JP5834809B2 - Inspection apparatus, printing system, and printed matter inspection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus, a printing system, and a printed matter inspection method for inspecting a printed matter.

  Conventionally, an inspection apparatus that inspects a printed matter generated by an image forming apparatus is known. The image forming apparatus generates a printed matter by forming an image on a print medium based on the original image. The inspection apparatus reads an image from the printed material to be inspected discharged from the image forming apparatus by the reading unit, and compares the original image used by the image forming apparatus to generate the printed material and the read image read from the printed material by the reading unit. Thus, the presence or absence of defects in the printed matter is determined.

  For example, the inspection apparatus includes an image buffer that stores a plurality of original images corresponding to a plurality of printed materials, an original image frame memory that expands the original images corresponding to the printed material to be inspected, and a read image of the printed material to be inspected. And a read image frame memory to be developed. Then, among the plurality of original images stored in the image buffer, the original image corresponding to the print object to be inspected is set in the original image frame memory, and the read image read from the print object to be inspected by the reading unit is read image Set in the main frame memory and perform a comparison inspection between them.

  The inspection apparatus may erroneously determine that a normal printed matter without a defect is defective due to some abnormality in the inspection process. In Patent Document 1, in order to easily find out the cause of an error that has occurred during the inspection process, information regarding correction processing performed on the read image is added to the read image, and it is determined that there is a defect. It is described that the read image and the original image corresponding to the printed matter are registered in association with information indicating what page of which job corresponds to which page.

  One of the factors that cause an erroneous determination in the inspection apparatus is that the original image corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected is not set correctly in the original image frame memory. For example, if an original image that is different from the original image corresponding to the printed material to be inspected is set in the original image frame memory among a plurality of original images stored in the image buffer, the determination of the presence or absence of defects in the printed material is correctly performed. I can't do it.

  The original image is normally sent to the inspection apparatus when the image forming apparatus forms an image on the print medium based on the original image, and is stored in the image buffer of the inspection apparatus. Therefore, if the order in which the image forming apparatus forms an image on the print medium based on the original image and the order in which the printed matter corresponding to the original image is discharged from the image forming apparatus to the inspection apparatus, the inspection apparatus By setting the original image in the original image frame memory in the order stored in the image buffer, it is possible to correctly determine the presence or absence of defects in the printed matter.

  However, in practice, the order in which the image forming apparatus forms an image on the print medium based on the original image may not match the order in which the printed matter corresponding to the original image is discharged from the image forming apparatus to the inspection apparatus. is there. For example, when performing double-sided printing of a plurality of pages at a high speed, first, an image is formed continuously on the front side of a plurality of print media that are continuously conveyed, and then the print medium on which the image is formed is reversed. Then, the formation of an image on the back side of the print medium and the formation of an image on the front side of the print medium on which no image is formed on the front side may be alternately performed. In such a case, the order in which the image forming apparatus forms an image on the print medium based on the original image does not match the order in which the printed matter corresponding to the original image is discharged from the image forming apparatus to the inspection apparatus. When the original images are set in the original image frame memory in the order stored in the image buffer, it is not possible to correctly determine whether there is a defect in the printed matter.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus, a printing system, and a printed matter inspection method capable of correctly determining the presence or absence of defects in a printed matter.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an inspection apparatus according to the present invention is an inspection apparatus that inspects a printed matter generated by an image forming apparatus forming an image on a print medium based on an original image. Storage means for storing a plurality of the original images corresponding to the plurality of printed materials in association with image IDs, and discharged image information regarding the images of the printed materials discharged from the image forming apparatus, and at least the printed materials Stored in the storage unit, an acquisition unit that acquires the discharged image information including the image ID of the original image corresponding to the reading unit, a reading unit that reads an image of the printed matter to be inspected that is discharged from the image forming apparatus. Among the plurality of original images, the original image associated with the image ID included in the paper discharge image information corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected and the reading unit read By comparing the preparative image, and a determining means for determining defects in the printed matter to be inspected, the sheet ejection image information, whether the image of the printed material is inverted with respect to the original image The determination means sets the orientation of the original image to be compared with the read image based on the image inversion information included in the discharged image information corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected. vinegar Rukoto and features.

  In addition, a printing system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a printing medium based on an original image to generate a printed material, and an inspection device that inspects the printed material generated by the image forming apparatus. In the printing system, the image forming apparatus includes original image transfer means for transferring the original image corresponding to the printed material to the inspection device in association with an image ID, and discharged image information regarding the image of the printed material to be discharged. A paper discharge image information transfer unit configured to transfer the paper discharge image information including at least the image ID of the original image corresponding to the printed material to the inspection device, wherein the inspection device transfers the original image Storage means for storing a plurality of the original images transferred from the means in association with image IDs, and acquisition means for acquiring the discharged image information transferred from the discharged image information transferring means A reading unit that reads an image of the printed material to be inspected discharged from the image forming apparatus; and the discharged image information corresponding to the printed material to be inspected among the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit. And a determination unit that compares the original image associated with the image ID included in the image ID with the read image read by the reading unit to determine whether there is a defect in the printed material to be inspected. .

The printed matter inspection method according to the present invention is a printed matter inspection method that is executed by an inspection device that inspects a printed matter generated by an image forming apparatus forming an image on a print medium based on an original image. A storage unit of the inspection apparatus storing a plurality of the original images corresponding to the plurality of printed materials in association with an image ID; and an acquisition unit of the inspection device of the printed material discharged from the image forming apparatus. A step of acquiring the discharged image information including at least the image ID of the original image corresponding to the printed material, and reading means of the inspection device are discharged from the image forming apparatus. A step of reading an image of the printed object to be inspected, and a determination unit of the inspection apparatus, wherein a plurality of the original images stored in the storage unit Comparing the original image associated with the image ID included in the paper discharge image information corresponding to the printed material with the read image read by the reading unit to determine whether there is a defect in the printed material to be inspected; , only contains the sheet ejection image information includes image reversal information indicating whether the image of the printed material is inverted with respect to the original image, said determining means corresponds to the printed material to be inspected The orientation of the original image to be compared with the read image is set based on the image inversion information included in the discharged image information .

  According to the present invention, based on the image ID included in the paper discharge image information corresponding to the printed material to be inspected, the original image corresponding to the printed material to be inspected is specified from among the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit. Therefore, it is possible to correctly determine whether or not there is a defect in the printed material.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overview of a printing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of the inspection apparatus. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a characteristic configuration of the inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the operation of the inspection apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a discharged image information acquisition command. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the printed matter attribute information acquisition command. FIG. 8 is a timing chart illustrating, as a comparative example, the relationship between the timing at which a command is transferred from the image forming apparatus to the inspection apparatus and the operation of the inspection apparatus. FIG. 9 is a timing chart illustrating the relationship between the timing at which a command is transferred from the image forming apparatus to the inspection apparatus and the operation of the inspection apparatus. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a characteristic configuration of the inspection apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a discharged image information acquisition command. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a characteristic configuration of the inspection apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a discharged image information acquisition command.

  Exemplary embodiments of an inspection apparatus, a printing system, and a printed matter inspection method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of a printing system according to the present embodiment. The printing system includes an image forming apparatus 100 that generates a printed material, an inspection device 200 that inspects the printed material generated by the image forming apparatus 100, and a post-process that performs post-processing on the printed material that is determined to be free by the inspection device 200. Device 300.

  The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a print medium fed from the paper feed tray 110 based on the original image, and generates a printed matter. Examples of the image forming process include an electrophotographic method and an inkjet recording method. In the case of the electrophotographic system, an electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating a photoconductor with writing light corresponding to an original image, and the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner to generate a toner image. The toner image is transferred directly or via an intermediate transfer member to a print medium fed from the paper feed tray 110, and the toner image is fixed on the print medium by a fixing device to generate a printed matter. In the case of the inkjet method, the print head is driven based on the original image to eject ink droplets, and the ink droplets ejected from the print head are attached to the recording medium fed from the paper feed tray 110 to generate a printed matter. . The printed matter generated by the image forming apparatus 100 is discharged to the inspection apparatus 200.

  The inspection apparatus 200 reads an image of the printed material while conveying the printed material discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 to the downstream side, and an original image used when the image forming apparatus 100 generates the printed material and a read image read from the printed material. To determine whether there is a defect in the printed matter. The inspection apparatus 200 switches the discharge path of the printed matter according to the determination result of the presence / absence of a defect. The printed matter determined to be defective is discharged to the defective paper discharge tray 210. On the other hand, the printed matter determined as having no defect is discharged to the post-processing apparatus 300.

  The post-processing device 300 performs specified post-processing such as bending processing, stapling processing, and punching processing on the printed matter discharged from the inspection device 200. The post-processed printed matter is discharged to the printed matter discharge tray 310.

  In the printing system as described above, of the printed matter generated by the image forming apparatus 100, only the printed matter determined to be free by the inspection device 200 is subjected to post-processing by the post-processing device 300, and the printed matter is discharged. It is discharged to the tray 310. Therefore, the quality of the printed matter finally obtained can be maintained.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is an image forming apparatus configured to form a four-color full-color image on a printing medium by an electrophotographic method. In particular, the image forming apparatus 100 is used for production in which a large number of printing media are continuously conveyed to perform printing at high speed. It is an image forming apparatus suitable for the above. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes four image forming units 101a, 101b, 101c, and 101d arranged along the traveling direction of the transfer belt 109 as an intermediate transfer member (the direction of arrow B in the figure). Is provided.

  The image forming unit 101a includes a photosensitive drum 102a as a photosensitive member, a drum charger 103a, an exposure device 104a, a developing device 105a, a transfer device 106a, and a cleaning device 107a. Similarly to the image forming unit 101a, the image forming units 101b to 101d are also photosensitive drums 102b to 102d, drum chargers 103b to 103d, exposure devices 104b to 104d, developing devices 105b to 105d, transfer devices 106b to 106d, and a cleaning device 107b. To 107d. The image forming units 101a to 101d form images of different colors, for example, the image forming unit 101a is yellow, the image forming unit 101b is magenta, the image forming unit 101c is cyan, and the image forming unit 101d is black.

  The photosensitive drum 102a starts to rotate in the direction of arrow A in the figure at the time of image formation, and continues to rotate until the image forming operation is completed. When the photosensitive drum 102a starts rotating, a high voltage is applied to the drum charger 103a, and negative charges are uniformly charged on the surface of the photosensitive drum 102a. Thereafter, the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 102a is irradiated with writing light modulated according to the original image from the exposure device 104a, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original image is formed on the photosensitive drum 102a. When the portion where the electrostatic latent image is formed by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 102a reaches a position facing the developing device 105a, the negatively charged toner is attracted from the developing device 105a to the electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image is electrostatically charged. The electrostatic latent image is developed with toner to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 102a.

  When the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 102a reaches a position facing the transfer device 106a with the transfer belt 109 interposed therebetween, the toner image is attracted to the transfer belt 109 side by the action of a high voltage applied to the transfer device 106a. Transfer (primary transfer) is performed on the transfer belt 109 moving in the middle arrow B direction. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 102a without being transferred to the transfer belt 109 is cleaned by the cleaning device 107a.

  An image forming operation is performed in the same manner in the image forming unit 101b following the image forming unit 101a, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 102b is transferred onto the transfer belt 109 by the action of a high voltage applied to the transfer unit 106b. Transferred (primary transfer). At this time, the timing at which the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 102 b reaches the position facing the transfer device 106 b is the same as that when the toner image transferred from the photosensitive drum 102 a to the transfer belt 109 is moved by the transfer belt 109. The toner image transferred from the photosensitive drum 102 a and the toner image transferred from the photosensitive drum 102 b are superimposed on the transfer belt 109 by being controlled so as to match the timing at which the position 106 b is reached.

  Similarly, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 102c of the image forming unit 101c and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 102d of the image forming unit 101d are sequentially transferred onto the transfer belt 109, thereby transferring the transfer belt. A full-color toner image is formed on 109.

  On the other hand, the print medium is fed from the paper feed tray 110. The print medium fed from the paper feed tray 110 is conveyed in the direction of arrow H in the figure, and reaches a position facing the paper transfer unit 111 in synchronization with the full-color toner image formed on the transfer belt 109. The full-color toner image formed on the transfer belt 109 is transferred (secondary transfer) onto the print medium by the action of the high voltage applied to the paper transfer device 111. Note that the toner remaining on the transfer belt 109 without being transferred to the print medium is cleaned by the belt cleaning mechanism 108.

  The print medium on which the full-color toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 112. Then, by applying heat and pressure by the fixing device 112, the full-color toner image transferred onto the print medium is fixed on the print medium. Thereafter, in the case of single-sided printing without reverse paper discharge, the print medium on which the toner image is fixed is discharged as a printed matter to the inspection apparatus 200 through a path indicated by an arrow L1 in the drawing.

  When performing reverse paper discharge or double-sided printing, the print medium on which the toner image is formed is temporarily drawn into the reverse roller 113 through the path indicated by the arrow L2 in the figure, and the reverse roller 113 is rotated in reverse. It is sent out in a reversed state. In the case of reversed paper discharge, the reversed print medium is discharged as a printed material to the inspection apparatus 200 through a path indicated by an arrow L3 in the drawing. In the case of duplex printing, the reversed print medium is returned to a position facing the sheet transfer device 111 through a path indicated by an arrow L4 in the figure, and the toner image is transferred again. Thereafter, the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 112 and discharged to the inspection device 200 as a printed matter.

  An exit sensor 115 is provided at the discharge port of the image forming apparatus 100, and discharge of the printed matter is detected by the exit sensor 115.

  A series of image forming processes in the image forming apparatus 100 described above is controlled by the process control unit 121 of the printer controller 120. The process control unit 121 performs a series of operations related to the generation of the printed material, such as the operations of the image forming units 101a to 101d, the feeding and conveyance of the printing medium, and the operation of the fixing device 112, based on the setting contents of the job for generating the printed material. Overall control of the operation.

  The printer controller 120 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an original image transfer unit 122 and a discharged image information transfer unit 123 in addition to the process control unit 121 described above.

  The original image transfer unit 122 transfers the original image used for forming the image to the inspection apparatus 200 in association with the image ID for identifying the original image. The original image transfer by the original image transfer unit 122 is performed by, for example, irradiating the photosensitive drums 102a to 102d with writing light modulated according to the original image from the exposure devices 104a to 104d, and writing the image according to the original image. Is performed in accordance with the timing (hereinafter referred to as the start of image formation). At this time, the original image transfer unit 122 transfers the original image to be transferred to the inspection apparatus 200 in association with the image ID.

  For example, the process control unit 121 determines the image ID in advance according to the setting content of the job and transmits the image ID to the original image transfer unit 122. Note that the image ID need not be information unique to all original images. That is, the image ID only needs to be able to identify each of a plurality of original images corresponding to a plurality of printed materials that are simultaneously processed in the printing system according to the present embodiment. For example, if the maximum number of printed materials processed simultaneously is ten Ten types of image IDs may be used.

  The discharged image information transfer unit 123 transfers discharged image information related to the image of the printed matter discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200. The discharged image information is generated by the process control unit 121 and transmitted to the discharged image information transfer unit 123 for each printed matter discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. The discharged image information transfer unit 123 transfers discharged image information corresponding to each printed matter to the inspection device 200 in accordance with the order in which the printed matter is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100.

  The discharged image information of the present embodiment includes the image ID of the original image used for generating the corresponding printed material. When the printed material is single-sided printing in which an image is formed only on one of the upper surface and the lower surface, the discharged image information corresponding to the printed material is the original image used to form the image on one surface of the printed material. Contains the image ID. When the printed material is double-sided printing on both the upper surface and the lower surface, the discharged image information corresponding to the printing unit is used for forming the image ID of the original image used for forming the image on the upper surface of the printed material and the image on the lower surface of the printed material. And the image ID of the original image.

  The discharge image information transfer by the discharge image information transfer unit 123 is performed at the start of image formation on one side of the printed material, for example, for discharged image information corresponding to a single-sided printed material. The corresponding discharged image information is performed at the start of image formation on the surface of the printed material opposite to the surface on which the image is already formed. Accordingly, the order in which the discharged image information is transferred to the inspection apparatus 200 always matches the order in which the corresponding printed matter is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100.

  Next, the inspection apparatus 200 will be described. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the inspection apparatus 200. First, the outline of the inspection apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The printed matter to be inspected discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 is conveyed through the inspection apparatus 200 by the conveyance roller 201. The printed matter to be inspected conveyed through the inspection apparatus 200 is read by the reading unit 220 when passing through the reading position of the reading unit 220. The printed matter to be inspected from which the image has been read is further conveyed to the switching unit 230 on the downstream side. The switching unit 230 operates according to the determination result of the presence or absence of defects of the printed matter by the determination unit 240, guides the printed matter determined to be free of defects to the first discharge path L11, and discharges the printed matter determined to be defective to the second discharge. It leads to the route L12. The printed matter determined to have no defect and guided to the first discharge path L <b> 11 is discharged to the post-processing device 300 by the first discharge roller 202. On the other hand, the printed matter determined to have a defect and guided to the second discharge path L <b> 12 is discharged to the defective discharge tray 210 by the second discharge roller 203.

  The determination unit 240 compares the read image of the printed material to be inspected read by the reading unit 220 and the original image corresponding to the printed material to be inspected transferred from the image forming apparatus 100 and stored in the storage unit 250. Then, the presence or absence of defects in the printed matter to be inspected is determined. At this time, the determination unit 240 is based on the image ID included in the discharged image information transferred from the image forming apparatus 200 and acquired by the acquisition unit 260, from among a plurality of original images stored in the storage unit 250. From this, the original image corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected is specified and set as a comparison target with the read image. Thereby, the presence or absence of defects in the printed matter to be inspected can be correctly determined.

  Next, a specific configuration example of the inspection apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a characteristic configuration of the inspection apparatus 200.

  The reading unit 220 includes an upper surface image reading unit 221 that reads an image on the upper surface of a printed material to be inspected, and a lower surface image reading unit 222 that reads an image on the lower surface of the printed material to be inspected. The upper surface image reading unit 221 and the lower surface image reading unit 222 can be configured by an optical reading sensor such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), for example.

  The storage unit 250 stores the plurality of original images transferred by the original image transfer unit 122 of the image forming apparatus 100 in the order transferred from the original image transfer unit 122 in association with the image ID of each original image. The storage unit 250 can be configured by a file storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  The acquisition unit 260 acquires the paper discharge image information transferred by the paper discharge image information transfer unit 123 of the image forming apparatus 100, and starts defect determination processing in the determination unit 240 for the printed matter corresponding to the acquired paper discharge image information. The acquired paper discharge image information is held until it is done. For example, the acquisition unit 260 is configured as a FIFO memory, and when a plurality of pieces of discharged image information are held, the acquisition unit 260 supplies the acquired images in order from the oldest discharged image information.

  As described above, the discharged image information transfer unit 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 transfers the discharged image information to the inspection apparatus 200 in the order in which the corresponding printed matter is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, out of the unprocessed paper discharge image information held in the acquisition unit 260, the paper discharge image information acquired in the oldest order is paper discharge image information corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected. By configuring the acquisition unit 260 in this way, it is possible to supply the determination unit 240 with paper discharge image information corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected.

  The determination unit 240 includes two read image frame memories 241a and 241b, two original image frame memories 242a and 242b, and two comparators 243a and 243b.

  The read image frame memory 241a is a frame memory that develops a read image on the upper surface of the printed material to be inspected, and the read image frame memory 241b is a frame memory that develops a read image on the lower surface of the printed material to be inspected. The original image frame memory 242a is a frame memory that develops the original image used for image formation on the upper surface of the printed material to be inspected, and the original image frame memory 242b is used for image formation on the upper surface of the printed material to be inspected. This is a frame memory for expanding the used original image. The comparator 243a is a comparator that compares the read image set in the read image frame memory 241a with the original image set in the original image frame memory 242a, and the comparator 243b is a read image frame. This is a comparator that compares the read image set in the memory 241b with the original image set in the original image frame memory 242b.

  When the printed material to be inspected is conveyed to the reading unit 220 and the image is read, the determination unit 240 sets the read image on the upper surface of the printed material read by the upper surface image reading unit 221 in the read image frame memory 241a. At the same time, the read image of the lower surface of the printed material read by the lower image reading unit 222 is set in the read image frame memory 241b. Further, the determination unit 260 stores the original image frame memories 242a and 242b among the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit 250 based on the image ID included in the paper discharge image information supplied from the acquisition unit 260. Specify the original image to be set. That is, the determination unit 260 stores the original image stored in the storage unit 250 in the original image frame memory 242a in association with the image ID of the original image used for forming the image on the upper surface of the printed material included in the discharged image information. The original image stored in the storage unit 250 in association with the image ID of the original image used for forming the image on the lower surface of the printed material included in the discharged image information is set in the original image frame memory 242b.

  In FIG. 4, discharged image information including upper surface: image ID = 02 and lower surface: image ID = 01 is held in the acquisition unit 260 as the oldest discharged image information in the order acquired by the acquisition unit 260. It shows the state. In addition, the storage unit 250 includes an original image associated with the image ID = 01, an original image associated with the image ID = 03,..., An original image associated with the image ID = 02,. The states stored in this order are shown. In this case, the printed matter to be inspected next from the image forming apparatus 100 is a printed matter corresponding to the discharged image information including the upper surface: image ID = 02 and the lower surface: image ID = 01. The determination unit 240 sets the original image stored in the storage unit 250 in association with the image ID = 02 included in the discharged image information in the original image frame memory 242a, and the image ID included in the discharged image information. = 01, the original image stored in the storage unit 250 is set in the original image frame memory 242b. Thereby, even if the order of the original images stored in the storage unit 250 does not match the original image corresponding to the printed material to be inspected, the original image corresponding to the printed material to be inspected can be set correctly. .

  Next, the determination unit 240 compares the read image set in the read image frame memory 241a with the original image set in the original image frame memory 242a by the comparator 243a and also stores the read image in the read image frame memory 241b. The set read image and the original image set in the original image frame memory 242b are compared by the comparator 243b. Then, when at least one of the comparators 243a and 243b detects, for example, a difference exceeding a predetermined standard, the determination unit 240 determines that the printed material to be inspected is defective, and sets the predetermined standard. When the difference that exceeds is not detected in both the comparators 243a and 243b, it is determined that the printed matter to be inspected has no defect.

  The determination unit 240 outputs to the switching unit 230 a control command corresponding to the determination result of the presence / absence of defects in the printed material to be inspected. In response to the control command from the determination unit 240, the switching unit 230 guides the printed matter determined to be defective to the second discharge path L12 and discharges the printed matter to the defective discharge tray 210. It operates so as to be guided to the first discharge path L11 and discharged to the post-processing apparatus 300.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the operation of the inspection apparatus 200 according to this embodiment.

  When image formation based on the original image is performed in the image forming apparatus 100 and the original image is transferred to the inspection apparatus 200 by the original image transfer unit 122 of the image forming apparatus 100, the storage unit 250 stores the transferred original image. Are stored in association with the image ID (step S101). The process of step S101 is performed every time the original image is transferred from the image forming apparatus 100.

  Further, when the discharged image information is transferred to the inspection apparatus 200 by the discharged image information transfer unit 123 of the image forming apparatus 100, the acquisition unit 260 acquires the transferred discharged image information and outputs the discharged image information. The acquired discharge image information is held until processing based on the paper image information is performed (step S102). The process of step S102 is performed every time the discharged image information is transferred from the image forming apparatus 100, and the acquired image information is supplied to the determination unit 240 in order from the oldest discharged image information.

  When the printed material to be inspected is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 and conveyed to the reading unit 220, the reading unit 220 reads an image from the printed material to be inspected (step S103). The read image read by the reading unit 220 is set in the read image frame memories 241a and 241b of the determination unit 240 (step S104). In addition, the determination unit 240, based on the image ID included in the paper discharge image information supplied from the acquisition unit 260, among the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit 250, the source corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected. The image is specified, and the specified original image is set in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b (step S105).

  Then, the determination unit 240 uses the comparators 243a and 243b to compare and inspect the read image set in the read image frame memories 241a and 241b and the original image set in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b. (Step S106), it is determined whether or not the printed matter to be inspected has a defect (Step S107).

  When it is determined by the determination in step S107 that the printed material to be inspected has a defect (step S107: Yes), the switching unit is configured to guide the printed material to the second discharge path L12 according to the control command from the determination unit 240. 230 operates. Thereby, the printed material conveyed to the switching unit 230 is discharged to the defective paper discharge tray 210 through the second discharge path L12 (step S108). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S107 that the printed material to be inspected is free of defects (step S107: No), the printed material is guided to the first discharge path L11 in accordance with a control command from the determining unit 240. The switching unit 230 operates. Thereby, the printed material conveyed to the switching unit 230 is discharged to the post-processing apparatus 300 through the first discharge path L11 (step S109).

  Next, the discharged image information of this embodiment will be described in more detail. The discharged image information is, for example, a printed material ID that identifies a printed material as data (a parameter that is a target of an acquisition request) following a command that requests acquisition of discharged image information (hereinafter referred to as a discharged image information acquisition command). At the same time, it is transferred from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a discharged image information acquisition command according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, following the discharged image information acquisition command, the printed material ID of the printed material corresponding to the discharged image information, and the image ID of the original image used for image formation on the upper surface of the printed material identified by the printed material ID, The image ID of the original image used for image formation on the lower surface of the printed material identified by the printed material ID is transferred from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200. The acquisition unit 260 of the inspection apparatus 200 acquires a series of data transferred subsequent to the discharge image information acquisition command in accordance with the discharge image information acquisition command from the image forming apparatus 100, and holds it as discharge image information. To do.

  In addition to the paper discharge image information, the print attribute information is transferred from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200. The printed material attribute information includes size information indicating the size of the printed material discharged by the image forming apparatus 100, discharge destination information indicating the final discharge destination (excluding the defective paper discharge tray 210) of the printed material, and a post-processing device 300 for the printed material. Includes post-processing information indicating the content of the post-processing executed in step S2. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the printed matter attribute information includes, as data following a command requesting acquisition of the printed matter attribute information (hereinafter referred to as a printed matter attribute information acquisition command), a printed matter ID for identifying the printed matter, and an image forming apparatus. 100 to the inspection apparatus 200.

  In addition, a print discharge command is sent from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200 at a timing when the image forming apparatus 100 discharges the printed material, that is, when the exit sensor 115 of the image forming apparatus 100 detects the printed material. The inspection apparatus 200 recognizes that the printed material to be inspected is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 by this printed material discharge command, and the reading unit 220 can read the image from the printed material to be inspected. The determination unit 240 sets the original image corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b.

  Here, after the printed matter is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100, that is, after the printed matter discharge command is transferred from the image forming apparatus 100, the inspection apparatus 200 performs the above-described printed matter attribute information acquisition command and discharged sheet information information acquisition command. In some cases, the inspection apparatus 200 may not operate normally.

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart illustrating, as a comparative example, the relationship between the command transfer timing from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200 and the operation of the inspection apparatus 200. In the comparative example of FIG. 8, after the exit sensor 115 of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on and the printed matter discharge command C1 is transferred from the image forming device 100 to the inspection device 200, the printed matter attribute information acquisition command C2 and the printed matter attribute information D2 Is transferred, and thereafter, the discharged image information acquisition command C3 and the discharged image information D3 are transferred.

  The printed material to be inspected discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 is conveyed downstream by the conveyance roller 201 of the inspection device 200, and when the leading end of the printed material reaches the reading unit 220, reading of an image by the reading unit 220 is started. . When the trailing edge of the printed material passes through the reading unit 220, the reading of the image by the reading unit 220 ends, and the determination unit 240 can start determining whether there is a defect in the printed material. However, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 8, since the transfer of commands to the inspection apparatus 200 is concentrated after the printed matter is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100, immediately after the reading of the image by the reading unit 220 is completed. The determination by the determination unit 240 cannot be started, and the determination of the presence or absence of defects in the printed matter by the determination unit 240 is delayed. As a result, there is a concern that the determination by the determination unit 240 may not be completed before the printed material reaches the switching unit 230, and the switching of the discharge path by the switching unit 230 cannot be performed correctly.

  Therefore, in the printing system according to the present embodiment, the above-described printed matter attribute information acquisition command C2 and printed matter attribute information D2, the discharged image information acquisition command C3, and the discharged image are sent from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200. The information D3 is transferred at a timing before the corresponding printed matter is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. Also, the transfer timing of the printed matter attribute information acquisition command C2 and the printed matter attribute information D2 is different from the transfer timing of the discharged image information acquisition command C3 and the discharged image information D3. Accordingly, the transfer of commands is not concentrated after the printed matter is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100, and the above-described problem is solved.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining the relationship between an example of timing for transferring a command from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200 and the operation of the inspection apparatus 200 in the printing system according to the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 9, the print attribute information acquisition command C2 and the print attribute information D2 are transferred from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200, and the timing at which the recording medium starts to be fed from the paper feed tray 110 for the corresponding prints. To implement. In the example of FIG. 9, the transfer of the discharge image information acquisition command C3 and the discharge image information D3 from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200 is performed at the start of single-side image formation when the corresponding printed material is single-sided printing. When the corresponding printed material is double-sided printing, it is performed at the start of image formation on the surface opposite to the surface on which the image has already been formed.

  As shown in the example of FIG. 9, the print attribute information acquisition command C <b> 2, the print attribute information D <b> 2, and the discharged image information at different timings before the print is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200. When the print command is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 by transferring the acquisition command C3 and the discharge image information D3, the print discharge command C1 is only transferred from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200. It becomes. That is, the transfer of commands to the inspection apparatus 200 is not concentrated after the printed matter is discharged. Accordingly, when the reading of the image by the reading unit 220 of the inspection apparatus 200 is completed for the printed material discharged from the image forming apparatus 100, the determining unit 240 can immediately start determining whether there is a defect in the printed material. In addition, the malfunction of the switching unit 230 caused by the determination delay of the determination unit 240 can be effectively suppressed. Note that, as described above, the discharged image information D3 is transferred to the inspection apparatus 200 in the order in which the corresponding printed materials are discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the discharged image information D3 is sent to the inspection apparatus 200 at a timing before the printed material is discharged. There is no problem even if it is transferred. Further, since the printed matter attribute information D2 is associated with the discharged image information D3 by the printed matter ID, there is no problem even if the printed matter attribute information D2 is transferred to the inspection apparatus 200 at the timing before the printed matter is discharged, like the discharged image information D3.

  As described above in detail with specific examples, in the printing system according to the present embodiment, the determination unit 240 of the inspection apparatus 200 includes the image ID included in the discharged image information corresponding to the printed material to be inspected. Based on the above, among the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit 250, the original image used for image formation of the printed material to be inspected is specified and set in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b. Therefore, even when the order in which the images are formed on the print medium based on the original image and the order in which the printed matter including the images is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 do not match, it is correct for the printed matter to be inspected. The original image can be set in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b, and the presence or absence of defects in the printed matter can be correctly determined.

  Further, according to the printing system according to the present embodiment, the discharged image information and the printed material attribute information corresponding to the printed material are respectively transferred to the inspection device 200 at different timings before the printed material is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the malfunction of the switching unit 230 due to the determination delay of the determination unit 240 can be effectively suppressed.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the discharged image information includes image reversal information indicating whether or not the corresponding printed image is reversed with respect to the original image, in addition to the image ID of the original image. The basic configuration and operation of the printing system are the same as those in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are assigned to configurations common to the first embodiment, and redundant description is omitted, and only characteristic portions of the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a characteristic configuration of an inspection apparatus 200A according to the second embodiment. The inspection apparatus 200A according to the present embodiment includes a determination unit 240A instead of the determination unit 240 of the first embodiment. Further, the paper discharge image information acquired by the acquisition unit 260 from the image forming apparatus 100 includes image inversion information in addition to the image ID of the original image used for image formation of the corresponding printed matter. The image reversal information included in the discharged image information of the present embodiment indicates whether or not the image on the surface on which the image is formed is reversed with respect to the original image if the corresponding printed matter is single-sided printing. If the corresponding printed material is double-sided printing, indicate whether the image formed on one side and the image formed on the other side are reversed with respect to the original image. Yes.

  In addition to the function of the determination unit 240 of the first embodiment, the determination unit 240A further determines the orientation of the original image to be set in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b based on the image inversion information included in the discharged image information. Has a function to set. That is, the determination unit 240 </ b> A is associated with the image ID included in the paper discharge image information supplied from the acquisition unit 260 among the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit 250, and is stored in the storage unit 250. Is read. Then, if the image inversion information included in the discharged image information indicates that there is no inversion, the determination unit 240A sets the original image read from the storage unit 250 as it is in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b, and then outputs it. If the image inversion information included in the paper image information indicates that there is inversion, the direction of the original image read from the storage unit 250 is inverted and set in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b.

  In the example of FIG. 10, the discharge image information corresponding to the printed material to be inspected, that is, the oldest discharge image information in the order acquired by the acquisition unit 260 is the upper surface image ID = 02 and the lower surface image ID = 01. In addition, image inversion information indicating that the image on the upper surface is not inverted and the image on the lower surface is inverted is included. Therefore, the determination unit 240A reads out the original image stored in association with the image ID = 02 among the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit 250 and sets the original image in the original image frame memory 242a as it is. The original image stored in association with the image ID = 01 is read, and the direction of the original image is reversed and set in the original image frame memory 242b.

  The discharged image information of the present embodiment is the same as the discharged image information of the first embodiment, for example, as data following the discharged image information acquisition command, together with the printed matter ID of the corresponding printed matter, from the image forming apparatus 100. It is transferred to the inspection apparatus 200A. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a discharged image information acquisition command according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, following the discharged image information acquisition command, the printed material ID of the printed material corresponding to the discharged image information, and the image ID of the original image used for image formation on the upper surface of the printed material identified by the printed material ID, , The image ID of the original image used for image formation on the lower surface of the printed material identified by the printed material ID, and image inversion indicating whether each of the upper surface image and the lower surface image of the printed material is inverted with respect to the original image Information is transferred from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200A. The acquisition unit 260 of the inspection apparatus 200A acquires a series of data transferred subsequent to the discharge image information acquisition command in response to the discharge image information acquisition command from the image forming apparatus 100, and holds it as discharge image information. To do.

  As described above, in the printing system according to the present embodiment, the discharged image information transferred from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200A is added to the image ID of the original image used for image formation of the corresponding printed matter. The image inversion information indicating whether or not the image of the corresponding printed matter is inverted with respect to the original image is included. Then, the determination unit 240A of the inspection apparatus 200A specifies the original image to be set in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b based on the image ID included in the paper discharge image information, and the image inversion information included in the paper discharge image information. Based on the above, the direction in which the identified original image is set in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b is set. Therefore, the correct original image corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected can be set in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b in the correct orientation, and the presence or absence of defects in the printed matter can be correctly determined.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the discharged image information includes image presence / absence information indicating whether images are formed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the corresponding printed matter, in addition to the image ID and image reversal information of the original image. Contains. The basic configuration and operation of the printing system are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and the duplicate description is omitted, and only the characteristic part of the third embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a characteristic configuration of the inspection apparatus 200B according to the third embodiment. The inspection apparatus 200B according to the present embodiment includes a determination unit 240B instead of the determination unit 240 of the first embodiment and the determination unit 240A of the second embodiment. Further, in the paper discharge image information acquired by the acquisition unit 260 from the image forming apparatus 100, the image ID of the original image used for image formation of the corresponding printed material and whether the image of the corresponding printed material is inverted with respect to the original image. In addition to the image inversion information indicating whether or not, image presence / absence information is included. The image presence / absence information included in the discharged image information of the present embodiment indicates whether images are formed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the corresponding printed matter. That is, if the corresponding printed material is single-sided printing, the image presence / absence information indicates that there is an image on one side on which an image is formed and there is no image on the other side. If the corresponding printed material is double-sided printing, the image presence / absence information indicates that there are images on both the upper surface and the lower surface.

  In addition to the function of the determination unit 240A of the second embodiment, the determination unit 240B further performs a comparative inspection of the upper surface and the lower surface of the printed material to be inspected based on the image presence / absence information included in the discharged image information. It has a function to determine whether. That is, if the image presence / absence information included in the ejected image information indicates that there is no image on the upper surface of the printed matter, the determination unit 240B does not read the original image set in the original image frame memory 242a and compares The comparative inspection using the device 243a is not performed. Further, if the image presence / absence information included in the discharged image information indicates that there is no image on the lower surface of the printed material, the determination unit 240B does not read the original image set in the original image frame memory 242b, and performs comparison. The comparative inspection using the device 243a is not performed. Based on the image ID included in the paper discharge image information, the determination unit 240B determines the original image only from the surface on which the image is formed by the image presence / absence information included in the paper discharge image information. Are set in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b.

  In the example of FIG. 12, the discharged image information corresponding to the printed material to be inspected, that is, the oldest discharged image information in the order acquired by the acquisition unit 260 has no image on the upper surface of the printed material and the image on the lower surface of the printed material. Image presence / absence information indicating that the image is formed is included. Further, image inversion information indicating that the image on the lower surface of the printed material is inverted is included, including the image ID = 01 on the lower surface of the printed material. Therefore, the determination unit 240B reads the original image stored in association with the image ID = 01 among the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit 250, reverses the direction of the original image, and converts the original image frame. It is set in the memory 242b, and the original image is not set in the original image frame memory 242a. Further, the comparison inspection between the original image and the read image is performed only by the comparison inspection using the comparator 243b, and the comparison inspection using the comparator 243a is not performed.

  The paper discharge image information of this embodiment is, for example, as data following the paper discharge image information acquisition command, together with the print ID of the corresponding print material, as with the paper discharge image information of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The image is transferred from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200B. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a discharged image information acquisition command according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, following the discharged image information acquisition command, the printed material ID of the printed material corresponding to the discharged image information, and the image ID of the original image used for image formation on the upper surface of the printed material identified by the printed material ID, Image presence / absence information indicating whether an image is formed on the upper surface, the image ID of the original image used for image formation on the lower surface of the printed material identified by the printed material ID, and whether an image is formed on the lower surface And image inversion information indicating whether or not each of the upper surface image and the lower surface image of the printed material is inverted with respect to the original image is transferred from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200B. . The acquisition unit 260 of the inspection apparatus 200B acquires a series of data transferred subsequent to the discharge image information acquisition command in response to the discharge image information acquisition command from the image forming apparatus 100, and holds it as discharge image information. To do.

  As described above, in the printing system according to the present embodiment, the discharged image information transferred from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200B corresponds to the image ID of the original image used for image formation of the corresponding printed matter. In addition to image reversal information indicating whether or not the image of the printed material to be printed is reversed with respect to the original image, image presence / absence information indicating whether or not an image is formed on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the corresponding printed material is included. It is out. Then, the determination unit 240B of the inspection apparatus 200B determines whether or not to perform the comparative inspection of the upper surface and the lower surface of the printed material to be inspected based on the image presence / absence information included in the paper discharge image information, and the image is formed. For the surface only, the original image to be set in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b is specified based on the image ID included in the discharged image information, and the specified original is determined based on the image inversion information included in the discharged image information. The direction in which the image is set in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b is set. Accordingly, the correct original image corresponding to the printed material to be inspected can be set in the original image frame memories 242a and 242b in the correct orientation, the presence or absence of defects of the printed material can be correctly determined, and an image of the printed material is formed. It is possible to reduce the load by omitting unnecessary comparison inspection of the unfinished surface.

  Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and is embodied in the implementation stage while adding various modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. be able to. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the inspection apparatus is configured as a separate apparatus from the image forming apparatus, but the function of the inspection apparatus may be implemented as one function of the image forming apparatus.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the original image used for image formation of the printed material is transferred from the image forming apparatus to the inspection apparatus. However, for example, the printing system is comprehensively controlled instead of the image forming apparatus. The original image may be transferred from another apparatus such as a printer server to the inspection apparatus. In the above-described embodiment, the discharged image information and the printed matter attribute information are transferred from the image forming apparatus to the inspection apparatus. However, like the original image, not from the image forming apparatus but to a printer server or the like. The discharged image information and the printed matter attribute information may be transferred from another device to the inspection device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 120 Printer controller 121 Process control part 122 Original image transfer part 123 Paper discharge image information transfer part 200,200A, 200B Inspection apparatus 220 Reading part 230 Switching part 240,240A, 240B Judgment part 250 Storage part 260 Acquisition part 300 Post-processing equipment

Japanese Patent No. 4626151

Claims (8)

An inspection apparatus that inspects printed matter generated by an image forming apparatus forming an image on a print medium based on an original image,
Storage means for storing a plurality of the original images corresponding to the plurality of printed materials in association with image IDs;
Obtaining means for obtaining the discharged image information relating to the image of the printed matter discharged from the image forming apparatus, and including at least the image ID of the original image corresponding to the printed matter;
Reading means for reading an image of the printed matter to be inspected discharged from the image forming apparatus;
Of the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit, the original image associated with the image ID included in the paper discharge image information corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected, and the read image read by the reading unit And determining means for determining the presence or absence of defects of the printed matter to be inspected ,
The discharged image information includes image reversal information indicating whether an image of the printed matter is reversed with respect to the original image,
Checking the determination means, based on said image reversal information included in the sheet ejection image information corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected, characterized that you set the orientation of the original image to be compared with the scanned image apparatus. An inspection apparatus that inspects printed matter generated by an image forming apparatus forming an image on a print medium based on an original image,
Storage means for storing a plurality of the original images corresponding to the plurality of printed materials in association with image IDs;
Obtaining means for obtaining the discharged image information relating to the image of the printed matter discharged from the image forming apparatus, and including at least the image ID of the original image corresponding to the printed matter;
Reading means for reading an image of the printed matter to be inspected discharged from the image forming apparatus;
Of the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit, the original image associated with the image ID included in the paper discharge image information corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected, and the read image read by the reading unit And determining means for determining the presence or absence of defects of the printed matter to be inspected,
The discharged image information includes image presence / absence information indicating whether images are formed on each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the printed matter,
The determination unit is configured to determine the surface on which an image is formed out of the upper surface and the lower surface of the printed material to be inspected based on the image presence / absence information included in the discharged image information corresponding to the printed material to be inspected. inspection device characterized in that the read image is compared with the original image. An inspection apparatus that inspects printed matter generated by an image forming apparatus forming an image on a print medium based on an original image,
Storage means for storing a plurality of the original images corresponding to the plurality of printed materials in association with image IDs;
Obtaining means for obtaining the discharged image information relating to the image of the printed matter discharged from the image forming apparatus, and including at least the image ID of the original image corresponding to the printed matter;
Reading means for reading an image of the printed matter to be inspected discharged from the image forming apparatus;
Of the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit, the original image associated with the image ID included in the paper discharge image information corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected, and the read image read by the reading unit And determining means for determining the presence or absence of defects of the printed matter to be inspected,
The acquisition unit sequentially acquires a plurality of pieces of information included in the paper discharge image information together with a printed material ID of the printed material corresponding to the paper discharge image information in response to a command requesting acquisition of the paper discharge image information. inspection device characterized by. An inspection apparatus that inspects printed matter generated by an image forming apparatus forming an image on a print medium based on an original image,
Storage means for storing a plurality of the original images corresponding to the plurality of printed materials in association with image IDs;
Obtaining means for obtaining the discharged image information relating to the image of the printed matter discharged from the image forming apparatus, and including at least the image ID of the original image corresponding to the printed matter;
Reading means for reading an image of the printed matter to be inspected discharged from the image forming apparatus;
Of the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit, the original image associated with the image ID included in the paper discharge image information corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected, and the read image read by the reading unit And determining means for determining the presence or absence of defects of the printed matter to be inspected,
Said acquisition means, said sheet ejection image information corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected, inspection apparatus it and obtains before said printed matter to be inspected is discharged from the image forming apparatus. An inspection apparatus that inspects printed matter generated by an image forming apparatus forming an image on a print medium based on an original image,
Storage means for storing a plurality of the original images corresponding to the plurality of printed materials in association with image IDs;
Obtaining means for obtaining the discharged image information relating to the image of the printed matter discharged from the image forming apparatus, and including at least the image ID of the original image corresponding to the printed matter;
Reading means for reading an image of the printed matter to be inspected discharged from the image forming apparatus;
Of the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit, the original image associated with the image ID included in the paper discharge image information corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected, and the read image read by the reading unit And determining means for determining the presence or absence of defects of the printed matter to be inspected,
The acquisition means is print attribute information regarding the printed matter discharged from the image forming apparatus, and includes the size of the printed matter, the final discharge destination of the printed matter, and the type of post-processing required for the printed matter. inspection device you characterized by further obtaining the printed matter attribute information including at least one. The acquisition means acquires the discharged image information corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected at a first time point before the discharge when the printed matter to be inspected is discharged from the image forming apparatus. The inspection according to claim 5 , wherein the print attribute information corresponding to the target print is acquired at a second time before the discharge and at a second time different from the first time. apparatus. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a print medium based on the original image to generate a printed matter;
An inspection apparatus that inspects the printed matter generated by the image forming apparatus, and a printing system comprising:
The image forming apparatus includes:
Original image transfer means for transferring the original image corresponding to the printed matter to the inspection apparatus in association with an image ID;
Paper discharge image information relating to the image of the printed material to be discharged, and at least the paper discharge image information including the image ID of the original image corresponding to the printed material, to the inspection device; With
The inspection device includes:
Storage means for storing a plurality of the original images transferred from the original image transfer means in association with image IDs;
Obtaining means for obtaining the discharged image information transferred from the discharged image information transferring means;
Reading means for reading an image of the printed matter to be inspected discharged from the image forming apparatus;
Of the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit, the original image associated with the image ID included in the paper discharge image information corresponding to the printed matter to be inspected, and the read image read by the reading unit And a determination unit that determines whether or not the printed matter to be inspected is defective. A printed matter inspection method executed by an inspection device that inspects a printed matter generated by an image forming apparatus forming an image on a print medium based on an original image,
A step of storing a plurality of the original images corresponding to a plurality of the printed materials in association with an image ID;
The obtaining unit of the inspection apparatus obtains the discharged image information regarding the image of the printed matter discharged from the image forming apparatus, and includes at least the discharged image information including the image ID of the original image corresponding to the printed matter. And steps to
A reading unit of the inspection apparatus reads the image of the printed matter to be inspected discharged from the image forming apparatus;
The determination unit of the inspection apparatus includes the original image associated with the image ID included in the paper discharge image information corresponding to the printed material to be inspected among the plurality of original images stored in the storage unit; by comparing the read image the reading unit has read, viewed including the and determining the defects in the printed matter to be inspected,
The discharged image information includes image reversal information indicating whether an image of the printed matter is reversed with respect to the original image,
The determination unit sets an orientation of the original image to be compared with the read image based on the image reversal information included in the discharged image information corresponding to the printed material to be inspected . Inspection method.

Images