliably subject to secondary inspection by the user. And booklet B can be notified.

Next, a specific method when the control unit 21 selects the target for the secondary inspection (step S6 in FIG. 4) will be described in detail.
Although the processing of steps S1 and S2 in FIG. 4 is omitted in FIGS. 9, 11, 12, and 13, the same processing is performed in FIGS. 9, 11, 12, and 13. Is done.
Further, in FIGS. 9, 11, 12, and 13, the sheet P judged to be a passing product by the primary inspection is processed into a booklet B by the post-processing device 40, and whether or not it is subject to the secondary inspection. The judgment is mainly made for each booklet B, but the secondary inspection is performed for each sheet P in the state of the sheet P which is judged to be a passing product by the primary inspection (the state where it is not processed into the booklet B). When the secondary inspection is performed on the sheet P which is the target of inspection after determining whether or not it is the target, the same processing is performed except that there is no post-treatment step.
As for what kind of judgment criteria and how to select the target of the secondary inspection, one of the methods may be defined in advance by default, or the user can select from several prepared methods. It may be selected arbitrarily.

First, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 21 classifies the passing products for which the inspection unit 24 has deduction items according to the type of deduction items, and the passing products having each type of deduction items are evenly included. This is the process when selecting the target of the secondary inspection.
In this case, the inspection unit 24 of the automatic inspection device 20 first determines the difference between the read image and the correct image for the three types of deduction items of "character faintness", "color shift", and "noise", and the result of the inspection is the result of the inspection. The control unit 21 determines whether or not the sheet P is at or above a predetermined inspection level (step S11).
If the inspection level is not higher than the predetermined inspection level (step S11; NO), the sheet P is regarded as a rejected product (“failed sheet Pn” in FIG. 1 and the like) and discharged to the first discharge unit 41a (step S12). ..
On the other hand, when the sheet P is equal to or higher than the predetermined inspection level (step S11; YES), the presence / absence of each deduction item and the type of the deduction item, if any, are stored in the storage unit 22 or the like (step S11; YES). Step S13).
Further, if there are deduction items, the deduction points of the deduction items are stored in the storage unit 22 or the like (step S14).
The processing of step S13 and step S14 may be performed by the inspection unit 24 when the inspection unit 24 performs the primary inspection before step S11.

When the post-processing for forming the booklet B is performed, the sheet P determined to be above the predetermined inspection level (that is, the passed product in the primary inspection) is bound in the post-processing device 40 in a predetermined number to form the booklet B (step). S15), the booklet B is discharged to the second discharge unit 41b as a passing product (step S16).
Then, the control unit 21 determines for each booklet B what kind of deduction items the booklet B includes and to what extent.

Specifically, first, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is "character blurring" in the sheet P constituting each booklet B (step S17). When the booklet B contains the sheet P having the "character blur" (step S17; YES), the amount and the location of the "character blur" included in the entire booklet B (that is, the page number of the booklet B). (Whether there is "character faintness" on the sheet P, etc.) is specified (step S18). It is preferable to store the specified information in a storage unit 22 or the like.
On the other hand, when the booklet B does not include the sheet P having "character faintness" (step S17; NO), the control unit 21 then asks whether the sheet P constituting each booklet B has "color shift". It is determined whether or not (step S19). When the booklet B contains the sheet P having the "color shift" (step S19; YES), the amount and the location of the "color shift" included in the entire booklet B (that is, the page number of the booklet B). (Whether there is a "color shift" in the sheet P, etc.) is specified (step S20). It is preferable to store the specified information in a storage unit 22 or the like.
On the other hand, when the booklet B does not include the sheet P having "color shift" (step S19; NO), the control unit 21 further determines whether or not there is "noise" in the sheet P constituting each booklet B. Is determined (step S21). When the booklet B contains a sheet P having "noise" (step S21; YES), the amount and location of the "noise" contained in the entire booklet B (that is, the sheet P on which page of the booklet B). Is there "noise" etc.) (step S22). It is preferable to store the specified information in a storage unit 22 or the like. On the other hand, when the booklet B does not include the sheet P having "noise" (step S21; NO), the booklet B does not include any deduction items, so it is not subject to the secondary inspection. , The process for the booklet B is completed.

Then, the control unit 21 determines whether or not each booklet B is subject to the secondary inspection (step S23). Specifically, for example, each booklet B is classified according to the deduction items included in the booklet B, and a predetermined number of copies are selected as the target of the secondary inspection in order from the one containing the largest amount of each deduction item. .. For example, when the quantity to be inspected is set to 60 as the inspection target information, the top 20 parts including a lot of "character faintness", the top 20 parts including a lot of "color shift", and "noise". A total of 60 copies of the top 20 copies including a large number of the above 20 copies are selected by the control unit 21 as a secondary inspection target.
If each booklet B contains a plurality of types of deduction items such as "character faintness", "color shift", and "noise", for example, the deduction item that is the most among the deduction items included in each booklet B corresponds to the deduction item. Classify booklet B. For example, if the booklet B contains 2 pages of sheet P with "blurred characters", 5 pages of sheet P with "color shift", and 1 page of sheet P with "noise", "color shift". Sheet P with 5 pages is classified as booklet B containing 5 pages. The processing when the booklet B includes a plurality of types of deduction items is not limited to this.

When it is determined that the booklet B is subject to the secondary inspection (step S23; YES), the user is notified that the booklet B is subject to the secondary inspection (step S24). In this case, the notification to the user is performed by each of the above-mentioned methods or a combination thereof.
FIG. 10 is a screen example showing an example of a notification screen that notifies the user of the target of the secondary inspection.
In the example shown in FIG. 10, the number of print setting copies is 200, and 6 of them are set as inspection target information so as to be subject to secondary inspection.
In FIG. 10, the inspection unit 24 detects the presence or absence of “character faintness”, “color shift”, and “noise” as deduction items for inspection, and the control unit 21 targets the secondary inspection for the booklet B including each deduction item. Is shown on the display screen when the result of selecting each of the above evenly (that is, two copies in this example) is displayed on the display unit 27.

As shown in FIG. 10, in this example, as a result of the primary inspection, the sheet P on the 5th page of the 10th copy of the booklet B has the most "blurred characters", and then the 6th page of the 4th copy of the booklet B. There were many "character faintness" on the sheet P. In addition, the sheet P on the second page of the eighth booklet B had the most "color shift", followed by the sheet P on the eleventh page of the fifteenth booklet B with the most "color shift". Furthermore, the sheet P on the 12th page of the 19th booklet B had the most "noise", followed by the sheet P on the 7th page of the 11th booklet B with the most "noise".
Therefore, in the example of FIG. 10, the control unit 21 is the top two parts with many “character faintness”, the booklet B of the tenth and fourth parts, and the top two parts with many “color shifts” 8. A total of 6 booklets B, the booklet B of the 15th and 15th copies, and the booklet B of the 19th and 11th copies, which are the top two copies with the most "noise", are selected as targets for the secondary inspection.

The display method, layout, etc. of the booklet B having each deduction item are not particularly limited. For example, the larger the deduction point of each deduction item, the higher the display on the display screen may be. It may be displayed in ascending order of the number of copies (number of copies) of the booklet B.
Further, when selecting a predetermined quantity of inspection targets for each deduction item in this way, the discharge unit 41 as a discharge destination may be divided according to each deduction item. In this case, it is preferable to clearly indicate the discharge destination on the display of the display unit.
In this case, the user can easily recognize the sheet P or the booklet B to be the target of the secondary inspection by the display of the display unit 27 and each discharge destination.
In this way, by discharging the points separately for each deduction item, it is easy for the user to understand the points to be noted when performing the secondary inspection, and the secondary inspection can be performed more smoothly.

Further, the example shown in FIG. 11 is a process in which the control unit 21 selects the target of the secondary inspection according to the deduction points of the deduction items for the passed products for which the inspection unit 24 has deducted points.
In this case, first, as in the other example described above, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the sheet P is at or above the predetermined inspection level (step S31), and if it is not at or above the predetermined inspection level (step S31; In NO), the sheet P is discharged as a rejected product (“failed sheet Pn” in FIG. 1 and the like) to the first discharge unit 41a (step S32).
On the other hand, when the sheet P is equal to or higher than the predetermined inspection level (step S31; YES), the presence / absence of deduction items and the deduction points of the deduction items are stored in the storage unit 22 or the like. It is memorized (step S33).
The process of step S33 may be performed by the inspection unit 24 when the inspection unit 24 performs the primary inspection before step S31.

When the post-processing for forming the booklet B is performed, a predetermined number of sheets P determined to be at a predetermined inspection level or higher are bound in the post-processing device 40 to form a booklet B (step S34), and the booklet B is a accepted product. (Step S35).
Then, the control unit 21 refers to the information regarding the deduction items of the sheet P stored in the storage unit 22 and the like, and for each booklet B, from the deduction points of the sheet P included in the booklet B, which is the entire booklet B? It is calculated whether or not the score has a degree of quality / quantity deduction (step S35).
From the result, the control unit 21 determines whether or not each booklet B is subject to the secondary inspection (step S37). Specifically, for example, whether or not the total deduction points of the sheets P constituting each booklet B (that is, the deduction points of the booklet B as a whole) is larger than the predetermined deduction points to be the target of the secondary inspection. If the size is large (step S37; YES), the booklet B is selected as the target of the secondary inspection, and the user is notified to that effect (step S38).
On the other hand, when the deduction points of the booklet B as a whole are smaller than the predetermined points (step S37; NO), the process is terminated without subjecting the booklet B to the secondary inspection.
When the number of copies of the booklet B to be the target of the secondary inspection is set by the user, the control unit 21 selects the booklet B from the one with the larger deduction points by the number of copies.

Further, the example shown in FIG. 12 is a process in which the control unit 21 selects the target of the secondary inspection from the accepted products for which the inspection unit 24 has deducted points.
That is, first, as in the other example described above, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the sheet P is at or above the predetermined inspection level (step S41), and when it is not at or above the predetermined inspection level (step S41; In NO), the sheet P is discharged as a rejected product (“failed sheet Pn” in FIG. 1 and the like) to the first discharge unit 41a (step S42).
On the other hand, when the sheet P is at or above the predetermined inspection level (step S41; YES), when the post-processing for forming the booklet B is performed, the sheet P determined to be at or above the predetermined inspection level is subjected to the post-processing device 40. In (step S43), a predetermined number of sheets are bound to form a booklet B, and the booklet B is discharged to a second discharge unit 41b as a passing product (step S44).
Then, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the booklet B has been discharged to a predetermined number of copies, such as the 20th copy, the 40th copy, the 60th copy, and so on (step S45), and if they are different (step S45). S45; NO) is treated as a passing product as it is. On the other hand, in the case of the booklet B discharged in the predetermined number of copies (step S45; YES), the booklet is selected as the target of the secondary inspection, and the user is notified to that effect (step S46).
The number of copies of the booklet B to be selected may be set in advance by the user or the like. Further, the selection of the target of the secondary inspection may be performed so as not to be biased, and may be performed completely randomly instead of the predetermined number of copies, for example.
With this configuration, secondary inspection can be performed on a predetermined number of inspection targets as a sampling inspection.

When the number of sheets P to be secondarily inspected and the number of copies of the booklet B are included in the inspection target information, the control unit 21 determines the total number of prints or the total number of prints and the number of sheets P to be secondarily inspected. Sheet P or booklet B corresponding to the number of copies or the number of copies evenly divided by the number of copies of or booklet B may be selected as the target of the secondary inspection.
In this case as well, an unbiased sample (sheet P or booklet B) as a whole can be selected as the target of the secondary inspection.

Further, the information on the deduction items is associated with the sheet P which is a pass product in the primary inspection, and the control unit 21 is composed of the sheet P which is a pass product and the sheet P which is a pass product in the primary inspection. In the booklet B, the target of the secondary inspection may be selected so that the predetermined number from the one with the most deduction items and the predetermined number from the one with the few deduction items are included.
Further, instead of the deduction items, the control unit 21 determines the predetermined number of the sheet P and the booklet B from the one with the larger deduction items and the predetermined number from the one with the smaller deduction items, regardless of the type of the deduction items. The target of the secondary inspection may be selected so as to include.
In this way, among the products that have passed the primary inspection, those with poor inspection results (close to rejected products, defective products) and those with good inspection results (non-defective products) are selected in predetermined amounts for secondary inspection. By performing the above, the user can judge the quality of the sheet P and the booklet B while comparing with the non-defective product, and it becomes easier to perform the secondary inspection.
In these cases, it is preferable to show the user which of the products subject to the secondary inspection is a non-defective product in the evaluation in the primary inspection and which is a defective product.
In addition, in the secondary inspection, if the evaluation in the primary inspection is good and the evaluation is rejected, the reliability of the primary inspection itself may be low, so in the primary inspection. It is preferable to carry out an inspection of all accepted products.

When the target of the secondary inspection is selected in consideration of the deduction items and the quantity and quality of the deduction points, and the inspection target quantity of the secondary inspection is set by the user, the automatic inspection device 20 In the post-processing device 40, a component such as a stocker for temporarily staggering the selected sheet P or booklet B is provided, and the control unit 21 has conditions to be subject to secondary inspection. When (for example, one with more deduction items, one with higher deduction points) is detected, the stocker is replaced at any time, and finally the higher rank with more conditions to be subject to the secondary inspection. It is preferable that they are selected as inspection targets for the predetermined quantity secondary inspection in order from the one.

If such a configuration cannot be adopted, for example, by performing a judgment process as shown in FIG. 13, a product having conditions that should be subject to secondary inspection is subject to inspection for a predetermined number of minutes. It is preferable to configure it so as to.
That is, for example, 2000 copies of the booklet B are printed by the image forming apparatus 10, and all the products (all sheets P constituting the 2000 copies of the booklet B) are automatically inspected by the automatic inspection device 20. In this case, if 40 copies of the post-processed booklet B are set to be subject to the manual secondary inspection, the product is first judged to be a passing product in the primary inspection and then processed into the booklet B by the post-processing. Of the above, the booklet B that is judged to have a deduction item first (that is, one of the sheets P constituting the booklet B has a deduction item such as "character faintness") is set as the target of the secondary inspection. ..
After that, based on the booklet B with the most points deducted and the booklet B with the fewest points deducted by the Nth part where the primary inspection is completed, it is judged whether or not the (N + 1) part is subject to the secondary inspection. I will go.
The total number of copies to be inspected for the primary inspection (2000 copies), the number of copies remaining for which the primary inspection has not been completed (2000-N), the quantity of the secondary inspection set by the user (40 copies), and the target of the secondary inspection. Assuming that the quantity (X parts) determined by the control unit 21, the number of copies Z = N / (2000/40) when the target of the secondary inspection is evenly selected in the future.
From the above, by calculating the threshold value of whether or not the product is subject to the secondary inspection, 40 copies that are as close to the rejected product as possible (there is a high need to recheck by the secondary inspection) are dynamically selected.
Hereinafter, a specific description will be given step by step.
Since steps S51 to S53 in FIG. 13 are the same as steps S41 to S43 in FIG. 12, the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the booklet B (sheet P constituting the booklet B) has a deduction item (step S54).
When the booklet B has no deduction items (step S54; NO), the control unit 21 sets the booklet B as a pass product (not subject to the secondary inspection) booklet Bg, and sets the second discharge unit 41b. (Step S55).
On the other hand, when the booklet B has the deduction items (step S54; YES), the control unit 21 stores the deduction items and the deduction points of the booklet B in the storage unit 22 or the like (step S56).
Then, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the booklet B is the first booklet B having the deduction items and the deduction points (step S57). In the case of the first copy of the booklet B (step S57; YES), since there is no reference other than the booklet B, the deduction points of the booklet B are set as the average value (reference value) of the deduction points. (Step S58), the booklet B is discharged to the third discharge unit 41c (see FIG. 6) as a target for the secondary inspection (step S59). When the booklet B, which is the target of the secondary inspection, is discharged to the same discharge unit 41 (second discharge unit 41b) as other accepted products, another method (for example, display on the display unit 27) is used. Notify the user that the booklet B is subject to the secondary inspection.

On the other hand, when the booklet B is not the first booklet B (step S57; NO), it is determined whether or not the number of remaining items to be subject to the secondary inspection is larger or equal to the number of copies for which the secondary inspection is determined (step S60). That is, for example, there are 200 copies that have passed the primary inspection, the control unit 21 has already determined whether or not 150 copies are subject to the secondary inspection, and the control unit 21 has 50 copies remaining to be determined. Therefore, if the remaining number of copies subject to the secondary inspection is 50, the quantity of the secondary inspection that is set must be sufficient for the booklet B to be judged after this unless it is subject to the secondary inspection. It disappears. Therefore, in this case (step S60; YES), the deduction points of the booklet B are added to the current average deduction points to calculate a new average value, and the average deduction points are calculated according to the calculation result. Update (step S61). Then, the booklet B is discharged to the third discharge unit 41c (see FIG. 6) as a target for the secondary inspection (step S59). The method of notifying the user is the same as in the above-mentioned case.

On the other hand, when the number of remaining items to be subject to the secondary inspection is smaller than the number of remaining items to be inspected (step S60; NO), the control unit 21 further determines whether the deduction points of the booklet B are smaller than the average value of the deduction points. It is determined whether or not (step S62). When the deduction points of the booklet B are smaller than the average value of the deduction points (step S62; YES), the control unit 21 sets the number of copies when the inspection target of the secondary inspection is evenly selected as the inspection target. It is determined whether or not the number of copies is larger than or equal to the number of copies of the booklet (the number of inspection determination copies) for which the determination is made (step S63). When the number of copies when the inspection target of the secondary inspection is evenly selected is smaller (step S63; NO), the control unit 21 may pass the booklet B to the control unit 21 (of the secondary inspection). As a booklet Bg (not applicable), it is discharged to the second discharge unit 41b (step S64). On the other hand, when the number of copies when the inspection target of the secondary inspection is evenly selected is larger or equal (step S63; YES), the control unit 21 sets the deduction points of the booklet B to the current deduction points of the current deduction points. The average value is newly calculated by adding it to the average value, and the average value of the deduction points is updated according to the calculation result (step S61). Then, the booklet B is discharged to the third discharge unit 41c (see FIG. 6) as a target for the secondary inspection (step S59). The method of notifying the user is the same as in the above-mentioned case.

On the other hand, when the deduction points of the booklet B are larger than the average value of the deduction points (step S62; NO), the control unit 21 further determines the number of copies when the inspection target of the secondary inspection is evenly selected. It is determined whether or not the number multiplied by the coefficient of (for example, "2") is larger than or equal to the number of copies of the booklet (the number of inspection judgment copies) for determining whether or not to be inspected (for example). Step S65). When the number of copies × the coefficient when the inspection target of the secondary inspection is evenly selected is smaller (step S65; NO), the control unit 21 causes the control unit 21 to pass the booklet B (secondary). As a booklet Bg (not subject to inspection), it is discharged to the second discharge section 41b (step S66).

On the other hand, when the number of copies × the coefficient when the inspection target of the secondary inspection is evenly selected is larger or equal (step S65; YES), the control unit 21 deducts the deduction points of the booklet B from the current deduction points. A new average value is calculated by adding it to the average value of the points, and the average value of the deduction points is updated according to the calculation result (step S61). Then, the booklet B is discharged to the third discharge unit 41c (see FIG. 6) as a target for the secondary inspection (step S59). The method of notifying the user is the same as in the above-mentioned case.
The "predetermined coefficient" in step S65 is not particularly limited. The inspection target of the secondary inspection is appropriately set so that the inspection target can be evenly selected from the entire booklet B to be inspected by the control unit 21 as much as possible.
According to this, after the primary inspection, the control unit 21 is in the process of determining whether or not to be subject to the secondary inspection, and the booklet B to be inspected is not temporarily stagged. However, the booklet B to be the target of the secondary inspection can be selected as appropriately as possible.

If the sheet P or booklet B selected as the target of the secondary inspection is judged to be defective (failed) in the secondary inspection (first secondary inspection) by the user's visual inspection, etc., Of the sheet P and booklet B that were judged to be acceptable in the primary inspection, the sheet P and booklet B that include the same type of deductions as the sheet P and booklet B that were judged to be defective (failed) are notified to the user. It is preferable to do so.
The notification method in this case may be the same as the method for notifying the target of the secondary inspection described above, or may be any other method.

For example, in FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b), if there is a sheet P or a booklet B that is judged to be a defective product (failed product) in the secondary inspection, the same type of deduction items as this is given. It is a figure which shows the display screen example at the time of notifying the user by displaying the including sheet P and booklet B on the display unit 27.
FIG. 14A shows a passing product (OK) in the primary inspection, and the products subject to the secondary inspection are the 10th copy booklet B with faint characters on the 5th page and the color on the 2nd page. This is an example of a screen that is displayed when the user inputs the result of the secondary inspection by the user when the 8th copy booklet B has a gap and the 19th copy booklet B has a noise on the 12th page. ..
In the example shown in FIG. 14A, the case where the eighth booklet B, which has a color shift on the second page, is determined to be unacceptable (NG) is shown.
In this case, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 27 to display a notification screen as shown in FIG. 14B, for example.
That is, the results of the primary inspection and the secondary inspection are different, and the booklet B having similar or similar deductions (that is, "color shift") to the eighth booklet B judged to be NG in the secondary inspection. Display the number of copies and the number of pages with deductions on the display screen.
FIG. 14B shows that the second page of the eighth part, the fourth page of the fifteenth part, and the tenth page of the twentyth part have the same problem.

If there is a sheet P or booklet B that is judged to be defective (failed) in the secondary inspection, the sheet P or booklet B with a larger deduction point than the sheet P or booklet B will pass the primary inspection. It may be searched from among the products and notified to the user.
For example, if the target of the secondary inspection is not selected based on the size of the deduction points, and there is a sheet P or booklet B that is judged to be defective (failed) in the secondary inspection, the sheet P In some cases, sheet P or booklet B, which has a larger deduction point than booklet B, is not selected as the target of the secondary inspection, and the control unit 21 selects such sheet P or booklet B from among the products that have passed the primary inspection. Explore.
In addition, if a product that was subject to secondary inspection but was not judged by the user to be defective (failed) in the secondary inspection has the same deductions, the user overlooked it. There is a possibility. Therefore, the user may be notified of such a sheet P and a booklet B.
Further, when displaying on the display unit 27 or the like, it is preferable to display in descending order of deduction points.

If there is a sheet P or booklet B that contains the same type of deductions as the sheet P or booklet B that was judged to be defective (failed) in the secondary inspection, it was judged as a acceptable product by the automatic inspection device 20. Even if it is, there is a high possibility that a failure will be made as in the case of visual inspection.
In this regard, by notifying the user of the sheet P or the booklet B containing the same type of deduction items as the sheet P or the booklet B judged to be defective (failed product), the user is displayed on the display unit 27 and notified. By checking the corresponding page of the booklet B, it is possible to visually confirm the items that are likely to be NG, and the next process (second secondary inspection) after the first secondary inspection is more efficient. It will be possible to do well.

[effect]
As described above, the automatic inspection device 20 according to the present embodiment reads the sheet P output from the image forming device that forms an image in the reading unit 23, and the read reading image is the original image data in the inspection unit 24. Compared with the correct image based on the above, the sheet P is automatically primaryly inspected with the difference from the correct image as a deduction item, and the predetermined discharge unit 41 (in this embodiment, according to the result of the primary inspection by the inspection unit 24). The first discharge unit 41a, the second discharge unit 41b, etc.) are provided with a transport unit 25 for discharging the sheet P and the booklet B composed of the plurality of sheets P, and a control unit 21 for controlling each unit. The section accepts inspection target information regarding the target of the manual secondary inspection set in advance by the user, and among the sheet P and the booklet B, the inspection section 24 determines that the image quality does not meet the predetermined conditions. As a rejected product, the transport unit 25 discharges the product to the first discharge unit 41a, and among the sheet P and the booklet B, the product whose image quality is determined by the inspection unit 24 to satisfy a predetermined condition is transported as a pass product in the primary inspection. The unit 25 discharges the product to a discharge unit (second discharge unit 41b, etc.) different from the first discharge unit 41a, and a part of the accepted sheet P and booklet B is based on the inspection target information and the like. The sheet P or booklet B selected as the target of the secondary inspection is notified to the user.
In this way, the user can set the inspection target information such as the quantity of the target of the secondary inspection manually in advance. Therefore, the secondary inspection by human hands can be appropriately performed within the range not exceeding the ability of the person in charge (user), and the quality of the printed matter can be inspected with high accuracy.
Further, since the sheet P and the booklet B, which are the targets of the secondary inspection, are notified to the user, the secondary inspection can be performed smoothly and appropriately.
Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether or not to be subject to secondary inspection not only in sheet P units but also in booklet B units, and when booklet B is generated as post-processing, secondary inspection is performed in booklet units. .. Therefore, the booklet B can be generated smoothly and quickly as compared with the case where the paper is once discharged for each sheet P and a non-defective product is selected after the secondary inspection to generate the booklet B.

Further, the inspection unit 24 of the present embodiment associates the information on the deduction items with the sheet P which is a pass product in the primary inspection, and the control unit 21 puts the sheet P and the booklet B which are the pass products on each sheet. Classify according to the type of the associated deduction item, and select the target of the secondary inspection so that the sheet P and the booklet B having each type of deduction item are evenly selected.
As a result, the target of the secondary inspection can be set to include various deduction items in a well-balanced manner, and an appropriate secondary inspection without bias can be performed.

Further, the inspection unit 24 of the present embodiment associates the deduction points of the deduction items with the sheet P which is a pass product in the primary inspection, and the control unit 21 deducts points from the sheet P and the booklet B which are the pass products. A predetermined number of sheets P and booklet B are selected as targets for the secondary inspection from the one with the largest score.
As a result, the accepted product, which is closer to the rejected product in the primary inspection, can be rechecked by the user's eyes as the target of the secondary inspection.
Then, since the sheet P and the booklet B having a large deduction point (that is, closer to the rejected product) are subject to the secondary inspection, the user should perform a more targeted inspection at the time of the secondary inspection. It is possible to reduce man-hours and improve inspection quality.

Further, the inspection unit 24 of the present embodiment associates the information on the deduction items with the sheet P which is a pass product in the primary inspection, and the control unit 21 sets the sheet P and the booklet B which are the pass products for each booklet B. The total number of sheets P with deduction items is calculated, and the booklet B for a predetermined quantity is selected as the target of the secondary inspection from the one with the largest number of sheets P with deduction items.
As a result, the secondary inspection can be performed in order from the booklet B containing many problematic pages, and the inspection accuracy can be further improved.

In addition, the inspection target information includes the number of sheets P and booklet B to be secondarily inspected, and the total number of prints or the total number of prints is the number of sheets P to be secondarily inspected and the number of copies of booklet B to be secondarily inspected. If the sheet P or booklet B corresponding to the number of evenly divided sheets and / or the number of copies is selected as the target of the secondary inspection, the inspection target is evenly and evenly within the range set as the inspection quantity. It can be selected and appropriate secondary inspection can be performed.

In addition, information on deduction items is associated with the sheet P that has passed the primary inspection, and the secondary number is included so that the predetermined number from the one with the most deduction items and the predetermined number from the one with the fewest deduction items are included. When the target of inspection is selected, it is possible to inspect products that are closer to rejected products while comparing them with non-defective products, and it can be expected that secondary inspection with high accuracy will be performed.
In addition, the quality of the accepted product, which has been highly evaluated in the primary inspection, can be rechecked by human eyes, and the accuracy of the primary inspection can be confirmed.

Further, when the display unit 27 is displayed as a method (notification means) for notifying the user of the sheet P or the booklet B to be the target of the secondary inspection, the user can perform the secondary inspection simply by looking at the display unit 27. You can easily check and obtain information about the target.

In addition, as a method (notification means) for notifying the user of the sheet P or booklet B subject to the secondary inspection, among the products that have passed the primary inspection, the sheet P or booklet B subject to the secondary inspection is secondarily selected. If the sheet P or booklet B, which is not the target of inspection, is discharged to a different discharge section (for example, the third discharge section 41c in FIG. 6), the sheet P or booklet B, which is the target of secondary inspection, is discharged. At first glance, you can easily inform the user.

If the identification sheet M, which is an identification mark, is inserted immediately after the sheet P or booklet B, which is the target of the secondary inspection, the sheet P or booklet B, which is the target of the secondary inspection, is selected. Even if the user is on the spot and does not check in real time, it is easy to check which is subject to the secondary inspection simply by checking what was discharged to the discharge part later. be able to.

In addition, when the information on the deduction items for the sheet P and the booklet B is printed on the identification sheet M, the user is informed in an easy-to-understand manner that the sheet P and the booklet B should be checked mainly in the secondary inspection. This can be expected to improve the accuracy of secondary inspection.

In addition, if a beep sound or the like is output from the sound output unit 29 of a speaker or the like at the timing of discharging the sheet P or the booklet B which is the target of the secondary inspection, the user is also audibly secondary. The target of inspection can be notified, and the target of secondary inspection can be notified more reliably.

Furthermore, if the secondary inspection sheet P or booklet B is judged to be a rejected product in the secondary inspection, two of the sheet P and the booklet B, which is an aggregate of the sheets P and the booklet B, are discharged as acceptable products in the primary inspection. If the user is notified of a sheet P or booklet B that has the same type of deductions as those judged to be rejected in the next inspection, the second secondary inspection is the next process of the first secondary inspection. It is possible to efficiently check the sheet P and the booklet B that are likely to have a problem.

[Other Embodiments]
Although the details have been specifically described above based on the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed configuration of each device constituting the image processing system and the detailed operation of each device are also within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. It can be changed as appropriate.

For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 10 and the automatic inspection apparatus 20 each have independent control units 11 and 21 and each device is controlled by each control unit 11 and 21 has been illustrated. The device configuration and system configuration are not limited to this.
For example, a control unit that comprehensively controls the entire image forming system 100 may be provided, and all the configurations in the system may be controlled by one control unit.
In this case, it is possible to perform a simpler and automatic inspection in cooperation with the image forming apparatus 10.

Further, the inspection result of the automatic inspection device 20 may be accumulated in the storage unit 22 or the like to acquire the tendency of the image formed by the image forming device 10 and reflect it in the automatic inspection process from the next time onward.
Further, the inspection result of the automatic inspection device 20 may be fed back to the image forming apparatus 10 to prompt an appropriate response, so that the quality of the printed image by the image forming apparatus 10 can be improved.

Further, in the above description, an example in which an HDD, a semiconductor non-volatile memory, or the like is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention has been disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As another computer-readable medium, a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. Further, a carrier wave can also be applied as a medium for providing the data of the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

10 Image forming device 11 Control unit 12 Storage unit 14 Image forming unit 15 Operation unit 16 Display unit 17 Communication unit 20 Automatic inspection device 21 Control unit 22 Storage unit 23 Reading unit 24 Inspection unit 25 Transport unit 26 Operation unit 27 Display unit 29 Communication Unit 30 Paper feed device 40 Post-processing device 41 Discharge unit 42 Post-processing unit 100 Image formation system

Claims (15)

A reading unit that reads a sheet output from an image forming device that forms an image,
An inspection unit that compares the scanned image read by the reading unit with a correct image based on the original image data, and automatically performs a primary inspection of the sheet with the difference from the correct image as a deduction item.
A transport unit that discharges the sheet and / or a booklet composed of a plurality of the sheets to a predetermined discharge unit according to the inspection result of the primary inspection by the inspection unit.
A control unit that controls each unit and
With
The control unit
Accepts inspection target information regarding the target of manual secondary inspection set in advance by the user,
Of the sheets and / or the booklets, those whose image quality is judged not to satisfy the predetermined conditions by the inspection section are discharged as rejected products to the first discharge section by the transport section.
Of the sheets and / or the booklets, those whose image quality is determined to satisfy a predetermined condition by the inspection section are discharged by the transport section to a discharge section different from the first discharge section as a passing product in the primary inspection. At the same time, a part of the sheet and / or the booklet which is the accepted product is selected as the target of the secondary inspection based on the inspection target information.
An automatic inspection device for notifying a user of the sheet and / or the booklet selected as the target of the secondary inspection. The inspection section
Information on the deduction items is associated with the sheet that has been passed in the primary inspection.
The control unit
The sheets and / or the booklets that were accepted as the accepted products were classified according to the type of the deduction items associated with each sheet.
The automatic inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the target of the secondary inspection is selected so that the sheet and / or the booklet having the deduction items of each type are evenly selected. The inspection section
Corresponding the deduction points of the deduction items to the sheet that was judged as the passing product in the primary inspection,
The control unit
Among the accepted products and / or the booklets, the sheets and / or the booklets corresponding to a predetermined quantity from the one having the larger deduction points are selected as the target of the secondary inspection. The automatic inspection device according to claim 1. The inspection section
Information on the deduction items is associated with the sheet that has been passed in the primary inspection.
The control unit
The total number of sheets with the deduction items is calculated for each booklet, and the booklet for a predetermined quantity is selected as the target of the secondary inspection from the one with the largest number of sheets with the deduction items. The automatic inspection device according to claim 1. The inspection target information includes the number of sheets to be inspected secondarily and / or the number of copies of the booklet.
The control unit
The total number of printed sheets or the total number of printed copies is divided equally by the number of sheets to be secondarily inspected and / or the number of copies of the booklet to be secondarily inspected. The automatic inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the booklet is selected as a target for the secondary inspection. The inspection section
Information on the deduction items is associated with the sheet that has been passed in the primary inspection.
The control unit
Among the sheets and / or the booklets that have been passed in the primary inspection, the predetermined number from the one with the most deduction items and the predetermined number from the one with the fewest deduction items are included. The automatic inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the target of the secondary inspection is selected. With an additional display
The control unit
The automatic inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display unit is controlled so as to display the sheet and / or the booklet to be subject to the secondary inspection. The control unit
Among the products that have passed the primary inspection, the sheet and / or the booklet that is the target of the secondary inspection is discharged to a discharge section different from the sheet and / or the booklet that is not the target of the secondary inspection. The automatic inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transport unit is controlled. The control unit
Any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the transport unit is controlled so that a sheet serving as an identification mark is inserted immediately after the sheet and / or the booklet subject to the secondary inspection. The automatic inspection device according to the first paragraph. The automatic inspection device according to claim 9, wherein the sheet serving as the identification mark is a sheet on which information on deduction items for the sheet and / or the booklet is printed. With an additional audio output
The control unit
Any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the audio output unit is controlled so as to output audio in accordance with the timing of ejecting the sheet and / or the booklet to be subject to the secondary inspection. The automatic inspection device according to the first paragraph. When the sheet and / or the booklet that has been secondarily inspected is judged to be a rejected product in the second inspection,
Among the sheets discharged as acceptable products in the primary inspection, the sheet and / or the notification means for notifying the booklet having the same type of deduction items as those judged as rejected products in the secondary inspection is provided. The automatic inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the automatic inspection device is characterized. The automatic inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and the automatic inspection device.
An image forming apparatus arranged on the upstream side of the sheet in the transport direction and forming an image on the sheet, and an image forming apparatus.
An image forming system characterized by comprising. A reading process that reads a sheet output from an image forming apparatus that forms an image,
An inspection step in which the scanned image read in the reading step is compared with a correct image based on the original image data, and the sheet is automatically primaryly inspected with the difference from the correct image as a deduction item.
A transfer step of discharging the sheet and / or a booklet composed of a plurality of the sheets to a predetermined discharge unit according to the inspection result of the primary inspection in the inspection process.
Including
Accepts inspection target information regarding the target of manual secondary inspection set in advance by the user,
In the transfer process,
Of the sheets and / or the booklets, those whose image quality is determined not to meet the predetermined conditions in the inspection process are discharged to the first discharge section as rejected products.
Of the sheets and / or the booklets, those whose image quality is determined to satisfy a predetermined condition in the inspection process are discharged as acceptable products in the primary inspection to a discharge section different from the first discharge section, and the above. Based on the inspection target information, a part of the passed product, the sheet and / or the booklet, is selected as the target of the secondary inspection.
An automatic inspection method comprising notifying a user of the sheet and / or the booklet selected as the target of the secondary inspection. To the computer of the automatic inspection device,
A reading function that reads the sheet output from the image forming device that forms the image,
An inspection function that compares the scanned image read by the scanning function with the correct image based on the original image data, and automatically performs the primary inspection of the sheet with the difference from the correct image as a deduction item.
A transport function that discharges the sheet and / or a booklet composed of a plurality of the sheets to a predetermined discharge unit according to the inspection result of the primary inspection by the inspection function.
Realized,
Accepts inspection target information regarding the target of manual secondary inspection set in advance by the user,
The transport function
Of the sheets and / or the booklets, those whose image quality is determined not to satisfy the predetermined conditions by the inspection function are discharged as rejected products to the first discharge unit.
Of the sheets and / or the booklets, those whose image quality is determined to satisfy a predetermined condition by the inspection function are discharged as acceptable products in the primary inspection to a discharge section different from the first discharge section, and the above. Based on the inspection target information, a part of the passed product, the sheet and / or the booklet, is selected as the target of the secondary inspection.
A program comprising notifying a user of the sheet and / or the booklet selected as the target of the secondary inspection.

Images