JP2021176703A - Image forming device, image forming system, paper discharge method for image forming medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To properly perform an inspection in which read image data, read by a reading part, on an image on an image forming medium, are compared with correct answer image data, read by the reading part, on the image on the image forming medium, by sorting ejected papers.SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises: an image forming part that forms an image on an image forming medium on the basis of image data; a reading part that reads the image formed on the image forming medium by the image forming part; a paper ejection part for normal use that ejects the image forming medium having the image in which an abnormality is not detected by an image inspection in which read image data obtained through reading of the image formed on the image forming medium by the reading part are compared with correct answer image data obtained through reading of the image formed on the image forming medium by the reading part; and a paper ejection part for abnormal use that ejects the image forming medium having the image in which an abnormality is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a paper ejection method and a program of an image forming medium capable of forming an image on an image forming medium based on image data and inspecting the image on the image forming medium.

In the field of image forming devices such as copiers, printers, and multifunction devices, there are some that have an image inspection function that determines the quality of an image by using the image reading data obtained by reading an image on paper. For example, the scanned image and the image data for printing are compared, and if the printed images do not match, an abnormality determination is performed.
In addition, when a printing abnormality is determined and the job is interrupted, when the setting of printing conditions is changed, or when a predetermined number of prints are printed, the user can check whether the output form intended by the user is obtained. There is a request to confirm. Conventionally, from this point of view, an image forming apparatus that enables the user to print for confirmation before or during normal printing has been proposed, and the output function for this confirmation is a sample output function. And so on.
A conventional image forming apparatus has been proposed having both the functions of image inspection and sample output described above.

For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an image forming apparatus having functions of image inspection and sample output and capable of changing the sample ejection interval. In this image forming apparatus, it is possible to determine the change of the sample ejection interval based on the result of the image inspection, and it is possible to appropriately set the sample ejection interval.
Patent Document 2 proposes an image forming apparatus that is provided with an image reading unit that reads an image of printed paper and can display the read image on a panel. With this configuration, the printed image can be confirmed on the panel. Further, this image forming apparatus has a sample ejection function, and enables the user to select or use either sample ejection and image display of an output image read by the image reading unit.

The situation of sample output in the conventional image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27. For example, suppose that the sample output cycle is set to 300, and JOB1 without image inspection, JOB2 with image inspection, and JOB3 without image inspection are output in order.
In the example of FIG. 26, in JOB1, 2, and 3, sample output is performed every 300th sheet. Therefore, even during the output of JOB2, which is a job for performing image inspection, sample output is performed on the 100th and 400th sheets, which are the 300th sheets after sample output by JOB1. Since image inspection is performed in JOB2, sample output is not originally required in JOB2, which is a wasteful and useless output.
In the example of FIG. 27, if the sample output is set not to be performed before the start of JOB2, the sample output during the output of JOB2 will not be executed. However, if JOB3 without image inspection is output after JOB2, it is necessary to change the sample output to "Yes" again, which complicates the operation.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-134897 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-94519

By the way, in the conventional image inspection function, in Patent Document 1, the original image read by the original reading unit is compared with the reference image for inspection.
Further, in Patent Document 2, when outputting a job for performing image inspection, it is set to display the read image on the panel without performing sample output.

The present invention has been made against the background of the above problems, and in image formation that enables image inspection by forming an image on an image forming medium based on image data, paper ejection is appropriately performed based on the image formation result. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a paper ejection method and a program of an image forming medium.

That is, the first form of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is
An image forming unit that forms an image on an image forming medium based on image data,
A reading unit that reads an image formed on the image forming medium by the image forming unit, and a reading unit.
An image inspection that compares the scanned image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium with the reading unit and the correct image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium with the reading unit. A normal paper ejection section that ejects an image forming medium for an image in which an abnormality is not detected, and an abnormal paper ejection section that ejects an image forming medium for an image in which an abnormality is detected.
Have.

The invention of the image forming apparatus of another form in the above-mentioned form
It has two or more reading units
A first transport path for transporting the image forming medium from the image forming portion to the normal paper ejection portion, and
A second transport path for transporting the image forming medium from the image forming portion to the abnormal paper ejection portion, and
A first reading unit on the first transport path or on the second transport path, which is the reading unit,
A second reading unit outside the first transport path and the second transport path, which is the reading unit,
Have.

The first form of the image forming system of the present invention is
An image forming unit that forms an image on an image forming medium based on image data,
A reading unit that reads an image formed on the image forming medium by the image forming unit, and a reading unit.
An image inspection that compares the scanned image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium with the reading unit and the correct image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium with the reading unit. A normal paper ejection section that ejects an image forming medium for an image in which an abnormality is not detected, and an abnormal paper ejection section that ejects an image forming medium for an image in which an abnormality is detected.
Have.

The invention of another form of the image forming system is in the above-mentioned form.
It has two or more reading units
A first transport path for transporting the image forming medium from the image forming portion to the normal paper ejection portion, and
A second transport path for transporting the image forming medium from the image forming portion to the abnormal paper ejection portion, and
A first reading unit on the first transport path or on the second transport path, which is the reading unit,
A second reading unit outside the first transport path and the second transport path, which is the reading unit,
The image forming system according to claim 3.

The invention of another form of the image forming system is in the above-mentioned form.
It further has an inspection unit that compares the correct image data with the read image data.

The invention of another form of the image forming system is in the above-mentioned form.
The normal paper ejection unit has a stage on which a plurality of image forming media are loaded, and the stage is moved up and down.

The invention of another form of the image forming system is in the above-mentioned form.
The normal paper ejection unit has a door and has a take-out button for instructing the opening and closing of the door.

The invention of another form of the image forming system is in the above-mentioned form.
During image formation, control is performed to prohibit the opening of the door by pressing the take-out button.

The invention of another form of the image forming system is in the above-mentioned form.
It has a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door.

The invention of another form of the image forming system is in the above-mentioned form.
It has three paper ejection destinations for ejecting the image forming medium.

Among the methods for discharging the image forming medium of the present invention, the first form is
It is a method of ejecting an image forming medium on which an image is formed.
An abnormality is detected by an image inspection that compares the scanned image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium to be inspected with the correct image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium. It is characterized in that the image forming medium of an image that has not been found and the image forming medium of an image in which an abnormality is detected are distinguished and discharged.

The invention of another form of the method of ejecting an image forming medium further includes, in the above form, an image inspection step of comparing the correct image data with the read image data to detect the presence or absence of an abnormality.

The invention of the paper ejection method of the image forming medium of another form in the said form
An image forming medium for an image in which no abnormality is detected is provided in a normal paper ejection section and loaded on a stage capable of raising and lowering.

The invention of the paper ejection method of the image forming medium of another form in the said form
The door provided in the normal paper ejection section for ejecting the image forming medium of the image in which no abnormality is detected is opened and closed in response to the instruction of the eject button.

The invention of the paper ejection method of the image forming medium of another form in the said form
During image formation, it is prohibited to open the door by pressing the take-out button.

The invention of the paper ejection method of the image forming medium of another form in the said form
The opening and closing of the door is detected by a sensor.

The invention of the paper ejection method of the image forming medium of another form in the said form
The image forming medium of the image in which the abnormality is not detected and the image forming medium of the image in which the abnormality is detected are distinguished and the paper is discharged to one of the three paper ejection destinations.

The first form of the program of the present invention is
A program executed by a control unit that controls the ejection of an image-forming medium on which an image is formed.
By image inspection, the control unit compares the scanned image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium to be inspected with the correct image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium. It is characterized in that the image forming medium of an image in which an abnormality is not detected and the image forming medium of an image in which an abnormality is detected are distinguished and discharged.

Inventions of other forms of the program, in said form,
The control unit further includes a step of comparing the correct image data with the read image data and detecting the presence or absence of an abnormality.

Inventions of other forms of the program, in said form,
An image forming medium for an image in which no abnormality is detected is provided in the normal paper ejection unit on the control unit, and is loaded on a stage capable of raising and lowering.

Inventions of other forms of the program, in said form,
The control unit opens and closes the door provided in the normal paper ejection unit for ejecting the image forming medium of the image in which no abnormality is detected, in response to the instruction of the eject button.

Inventions of other forms of the program, in said form,
The control unit is prohibited from opening the door by pressing the take-out button during image formation.

Inventions of other forms of the program, in said form,
The control unit receives a detection result in which the opening / closing of the door is detected by a sensor.

Inventions of other forms of the program, in said form,
The control unit distinguishes between the image forming medium of the image in which the abnormality is not detected and the image forming medium of the image in which the abnormality is detected, and discharges the paper to any of the three paper ejection destinations.

According to the present invention, when forming an image capable of performing an image inspection, it is possible to properly eject paper depending on the result of image formation.

It is a system block diagram which includes the image forming apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the outline of the mechanical structure of the image forming apparatus. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the mechanical structure of the paper ejection device. Similarly, it is a functional block diagram. Similarly, it is a functional block diagram of a control unit. Similarly, it is a functional block diagram which shows the operation of the control part. It is a figure which shows the basic operation of a sample output. It is a figure which shows the sample output operation at the time of outputting the job with image inspection in one Embodiment of this invention. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the operation when a periodic sample output and a manual sample output are performed. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the operation which the periodic sample output and the manual sample output are performed at the time of output of the job with image inspection. Similarly, it is a figure which shows another example of a sample output operation. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the additional information added to the paper which is sample output. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the setting screen of a sample output. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the setting screen of a sample output cycle. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the setting screen of additional information. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the setting screen of additional information. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the setting screen of additional information. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the setting screen of additional information. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the setting screen of additional information. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the position of additional information. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the fine adjustment setting screen of the position of additional information. Similarly, it is a flowchart which shows the setting procedure of a sample output. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing a procedure from image input to paper ejection. Similarly, it is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the sample output determination. Similarly, it is a flowchart which shows the update procedure of a sample output cycle counter. It is a figure which shows the operation of the sample paper ejection in the conventional image forming apparatus. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the sample paper ejection operation.

The image forming system including the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is described below based on the accompanying drawings. , A reader 20 and a paper ejection device 30 are provided. Each device is electrically and mechanically connected to allow communication and paper transfer between the devices.
The paper feed device 40 includes a plurality of large-capacity paper feed stages capable of storing a large amount of paper, and the paper stored in each paper feed stage can be supplied to the subsequent device. The paper corresponds to the transfer medium of the present invention. The type of transfer medium of the present invention is not limited to paper, and may be, for example, cloth or plastic.
The device main body 10 prints an image on the paper conveyed from the paper feeding device 40.
The reading device 20 reads an image on paper conveyed from the device main body 10.
The paper ejection device 30 includes a plurality of paper ejection destinations, and is controlled by the device main body 10 to eject paper to a predetermined paper ejection destination.
An external device 5 is connected to the image forming device 1 via a LAN 3. The image forming apparatus 1 and the external external apparatus 5 may be connected by a network other than LAN, and WAN or the like may be used regardless of whether it is wired or wireless.

The mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
Inside the housing of the apparatus main body 10, a main body feeding unit 12 for storing paper is provided on the lower side, and the paper is stored in the main body feeding unit 12. The main body paper feed unit 12 may be provided with one or more main body paper feed stages.
A transport path 13 connected to the paper feed device 40 and the main body paper feed unit 12 is provided inside the device main body 10, and the paper supplied from the paper feed device 40 or the main body paper feed unit 12 is transported through the transfer path. Transport through 13. The paper stored in the main body feeding unit 12 corresponds to the transfer medium of the present invention. The type of transfer medium in the main body feeding unit 12 is not limited to paper, and may be, for example, cloth or plastic.

An image forming portion 11 for forming an image on paper is provided in the middle of the transport path 13.
The image forming unit 11 has a photoconductor 11a for each color (cyan, magenta, yellow, black), and further has an intermediate transfer belt 11b so as to come into contact with the photoconductor 11a for each color. .. The intermediate transfer belt 11b is in contact with the paper on the transport path 13 at the secondary transfer unit 11c. Further, a fixing device 11d is provided at a position on the downstream side of the transport path 13 with respect to the secondary transfer unit 11c.
A charger (LD), a developing device, a cleaning unit, and the like (not shown) are provided around the photoconductor 11a, and the image forming unit 11 can form an image by an electrophotographic method.

When forming an image on paper, after the photoconductor 11a is uniformly charged, a latent image is written by LD, and the latent image is developed by a developing device to obtain a toner image. After that, the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 11b so that the toner images on the photoconductors for each color overlap, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 11b is transferred to the paper in the secondary transfer unit 11c. The toner image transferred to the paper is fixed to the paper by applying heat and pressure by the fixing device 11d.
In this embodiment, the image forming unit 11 can print in multiple colors, but in the present invention, it may be an image forming unit capable of monochrome printing. Further, the image forming method of the image forming portion of the present invention is not particularly limited, and for example, an inkjet method or the like may be used.

Further, in the transport path 13, the reverse transport path 15 is branched on the downstream side of the fuser 11d. A downstream transport path 17 branches in the middle of the reverse transport path 15 and is connected to the transport path 13 on the downstream side of the branch point of the reverse transport path 15. In the reverse transport path 15, the evacuation transport path 16 branches on the downstream side of the point where the downstream transport path 17 branches. The downstream side of the inverted transport path 15 joins the transport path 13 at a position upstream of the image forming unit 11. The transport path 13 is connected to the transport path 23 of the subsequent reader 20 in the straight direction.

When the image is formed on one side of the paper, the paper after the image formation is conveyed straight through the conveying path 13 and conveyed to the conveying path 23 of the reading device 20.
When switching the face surface of the paper after forming the image, the paper is transported to the reversing transport path 15, the paper is transported beyond the branch point of the downstream transport path 17, and then the reverse transport path 15 is transported in the opposite direction and downstream. It is transported to the downstream side of the transport path 13 through the transport path 17.
When the paper is inverted to form an image on the back surface of the paper, the paper is fed from the transport path 13 to the reverse transport path 15, sent to the evacuation transport path 16, and then the front and back of the paper are changed to the downstream side of the reverse transport path 15. And recirculates in the transport path 13. After that, the image forming unit 11 forms an image on the back surface side of the paper.

The apparatus main body 10 is provided with an operation display unit 140 at the upper part of the housing. The operation display unit 140 has an LCD 141 provided with a touch panel, and can display various information and input operations. The operation display unit 140 can notify when the printed image is determined to be defective.
In the operation display unit 140, the display unit and the operation unit are integrated in this embodiment, but in the present invention, the display unit and the operation unit may not be integrated, for example, by using a mouse or the like. The operation may be performed outside the display unit. Further, the operation display unit 140 may be removable from the device main body 10.
The operation display unit 140 can be used as a display device for notifying the user that an abnormality has occurred in the print result due to an image inspection or the like. The display may be an operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus, may be displayed on a display unit such as an external PC connected to the network, or may be notified by sound or the like. good.

An automatic document feeding device (ADF) 14 is further provided on the upper part of the housing of the apparatus main body 10. The automatic document feeding device (ADF) 14 can automatically feed the set document and read the document image by the CCD 131 shown in FIG. The scanned image data can be used for image formation.

Next, the reading device 20 will be described.
The reading device 20 has a transport path 23 connected to the transport path 13 of the apparatus main body 10, and the transport path 23 can transport the paper introduced by the transport path 13 in the reader 20.
In the middle of the transport path 23, an image reading unit 240 is installed on the upper side of the transport path 23. The image reading unit 240 can be configured by a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, or the like, and can read an image of the paper transported by the transport path 23 in the entire direction intersecting the transport direction. The scanned image read by the image reading unit 240 is transmitted to the control unit 100, and the control unit 100 can determine the quality of the image.
The image data that serves as a reference for determining the quality of the image is the image obtained from the RIP data by the control unit 100, the image read by the automatic document feeder (ADF) 14, and the scanned image obtained by reading the sample output image. Etc. can be used.

Further, in the transport path 23, the reverse transport path 230 is branched at a point on the downstream side of the image reading unit 240. In the reverse transport path 230, the evacuation transport path 231 is branched in the middle, and the downstream side of the reverse transport path 230 joins the transport path 23 on the upstream side of the image reading unit 240.
When scanning the back side of the image, the scanned paper is transported from the transport path 23 to the reverse transport path 230, once transported to the evacuation transport path 231 and then changed from the front to the back of the paper to the downstream side of the reverse transport path 230. And recirculates in the transport path 23 on the upstream side of the image reading unit 240. After that, the image reading unit 240 reads the image located on the back side of the paper.

In this embodiment, the reading device 20 has been described as having one image reading unit, but in the present invention, the number of image reading units is not particularly limited, and two or more image reading units are provided. It may be a thing. For example, an image reading unit may be provided on both sides of the paper to read both sides. Further, the plurality of image reading units may be of different types.

In this embodiment, the control unit 100 determines the quality of the image, but the reading device 20 may determine the image. In this case, the image read by the image reading unit 240 can be acquired by a reading control unit or the like provided in the reading device 20, and the reading control unit can determine the quality of the image. In this case, the control unit 100 provided in the apparatus main body 10 and the reading control unit may cooperate to function as the control unit of the present invention.
The transport path 23 is connected to the transport path 33 of the paper ejection device 30.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the paper ejection device 30 has a transport path 33 connected to the transport path 23 of the reading device 20, and the paper conveyed by the transport path 23 is inside the paper ejection device 30. Can be transported by the transport path 33. The transport path 33 is branched into a first transport path 331 and a second transport path 332 on the downstream side, a first paper discharge unit 31 is connected to the first transport path 331, and a second transport path 332 is connected to the second transport path 332. 2 The paper ejection unit 32 is connected. Further, the paper ejection device 30 has a paper ejection unit 300 for stacking and ejecting paper, and the paper is conveyed by the conveying path 33.
The paper ejection device 30 includes three paper ejection destinations, but the number of paper ejection destinations is not particularly limited and may be one. In the paper ejection device 30, the paper ejection destination can be switched. In the paper ejection device 30, when an abnormality is detected in the paper by an image inspection or the like, the paper can be ejected separately from the normal paper ejection. The distinction between paper ejection may be one in which paper is ejected to different paper ejection destinations, and even if the same paper ejection destination is used, paper ejection may be distinguished by changing the paper ejection position, orientation, or the like. ..

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is composed of a paper feeding device 40, an apparatus main body 10, a reading device 20, and a paper ejection device 30, but the number of devices constituting the image forming apparatus of the present invention is provided. And the type are not limited to the above, and the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured only by the apparatus main body 10. In this case, the image reading unit exists outside the image forming apparatus. Further, in addition to the paper feeding device 40, the device main body 10, the reading device 20, and the paper discharging device 30, other devices may be provided. For example, a plurality of paper ejection devices may be connected to increase the number of paper ejection sections, and a post-processing device may be provided after the image reading device to enable post-processing on the paper. You may.
Further, in this embodiment, the image reading unit 240 is installed in the reading device 20, but may be provided in, for example, the device main body 10. Further, the reading device may not be mechanically connected to the image forming device.

Next, the functional block of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The image forming apparatus 1 includes a digital copier including a control block unit 110, a scanner unit 130, an operation display unit 140, and a printer unit 150, an image processing unit (print & scanner controller) 160, an image reading unit 240, and paper ejection. It has a paper portion 300. The image processing unit (print & scanner controller) 160 processes the image data acquired from the external device 5 or the like. The image reading unit 240 and the paper ejection unit 300 are provided in the reading device 20 and the paper ejection device 30, respectively.

The control block unit 110 has a PCI bus 112, a DRAM control IC 111 is connected to the PCI bus 112, and a control CPU 113 is connected to the DRAM control IC 111.
A non-volatile memory 115 is connected to the control CPU 113. The non-volatile memory 115 stores a program executed by the control CPU 113, setting data such as machine setting information, process control parameters, parameters for determining an abnormality of an image based on a scanned image, an additional image, and the like. ..

The control CPU 113 can grasp the overall state of the image forming apparatus 1 by executing a program and control the image forming apparatus 1, and can perform operations such as paper transport and image forming, and an image for image forming. It is possible to control data processing and the like. In this embodiment, the control CPU 113 and the program running on the control CPU 113 constitute the control unit of the present invention. The above program includes the program of the present invention. The program may be stored in an HDD or the like in addition to the non-volatile memory, or may be stored in a portable storage medium.

A storage unit 127 is further connected to the control CPU 113. The storage unit 127 can be configured by a RAM, an HDD, an SSD, or the like, and can store desired information such as image data, job data, programs, and parameters. The storage unit 127 may be provided with a plurality of devices.

Further, the scanner control unit 132 of the scanner unit 130 is connected to the control CPU 113 so that serial communication is possible.
The scanner unit 130 includes a CCD 131 that optically reads an image on paper and a scanner control unit 132 that controls the entire scanner unit 130. The scanner control unit 132 controls each unit of the scanner unit 130 in response to an instruction from the control CPU 113. The scanner control unit 132 is composed of a CPU, a storage unit, a program running on the CPU, and the like. A reading processing unit 116 is connected to the CCD 131.

Further, the operation unit control unit 142 of the operation display unit 140 is connected to the control CPU 113 so that serial communication is possible. The operation display unit 140 includes a touch panel type LCD 141 and an operation unit control unit 142.
The touch panel type LCD 141 can input operations and display information. The operation unit control unit 142 can control the entire operation display unit 140 based on the instruction of the control CPU 113 and can transmit information to the control CPU 113. The operation unit control unit 142 can be configured by a CPU, a storage unit, a program for operating the CPU, and the like.
The operation display unit 140 can set image forming conditions in the image forming apparatus 1 and input operation control conditions such as operation commands, and can further display setting contents, machine states, information, and the like. Further, the operation display unit 140 can set whether or not to execute the sample output, set the cycle of the sample output, set the additional image information to the sample output, and the like. It is also possible to manually instruct sample output during job output.

Further, the control CPU 113 can determine the quality of the image on the paper based on the image data acquired by reading the printed matter by the image reading unit 240 and the data of the correct answer image prepared in advance. The quality of the image can be determined by a known method such as pattern matching. For example, when the difference between the comparison results is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the image is determined to be defective. When it is determined to be defective, it is possible to control the paper on which the defective image is printed so as to be distinguished from the normal paper. The distinct paper ejection may be such that the paper is ejected to different ejection destinations, or the paper ejection may be distinguished by ejecting the paper by changing the paper ejection position or the orientation of the paper.
The method for determining the quality of the image is not particularly limited in the present invention, and the method for determining the quality of the image may be performed without comparing with the correct image.

Further, the printer control unit 152 of the printer unit 150 is connected to the control CPU 113 so that serial communication is possible.
The printer unit 150 includes an LD 151 and a printer control unit 152. The printer control unit 152 controls the entire printer unit 150 based on the instruction of the control CPU 113, and controls the paper transfer and the image forming operation. The printer unit 150 includes an image forming unit 111, transport paths 13, 23, 33, and the like.
LD151 is a general term for LDs for each color. The LD 151 forms a latent image on the photoconductor based on the image data processed by the writing processing unit 126, and the image is formed.

Further, an image memory (DRAM) 120 is connected to the DRAM control IC 111.
The image memory (DRAM) 120 stores the image data acquired by the scanner unit 130 and the image data acquired through the LAN 3, and stores the compressed memory 121 for storing the compressed image data and the uncompressed image data. The page memory 122 is provided.
The compressed memory 121 can store compressed data of image data received from the outside, and the page memory 122 contains image data developed for image formation and a reference image used for determining the quality of the read image. Data etc. can be stored.
The image memory (DRAM) 120 can store image data and setting data of the output job. The job data can also be stored in the storage unit 127.
The DRAM control IC 111 can store image data related to a plurality of jobs in the image memory 120. That is, the image data of the reserved job can be stored in the image memory 120.

A compression IC 118 is connected to the DRAM control IC 111, and a reading processing unit 116 is connected to the compression IC 118.
The reading processing unit 116 performs predetermined processing such as shading processing on the image data acquired by the CD 131 of the scanner unit 130.
The compressed IC 118 can compress the image data, and the compressed image data is stored in the compression memory 121.

An extension IC 125 is connected to the DRAM control IC, and a write processing unit 126 is connected to the extension IC 125.
The decompression IC 125 decompresses the compressed image data, and the decompressed data is once stored in the page memory 122 and then used for image formation or the like.
The writing processing unit 126 performs predetermined processing on the image data for image formation, and the processed image data is sent to the LD 151 of the printer unit 150 to perform image formation.

Further, the scanner control unit 242 of the image reading unit 240 is connected to the printer control unit 152 of the printer unit 150.
The image reading unit 240 is connected to a CCD 241 that reads an image and a scanner control unit 242 that controls a CCD scanner. The scanner control unit 242 is composed of a CPU, a storage unit, a program, and the like. The scanner control unit 242 can control the entire image reading unit 240 according to the instruction of the control CPU 113, and can read an image, transfer the read image data, and the like.

The stacker control unit 310 of the paper ejection unit 300 is connected to the scanner control unit 242. The control unit 100 is controllably connected to the stacker control unit 310 via the scanner control unit 242.
The stacker control unit 310 controls the entire paper ejection unit 300, and controls the paper ejection according to the instruction of the control CPU 113. The stacker control unit 310 is composed of a CPU, a program that operates on the CPU, a storage unit, and the like.

A take-out button 311, a door sensor 312, a paper upper limit sensor 313, a stage lower limit sensor 314, a stage upper limit sensor 315, and a paper discharge sensor 316 are connected to the stacker control unit 310 in a controllable manner.
The eject button 311 is a button for ejecting the paper stacked in the paper ejection unit 300, and when the user presses the button, a signal related to the pressing is transmitted to the stacker control unit 310. The stacker control unit 310 makes it possible to open and close the door from which the paper is taken out when the pressing signal is received. When the paper cannot be taken out, such as during image formation, the stacker control unit 310 locks the door to prevent the paper from being taken out even if the take-out button 311 is pressed.
The door sensor 312 detects the open / closed state of the door from which the paper is taken out. For example, when the door is open, image formation and paper ejection are prohibited.

The paper upper limit sensor 313 detects the upper limit position of the paper on the stage on which the paper is loaded. The stacker control unit 310 that receives the detection result of the paper upper limit sensor 313 raises and lowers the stage based on the detection result of the paper upper limit sensor 313, and adjusts so that the position of the paper at the top of the stage is maintained at a substantially constant position. ..
The stage lower limit sensor 314 detects whether the stage has moved to the lower limit position and outputs a detection signal to the stacker control unit 310, and the stage upper limit sensor 315 detects and detects whether the stage has moved to the upper limit position. The signal is output to the stacker control unit 310. The stacker control unit 310 stops ascending the stage when the stage reaches the upper limit, and stops descending the stage when the stage reaches the lower limit.
The paper ejection sensor 316 detects whether the paper has been ejected to the paper ejection destination, and transmits the detection result to the stacker control unit 310. The stacker control unit 310 notifies the control CPU 113 of the detection result of paper ejection. The control CPU 113 can count the number of printed sheets by detecting the ejection of paper. The number of printed sheets may be counted by the stacker control unit 310.

Further, the DRAM control IC 161 of the image processing unit (print & scanner controller) 160 is connected to the PCI bus 112.
When the image forming apparatus is used as a network printer or a network scanner, the image processing unit (print & scanner controller) 160 receives image data or the like from an external device 5 or the like connected to the LAN 3 by the image forming apparatus 1. The image data acquired by the scanner unit 130 may be transmitted to an external device 5 or the like.

In the image processing unit (print & scanner controller) 160, the image memory 162 is connected to the DRAM control IC 161. The image memory 162 is composed of a DRAM or the like. Further, in the image processing unit (print & scanner controller) 160, the controller control unit 163 and the LAN control unit 164 are connected to the DRAM control IC 161. The controller control unit 163 controls the entire image processing unit (print & scanner controller) 160. The NIC 165 is connected to the LAN control unit 164, and the LAN 3 is connected to the NIC 165.

The external device 5 has an external device control unit 50 that controls the entire external device 5, and an external display unit 51 that displays information. The external device control unit 50 can be configured by a CPU, a program that operates the CPU, a storage unit, and the like.
Further, the external device control unit 50 can communicate with the image forming device 1 to perform image processing in the image forming device 1, and may further manage and control the image forming device 1. In the image processing, the image inspection and the sample output in the image forming apparatus may be controlled.
When the image processing and image formation of the image forming apparatus 1 are controlled by the external device 5, the external device control unit 50 may directly control the image forming apparatus, or the image forming apparatus 1 is instructed of the control contents. , Control may be performed by the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to this instruction content.
When the external device 5 controls the image inspection and the sample output in the image forming apparatus 1, the external device control unit 50 functions as the control unit of the present invention, and the external device control unit 50 and the control unit 100 cooperate with each other. Therefore, it may function as a control unit of the present invention.
Further, the program executed by the external device control unit 50 in the above function corresponds to the program of the present invention.

Next, the basic operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
First, a procedure for accumulating image data in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
When the image data is acquired by the scanner unit 130, the image of the original is optically read by the CCD 131 of the scanner unit 130. At this time, the control CPU 113 issues a command to the scanner control unit 132, and the scanner control unit 132 controls the operation of the CCD 131.

The image read by the CCD 131 is subjected to data processing by the reading processing unit 116, and then the image data is compressed by a predetermined method in the compression IC 118.
The reading processing unit 116 performs various processing such as analog signal processing, A / D (Analog to Digital) conversion processing, and shading processing on the image data read by the CCD 131 to generate digital image data. In the compression IC 118, data is compressed by a predetermined method. The data compression method is not particularly limited.
The image data compressed by the compressed IC 118 is stored in the compressed memory 121 via the DRAM control IC 111. The image data can also be stored in the storage unit 127. The image data stored in the compression memory 121 and the storage unit 127 can be managed as image data in the job by the control CPU 113.

When acquiring image data from the outside, for example, when acquiring image data from an external device 5 or the like through LAN 3, the image data is received by the NIC 165, and the image is stored in the image memory 162 via the LAN control unit 164 and the DRAM control IC 161. Store data. These operations are controlled by the controller control unit 163. When performing RIP processing on the acquired image data, the image data is transferred to the controller control unit 163 to perform RIP processing, and the obtained raster image data is stored in the image memory 162. The control CPU 113 may perform RIP processing.
The data in the image memory 162 is transmitted to the page memory 122 via the DRAM control IC 161, the PCI bus 112, and the DRAM control IC 111, and is stored in the page memory 122. The data stored in the page memory 122 is sequentially sent to the compression IC 118 via the DRAM control IC 111 for compression processing, and the compressed image data is stored in the compression memory 121 or the storage unit 127.

When the image forming apparatus 1 outputs an image as a job, that is, when it is used as a copying machine or a printer, the image data stored in the compression memory 121 or the storage unit 127 is sent to the extension IC 125 via the DRAM control IC 111. Expand the image data.
The developed image data is transferred to the writing processing unit 126, the writing data is created in the writing processing unit 126, and the image is written to the photoconductor by the LD 151. After that, an image is formed on the paper by undergoing development, transfer, fixing, and the like.

At the time of job output, the operation display unit 140 may be able to set whether or not to perform image inspection and whether or not to perform sample output.
When the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a printer, the printing conditions can be set by the printer driver in the external apparatus 5. The print conditions set here are transferred in the order of the external device 5 → NIC165 → image memory 162 → DRAM control IC161 (controller) → DRAM control IC111 (main unit) → page memory 122, and are transferred in the order of page memory 122. Stored in.

The image forming apparatus 1 can perform sample output and image inspection when outputting an image.
The sample output is to print a part or all of the output of the job other than the main output so that it can be confirmed. Usually, it can be carried out by a predetermined cycle, and the user can give an output instruction at an appropriate time. As the predetermined cycle, the number of prints, the operating time, and the like can be used, the cycle is appropriately set, and the cycle may be changed automatically or manually.
As described above, the image inspection determines the quality of an image by comparing reference images or the like using the reading result of the image reading unit 240.
A detailed block diagram of the control unit having functions related to the sample output function and the image inspection function will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The image input unit (3-1) inputs an image from the print controller, and can also receive an image inspection instruction in the job data. The image input unit (3-1) is connected to the control unit 100.

In the control unit 100, the main control unit 3-3 can control image input, output, inspection, sample output, etc., and for processing image data, the compression IC 118, the compression memory 121, the decompression IC 125, and the first It has a page memory 122A, a second page memory 122B, and the like. The first page memory 122A and the second page memory 122B are included in the page memory 122. The main control unit 3-3 can be configured by some functions of the control unit 100.
An image forming unit 11 is controllably connected to the main control unit 3-3, and the main control unit 3-3 can output an image and instruct the image forming unit 11 to form an image.
A paper ejection destination switching unit 330 is connected to the main control unit 3-3 in a controllable manner. The paper ejection destination switching unit 330 is provided in the paper ejection device 30, and can switch the paper ejection destination of the paper introduced in the paper ejection device 30.
An image reading unit 240 is controllably connected to the main control unit 3-3, and the control unit 100 can instruct the image reading unit 240 to read an image. Further, the image reading unit 240 can acquire the reading completion result together with the scanned image.

The operation display unit 140 is connected to the main control unit 3-3 in a controllable manner. In the main control unit 3-3, the operation display unit 140 can display an operation screen for controlling the operation display unit 140 and giving a sample output instruction. When the user gives an instruction to output a sample on the operation display unit 140, the control unit 100 receives the instruction result and performs control according to the instruction content. By the above control, the operation display unit 140 functions as a sample output instruction unit 3-10.

Further, the main control unit 3-3 can control the operation display unit 140 to display the operation screen for setting the sample output on the operation display unit 140. When the sample output is set by the user on the operation display unit 140, the setting result can be received by the control unit 100 and stored in the storage unit 127. By the above control, the operation display unit 140 functions as a sample output setting unit 3-2. The sample output setting contents are stored in the storage unit 127 by setting the sample output on / off, the sample output cycle, the additional information type, the additional information printing form, the additional information printing position, and the like.
Further, the control unit 100 can instruct the additional image forming unit 3-5 of the additional image according to the instruction of the main control unit 3-3. The additional image forming unit 3-5 is configured by a part of the functions of the control unit 100. When the additional image forming unit 3-5 is instructed to form the additional image, the additional image forming unit 3-5 acquires information such as the additional information type, the additional information printing form, and the additional information printing position from the storage unit 127 to form the additional image.

The control unit 100 can request the sample output determination unit 3-4 to determine the sample output according to the instruction of the main control unit 3-3. The sample output determination unit 3-4 is configured by a part of the functions of the control unit 100. When the sample output determination unit 3-4 determines the sample output, the sample output determination unit 3-4 calls the contents of the sample output setting to the storage unit 127 to perform the sample output determination. In the sample output judgment, the judgment of whether the sample cycle is based on the reference of the counter (for example, the number of sheets to be ejected) at the time of sample output and the contents of the sample output instruction are referred to, and the sample output is invalid in relation to the image inspection. Judge if there is any. When the sample output determination unit 3-4 determines that it is the output time, the main control unit 3-3 is instructed to output the sample. Upon receiving the instruction to output the sample, the main control unit 3-3 outputs the sample on a predetermined sheet of paper.
The control unit 100 can instruct the image inspection unit 3-9 to inspect the printed image according to the instruction of the main control unit 3-3. The image inspection unit 3-9 is composed of a part of the functions of the control unit 100. The inspection result of the image inspection unit 3-9 is notified to the main control unit 3-3.

Next, the specific operation contents of the control unit 100 will be described.
(1) According to the sample output setting unit 3-2, 1) sample output / non-sample output, 2) sample output cycle (every number of sheets), 3) type of additional information to be combined with the sample output image, and 4) additional information Print form (font), 5) Set the print position of additional information.
(2) An image is input from the image input unit 3-1. It is performed by receiving from the print controller.
(3) When the print job is started, the main control unit 3-3 compresses the image input by the image input unit 3-1 using the compression IC 118 and stores it in the compression memory 121.
(4) The main control unit 3-3 determines whether or not there is an image inspection instruction from the input job information, and if there is no image inspection instruction, instructs the sample output determination unit 3-4 to determine whether or not it is the sample output timing. do. The sample output determination unit 3-4 manages the number of sheets to be ejected, and monitors whether or not the number of sheets to be ejected reaches the sample output cycle set by the sample output setting unit 3-2. When the sample output determination unit 3-4 determines that the number of sheets to be ejected has reached the sample output cycle, the sample output determination unit 3-4 instructs the main control unit 3-3 to output the sample. When the sample output instruction unit 3-10 receives a sample output instruction from the user, the sample output instruction unit 3-10 instructs the main control unit 3-3 to output the sample.

(5) The main control unit 3-3 decompresses the compressed image stored in the compressed memory 121 using the decompressing IC 125 and stores it in the first page memory 122A. Further, when the sample output is instructed by the sample output determination unit 3-4 or the sample output instruction unit 3-10, the main control unit 3-3 sends additional information to the additional image forming unit 3-5. Instruct formation.
(6) The additional image forming unit 3-5 generates an additional information image according to the type of additional information to be combined with the sample output image set by the sample output setting unit 3-2 and the print form (font) of the additional information. Then, the additional information image is combined with the sample output image in the first page memory 122A according to the print position of the additional information set by the sample output setting unit 3-2.
(7) The main control unit 3-3 selects a paper ejection destination for the paper ejection destination switching unit 330, a normal paper ejection tray in the case of normal image formation, and a sample in the case of sample output. Instruct the output tray to change.
(8) The main control unit 3-3 instructs the image forming unit 11 to output the image, and the image forming unit 11 writes the image on the paper.
(9) The image forming unit 11 notifies the main control unit 3-3 of the completion of paper ejection after the paper ejection is completed.
(10) The main control unit 3-3 notifies the sample output determination unit 3-4 of the paper discharge. The sample output determination unit 3-4 updates the cycle counter.
(11) The main control unit 3-3 determines whether or not there is an image inspection instruction, and if there is an image inspection instruction, instructs the image reading unit 240 to read the image.
(12) The image reading unit 240 reads the printed paper, stores it in the second page memory 122B, and notifies the main control unit 3-3 of the completion of reading.
(13) The main control unit 3-3 instructs the image inspection unit 3-9 to inspect the image.
(14) The image inspection unit 3-9 inspects the image read from the printing paper for defects.
(15) When the image inspection result is abnormal, the main control unit 3-3 instructs the paper ejection destination switching unit 330 to change the paper ejection destination to the abnormal paper ejection tray.

Next, the basic operation of the sample output will be described.
In the sample output, when the number of output of each job reaches a preset cycle, a part or all of the output of the job is printed as a sample other than the main print. The sample output is usually discharged separately from the output of the main print.
When executing the sample output operation, the execution timing of the sample output is calculated based on the sample output cycle set in the operation unit control unit 142 or the like, and the sample is sampled when the sample output cycle is reached during job output. Output is done.

An example of sample output will be described below with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 7, the input image is shown in the upper row, and the output image image is shown in the lower row.
In the job, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 7, the input image is composed of 16 pages, the sample output cycle is set every 7 pages, the set number of copies is set to 1, and the print mode is set to one side. In the figure, the shaded pages are the sample output paper.
Since the sample output cycle is every 7 pages, 1 to 7 pages are ejected to the normal output tray, the same image as the 7th page is printed as sample output, and the output is performed on the sample output output tray. do. After that, similarly, after printing the images of pages 8 to 14 and discharging them to the normal paper ejection tray, the sample output cycle is the 14th page, so the image equivalent to the 14th page is sample-output. As a result, the paper is discharged to a different paper destination than usual.
In this operation, the main control unit 3-3 instructs the sample output determination unit 3-4 to determine whether or not the sample output cycle occurs before the image is formed. When the sample output determination unit 3-4 determines that the sample output cycle has been reached, the main control unit 3-3 instructs the paper output destination switching unit 330 to switch the paper output destination. The main control unit 3-3 manages the sample output cycle counter (initial value 0), raises the counter when receiving a paper discharge notification from the image forming unit 11, and clears the counter when the sample output is executed. do.

Next, the operation of the sample output in this embodiment will be described.
In the image forming apparatus 1, the printed image can be read by the image reading unit 240 during the output of the job, and the printed image can be inspected based on the read image data to determine the quality of the image. This function is called image inspection. The presence or absence of image inspection can be set for each job.

FIG. 8 shows an example in which a job (JOB1) in which the image inspection unit does not perform image inspection of paper, a job (JOB2) in which image inspection is performed, and a job (JOB3) in which image inspection is not performed are output in order. ing. Here, the sample output is set to "implement", and the sample output cycle is set every 300 sheets.
When the output of JOB1 is started, the cycle counter at the start of JOB1 is counted up in order from 0, pages 1 to 300 are output to the normal output tray, and the 300th sheet is printed immediately before. The same image as the image is output as a sample output to the sample output tray. The image used for sample output may be a specified specific image.
After the end of JOB1, JOB2 set to have image inspection is output. During the output of JOB2, in the present embodiment, control is performed so that the sample output is not performed even at the timing of the sample output. After the end of JOB2, the output of JOB3, which is a job that does not perform image inspection, is started. In JOB3, sample output is performed at a predetermined cycle.

As shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable to continuously count the number of ejected sheets and count up the cycle counter of the sample output cycle even during the output of JOB2 for image inspection. At this time, the sample output is not performed at the sample output timing, but the counter for the sample output is reset.
When changing the enable / disable setting of the sample output function, if the cycle counter of the sample output held in the apparatus is reset, there arises a problem that the sample output interval becomes longer than the desired interval.

For example, in the conventional example of FIG. 27, since the cycle counter of the sample output is reset at the start of the output of JOB2, the cycle counter becomes 0 at the start of JOB3, and the sample output timing of JOB3 is the 300th sheet. Therefore, the sample output is delayed by 100 sheets. While the job of performing image inspection is being output, the materials are deteriorated and the number of consumables is reduced, but the delay in sample output makes it impossible to grasp it on a regular basis.

In the present embodiment, the count of the cycle counter is continued even during the output of the job for which the image inspection is performed, and when the job for which the image inspection is not performed is output again, it is based on the value of the cycle counter that is continuously counted. And execute the sample output. This makes it possible to output the sample at an appropriate timing even when the job with the image inspection is output and the sample output is once turned off.
Therefore, in JOB3, the cycle counter continues to be the last cycle counter (100) of JOB2, and sample output is performed in printing the 200th and 500th sheets of JOB3.

Also, when executing a job for which paper inspection by the image inspection means is specified, sample output is not performed even when the sample output timing according to the sample output cycle is reached, but when the sample output is manually instructed. May output the sample at the timing of receiving the instruction.
FIG. 9 shows the timing of sample output in the job without image inspection, and FIG. 10 shows the timing of sample output in the job with image inspection.
In the examples of FIGS. 9 and 10, in the job, the input image is set to 16 pages, the sample output cycle is set to every 7 pages, the set number of copies is set to 1, and the print mode is set to one side.
When the image inspection is not performed, as shown in FIG. 9, on the 7th and 14th pages, which are the timings of the periodic sample output, the sample output is performed in response to the instruction according to the sample output cycle. Further, the manual sample output on the 12th page is performed because the user gives an instruction to output the sample during the output on the 12th page.
When outputting a job for image inspection, as shown in FIG. 10, the periodic sample output on the 7th and 14th pages is not performed, but when the sample output instruction is manually received on the 12th page, the sample output is performed. A sample output of the image on the 12th page is performed.

In the above explanation, when the sample is output, the image being formed when the sample output timing is reached is printed and output as a sample, but the page specified by the user at the time of sample output is output. The image may be printed, or a desired image such as an adjustment chart may be printed.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the job is set so that the input image is 16 pages and the sample output cycle is every 7 pages, the sample output cycle is 7 as shown in the middle row with respect to the input image in the upper row. On the 14th and 14th pages, the image of the 3rd page may be printed and sample output may be performed. Further, as shown in the lower part, it is possible to output a sample of an image (for example, an adjustment chart) different from the page image at the time of periodic sample output. As the image of the sample output, a chart for adjustment mounted on the device can be printed.
When a sample is output when performing an image inspection, the inspection for sample ejection may be skipped because the image inspection is performed.

Since the paper on which an abnormality in the image is detected cannot be used, the paper is discharged separately from the normally printed sheet, but the sample paper used for visual confirmation by the user should be discharged separately from the abnormal paper. Therefore, it has the effect of reducing complicated sorting work by the user.
As shown in the present embodiment, a device having three or more paper ejection destinations may be used, or a plurality of paper ejection devices may be connected and the paper ejection destinations may be separated from each other.
Specifically, the paper determined to have been normally printed by the paper ejection destination switching unit 330 according to the instruction from the main control unit 3-3 via the printer control unit 152 is the paper ejection unit by the transport path 33. The paper is discharged to the normal paper discharge tray of 300, and the paper detected as abnormal is discharged to the abnormal paper discharge tray which is the second paper discharge section through the second transport path 332, and the sample output paper is first conveyed. Paper can be discharged to the sample output tray, which is the first output unit, through the road 331.

Further, when the device configuration does not have a plurality of output trays, the abnormal paper and the sample output paper are output to the same place, which makes sorting difficult.
Therefore, a mark or text indicating that the sample is output may be printed as additional information on the sample output paper.
For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the "SAMPLE" mark may be printed as additional information 1000 on the paper P, and the print date and time, the text specified in advance, and the copy number may be printed as additional information 1001. You may.
Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the printing position of the additional information may be such that it is possible to specify where to print in the divided area of the printing paper.
The additional information to be printed is set by the sample output setting unit 3-2, and is combined with the input image by the additional image forming unit 3-5.
By printing additional information on the sample output paper, it is possible to facilitate sorting even when the sample output is discharged in the same place as the normal paper or the abnormal paper.
The type of additional information is not particularly limited as in this embodiment, and desired information can be added.

13 to 21 show a sample output setting screen and additional information setting screen. These screens are displayed on the operation display unit 140, the external display unit 51, and the like.
First, FIG. 12 shows a sample output setting screen 1400 for setting whether or not to execute sample output.
In the sample output setting screen 1400 of FIG. 13, "Please set the sample output" is displayed in the message field 1401 at the top of the screen, and the "Yes" button 1404 is displayed below the message field 1401. A "do not" button 1405 is provided so that it can be pressed, and a "cancel" button 1402 and an "OK" button 1403 are provided so that they can be pressed at the bottom of the screen.
When the sample is output, the "Yes" button 1404 is pressed, and when the sample is not output, the "No" button 1405 is pressed. After that, by pressing the "OK" button 1403, the setting can be confirmed and saved. If the sample output is not set, the setting is canceled by pressing the "Cancel" button 1402.

Next, FIG. 14 shows a setting screen for setting the sample output cycle.
In the sample output cycle setting screen 1410 of FIG. 14, "Please set the sample output cycle" is displayed in the message field 1411 at the upper part of the screen, and the output cycle setting field is displayed below the message field 1411. A 1414 is provided, and a numeric keypad group 1415 is provided on the right side thereof, and a "cancel" button 1412 and an "OK" button 1413 are provided at the lower part of the screen so that they can be pressed.
When setting the sample output cycle, the numeric keypad group 1415 is pressed to set the output cycle displayed in the output cycle setting field 1414. By pressing the "OK" button 1413, the output cycle setting can be confirmed and saved. To cancel the output cycle setting, press the "Cancel" button 1412 to cancel the setting.

Next, the setting of the type of additional information will be described.
Table 1 shows the types of additional information that can be added to the sample output paper. When adding additional information to the sample output, it is possible to combine multiple types from the following.

On the additional information setting screen 1420 of FIG. 15, the date and time can be set as the information to be added to the sample output paper.
On the additional information setting screen 1420, "Please set the date and time" is displayed in the message field 1421 at the top of the screen, and below the message field 1421, the date / time setting field 1424 and the character setting field are displayed. A 1425, a print position setting field 1426, and a function off button 1427 are provided. Further, a "cancel" button 1422 and an "OK" button 1423 are provided below the print position setting field 1426 so that they can be pressed.

In the date / time setting field 1424, it is possible to set whether to add the date and time, and to change the display form of the date and time.
In the character setting field 1425, the character printing form can be changed. The change of the printing form will be described later.
In the print position setting field 1426, the print position of the additional information can be set. The setting of the print position will be described later.
The function off button 1427 is a button for turning off the printing of the date and time.
When setting the date / time to be printed as additional information, various settings are made by operating the date / time setting field 1424, the character setting field 1425, the print position setting field 1426, and the function off button 1427. After the setting, the setting content is saved by pressing the "OK" button 1423.
To cancel the setting, press the "Cancel" button 1422 to cancel the setting.

Next, the setting of the part number as additional information will be described.
The numbering setting screen 1430 of FIG. 16 is a screen for setting when adding a copy number to the sample output paper. On the numbering setting screen 1430, "Set the numbering is set in the message field 1431 at the upper part of the screen. Please. ”Is displayed, and below the message field 1431, a numbering setting field 1434, a character setting field 1435, a print position setting field 1436, and a function off button 1437 are provided. Further, a "cancel" button 1432 and an "OK" button 1433 are provided below the print position setting field 1436.
In the numbering setting field 1434, the numbering added to the sample output can be set.
In the character setting field 1435, the character printing form can be changed. The change of the printing form will be described later.

In the print position setting field 1436, the print position of the additional information can be set. The setting of the print position will be described later.
The function off button 1437 is a button for turning off the printing of the part number.
When setting the part number as additional information, various settings can be made by operating the numbering setting field 1434, the character setting field 1435, and the print position setting field 1436. After setting, the setting contents are saved by pressing the "OK" button 1433.
To cancel the setting, press the "Cancel" button 1432 to cancel the setting.

FIG. 17 shows a numbering type selection screen. This screen is displayed by pressing the numbering change button in the numbering setting field 1434 on the numbering setting screen 1430 of FIG.
On the numbering type selection screen 1440, "Please select a numbering type" is displayed in the message field 1441 at the top of the screen, and a numbering selection field 1444 is provided below the message field 1441. Further, a "cancel" button 1442 and an "OK" button 1443 are provided below the numbering selection field 1444.
In the numbering selection field 1444, the numbering types are "0001, 0002, 0003", "0001/1000, 0002/1000", "1, 2, 3", and "1/1000, 2/1000, 3/1000". It is possible to select from. After selecting the numbering type, the setting contents of the numbering type are saved by pressing the "OK" button 1443.
To cancel the setting, press the "Cancel" button 1442 to cancel the setting.

Next, the page number setting screen will be described.
On the page number setting screen 1450 of FIG. 18, it is possible to set the page number to be added as additional information to the sample output paper.
On the page number setting screen 1450, "Please set the page" is displayed in the message field 1451 at the top of the screen, and below the message field 1451, the page number setting field 1454, the character setting field 1455, A print position setting field 1456 and a function off button 1457 are provided. Further, a "cancel" button 1452 and an "OK" button 1453 are provided below the print position setting field 1456.

In the page number setting field 1454, the page number added to the sample output paper can be set.
In the character setting field 1455, the character printing form can be changed. The change of the printing form will be described later.
In the print position setting field 1456, the print position of the additional information can be set. The setting of the print position will be described later.
The function off button 1457 is a button for turning off the printing of the part number.
When setting the page number as additional information, operate the page number setting field 1454, the character setting field 1455, and the print position setting field 1456 to make various settings, and then press the "OK" button 1453. By doing so, the setting contents can be saved.
To cancel the setting, press the "Cancel" button 1452 to cancel the setting.

Next, the setting of the print form of the additional information will be described.
Table 2 shows examples of printing modes that can be selected in this embodiment. The printing form is not limited to the following items, and other items such as italic and bold settings may be selectable.

The print form can be set on the character setting screen 1460 shown in FIG. The character setting screen 1460 is a character change button in the character setting field 1425 of the additional information setting screen 1420 of FIG. 15, the character setting field 1435 of the numbering setting screen 1430 of FIG. 16, and the character setting field 1455 of the page number setting screen 1450 of FIG. Is displayed when is pressed.
On the character setting screen 1460, "Please set the character size and type" is displayed in the message field 1461 at the top of the screen, and below the message field 1461, the character size setting field 1464 and the character type setting field are displayed. 1465 is provided. Further, a "cancel" button 1462 and an "OK" button 1463 are provided below the character type setting field 1465.
In the character size setting field 1464, the character size can be selected from 8 points, 10 points, 12 points, and 14 points, and in the character type setting field 1465, the character types are set to Gothic type and Mincho type. It is possible to select from. In FIG. 18, the character size is selected to be 14 points, and the character type is selected to be in Gothic font.
The character size may be input by using a numeric keypad or the like.

Next, a method of setting the print position of the additional information will be described.
When setting the print position of the additional information, it is possible to fine-tune the print position after specifying which area of the 9-divided area of the paper is to be printed.
The print position setting items are shown in Table 3 below. The printing position setting method of the present invention is not limited to the following items, and may be set by other items.

The print position is set by operating the print position setting fields 1426, 1436, and 1456 on the additional information setting screen 1420 of FIG. 15, the numbering setting screen 1430 of FIG. 16, and the page number setting screen 1450 of FIG. ..
In each print position setting field, the print position of additional information can be selected from nine locations: upper left, upper center, upper right, middle left, center, middle right, lower left, lower center, and lower right.
FIG. 19 shows each area when the paper is divided into nine parts. In the present invention, the method of dividing the paper is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be possible to select from a region divided into four.

Further, each print position setting field is provided with a fine adjustment button for the print position, and by pressing the fine adjustment button, the screen changes to the fine adjustment screen shown in FIG. 21, and the fine adjustment of the print position can be performed. ..
In the fine adjustment screen 1470 of FIG. 21, "Please fine-tune the position" is displayed in the message field 1471 at the upper part of the screen, and the operation key group 1474 is provided below the message field 1471. .. Further, a "cancel" button 1472 and an "OK" button 1473 are provided below the operation key group 1474.
When fine-tuning the position, by operating the "up" button, "right" button, "left" button, "down" button included in the operation key group 1474, and the numeric keypad group, The print position can be moved by a desired distance in any direction.

Next, the procedure of the operation in the sample output will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the procedure is started, the sample output setting unit 3-2 sets whether or not to execute the sample output (step s1). Since the sample output is not a function that is set for each job, if it is set here, it will be valid for all jobs.
After step s1, a cycle (every number of sheets) for sample output is set (step s2). The set cycle is not limited to the number of sheets of paper, and may be, for example, the elapsed time after the start of printing or the amount of resources consumed.
Then, the type of additional information to be combined with the sample output image, the print form (font) of the additional information, and the print position of the additional information are set (step s3).
Then, in steps s1 to s3 described above, it is determined whether or not the sample output is set to OFF or the sample output cycle is changed (step s4).
When the sample output is set to OFF, or when the sample output cycle is changed (step s4, Yes), the counter of the sample output cycle is cleared (step s5), and the procedure ends. On the other hand, when the sample output is set to ON and the sample output cycle is not changed (steps 4, No), the procedure ends as it is.

Next, the procedure from image input to paper ejection will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 23. The following procedure is executed under the control of the control unit.
When the print job is started, the output destination is set to the normal output tray at the start of image input (step s10). After that, an image is input from the image input unit 3-1 (step s11). The main control unit 3-3 compresses the image input by the image input unit 3-1 using a compression IC, stores the compressed image in the compression memory, and decompresses the compressed image stored in the compression memory. It is decompressed by the IC and stored in the first page memory. The image is received from the print controller. After finishing step s11, the process proceeds to step s12.
In step s12, paper feeding processing is performed (step s12). When step s12 is completed, the process proceeds to step s13.
In step s13, the sample output is determined and the output tray switching process at the time of sample output is performed (step s13). The operation of step s13 is executed according to the procedure of FIG. 24, which will be described later. When step s13 is completed, the process proceeds to step s14.
In step s14, output to paper is performed (step s14), and the process proceeds to step s15.

In step s15, the paper is ejected, and the paper is ejected from the apparatus main body 10 (step s15). The control unit counts the output of paper. When step s15 is completed, the process proceeds to step s16.
In step s16, the cycle counter is updated (step s16). The cycle counter update process is performed according to the flow of FIG. 25, which will be described later. When step s16 is completed, the process proceeds to step s17.
In step s17, it is determined whether to eject the sample (step s17). When discharging the sample (steps s17, Yes), the process proceeds to step s22 to determine whether all pages have been completed. When the sample is not ejected (step s17, No), it is determined whether or not there is an image inspection (step s18).

When there is an image inspection (step s18, Yes), an image inspection is performed (step s20). If there is no image inspection (step s18, No), the process proceeds to step s22.
After the image inspection, it is determined whether the image is defective (step s20). If the image is not defective, the process proceeds to step s22.
If the image is defective (step s20, Yes), the paper ejection destination is changed to the abnormal paper ejection tray (step s21), and the process proceeds to step s22.
In step s22, it is determined whether all pages have been output (step s22), and if all pages have been completed, the procedure ends. If all page output is not completed (step s22, No), the process returns to step s11 and the procedure is repeated.

Next, the procedure for determining sample discharge will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 24.
First, it is determined whether the sample ejection setting is ON (step s30). When the sample ejection setting is ON, it is determined whether or not there is manual sample output (step s31). If the sample output setting is not ON, the sample is not output (step s38), and the procedure ends.
If there is a manual sample output (step s31, Yes), the process proceeds to step s34 to determine whether to output the sample. When there is no manual sample output (step s31, No), it is determined whether the sample output timing is used (step s32).
If it is not the sample output timing (step s32, No), it is assumed that the sample is not output (step s38), and the procedure ends.
In the case of sample output timing (step s32, Yes), it is determined whether or not there is an image inspection (step s33). If there is an image inspection (step s33, Yes), it is assumed that the sample is not output (step s38), and the procedure ends.
If there is no image inspection (step s33, No), sample output is assumed (step s34).

After step s34, it is determined whether or not there is a sample output output tray (step s35). If there is a sample output output tray (step s35, Yes), the output destination is changed to the sample output output tray (step s37), and the procedure ends. If there is no sample output output tray (step s35, No), additional information to be printed on the sample output is combined (step s36), and then the procedure ends.

Next, the procedure for updating the sample output cycle counter will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The following procedure is executed under the control of the control unit.
It is determined whether the paper is sample output paper (step s40). In the case of sample output paper ejection (step s40, Yes), the counter of the sample output cycle is cleared (step s41), and the procedure ends. If the sample output is not discharged (step s40, No), the sample output cycle is counted up (step s42), and the procedure ends.

According to the present embodiment, even when the execution of the inspection by the image inspection means is switched according to the type of the job, it is appropriate when the job without the image inspection is executed without changing the validity / invalidity of the sample output setting each time. It is possible to output samples at various timings.
As a result, when executing a job for image inspection, it is not necessary to change the setting of whether or not the sample output can be executed. Therefore, useless sample output is executed due to a setting error, and necessary sample output is executed. It is possible to execute the sample output at an appropriate timing even if the job for which the image inspection is executed and the job for which the image inspection is not executed are alternately switched and executed.

Although the present invention has been described above based on the above-described embodiment, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and appropriate modifications to the present embodiment shall be made as long as the scope of the present invention is not deviated. Is possible.

1 Image forming device 3 LAN
5 External device 10 Device main body 11 Image forming section 12 Main body feeding section 13 Transport path 20 Reading device 30 Paper ejection device 31 First paper ejection section 32 Second paper ejection section 33 Transport path 40 Feeding device 50 External device control unit 51 External display unit 100 Control unit 130 Scanner unit 140 Operation display unit 150 Printer unit 240 Image reading unit 1000 Additional information 1001 Additional information 1400 Sample output setting screen 1410 Sample output cycle setting screen 1420 Additional information setting screen 1430 Numbering setting screen 1440 Numbering type selection Screen 1450 Page number setting screen 1460 Character setting screen 1470 Fine adjustment screen

Claims (24)

An image forming unit that forms an image on an image forming medium based on image data,
A reading unit that reads an image formed on the image forming medium by the image forming unit, and a reading unit.
An image inspection that compares the scanned image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium with the reading unit and the correct image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium with the reading unit. A normal paper ejection section that ejects an image forming medium for an image in which an abnormality is not detected, and an abnormal paper ejection section that ejects an image forming medium for an image in which an abnormality is detected.
An image forming apparatus having. It has two or more reading units
A first transport path for transporting the image forming medium from the image forming portion to the normal paper ejection portion, and
A second transport path for transporting the image forming medium from the image forming portion to the abnormal paper ejection portion, and
A first reading unit on the first transport path or on the second transport path, which is the reading unit,
A second reading unit outside the first transport path and the second transport path, which is the reading unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. An image forming unit that forms an image on an image forming medium based on image data,
A reading unit that reads an image formed on the image forming medium by the image forming unit, and a reading unit.
An image inspection that compares the scanned image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium with the reading unit and the correct image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium with the reading unit. A normal paper ejection section that ejects an image forming medium for an image in which an abnormality is not detected, and an abnormal paper ejection section that ejects an image forming medium for an image in which an abnormality is detected.
An image forming system having. It has two or more reading units
A first transport path for transporting the image forming medium from the image forming portion to the normal paper ejection portion, and
A second transport path for transporting the image forming medium from the image forming portion to the abnormal paper ejection portion, and
A first reading unit on the first transport path or on the second transport path, which is the reading unit,
A second reading unit outside the first transport path and the second transport path, which is the reading unit,
The image forming system according to claim 3. The image forming system according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising an inspection unit that compares the correct image data with the read image data. The image forming system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the normal paper ejection unit has a stage on which a plurality of image forming media are loaded, and the stage is moved up and down. The image forming system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the normal paper ejection unit has a door and has a take-out button for instructing opening and closing of the door. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein control is performed to prohibit opening of the door by pressing the take-out button during image forming. The image forming system according to any one of claims 3 to 8, further comprising a sensor for detecting the opening / closing of a door provided in the normal paper ejection unit. The image forming system according to any one of claims 3 to 9, which has three ejection destinations for ejecting an image forming medium. It is a method of ejecting an image forming medium on which an image is formed.
An abnormality is detected by an image inspection that compares the scanned image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium to be inspected with the correct image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium. A method for ejecting an image-forming medium, which comprises distinguishing between an image-forming medium for an image that has not been found and an image-forming medium for an image in which an abnormality has been detected. The method for discharging an image forming medium according to claim 11, further comprising an image inspection step of comparing the correct image data with the read image data to detect the presence or absence of an abnormality. The method for ejecting an image forming medium according to claim 11 or 12, wherein an image forming medium for an image in which an abnormality is not detected is provided in a normal paper ejection unit and loaded on a stage capable of raising and lowering. The image forming medium according to any one of claims 11 to 13, which opens and closes a door provided in a normal paper ejection section for ejecting an image forming medium of an image in which an abnormality is not detected in response to an instruction of an eject button. How to eject paper. The method for discharging an image-forming medium according to claim 14, wherein the door is prohibited from being opened by pressing the eject button during image formation. The method for discharging an image-forming medium according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the opening / closing of the door is detected by a sensor. According to any one of claims 11 to 16, the image forming medium of the image in which the abnormality is not detected and the image forming medium of the image in which the abnormality is detected are distinguished and the paper is discharged to any of the three paper ejection destinations. The method for ejecting the image-forming medium according to the description. A program executed by a control unit that controls the ejection of an image-forming medium on which an image is formed.
By image inspection, the control unit compares the scanned image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium to be inspected with the correct image data obtained by reading the image formed on the image forming medium. , A program characterized in that an image forming medium for an image in which an abnormality is not detected and an image forming medium for an image in which an abnormality is detected are distinguished and discharged. The program according to claim 18, further comprising a step of causing the control unit to detect the presence or absence of an abnormality by comparing the correct image data with the read image data. The program according to claim 18 or 19, wherein an image forming medium of an image in which an abnormality is not detected is provided in the control unit in a normal paper ejection unit and loaded on a stage capable of elevating and lowering. 10. Described program. The program according to claim 21, wherein the control unit prohibits the opening of the door by pressing the take-out button during image formation. The program according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the control unit receives a detection result of detecting the opening / closing of the door by a sensor. 23. The program described in any one of the items.

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