JP2023144178A - Image forming system and inspecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

To facilitate discrimination of an abnormal sheet out of a plurality of ejected sheets.SOLUTION: An image forming device 101 comprises: a printing device 107; an inspecting device 109 that inspects an image of a sheet on which an image is formed by the printing device 107; and a stack tray 341 and an escape tray 346 to which sheets are ejected. The image forming device 101 is configured so that a normal sheet is ejected to the stack tray 341 and an abnormal sheet and a subsequent sheet following the abnormal sheet are ejected to the escape tray 346. A display 241 notifies a user of prescribed information showing a position of the abnormal sheet of the plurality of sheets placed on the escape tray 346.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming system that forms an image on a sheet and an inspection device that inspects the image on the sheet.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image forming systems have been known in which an image is formed on a sheet by an image forming apparatus, and the sheet on which the image has been formed is conveyed to an inspection apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus for inspection (inspection). Patent Document 1 describes an inspection device for reading an image of a sheet on which an image has been formed by an image forming apparatus and determining whether or not the image on the sheet is normal. The inspection device is capable of detecting, for example, missing barcodes or ruled lines, missing images, printing defects, missing pages, and color shifts. Such an image forming system outputs sheets whose images are determined to have an abnormality by an inspection device (hereinafter referred to as abnormal sheets) to a different destination from sheets with normal images (hereinafter referred to as normal sheets). It is possible to discharge.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-20650

By the way, when the inspection device detects an abnormal sheet, in order to prevent the page order of the product from being shifted, not only the abnormal sheet but also the sheets that have already been fed after the abnormal sheet are ejected to the same destination as the abnormal sheet. . In the case of such a discharge method, the abnormal sheet and the sheet subsequent to the abnormal sheet coexist at the destination to which the abnormal sheet is discharged. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is difficult for the user to determine which sheet among the ejected sheets is an abnormal sheet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that can easily determine which sheet among discharged sheets is an abnormal sheet.

One aspect of the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, an inspection unit that inspects the image on the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, and a sheet whose image has been inspected by the inspection unit that is discharged. A normal sheet whose image is determined to be normal by the inspection means is discharged to the first discharge section, and an abnormality sheet whose image is determined to be abnormal by the inspection means is discharged to the first discharge section. a control means for controlling a sheet discharge destination such that the sheet and a subsequent sheet following the abnormal sheet are discharged to the second discharge section; An image forming system characterized by comprising: a notification unit that notifies a user of predetermined information indicating a position.

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily determine which sheet among the ejected sheets is an abnormal sheet.

1 is an overall diagram of the hardware configuration of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. This is an example of a display screen before a correct image is registered in the inspection device. This is an example of a display screen when registering a correct image in the inspection device. This is an example of a display screen when the inspection device is reading a correct image. This is an example of a display screen after the inspection device has read the correct image. This is an example of a display screen when setting an inspection skip area. This is an example of a display screen when configuring inspection settings. This is an example of a display screen when the inspection device determines that the sheet image is normal. This is an example of a display screen when the inspection device determines that the image of the sheet is abnormal. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a sheet discharge destination in purge & recovery mode. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the ejection operation of the large-capacity stacker. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an abnormal seat position display screen. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing for resetting the paper count of the escape tray. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an abnormal seat position display screen. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an abnormal seat position display screen.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples of embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

<Image forming system>
FIG. 1 is an overall diagram of the hardware configuration of an image forming system 100 according to this embodiment. Image forming system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 101 and an external controller 102. Image forming apparatus 101 and external controller 102 are communicably connected via internal LAN 105 and video cable 106 . The external controller 102 is communicably connected to the PC 103 via an external LAN 104, and the PC 103 issues a print instruction to the external controller 102.

A printer driver that has a function of converting print data into a print description language that can be processed by the external controller 102 is installed in the PC 103 . A user who performs printing can issue a print instruction from various applications via a printer driver. The printer driver transmits print data to the external controller 102 based on a print instruction from the user. When the external controller 102 receives a print instruction from the PC 103, it performs data analysis and rasterization processing, inputs print data to the image forming apparatus 101, and issues a print instruction.

The image forming apparatus 101 includes a printing device 107, an inserter 108, an inspection device 109 (inspection device), and a large-capacity stacker 110. The printing device 107 forms an image on a sheet based on instructions from the external controller 102. The inserter 108 inserts an insertion sheet between a plurality of sheets conveyed from the printing device 107. An inspection device 109 serving as an inspection device reads the image of the sheet conveyed from the printing device 107 and compares it with a correct image registered in advance to determine whether or not the image of the sheet is normal. Here, the correct image is image data for comparison with the sheet image by the inspection device 109, and is image data obtained by the image forming device 101 reading a normally printed sheet in advance. Further, the correct image may be image data sent from the PC 103 to the external controller 102. In the following description, a sheet determined to be normal by the inspection device 109 will be referred to as a normal sheet, and a sheet determined to be abnormal by the inspection device 109 will be referred to as an abnormal sheet. The large-capacity stacker 110 is a large-capacity stacker that stacks sheets conveyed from the printing device 107.

Note that although the image forming system 100 in this embodiment has a configuration in which an external controller 102 is connected to an image forming apparatus 101, the image forming system 100 is not limited to the configuration in which the external controller 102 is connected. That is, the image forming apparatus 101 may be connected to the external LAN 104, and the PC 103 may transmit print data that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 101. In this case, data analysis and rasterization processing are performed in the image forming apparatus 101, and printing processing is executed.

Furthermore, although the image forming apparatus 101 in this embodiment includes a printing apparatus 107, an inserter 108, an inspection apparatus 109, and a large-capacity stacker 110, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 101 may have a configuration in which a large-capacity stacker 110 is connected to another post-processing device such as a folding device. Further, the image forming apparatus 101 may have a configuration in which the inspection device 109 is directly connected to the printing device 107 without having the inserter 108.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the image forming apparatus 101, external controller 102, and PC 103. First, the configuration of the printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The printing device 107 includes a communication I/F 217, a LANI/F 218, a video I/F 220, an HDD 221, a CPU 222, a memory 223, an operation unit 224, and a display 225. Further, the printing device 107 includes a document exposure section 226, a laser exposure section 227, an image forming section 228, a fixing section 229, and a feeding section 230. Each component of printing device 107 is connected via system bus 231 . The communication I/F 217 is connected to the inserter 108, the inspection device 109, and the large-capacity stacker 110 via a communication cable 254, and performs communication for controlling each device. The LANI/F 218 is connected to the external controller 102 via the internal LAN 105, and performs communication of print data and the like. Video I/F 220 is connected to external controller 102 via video cable 106, and performs communication of image data and the like. The HDD 221 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The CPU 222 comprehensively controls image processing and printing based on programs stored in the HDD 221 and the like. The memory 223 stores programs and image data necessary for the CPU 222 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area. The operation unit 224 receives various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user. The display 225 displays setting information of the image processing apparatus, the processing status of the print job, and the like.

The document exposure unit 226 performs a process of reading a document when using a copy function or a scan function. Specifically, an image is read by photographing a sheet of paper placed by the user with a CCD reading unit while illuminating it with an exposure lamp. The laser exposure unit 227 is a device that performs primary charging and laser exposure for irradiating the photosensitive drum with laser light in order to transfer the toner image. The laser exposure unit 227 first performs primary charging to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum to a negative potential. Next, a laser driver irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light while adjusting the reflection angle with a polygon mirror. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum. The image forming section 228 is a device for transferring toner onto paper, and includes a developing unit, a transfer unit, a toner replenishing section, etc., and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum onto the paper. The developing unit attaches negatively charged toner from the developing cylinder to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to form a visible image. The transfer unit performs primary transfer by applying a positive potential to the primary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum onto the transfer belt. Further, the transfer unit applies a positive potential to the secondary transfer outer roller to perform secondary transfer in which the toner on the transfer belt is transferred to the paper. The fixing unit 229 is a device for melting and fixing the toner on the paper to the paper using heat and pressure, and is composed of a heating heater, a fixing belt, a pressure belt, and the like. The feeding unit 230 is a device for feeding paper, and the feeding operation and conveyance operation of the paper are controlled by rollers and various sensors.

Next, the configuration of the inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The inserter 108 includes a communication I/F 232, a CPU 233, a memory 234, and a feeding control unit 235, and each component is connected via a system bus 236. The communication I/F 232 is connected to the printing apparatus 107 via a communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary for controlling the inserter 108 . The CPU 233 performs various controls necessary for feeding according to the control program stored in the memory 234. Memory 234 is a storage device that stores control programs. The feeding control unit 235 controls the conveyance of the paper conveyed from the feeding unit of the inserter 108 and the printing device 107 while controlling rollers and sensors based on instructions from the CPU 233 .

Next, the configuration of the inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The inspection device 109 includes a communication I/F 237, a CPU 238, a memory 239, a photographing section 240, a display 241, and an operation section 242, and each component is connected via a system bus 243. The communication I/F 237 is connected to the printing device 107 via the communication cable 254 and performs communication necessary for controlling the inspection device 109. The CPU 238 performs various controls necessary for inspection according to the control program stored in the memory 239. Memory 239 is a storage device that stores control programs. The photographing unit 240 photographs the paper conveyed to the printing device 107 based on instructions from the CPU 238 . The CPU 238 compares the image photographed by the photographing unit 240 with the correct image stored in the memory 239, and determines whether the printed image is normal. The display 241 displays inspection results, setting screens, and the like. The operation unit 242 is operated by a user and receives instructions such as changing settings of the inspection device 109 and registering correct images.

Next, the configuration of the large-capacity stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The large-capacity stacker 110 includes a communication I/F 244, a CPU 245, a memory 246, and a paper ejection control section 247, and each component is connected via a system bus 248. The communication I/F 244 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254, and performs communication necessary for controlling the large-capacity stacker 110. The CPU 245 performs various controls necessary for paper ejection according to a control program stored in the memory 246. Memory 246 is a storage device that stores control programs. A paper discharge control unit 247 serving as a control unit controls the paper conveyed to the large-capacity stacker 110 to be conveyed to the stack tray 341 or the escape tray 346 based on instructions from the CPU 245.

Next, the configuration of the external controller 102 will be explained. The external controller 102 includes a CPU 208, a memory 209, an HDD 210, a keyboard 211, a display 212, a LANI/F 213, a LANI/F 214, and a video I/F 215. Each component of external controller 102 is connected through system bus 216. The CPU 208 comprehensively executes processes such as receiving print data from the PC 103, RIP processing, and transmitting print data to the image forming apparatus 101 based on programs and data stored in the HDD 210. The memory 209 stores programs and data necessary for the CPU 208 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area. The HDD 210 stores programs and data necessary for operations such as printing processing. The keyboard 211 is a device for inputting operating instructions for the external controller 102. On the display 212, information such as applications executed by the external controller 102 is displayed using video signals of still images and moving images. The LANI/F 213 is connected to the PC 103 via the external LAN 104, and performs communications such as printing instructions. The LANI/F 214 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105, and performs communication such as printing instructions. The video I/F 215 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video cable 106, and performs communication of print data and the like.

Next, the configuration of the PC 103 will be explained. The PC 103 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, an HDD 203, a keyboard 204, a display 205, and a LANI/F 206, and each component is connected via a system bus 207. The CPU 201 creates print data and executes print instructions based on a document processing program stored in the HDD 203 . Further, the CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus. The memory 202 stores programs and data necessary for the CPU 201 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area. The HDD 203 stores programs and data necessary for operations such as print processing. The keyboard 204 is a device for inputting operating instructions for the PC 103. On the display 205, information such as applications executed by the PC 103 is displayed using video signals of still images and moving images. The LANI/F 206 is connected to the external controller 102 via the external LAN 104, and performs communications such as printing instructions.

In the above description, the external controller 102 and the image forming apparatus 101 are connected to the internal LAN 1905 and the video cable 106, but any configuration may be used as long as the data necessary for printing can be sent and received.For example, a configuration with only a video cable connected may be used. But that's fine. Further, each of the memory 202, the memory 209, the memory 223, the memory 234, the memory 239, and the memory 246 may be a storage device for holding data or programs. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which volatile RAM, nonvolatile ROM, built-in HDD, external HDD, USB memory, etc. are substituted.

<Image forming device>
Next, the image forming apparatus 101 will be explained using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 101. The printing device 107 has feeding decks 301 and 302. The feeding decks 301 and 302 accommodate various sheets for printing. The feeding decks 301 and 302 are capable of separating only the uppermost sheet of the stored sheets and transporting it to the sheet transport path 303. The development stations 304 to 307 form toner images using Y, M, C, and K colored toners, respectively, in order to form a color image. The toner images formed by the development stations 304 to 307 are primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 308. The intermediate transfer belt 308 rotates clockwise in FIG. 3, and the toner image is transferred to the sheet conveyed from the sheet conveyance path 303 at a secondary transfer position 309. The development stations 304 to 307 and the intermediate transfer belt 308 function as image forming means in this embodiment. The display 225 displays information for the printing status and settings of the image forming apparatus 101. The first fixing unit 311 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller, and when the sheet passes between each roller, the toner is melted and pressed, thereby fixing the toner image on the sheet. The sheet that has passed through the first fixing unit 311 is conveyed to the inserter 108 through sheet conveyance paths 312 and 315. If the sheet requires further melting/pressure bonding for fixing depending on the type of sheet, after passing through the first fixing unit 311, the sheet is conveyed to the second fixing unit 313 via the upper sheet conveyance path, and is subjected to additional melting/pressure bonding. Crimp is applied. Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed to the inserter 108 through sheet conveyance paths 314 and 315. When forming images on both sides of a sheet, the sheet is reversed by a sheet reversing path 316 and is conveyed to a double-sided conveyance path 317, where image transfer on the second side is performed at a secondary transfer position 309.

The inserter 108 inserts an insertion sheet between the sheets conveyed from the printing device 107. The inserter 108 includes an inserter tray 321 and causes the inserted sheets fed from the inserter tray 321 via a sheet conveyance path 322 to merge into a sheet conveyance path 323 . Thereby, the inserter 108 can insert an insertion sheet at any position into a series of sheets conveyed from the printing device 107 and convey the sheet to a subsequent device. Further, the inserter 108 can transport the sheet to the inspection device 109 by feeding the sheet from the inserter tray 321 regardless of the printing operation. In other words, the inserter 108 can convey to the inspection device 109 a sheet on which an image is formed by the printing device 107 and then discharged, and a sheet that is different from the sheet on which an image is formed by the printing device 107 and is discharged.

The inspection device 109 reads the image of the sheet conveyed through the sheet conveyance path 323 of the inserter 108, and determines whether the image of the sheet is normal. Inside the inspection device 109, reading units 331 and 332 are arranged facing each other. The reading unit 331 reads the image on the first side (top side) of the sheet, and the reading unit 332 reads the image on the second side (bottom side) on the opposite side of the sheet. The inspection device 109 reads the image of the sheet using the reading units 331 and 332 at the timing when the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyance path 333 reaches a predetermined position, and determines whether the image of the sheet is normal or not. do. A display 241 serving as a display unit displays the inspection results performed by the inspection device 109 and the like. In this embodiment, the display 241 functions as a notification means for notifying the user of predetermined information.

The large-capacity stacker 110 has a stack tray 341 as a first discharge section from which sheets are discharged. Furthermore, the large-capacity stacker 110 has a shift function that discharges the sheets to a position shifted by a predetermined amount from the sheets already stacked on the stack tray 341. The sheets that have passed through the inspection device 109 are stacked on a stack tray 341 via a sheet conveyance path 344 and a sheet conveyance path 345.

Furthermore, the large-capacity stacker 110 has an escape tray 346 as a second discharge section from which sheets are discharged. The escape tray 346 is a discharge unit to which an abnormal sheet is discharged when the inspection device 109 determines that the sheet is an abnormal sheet. When the abnormal sheet is discharged to the escape tray 346, the abnormal sheet is transported from the sheet transport path 344 to the escape tray 346 via the sheet transport path 347. Note that when a post-processing device is connected to the downstream side of the large-capacity stacker 110, sheets are conveyed to the post-processing device via the sheet conveyance path 348. The large-capacity stacker 110 has a reversing section 349 for reversing the front and back of sheets. The reversing unit 349 is used when stacking sheets on the stack tray 341. When the large-capacity stacker 110 conveys the sheet to the escape tray 346 or the subsequent post-processing device, the reversing unit 349 does not perform the reversing operation.

The escape tray 346 is provided with a sheet presence/absence detection sensor 346a. The sheet presence/absence detection sensor 346a serving as a detection means is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet in the escape tray 346. The CPU 245 of the large-capacity stacker 110 can detect that a sheet has been removed from the escape tray 346 based on the signal from the sheet presence detection sensor 346a. Specifically, the CPU 245 determines that the sheet has been removed from the escape tray 346 when the sheet presence/absence detection sensor 346a switches from a state in which it detects a sheet to a state in which it does not detect a sheet.

<Operation of inspection equipment>
4 to 11 are examples of screens displayed on the display 241 of the inspection device 109. The inspection device 109 inspects the image of the sheet conveyed to the inspection device 109 based on predetermined inspection items. The inspection of the sheet image is performed by comparing the correct image registered in advance in the memory 239 with the sheet image read by the reading units 331 and 332. Image comparison methods include a method of comparing pixel values for each image position, a method of comparing object positions by edge detection, and a method of extracting character data by OCR (Optical Character Recognition). Inspection items include misalignment of print positions, image tone, image density, streaks, fading, and missing prints.

FIG. 4 is an example of a display screen displayed on the display 241 of the inspection device 109 when the inspection device 109 is activated. In the display screen shown in FIG. 4, information is displayed on the display 241 to the effect that since no correct image has been registered, it is necessary to register the correct image in order to start inspection. If the correct image has already been registered, information indicating that inspection can begin is displayed. Further, the display 241 displays the correct image that has been registered in the image display section 402. In FIG. 4, information indicating that the correct image has not been registered is displayed on the image display section 402. A button 403 is a button for calling a registration screen for correct images. A button 404 is a button for calling an inspection setting screen. A button 405 is a button for calling an inspection result confirmation screen. Button 406 is a button for instructing the start of inspection.

FIG. 5 is an example of a display screen displayed on the display 241 of the inspection device 109 when the user registers a correct image. The display screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on display 241 in response to selection of button 403 in FIG. 4. The number of sheets setting section 501 is used to set the number of sheets per copy of a print job to be inspected. In the case of a print job in which the number of sheets per copy is two or more, a plurality of images can be registered in the inspection device 109 as correct images. The surface setting unit 502 is used to set the surface of the sheet to be inspected by the inspection device 109. Using the surface setting unit 502, the user can set whether to inspect images on both sides of the sheet, to inspect only the images on the front side, or to inspect only the images on the back side. Note that even if the sheet is printed on only one side, it is possible to set it so that both sides are inspected in order to inspect whether there is dust on the non-printed side. A button 503 is a button for instructing registration of a correct image. When the button 503 is selected, the inspection device 109 reads the image of the conveyed sheet and registers the image data as the correct image.

FIG. 6 is an example of a display screen displayed on the display 241 when the inspection device 109 is reading an image of a sheet in order to register a correct image. The screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed in response to selection of button 503 in FIG. 5. A button 601 is a button for instructing to stop reading. When the button 601 is selected, the inspection device 109 stops reading the image, and the display 241 returns to the display screen of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an example of a display screen displayed on the display 241 after reading of the correct image is completed. An image of the sheet read by the inspection device 109 is displayed on the image display section 701. If there are multiple images, it is possible to switch the displayed images using the switching button 702. Furthermore, when inspecting both sides, the front and back sides can be switched using the switching button 703. A button 704 is a button for instructing setting of an inspection skip area. By using the button 704, it is possible to set an area where inspection is not performed for printing such as variable printing (VDP) in which the print content of a specific area changes for each copy. A button 705 is a button for registering the image displayed on the image display section 701 as a correct image. When the button 705 is selected, the inspection device 109 registers the correct image and returns to the display screen of FIG. 4. A button 706 is used to cancel reading. When the button 706 is pressed, the inspection device 109 does not register the correct image, and the display 241 returns to the display screen of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is an example of an inspection skip area setting screen displayed on the display 241. The display screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on display 241 in response to selection of button 704. Area 801 indicates an inspection skip area. The user can change the position of area 801 using position setting section 802, and can change the size of area 801 using size setting section 803. A button 804 is a button for registering the inspection skip area setting. When button 804 is selected, inspection device 109 registers area 801 as an inspection skip area, and display 241 returns to the display screen of FIG. 7. A button 805 is a button for registering yet another inspection skip area. Thereby, the inspection device 109 can register a plurality of inspection skip areas for one image data. A button 806 is a button for canceling the setting of the inspection skip area. If button 806 is selected, display 241 returns to the display screen of FIG.

FIG. 9 is an example of a setting screen for configuring inspection settings. The display screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on display 241 in response to selection of button 404. The level setting section 901 is used to set the inspection level. The higher the inspection level set by the level setting unit 901, the more the inspection device 109 determines an abnormal sheet based on a small difference between the correct image and the read image. The type setting section 902 is used to set the inspection type. The user can set inspection items using the type setting section 902. The type setting section 902 on the display screen shown in FIG. 9 is in a state where position, color, streaks, and omissions are subject to inspection, but density is not subject to inspection. A button 903 is a button for finalizing inspection settings. When the button 903 is selected, the inspection device 109 registers the inspection settings, and the display 241 returns to the display screen of FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is an example of a display screen displayed on the display 241 during inspection by the inspection device 109. The screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed in response to selection of button 406 in FIG. 4. An image of the sheet read by the inspection device 109 is displayed on the image display unit 1001. The result display section 1002 displays the test results obtained by comparing the read image on the image display section 1001 and the correct image. In the screen shown in FIG. 10, since the sheet read by the inspection device 109 is determined to be normal, OK is displayed in the result display section 1002. Button 1003 is a button for instructing the end of inspection. When the button 1003 is selected, the inspection device 109 ends the inspection process, and the display 241 returns to the display screen of FIG. 4. A button 1004 is a button for instructing the display of a confirmation screen for the inspection results of the entire job, which will be described later.

FIG. 11 is an example of a display screen when the image of the sheet read by the inspection device 109 is determined to be abnormal. In the example shown in FIG. 11, a line 1105 is detected in the image of the sheet read by the inspection device 109, so NG is displayed in the result display section 1002.

<Explanation of recovery operation when abnormal sheet is detected>
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 when the inspection apparatus 109 detects an abnormal sheet will be described using FIG. 12. Hereinafter, as an example, a case will be described in which an abnormal sheet occurs on the fourth page of a job in which one copy has five pages.

FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing the discharge destination of each sheet. FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing sheets discharged to the stack tray 341 and the escape tray 346, respectively. FIG. 12 shows the sheet ejection destination when the ejection mode of the image forming apparatus 101 is set to purge & recovery mode. In the purge & recovery mode, when the inspection device 109 determines that an image on a sheet is abnormal, the abnormal sheet is ejected to a separate discharge section from normal sheets, and the image of the page printed on the abnormal sheet is ejected to another ejection section. This mode is for reprinting on a sheet. As shown in FIG. 12A, the first to third sheets, which are normal sheets, are discharged to the stack tray 341 in the purge and recovery mode. On the other hand, the fourth sheet, which is the abnormal sheet, is discharged to the escape tray 346. Further, the fifth sheet following the abnormal sheet is not inspected by the inspection device 109, and is discharged to the escape tray 346 in the same manner as the abnormal sheet. Here, the image forming apparatus 101 once interrupts the job. After the abnormal sheet and the subsequent sheets (fourth and fifth sheets) of the abnormal sheet are ejected to the escape tray 346, the image forming apparatus 101 transfers the image formed on the fourth sheet, which is the abnormal sheet, to the escape tray 346. Reprint on the second sheet. Furthermore, the image formed on the fifth sheet, which is the subsequent sheet to the abnormal sheet, is reprinted on the seventh sheet. Then, the inspection device 109 inspects the reprinted sixth and seventh sheets. If the reprinted sheet is a normal sheet, the sheet is discharged to the stack tray 341. Finally, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the product with pages 1 to 5 are stacked on the stack tray 341, and the abnormal sheet and the sheet following the abnormal sheet are stacked on the escape tray 346.

In this way, when an abnormal sheet is detected, the process of reprinting the image formed on the abnormal sheet on another sheet is called recovery processing. Furthermore, the process of discharging abnormal sheets to a separate discharge section from normal sheets is called purge process. In other words, the purge and recovery mode is a mode in which the image forming apparatus 101 executes a predetermined process that is a combination of both purge processing and recovery processing. Further, in the purge and recovery mode, the image forming apparatus 101 does not perform an inspection by the inspection device 109 on the sheet following the abnormal sheet (the fifth sheet in FIG. 12), and the sheet subsequent to the abnormal sheet is ejected to the escape tray 346. Ru. As a result, the page order of the artifacts after recovery processing becomes the correct order.

Note that the ejection mode of the image forming apparatus 101 includes not only the purge & recovery mode, but also a purge mode in which only purge processing is performed, and a log-only mode in which all sheets are ejected to the stack tray 341 and only the inspection results are recorded. etc. can be set.

<Discharge operation when abnormal sheet is detected>
Next, the ejecting operation when an abnormal sheet is detected will be explained using the flowchart of FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of processing performed by the CPU 245 of the large-capacity stacker 110. The CPU 245 starts the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 when the user issues a job start instruction.

First, the CPU 245 receives sheet information from the inspection device 109 (S1001). The sheet information that the CPU 245 receives in S1001 includes information indicating whether the sheet conveyed to the large-capacity stacker 110 is an abnormal sheet.

Next, the CPU 245 determines whether an abnormal sheet has already been generated (S1002). In S1002, the CPU 245 determines whether an abnormal sheet has been generated based on abnormal sheet generation information set in S1005, which will be described later. In S1002, if the CPU 245 determines that an abnormal sheet has not been generated (No in S1002), the process transitions to S1003.

In S1003, the CPU 245 determines whether the sheet conveyed to the large-capacity stacker 110 is an abnormal sheet based on the sheet information received from the inspection device 109 in S1001. If the sheet conveyed to the large-capacity stacker 110 is not an abnormal sheet (No in S1003), the CPU 245 discharges the sheet to the stack tray 341 (S1004).

On the other hand, if the sheet conveyed to the large-capacity stacker 110 is an abnormal sheet (Yes in S1003), the CPU 245 sets abnormal sheet occurrence information (S1005). The abnormal sheet occurrence information is a flag used by the CPU 245 to determine whether or not to eject the fed sheet subsequent to the abnormal sheet to the escape tray 346 in the purge & recovery mode. The abnormal sheet generation information set here is stored in the memory 246. Then, the CPU 245 stores the paper count of the escape tray 346 in the memory 246 (S1006). The escape tray 346 paper count is a count for measuring how many sheets are stacked on the escape tray 346. Next, the CPU 245 adds 1 to the paper count of the escape tray 346 (S1007). After that, the CPU 245 discharges the sheet to the escape tray 346 (S1008).

When the sheet is ejected to the escape tray 346, the CPU 245 determines whether all the subsequent sheets that have been fed following the abnormal sheet have been ejected (S1009). Here, if all the subsequent sheets that have been fed have been ejected (Yes in S1009), the CPU 245 clears the abnormal sheet occurrence information set in S1005 (S1010). After that, the process transitions to S1011.

When a sheet is ejected to the stack tray 341 or escape tray 346, the CPU 245 determines whether there is a next sheet (S1011). If there is a next sheet (Yes in S1011), the process returns to S1001 and the ejection process is repeated. If there is no next sheet (No in S1011), the CPU 245 ends the process.

Note that in S1002, if the CPU 245 determines that an abnormal sheet has been generated (Yes in S1002), the process transitions to S1007. This process is performed when the sheet conveyed to the large-capacity stacker 110 is a fed subsequent sheet following the abnormal sheet. If the sheet conveyed to the large-capacity stacker 110 is an abnormal sheet, abnormal sheet occurrence information is set in S1006. Therefore, the fed sheet following the abnormal sheet is discharged to the escape tray 346.

<Explanation of the inspection result display screen>
FIG. 14 is an example of a screen displayed on the display 241 of the inspection device 109 and showing the inspection results. The display screen of FIG. 14 is displayed on the display 241 of the inspection device 109 when the button 405 of FIG. 4 is pressed.

In the job display section 1401 of the screen in FIG. 14, attributes of the entire job including inspection and inspection results are displayed. The inspection results displayed on the job display section 1401 are the number of normal sheets (OK number) and the number of abnormal sheets (NG number) in the selected job. In the position display section 1402, information about abnormal sheets that have occurred in the job is displayed as a list. In FIG. 14, a position display section 1402 displays the serial number of the abnormal sheet, the cause of the abnormality determination, and the paper position of the abnormal sheet. In this embodiment, there are two types of factors that are determined to be abnormal in the position display section 1402: dirt on the sheet and misalignment of the image. The position display section 1402 displays OK or NG for each factor.

In the present embodiment, the position display section 1402 displays the position from the bottom of the plurality of sheets stacked on the escape tray 346 at which the abnormal sheet that occurred in the job is located. Here, the information indicating the position of the abnormal sheet displayed on the position display section 1402 is predetermined information based on the paper count of the escape tray 346 saved in S1007 of FIG. The paper count of the escape tray 346 corresponds to the order in which each abnormal sheet is discharged to the escape tray 346. In other words, the paper count of the escape tray 346 indicates the position from the bottom of each abnormal sheet among the plurality of sheets stacked on the escape tray 346.

A button 1403 is a job selection screen that displays inspection results. In the example of FIG. 14, the inspection result of the first job among nine jobs whose history is saved is displayed. By operating the button 1403, the user can switch the displayed job. A button 1404 is a button for instructing that confirmation of the inspection results has been completed. If button 1404 is pressed, the screen returns to the display screen of FIG. 4.

<Operation when a sheet is removed from the escape tray>
The operation when a sheet is removed from the escape tray 346 of the large-capacity stacker 110 will be described using the flowchart in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of processing performed by the CPU 245 of the large-capacity stacker 110. This flowchart is a process that is constantly repeated at regular intervals while the image forming apparatus 101 executes a job.

The CPU 245 determines whether there is a sheet on the escape tray 346 based on the signal from the sheet presence detection sensor 346a (S2001). If there is no sheet on the escape tray 346 (No in S2001), the CPU 245 sets the paper count of the escape tray 346 to 1 (S2002). That is, if there is no sheet on the escape tray 346, the CPU 245 resets the paper count on the escape tray 346. If there is a sheet on the escape tray 346 (Yes in S2001), the process moves to S2003. If the job is not finished (No in S2003), the process returns to S2001. The CPU 245 repeats the above process until the job is completed.

Through such processing, for example, when a sheet on the escape tray 346 is removed by the user, the CPU 245 sets the paper count on the escape tray 346 to 1. As a result, when the user removes a sheet on the escape tray 346 during a job, the position display section 1402 in FIG. 14 displays predetermined information indicating the position of the abnormal sheet that was ejected after the sheet was removed. Is displayed. In other words, even if the user removes a sheet from the escape tray 346, the loaded state of the sheets on the escape tray 346 and the sheet position displayed on the display 241 of the inspection device 109 match.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 101 of this embodiment displays on the display 241 predetermined information indicating the position of the abnormal sheet among the plurality of sheets stacked on the escape tray 346. This makes it easy for the user to identify an abnormal sheet from among the plurality of sheets stacked on the escape tray 346.

<Example of modification of inspection result display screen>
In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which information indicating the number of each abnormal sheet from the lowest (first) sheet stacked on the escape tray 346 is displayed. However, the displayed information may be any information that allows the position of each abnormal sheet on the escape tray 346 to be specified. Another example of a display screen for specifying the position of each abnormal sheet on the escape tray 346 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 16 is another example of a screen showing the inspection results displayed on the display 241 of the inspection device 109. The position display section 1602 in FIG. 16 displays information indicating the position of each abnormal sheet from the previous abnormal sheet. In other words, the position display section 1602 in FIG. 16 indicates the position of the second abnormal sheet discharged after the first abnormal sheet on the escape tray 346 from the first abnormal sheet. . By checking the position display section 1602, the user can identify the abnormal sheet from among the plurality of sheets stacked on the escape tray 346.

FIG. 17 is yet another example of a screen showing the inspection results displayed on the display 241 of the inspection device 109. In the screen of FIG. 17, a result display section 1701 displays inspection results for all sheets on which images have been formed in the selected job. Further, the position display section 1702 displays a list of inspection results for all the abnormal sheets stacked on the escape tray 346 and the sheets subsequent to the abnormal sheets. By checking the position display section 1702, the user can specify the position of the abnormal sheet among the plurality of sheets stacked on the escape tray 346. In this way, even with the screens shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the user can easily identify an abnormal sheet from among the plurality of sheets stacked on the escape tray 346.

In the embodiment described above, predetermined information indicating the position of the abnormal sheet among the plurality of sheets stacked on the escape tray 346 is displayed on the display 241. However, the means by which the image forming apparatus 101 notifies the user of the predetermined information is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 101 may notify the user of the predetermined information by voice.

Claims (8)

an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet;
inspection means for inspecting the image of the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming means;
a first discharge section and a second discharge section from which sheets whose images have been inspected by the inspection means are discharged;
A normal sheet whose image is determined to be normal by the inspection means is discharged to the first discharge section, and an abnormal sheet whose image is determined to be abnormal by the inspection means and a subsequent sheet subsequent to the abnormal sheet are discharged to the first discharge section. a control means for controlling a discharge destination of the sheet so that the sheet is discharged to a second discharge section;
a notification means for notifying a user of predetermined information indicating the position of the abnormal sheet among the plurality of sheets stacked on the second discharge unit;
Equipped with
An image forming system characterized by: The predetermined information is information indicating the position of the abnormal sheet from the bottom among the plurality of sheets stacked on the second ejecting unit.
The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The predetermined information may be such that a second abnormal sheet, whose image is determined to be abnormal by the inspection means, is placed next to the first abnormal sheet whose image is determined to have an abnormality by the inspection means, at the second discharge section. is information indicating the position from the first abnormal sheet among the plurality of sheets stacked on the sheet;
The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The predetermined information is information indicating whether or not each of the plurality of sheets stacked on the second discharge unit is an abnormal sheet.
The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The notification means includes a display section that displays the predetermined information.
The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: comprising a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet in the second discharge section,
The notification unit is configured to notify the notification unit after the plurality of sheets are removed when the detection unit detects that the plurality of sheets stacked on the second discharge unit are removed from the second discharge unit. 2. Notifying the predetermined information regarding another plurality of sheets stacked on the discharge unit;
The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the inspection means determines that there is an abnormality in the image of the sheet, the control means is configured to display the image formed on the abnormal sheet after the abnormal sheet and the subsequent sheet are discharged to the second discharge section. performing a process of forming the image by the image forming means on a sheet different from the abnormal sheet;
The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An inspection device that inspects an image of a sheet on which an image has been formed by an image forming device,
an inspection means for inspecting an image of the sheet;
A normal sheet whose image is determined to be normal by the inspection means is discharged to a first discharge section, and an abnormal sheet whose image is determined to be abnormal by the inspection means and a subsequent sheet subsequent to the abnormal sheet are discharged to a second discharge section. a control means for controlling a discharge destination of the sheet so that the sheet is discharged to a discharge section;
a notification means for notifying a user of predetermined information indicating the position of the abnormal sheet among the plurality of sheets stacked on the second discharge unit;
Equipped with
An inspection device characterized by:

Images