JP2022064599A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve usability by instructing and displaying a user processing procedure for a product on a waste tray.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus has: an image forming unit (307); an image reading unit (152) that reads an image on a sheet received from the image forming unit (307) and generates read data according to the read image; an inspection unit (308) that compares the read data generated by the image reading unit and reference image data to be a reference to perform inspection processing; a first paper ejection unit (162) to which a sheet determined not to be abnormal in the inspection processing is ejected; a second paper ejection unit (161) to which a sheet determined to be abnormal in the inspection processing is ejected; and a display (150) that displays checking information (1210) for prompting to check the sheet determined to be abnormal and ejected to the second paper ejection unit (162), and when a user uses the sheet as a product, displays instruction information for instructing the user to place the sheet on the first paper ejection unit (162).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a function of inspecting a paper on which an image is formed.

In recent years, an image forming apparatus having an inspection function for executing an inspection process on a paper on which an image has been formed by an image forming unit has been known. The inspection function is a function for inspecting whether or not there is an abnormality in the printed matter by comparing the reference image data registered in advance for inspection with the read image data obtained by imaging the printed matter. After confirming that there is no abnormality in the printed matter, the printed matter is discharged to the output tray. On the other hand, the printed matter determined to be abnormal by the inspection is accumulated in the waste tray, and the image formation is repeated again.

By the way, even if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the image comparison by the inspection function, there is a possibility that the printed matter can be judged that there is no problem from the user's point of view. In the case of a configuration that follows only the abnormality determination of the inspection function, the image formation is repeated again without confirmation by the user, so that there is a problem that the discarded printed matter is wasted and the productivity is lowered due to the reprinting.

Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration that reduces the occurrence of waste of printed matter by displaying an image determined to be abnormal by the inspection function on a terminal and allowing the user to select whether to discard the printed matter and reprint it. are doing.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-22769

In Patent Document 1, the user is made to select whether or not the printed matter on the waste tray is abnormal, but if it is selected that there is no abnormality, the user is not sufficiently notified of what kind of work should be performed. ..

The present invention provides a means for further improving usability with respect to Patent Document 1.

In order to solve the above problems, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has an image forming unit that forms an image on paper, a reading unit that reads an image on paper received from the image forming unit, and an image by the reading unit. The inspection unit that inspects by comparing the data obtained by reading the above with the image data for reference, the first paper ejection unit that ejects the paper determined to be normal by the inspection unit, and the inspection. A second paper ejection section for ejecting the paper determined to be abnormal by the unit and confirmation information prompting the confirmation of the ejected paper to the second paper ejection unit are displayed on the screen, and the paper is displayed. When used as a deliverable, it is characterized by having a display unit for displaying instruction information indicating that the paper should be placed on the first paper ejection unit on the screen.

According to the present invention, usability is improved when an image defect is determined by the inspection process.

Schematic block diagram of the image forming apparatus Control block diagram. Explanatory diagram of inspection process Explanatory drawing of the operation unit Explanatory diagram of recovery operation at the time of inspection NG Flow chart showing control of image forming apparatus

<Rough configuration of image forming device>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus includes a printer unit that performs image forming processing, and a UI (User Interface) 150 that is an operation unit that accepts user operations.

The printer unit includes an image forming unit 120, a laser scanner unit 103, an intermediate transfer unit 140, a secondary transfer unit 118, a fixing device 170, and various rollers for conveying paper on which an image is formed.

The image forming unit 120 has photosensitive drums 101y, 101m, 101c, 101k and charging rollers 102y, 102m, 102c, 102k as image carriers. The image forming unit 120 also has developers 104y, 104m, 104c, 104k, and drum cleaners 107y, 107m, 107c, 107k.

The subscripts y, m, c, and k of each code represent parts corresponding to each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. For example, the image forming unit 120 (y, m, c, k) represents the yellow image forming unit 120y, the magenta image forming unit 120m, the cyan image forming unit 120c, and the black image forming unit 120k. .. Hereinafter, if it is not particularly necessary, the image forming unit 120 (y, m, c, k) may be simply referred to as an image forming unit 120. The same applies to other components such as the photosensitive drum 101 (y, m, c, k).

The charging roller 102 (y, m, c, k) charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 (y, m, c, k). The developer 104 (y, m, c, k) develops an electrostatic latent image by adhering toner to the corresponding photosensitive drums 101 (y, m, c, k). A yellow toner image is formed and supported on the photosensitive drum 101y, and a magenta toner image is formed and supported on the photosensitive drum 101m. A cyan toner image is formed and supported on the photosensitive drum 101c, and a black toner image is formed and supported on the photosensitive drum 101k. The drum cleaner 107 removes the toner remaining on the corresponding photosensitive drum 101 after transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 130.

The laser scanner unit 103 (y, m, c, k) emits light in response to a video signal obtained by digitally converting an image signal generated by the scanner unit. The laser scanner unit 103 (y, m, c, k) includes a laser scanner 103y, a laser scanner 103m, a laser scanner 103c, and a laser scanner 103k. The laser scanner 103y to the laser scanner 103k irradiate the corresponding photosensitive drums 101y to the photosensitive drums 101k with laser light corresponding to the video signals of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively.

The intermediate transfer unit 140 includes an intermediate transfer belt 130 as a belt member and a primary transfer roller 105 (y, m, c, k). The primary transfer roller 105 (y, m, c, k) is provided so as to sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 130 with the corresponding photosensitive drum 101 (y, m, c, k). The primary transfer roller 105 (y, m, c, k) transfers the toner image of the corresponding color formed on the corresponding photosensitive drum 101 (y, m, c, k) to the intermediate transfer belt 130. The toner images of each color are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 130 so as to overlap each other, and a full-color toner image is formed.

The secondary transfer unit 118 transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 130 to the paper. The paper is conveyed from the paper cassette 111 to the secondary transfer unit 118 by the paper feed pickup rollers 113, 114 and the resist roller 116.

The fuser 170 fixes the toner image on the paper by heating and pressurizing the paper on which the toner image is transferred by the secondary transfer unit 118. This completes the image formation on the paper. The paper on which the image is formed passes through the line sensor 152, which is an example of the image reading unit laid on the transport path 151, located downstream of the fuser 170, and is discharged to the finisher 160 via the paper ejection roller 139. Will be done.

The finisher 160 has a flapper 163, a waste transport path 165 for transporting to the waste tray 161 and a paper discharge transport path 164 for transporting to the paper output tray 162. The paper on the waste tray 161 is detected by the waste tray paper presence / absence sensor 169.

The UI 150 has a touch panel operated by the user.

[Rough configuration of image forming apparatus]
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the present device. The CPU 301 controls the entire apparatus by executing the program stored in the ROM 302. The RAM 303 stores control variables and image data when the CPU 301 controls. The external I / F 304 is an interface for connecting the present device and an external host computer 311. The present apparatus performs an image forming operation by receiving image data and an image forming start signal from the host computer 311. The paper transport unit 306 includes a plurality of motors and sensors such as the waste tray paper presence / absence sensor 169 of FIG. 1, and transports the recording medium. The CPU 301 can read the result of the waste tray paper presence / absence sensor 169 via the paper transport unit 306. The image forming unit 307 includes an image forming unit 120, a laser scanner unit 103, an intermediate transfer unit 140, a secondary transfer unit 118, and a fuser 170, and displays an image on a recording medium based on digital image data stored in the RAM 303. Form. The inspection unit 308 includes the line sensor 152, reads an image formed on the recording medium, converts it into digital image data, and stores it in the RAM 303. The operation unit 309 is a user interface for the user to operate the device and display the state of the device to the user, and corresponds to the UI 150 in FIG.

Each component of 301 to 309 is connected via a data bus 310.

[Image forming operation of image forming apparatus]
Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Upon receiving the instruction to start the print operation, the CPU 301 controls the image forming unit 120 via the image forming unit 307 to prepare for starting the image forming operation. When the preparation of the image forming unit 120 (y, m, c, k) is completed, the CPU 301 controls the image forming unit 120 (y, m, c, k) via the image forming unit 307. As a result, the CPU 301 starts the image forming operation of the image data stored in the RAM 303. In the image forming unit 120 (y, m, c, k), after the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is charged, a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 101 by the laser light emitted from the laser scanner unit 103.

The formed latent image is developed on the photosensitive drum 101 by the toner in the developer. After that, a primary transfer voltage is applied to the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 101 by the monochrome primary transfer roller 105k and the color primary transfer roller 105 (y, m, c), and the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 130. The toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 130 reaches the secondary transfer unit 118 by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 130.

The CPU 301 drives a transfer motor (not shown) through the paper transfer unit 306 so as to be in time for the toner image to arrive at the secondary transfer unit 118. The transfer motor is a drive source for the paper feed pickup roller 113, the paper feed roller 114, the resist roller 116, and the paper discharge roller 139. In response to this, the paper feed pickup roller 113 is rotationally driven, and the paper is fed and conveyed one by one from the paper feed cassette 111. By applying the secondary transfer voltage to the paper and the toner image that have reached the secondary transfer unit 118 as described above, the toner image is transferred to the paper.

The paper on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fuser 170. As described above, in the fuser 170, the toner image on the paper is heated and fixed on the paper. After that, the CPU 301 takes an image of the paper to be conveyed by the line sensor 152 via the transfer roller controlled by the paper transfer unit 306, performs an inspection operation, and then ejects the paper to the finisher 160.

The line sensor 152 is laid in the transport path 151, and reads an image on the paper when the paper passes through the transport path 151. The line sensor 152 can acquire image data on paper being conveyed at a preset resolution in units of line width. The CPU 301 supports the resolution setting in the line sensor 152 in advance, acquires all the data from the time when the paper reaches the line sensor 152 to the time when the paper comes out, and stores the data in the RAM 303 to acquire the image data of the entire paper. The paper discharged to the finisher 160 is inspected and controlled to determine whether or not the paper is recognized as a deliverable. The paper recognized as a deliverable by the inspection control is changed to the paper ejection transport path 164 by the flapper 163, and is discharged to the paper ejection tray 162 which is an example of the first paper ejection unit. The paper determined to be abnormal by the inspection control and the subsequent paper are changed to the waste transport path 165 by the flapper 163, and are discharged to the waste tray 161 which is an example of the second paper ejection unit. When all the paper in the main body is discharged to the output tray 162 or the disposal tray 161, the UI 150 is displayed to the effect that an abnormality has occurred and the printing operation is stopped. The operation from the stop of the print operation to the restart will be described later.

The above basic image forming operation is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above configuration.

[Explanation of inspection process]
Next, a specific method of inspection processing in the inspection unit 308 will be described with reference to FIG. The content of the inspection process is not limited to the following methods.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing images to be compared by the inspection unit. The inspection image data I is image data of the entire area of the paper read by the CPU 301 at the resolution set in the line sensor 152, and the inspection image data I enlarged view is an enlargement of a part of the inspection image data I and is a matrix in an area of one pixel unit. It is the one displayed. The density value N (x, y) indicates, for example, the density value for the region of the inspection image data I in units of one pixel, and the coordinates of x = 1 and y = 1 shown in the enlarged view of the inspection image data I. If the concentration value of is 127, the concentration value N (1,1) = 127.

The reference image data I', which is an example of the reference data, is obtained by converting the digital image data input via the external I / F 304 with the same resolution as the resolution set by the CPU 301 in the line sensor 152. The enlarged view of the reference image data I'is an enlarged view of a part of the reference image data I'and is displayed in a matrix in an area of one pixel unit. The density value N'(x, y) indicates the density value for the region of the reference image data I'in units of one pixel. For example, x = 1, y = shown in the enlarged view of the reference image data I'. Assuming that the density value of the coordinate of 1 is 255, the density value N (1,1) = 255.

The density comparison is performed by calculating the density comparison value D (x, y) of the specific pixel coordinates (x, y). D (x, y) is calculated by the following formula.

D (x, y) = N (x, y) -N'(x, y)
Then, using the calculated density comparison value D (x, y), the pixel determination result Z (x, y) at the pixel coordinates (x, y) is calculated. Here, Z (x, y) means the value of the pixel determination result in the pixel coordinates (x, y), and the possible value is either 0 or 1. The absolute value of the concentration comparison value D (x, y) is compared with a preset acceptable concentration difference | concentration comparison value D (x, y) | ≦ (allowable concentration difference) Z (x). , Y) = 1 (pixel determination OK). On the other hand, when | density comparison value D (x, y) |> (allowable density difference), it is calculated by setting Z (x, y) = 0 (pixel determination NG). When the allowable density difference in this embodiment is set to 40, the density data value of the coordinates (x, y) of the inspection image data is 255, and the density data value of the coordinates (x, y) of the reference image data is 127. do. Then, since the | density comparison value D (x, y) | = | 127-255 | = 128> 40, the pixel determination result Z (x, y) of the coordinates (x, y) becomes 0.

After calculating the number of NG pixels with respect to the number of pixels for the entire area of the paper, the number of NG pixels D-ALL is calculated by the following formula.

x_max indicates the maximum value of the coordinates x of the inspection image data, and y_max indicates the maximum value of the coordinates y of the inspection image data. For example, when the image data printed on the A4 paper size (297 mm × 210 mm) is inspected at a resolution of 300 dots / inch, the number of pixels on the paper size is about 8.7 million pixels (3508 × 2480). Therefore, x_max is 3508 and y_max is 2480. The inspection determination of the inspection image data is finally performed by comparing the calculated NG pixel number D-ALL with a predetermined inspection NG determination threshold value. For example, when the inspection NG threshold value is 100,000 pixels, when comparing the image data of the paper size of A4, it becomes 3508 × 2480-100000 = 8599840. Therefore, when the total value of the pixel determination result Z is 7699840 or more, it is determined that the image is OK, that is, there is no abnormality, and when the total value is less than 8599840, it is determined to be NG.

[Explanation of inspection judgment NG screen displayed on the operation unit]
FIG. 4A is a front view of the UI 150 in this embodiment. A display unit 1120 having a touch panel formed on the upper part of the UI 150 is arranged, and soft keys can be created on the screen.

FIG. 4B is a pop-up screen for designating the print restart mode, and is an example of confirmation information displayed on the display unit 1120 when the inspection process determines that the print is NG. In this embodiment, even if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the image determination by the inspection process, there is a possibility that the printed matter can be judged to have no problem from the user's point of view. Therefore, the user is urged to confirm the printed matter judged to be NG. ing.

The inspection abnormality-free instruction information 1210 and the inspection abnormality-free instruction image 1213 are instruction information for placing the printed matter on the disposal tray 161 on the paper ejection tray 162. When the user checks the printed matter on the discard tray 161 and determines that it is not abnormal, the user moves the printed matter on the discard tray 161 to the output tray 162 according to the inspection abnormality no instruction information 1210 and the inspection abnormality no instruction image 1213. Let me. The continuation button 1215 is an instruction button for instructing the continuation of printing. The continuation button 1215 is pressed when the user visually confirms the paper determined to be abnormal (or the subsequent paper) and determines that the paper can be used as a deliverable. When the continuation button 1215 is pressed, image formation is restarted from the next page printed last. The details of the operation will be described later.

On the other hand, the inspection abnormality presence instruction information 1230 and the inspection abnormality presence instruction image 1233 are instruction information for removing the printed matter on the disposal tray 161 from the disposal tray 161. When the user confirms the printed matter on the disposal tray 161 and determines that the printed matter is abnormal, the user removes the printed matter on the disposal tray 161 according to the inspection abnormality instruction information 1230 and the inspection abnormality instruction image 1233. The reprint button 1235 is an instruction button for instructing reprinting of the printed matter on the waste tray 161. When the reprint button 1235 is pressed, reprinting is performed from the image for which the inspection abnormality is determined. The details of the operation will be described later.

FIG. 4C shows the waste tray on the waste tray, which is displayed on the display unit 1120 when the waste tray paper presence / absence sensor 169 detects the presence / absence of paper when the continuation button 1215 or the reprint button 1235 is pressed. This is a pop-up screen that gives instructions to remove the printed matter.

The printed matter removal instruction information 1310 on the disposal tray is instruction information for moving the printed matter on the disposal tray 161. As described with reference to FIG. 4B, the user is instructed to move the printed matter on the waste tray 161 regardless of whether printing is continued or reprinted. If the printed matter remains on the waste tray 161 at the timing when the continuation button 1215 or the reprint button 1235 is pressed, a warning is displayed because the printed matter has not been moved as instructed. When the warning screen OK button 1315 is pressed, the pop-up screen is closed. When the screen is closed, the screen of FIG. 4B is displayed again.

In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the user procedure is displayed by the text and the drawing described in FIG. 4B, but the user procedure may be instructed only by the text or the drawing.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating operations of printing stop and printing operation restart by inspection NG in this embodiment. Both FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) show an example in which the print job of 10 pages is started and the printed matter of the image formation page ID = 3, which is the third page from the beginning, becomes the inspection judgment NG. ing.

Hereinafter, the image page ID is an image assigned to the images of all the pages of the job in page order. The CPU 301 forms an image corresponding to the "image image page ID to be printed next time" held in the RAM 303 by the image forming unit 120.

FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram of restarting the printing operation when the user confirms and determines that there is no abnormality after the inspection determination is NG.

First, the operation from the start of the print job from the elapsed time t0 to the detection of the inspection determination NG at the elapsed time t1 will be described.

The “image-forming page ID during image formation” in FIG. 5A indicates the image-forming page ID of the image formed by the image-forming unit 120. In the example of FIG. 5A, the job is started at the elapsed time t0, and the image formation corresponding to the image formation page IDs = 1 to 8 is performed. Then, the inspection determination NG is detected at the elapsed time t1 during the image formation of the image forming page ID = 8, and the image forming of the subsequent pages is stopped.

The “image page ID during inspection” is the image page ID of the printed matter for which the inspection determination is being executed by the inspection unit 308. After the image is transferred onto the paper by the secondary transfer unit 118 of FIG. 1, the inspection process is performed after the time interval ta elapses until the image is transferred to the line sensor 152 via the fuser 170. In the example of FIG. 5A, the image corresponding to the image creation page ID = 3 is determined to be inspection determination NG, and the image forming apparatus stops the subsequent inspection operation at the elapsed time t1.

The “inspection OK page ID” indicates the image page ID of the printed matter for which the final inspection determination OK was made in the job. In the example of FIG. 5B, since the inspection determination NG is detected in the image corresponding to the image image page ID = 3, the inspection OK page ID = 2 at the elapsed time t1. Both the "image image page ID to be printed next time" and the "inspection OK page ID" are held in the RAM 303.

The “printed matter image page ID on the paper output tray” represents the image image page ID of the printed matter loaded on the paper output tray 162 described with reference to FIG. 1. The printed matter is loaded on the output tray 162 after the lapse of time interval tb from the start of the inspection process until the output to the output tray 162 via the waste transport path 165.

Next, the operation from the detection of the inspection determination NG at the elapsed time t1 to the display of the pop-up screen for specifying the print restart mode described with reference to FIG. 4B at the elapsed time t2 will be described.

As described above, when the inspection determination NG is detected, the image formation and the inspection operation are stopped, and the printed matter judged to be inspected NG and the subsequent printed matter are discharged to the waste tray 161. When all the printed matter in the main body is ejected, a pop-up screen for designating the print restart mode of FIG. 4B is displayed on the UI150.

The “printed matter image page ID on the waste tray” represents the image image page ID of the printed matter loaded on the waste tray 161 described with reference to FIG. The printed matter corresponding to the image-forming page ID = 3 in which the inspection determination NG is detected and the printed matter corresponding to the subsequent image-forming page IDs = 4 to 8 are discharged onto the disposal tray 161.

Next, the user determines that there is no abnormality in the deliverable, the elapsed time t3 when the printed matter of the discard tray 161 is moved to the output tray 162, and the user presses the continuation button 1215 of FIG. 4 (b). The operation up to the elapsed time t4 will be described.

When the user confirms that the printed matter on the waste tray 161 is normal, the user moves the printed matter on the waste tray 161 onto the output tray 162 according to the instruction described with reference to FIG. 4 (b). As a result, the page order of the printed matter on the output tray 162 is arranged in the image order corresponding to the image forming page ID = 1 to 8. There is no printed matter on the waste tray 161. Then, when the user presses the continuation button 1215 in FIG. 4B at the elapsed time t4, the image formation is restarted from the continuous image formation page ID = 9 in which the image formation is stopped.

Here, as described with reference to FIG. 4B, at the timing of pressing the continuation button 1215 of the elapsed time t4, the user is instructed not to have the printed matter on the waste tray 161. Nevertheless, when the continuation button 1215 is pressed, the printed matter on the waste tray 161 may be detected by the waste tray paper presence / absence sensor 169. In this case, it is determined that the printed matter on the disposal tray 161 has not been correctly moved to the output tray 162, and the warning pop-up screen described with reference to FIG. 4C is displayed.

Finally, when the final printed matter is loaded on the output tray 162 at the elapsed time t5, the job is terminated. At the time of the elapsed time t5, the printed matter corresponding to the “image image page ID of the printed matter on the output tray” is loaded in the order of the pages.

In this embodiment, since the inspection determination is stopped in the middle when the inspection determination NG is detected, the inspection determination is not executed for the printed matter corresponding to the image formation page ID = 4 to 8 in FIG. 5A, but the subsequent paper. May be continuously inspected. At that time, if the subsequent paper is also determined to be NG, the UI 150 may be configured to indicate which sheet is NG.

FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram of restarting the printing operation when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the printed matter even if the user confirms it after the inspection determination is NG.

Up to the elapsed time t2, the description is the same as in FIG. 5 (a). Then, when the user determines that the printed matter on the waste tray 161 is abnormal, the elapsed time t3 when the printed matter on the waste tray 161 is removed from the waste tray 161 and the user presses the reprint button 1235 in FIG. 4B. The operation of pressing the button up to the elapsed time t4 will be described.

When the user confirms that the printed matter on the waste tray 161 is abnormal, the user removes the printed matter on the waste tray 161 according to the instruction described with reference to FIG. 4 (b). Then, when the user presses the reprint button 1235 in FIG. 4B at the elapsed time t4, the image page ID = 3, which is the next image page ID of the inspection OK page ID = 2 finally determined to be inspected OK, is displayed. Resume image formation.

Finally, when the final printed matter is loaded on the output tray 162 at the elapsed time t6, the job is terminated. Similar to FIG. 5A, the printed matter corresponding to the “image image page ID of the printed matter on the output tray” at the elapsed time t6 is loaded in the order of the pages.

In this way, by clearly instructing the user procedure by the UI screen display described with reference to FIG. 4B, the user can mistakenly place the printed matter on the waste tray 161 on the output tray 162. Alternatively, it can be removed. From the above, regardless of whether the reprint is instructed in FIG. 5 (a) or the print continuation is instructed in FIG. 5 (b), all the images corresponding to the image page IDs = 1 to 10 at the end of the job. Printed matter is loaded onto the output tray 162 in page order.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the printing operation in this embodiment. This flowchart is executed by the CPU 301 of FIG. The CPU 301 executes a print operation when a print job is input from the external I / F 304.

First, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the image forming page ID = 1 and the inspection OK page ID = 0 for forming the next image are initially set in the RAM 303 (S1810). As described above, the image creation page ID is an ID assigned to the images of all the pages of the job in page order.

Next, the flapper 163 of the finisher described with reference to FIG. 1 is driven to move the output destination of the printed matter so as to be conveyed to the output tray 162 (S1820). Then, it is determined whether or not it is the timing (print timing) for starting the image formation defined by the image forming apparatus (S1830). When it is the print timing (S1830: Y), image formation corresponding to the image forming page ID for forming the next image stored in the RAM 303 is performed (S1840), and the image forming page ID for forming the next image is added by 1. , Set to RAM 303 (S1850). On the other hand, in the case other than the print timing (S1830: N), it is determined whether the timing is to start the inspection process of the printed matter on which the image is formed (S1860). As described with reference to FIG. 5, the inspection start timing is the timing at which time ta has elapsed from the start of image formation.

In the case of the inspection start timing (S1860: Y), the inspection determination described with reference to FIG. 3 is started (S1870). If it is not the inspection start timing in step S1860 (S1860: N), it is determined whether the inspection is completed (S1875), and if the inspection determination is OK (S1880: Y), 1 is added to the inspection OK page ID. Set to RAM 303 (S1890). When the final page of the print job is inspected (S1990: Y), this flow ends. When the image to be inspected still remains (S1990: N) or when it is determined in step S1875 that the inspection has not been completed (S1875: N), the flow is repeated from step S1830.

On the other hand, when the inspection determination is NG in step S1880 (S1880: N), the printed matter of the inspection determination NG is discharged to the waste tray 161. Therefore, the flapper 163 of the finisher is driven to move the discharge destination of the printed matter so as to be conveyed to the waste tray 161 (S1910).

Next, as described with reference to FIG. 5, it waits until all the printed matter in the main body is discharged to the output tray 162 or the disposal tray 161 (S1920: N). When it is determined that all the printed matter has been ejected (S1920: Y), a pop-up screen for designating the print restart mode of FIG. 4B is displayed on the UI150 (S1930). Then, it waits for the user to press the reprint button 1235 or the continuation button 1215 in FIG. 4 (b) (S1940: N, S1960: N). When it is determined in step S1940 that the reprint button 1235 is pressed (S1940: Y), as described with reference to FIG. 5B, the image page ID for forming the next image held in the RAM 303 is inspected. Set to the ID plus 1 (S1950). As a result, reprinting is performed from the image of the image formation page ID that was determined to be NG in the inspection. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1960 that the continuation button 1215 is pressed (S1960: Y), reprinting is not performed by proceeding to the determination in step S1970 without updating the image formation page ID for forming the next image.

Next, as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 4 (c), it is determined whether or not the waste tray paper presence sensor 169 detects the paper at the timing when the continuation button 1215 or the reprint button 1235 is pressed (the waste tray paper presence / absence sensor 169). S1970). When the presence of paper is detected (S1970: Y), it is determined that the printed matter on the waste tray 161 has not been correctly moved to the output tray 162, and the warning pop-up screen described with reference to FIG. 4C is displayed. Display (S1980). If the presence of paper is not detected (S1970: N), the process returns to step S1820 to resume image formation and inspection determination.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user is made to select whether or not the printed matter on the waste tray is abnormal, and the user is notified of the work procedure according to the user's selection. As a result, usability at the time of determining an inspection abnormality can be improved.

(Other examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be performed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

301 CPU
302 ROM
303 RAM
304 External I / F
308 Inspection unit 309 Operation unit 150 UI (display unit)
151 line sensor (reading unit)
161 Paper ejection tray (first paper ejection unit)
162 Disposal tray (second paper ejection section)

Claims (4)

An image forming part that forms an image on paper,
A reading unit that reads an image on paper received from the image forming unit,
An inspection unit that inspects by comparing the data obtained by reading an image with the reading unit with the image data for reference.
The first paper ejection part, in which the paper determined to be normal by the inspection unit is ejected, and
A second paper ejection unit from which the paper determined to be abnormal by the inspection unit is ejected, and
Confirmation information prompting the confirmation of the discharged paper is displayed on the screen in the second paper ejection section, and when the paper is used as a deliverable, it is placed on the first paper ejection section of the paper. A display unit that displays instruction information indicating that it should be on the screen, and
An image forming apparatus characterized by having. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays instruction information for prompting removal of the paper when the paper determined to have an abnormality by the inspection unit is not used as a deliverable. The first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the image forming unit forms an image corresponding to the paper again when the paper determined to be abnormal by the inspection unit is not used as a deliverable. Image forming device. The image forming unit is instructed to use the paper discharged to the second paper ejection unit as a deliverable, which is determined by the inspection unit to be abnormal, and is ejected to the second paper ejection unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image forming of the succeeding paper is performed when the paper is removed.

Images