JP7119804B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program for forming an image on paper, and more particularly to a technique for inspecting image formation.

2. Description of the Related Art As an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper to obtain a printed matter, there is an image forming apparatus that has an inspection function (inspection function) for inspecting whether or not the printed matter on which the image is formed on the paper is defective.
The inspection function includes a function for inspecting whether the image itself formed by the image forming apparatus has defects such as dirt, and a function for inspecting whether the paper is properly cut.

With regard to the function to inspect the cutting of paper, for example, it is inspected whether there are any trim marks printed on the four corners of the paper. It is determined that However, there is also a cutting method that intentionally leaves the cutting marks, and the contents to be judged at the time of inspection differ depending on the settings of the printed matter.

When inspecting the image itself for defects, for example, a correct image prepared in advance is compared with a scanned image of a sheet of paper on which an image has been formed. A process to determine that it has occurred is performed.

In Patent Document 1, when an image formed on a sheet by an image forming apparatus is inspected, an area outside the document is added around the inspection image, and an area of a predetermined pixel value of the inspection image is defined as the area outside the document. describes a technique for inspecting an area outside the document.
According to the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200013, it is possible to inspect areas outside the document, such as cutting marks.

JP 2013-166556 A

The image content inspection performed by the image forming apparatus when inspecting the printed matter is a process that takes a relatively long time because it compares the printed image with the correct image prepared in advance on a pixel-by-pixel basis. , there is a problem that the burden as an inspection apparatus is large.

On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus performs an inspection, the inspection process is performed after performing a process of forming an image on a sheet and a post-processing process such as cutting of the sheet following the image forming process. In some cases, the sheet on which an image has already been formed is subjected to only the post-processing process and then to the inspection process.
Here, the conventional image forming apparatus inspects the content of the image and the quality of the paper such as cutting marks, regardless of what process the paper conveyed to the inspection device in the inspection process has undergone. It was supposed to do both state checks.

Therefore, in the conventional image forming apparatus, regardless of the process through which the printed matter to be inspected is supplied to the inspection device, both the inspection of the image contents and the inspection of the state of the paper are carried out. There was a problem that the burden as a

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program that can reduce the burden of image inspection.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a conveyed sheet, a scanner unit that reads the sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and an inspection that is performed by analyzing the image read by the scanner unit. An inspection unit and a control unit for controlling inspection by the inspection unit and executing inspection different from the first inspection when the inspection by the inspection unit is a reinspection of already inspected sheets. Here, when execution of re-inspection of an inspected job is selected by the operation unit and the selected job is a re-inspection of paper having cut marks, the inspection unit detects the end of the paper on which the cut marks are arranged. Only the area surrounding the part is inspected. Alternatively, when there is an instruction to inspect a sheet that does not pass through the image forming section, the control section causes the inspection section to inspect only the peripheral area of the edge of the sheet. Alternatively, when there is an instruction to inspect a sheet fed from a predetermined tray, the control section controls the inspection section to inspect only the peripheral area of the edge of the sheet.

Further, the image forming method of the present invention includes an inspection process of reading a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming process, analyzing the read image and performing an inspection, and performing an inspection in the inspection process on the already inspected sheet. and a control process for executing an inspection different from the first inspection when it is a reexamination. Here, in the control processing, when execution of re-inspection of an inspected job is selected in the operation input processing, and the selected job is re-inspection of paper having cut marks, the inspection processing performs Allows inspection to be performed only on the peripheral area of the edge. Alternatively, in the control process, when there is an instruction to inspect a sheet that does not pass through the image forming section, the inspection process is performed to inspect only the peripheral area of the edge of the sheet. Alternatively, in the control process, when there is an instruction to inspect a sheet fed from a predetermined tray, the inspection process is performed to inspect only the peripheral area of the edge of the sheet.

A program of the present invention is a program having a procedure for executing each process included in the image forming method described above.

According to the present invention, for a sheet on which an image has been formed by an image forming apparatus and has been inspected once, an inspection different from the first inspection is performed, thereby making it possible to reduce the burden at the time of inspection. . For example, in the second inspection, inspection of the image forming state that has already been performed may be omitted, and only a part of the inspection such as the peripheral area may be performed.

1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of an inspection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of inspection processing according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of cutting marks and portions to be cut in cutting according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a job list according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of inspection processing (modified example 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a job list (modified example 2) according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a job list (after re-inspection in modification 2) according to one embodiment of the present invention; It is a figure which shows the example (modification 3) of a display of the inspection result by one embodiment of this invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example (Modification 4) of a tray selection screen according to an embodiment of the present invention;

An embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this example") will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[1. System configuration example]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an image forming system of this example.
The image forming system of this example includes a main body 10 of an image forming apparatus and each device connected to the main body 10 . Devices connected to the main body 10 include a paper feed section 20 , a post-processing section 30 , an inspection section 40 and a paper discharge section 50 .
The paper feed unit 20 includes a plurality of paper feed trays and conveys paper to the main body 10 . A printer unit 500 is built in the main body 10 and performs image formation on paper conveyed from the paper feed unit 20 . Further, an ADF section (Auto Document Feeder) 300 for feeding documents and an operation display section 400 are connected to the paper feeding section 20 .

A sheet on which an image has been formed by the printer section 500 in the main body 10 is conveyed to the post-processing section 30 . In the post-processing section 30, pre-instructed post-processing is performed on the conveyed paper. Post-processing performed by the post-processing section 30 includes various processing such as paper folding processing, paper binding processing, and cutting processing. The post-processing section 30 is provided with a paper feed tray 31 that feeds sheets directly to the post-processing section 30 without going through the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus.

The paper that has undergone post-processing in the post-processing section 30 is supplied to the inspection section 40 . It should be noted that the paper supplied from the main body 10 to the inspection unit 40 via the post-processing unit 30 may be supplied without being subjected to any post-processing in the post-processing unit 30 .
The inspection unit 40 inspects the image formed on the supplied paper. The paper that has passed through the inspection unit 40 is discharged onto paper discharge trays 51 and 52 provided in the paper discharge unit 50 . A paper discharge tray 51 is a tray for discharging paper that has been determined as non-defective by the inspection unit 40, and a paper discharge tray 52 is for paper that has been determined to be abnormal by the inspection unit 40. This is the tray where the paper is ejected.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the main part of the image forming apparatus.

The main body 10 includes a control section 100 , a scanner section 200 , an operation display section 400 , a printer section 500 and an image processing section 600 .

The control unit 100 includes an image control CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a read processing unit 105, a write processing unit 106, and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control. It comprises a unit 107 , a compression unit 108 , a decompression unit 109 and an image memory 110 .

The image control CPU 101 reads out various processing programs such as a system program, an image forming processing program, and a paper discharge processing program stored in the ROM 102, develops them in the RAM 103, and controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus and peripheral devices according to the developed programs. to control.

For example, the image control CPU 101 executes a print job based on image information input from the scanner unit 200 or the image processing unit 600 and setting information input via the operation display unit 400 connected to the control unit 100 . to generate By executing this job, an image is formed on paper. Here, a job refers to a series of operations related to image formation. For example, in the case of creating copies of a predetermined number of originals, a series of operations related to image formation of the predetermined number of originals constitutes one job.

The ROM 102 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor memory, etc., and stores a system program corresponding to the image forming apparatus, an image forming processing program executable on the system program, various processing programs such as a paper discharge processing program, and the like. ing. These programs are stored in the form of computer-readable program codes, and the image control CPU 101 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

The RAM 103 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the image control CPU 101 and data related to these programs, and stores job queues, various operation settings, and the like.

The read processing unit 105 performs various processes such as analog signal processing, A/D conversion processing, and shading processing on the analog image signal input from the scanner unit 200 to generate digital image data and outputs the digital image data to the compression unit 108 . .
Write processing unit 106 generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal based on the image data input from decompression unit 109 and outputs the signal to printer unit 500 .

The DRAM control IC 107 controls the image data compression processing by the compression unit 108 and the compression data decompression processing by the decompression unit 109 based on the control from the image control CPU 101 , and controls input/output of image data in the image memory 110 . I do. For example, when an instruction to save image data read by the scanner unit 200 is given, the DRAM control IC 107 causes the compression unit 108 to compress the image data input from the read processing unit 105, thereby compressing the compressed image data. It is stored in the compression memory 111 of the image memory 110 .

Further, when image formation of the compressed image data stored in the compression memory 111 is instructed, the DRAM control unit 107 reads out the compressed image data from the compression memory 111, causes the decompression unit 109 to decompress the data, and restores the image data to the page memory 112. memorize to Furthermore, DRAM control unit 107 reads the image data stored in page memory 112 and outputs the read data to write processing unit 106 .

The compression unit 108 compresses input image data under the control of the DRAM control unit 107 .
The decompression unit 109 decompresses input compressed image data under the control of the DRAM control unit 107 .

The image memory 110 is composed of, for example, a DRAM, which is a volatile memory, and has a compression memory 111 and a page memory 112 . A compression memory 111 is a memory for storing compressed image data, and a page memory 112 is a memory for temporarily storing compressed image data relating to image formation before image formation.

A scanner unit 200 includes an image sensor such as a CCD 201 and a scanner control unit 202 . A scanner control unit 202 drives and controls each unit of the scanner unit 200 based on control signals from the image control CPU 101 . Specifically, the surface of the document placed on the contact glass is scanned by exposure, and the reflected light is imaged by the CCD 201 to read the image. Then, the imaged optical signal is photoelectrically converted to generate an analog image signal, which is output to the reading processing unit 105 .

The operation display unit 400 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 401, an operation display control unit 402, an operation key group (not shown), and a touch panel.
The LCD 401 displays various setting screens, image status display, operation status of each function, etc. on the screen in accordance with a display control signal from the operation display control unit 402 . In addition, on the screen of the LCD 401, a pressure-sensitive (resistive film pressure) touch panel in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern is configured, and the XY coordinates of the force point operated with a finger or a touch pen are detected as voltage values. , and outputs the detected position signal to the operation display control unit 402 as an operation signal.

The operation display control unit 402 performs display control on the LCD 401 based on control signals from the image control CPU 101 . For example, the LCD 401 displays various setting screens for paper used for image forming processing, various processing results, and the like. The operation display control unit 402 also outputs an operation signal input from the touch panel on the LCD 401 or the operation key group to the image control CPU 101 .

A user can view a basic screen for inputting print conditions for image forming processing, a list of jobs reserved for the image forming apparatus, and the like, on the LCD 401 of the operation display unit 400 . By operating the touch panel or the like on the LCD 401, the user can change various settings related to the image forming process to desired settings.

A printer unit 500 corresponds to an image forming unit, includes an LD unit (Laser Diode) 501 and a printer control unit 502, and forms an image on paper based on image data input from the write processing unit .

The LD section 501 includes an LD, a photosensitive drum, a charging section, an exposure section, a developing section, a transfer section, a cleaning section, a fixing section, and the like. The LD section 501 also includes various rollers such as a paper feed roller, a registration roller, and a paper discharge roller for conveying the paper along the conveyance path in the LD section 501, a conveyance path switching plate, a reversing section, and the like. Under the control of the printer control unit 502, the transport unit of the LD unit 501 feeds the paper designated by the job from the paper feed tray and transports the fed paper onto the transport path.

A plurality of sensors are provided on the transport path of the LD section 501 . These sensors generate detection signals and output them to the printer controller 502 when paper passes through.

A printer control unit 502 receives a control signal from the image control CPU 101 and controls the operation of each unit of the LD unit 501 . The printer control unit 502 also counts the number of sheets fed for each job based on the detection signal from the sensor provided on the transport path, and outputs the number to the image control CPU 101 .

In the printer unit 500, the surface of the photosensitive drum is charged by the charging unit based on the instruction from the printer control unit 502, and the laser beam is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum by the LD based on the PWM signal input from the write processing unit 106. to form an electrostatic latent image. Then, the developing section causes toner to adhere to an area including the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum, and the transfer section transfers the toner onto a sheet to form an image. After the transferred image is fixed by the fixing section, the sheet on which the image has been formed is conveyed to the post-processing section 30 by the paper discharge roller.

The image processing unit 600 includes a controller control unit 601, a DRAM control unit 602, an image memory 603, a LAN interface 604, a hard disk drive (HDD) 605, and the like.
The controller control unit 601 centrally controls the operation of each unit, and distributes data input from the external information terminal 60 via the LAN interface 604 to the control unit 100 as a job.

A DRAM control unit 602 controls storage of data received by the LAN interface 604 in the image memory 603 and reading of data from the image memory 603 . Further, DRAM control unit 602 is connected to DRAM control unit 107 of control unit 100 via a bus, and according to an instruction from controller control unit 601 , reads out data to be subjected to image formation from image memory 603 and sends it to DRAM control unit 107 . Output.

The image memory 603 is composed of a DRAM, and temporarily stores data input to the image memory 603 .
A LAN interface 604 is a communication interface for connecting to a network, receives image information, jobs, etc. from the information terminal 60 via the network and outputs them to the DRAM control unit 602 .
The HDD 605 stores image information and job details. Note that the HDD 605 is also used as a data storage unit for the control unit 100 .

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the inspection unit 40 shown in FIG.
The inspection unit 40 includes a LAN interface 701 , an inspection control unit 702 , a scanner unit 703 , a colorimetry unit 704 , a data storage unit 705 and an analysis unit 706 .
A LAN interface 701 communicates with the main body 10 side of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
An inspection control unit 702 inspects an image read by the scanner unit 703 based on an instruction from the control unit 100 or the like on the main body 10 side. The inspection control unit 702 also inspects the color read by the colorimetry unit 704 as necessary.

The data storage unit 705 stores data necessary for inspection. For example, data of a correct image to be compared is stored in the data storage unit 705 . The inspection processing result is also stored in the data storage unit 705 .
The analysis unit 706 performs analysis processing for comparing the image read by the scanner unit 703 and the correct image stored in the data storage unit 705 under the control of the inspection control unit 702 . In the case of this example, there are cases where the analysis processing is performed on the entire image formed on the paper, and there are cases where the analysis processing is performed only on a partial area (for example, the peripheral area) of the paper.
The inspection control unit 702 judges the result of analysis by the analysis unit 706 and determines whether or not the image formed by the printer unit 500 has a defect. The inspection result determined by the inspection control unit 702 is stored in the data storage unit 705 and also transmitted to the main body 10 side of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and the information terminal 60 via the LAN interface 701 .

[2. Flow of processing during inspection]
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the flow of inspection by the inspection unit 40 of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.
The inspection unit 40 inspects the image formed on the paper by conveying the image-formed paper to the inspection unit 40 after an image is formed on the paper by the printer unit 500 of the image forming apparatus. . However, as shown in FIG. 1, there are sheets on which the image forming process is not performed, such as sheets fed from the sheet feeding tray 31 of the post-processing section 30 installed between the main body 10 and the inspection section 40. Even when it is supplied to the inspection unit 40, the inspection unit 40 may inspect it. The paper that passes through the printer unit 500 and is supplied to the inspection unit 40 may also be supplied in a state in which the printer unit 500 does not perform image forming processing. However, the paper supplied to the inspection unit 40 without undergoing these image forming processes basically has already undergone image formation once and is discharged from the paper discharge tray 51 or 52. It is loaded in a tray 31 or the like.

In the image forming apparatus of this example, the inspection unit 40 omits the inspection of the items that have been performed once and checks the items that have not been performed on the sheet that has undergone image formation once and is conveyed to the inspection unit 40 again. Only the inspection of
That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the inspection control unit 702 of the inspection unit 40 determines whether or not the sheet conveyed from the post-processing unit 30 in the execution of the inspection job at that time has already been inspected. (step S11). When it is determined that the paper has not been inspected (NO in step S11), the inspection control unit 702 instructs the analysis unit 706 to perform analysis processing for comparing the image read by the scanner unit 703 with the correct image. An inspection process is executed (step S12).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S11 that the paper that has already been inspected is to be re-inspected (YES in step S11), the inspection control unit 702 selects from the stored data of the corresponding past inspection job the executed inspection job. The inspection type is acquired (step S13). Data about past inspection jobs are stored, for example, in the HDD 605 (FIG. 2).
Then, the inspection control unit 702 selects an inspection item so as to perform an inspection other than the performed inspection type acquired in step S13, and causes the analysis unit 706 to inspect the corresponding item (step S14). .

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image of the inspection state in steps S12 and S14 of the flow chart of FIG.
Here, as shown on the upper side of FIG. is used to trim the edge of the paper along the line L1.

The lower part of FIG. 5 shows the trimmed area of the entire sheet.
By performing the process of cutting along the line l1 on all four sides as described above, as shown in the lower side of FIG. Only the region Y of remains. Here, as shown in the lower left of FIG. 5, cutting marks M1, M2, M3, and M4 indicating the cutting positions are added to the four corners of the paper before cutting by the printer unit 500 during the image forming process.

During the first inspection by the inspection unit 40 in step S12 of the flowchart of FIG. 4, the image printed in the area Y is compared with the correct image to determine whether the printed image has defects or stains. . It is also determined by inspection whether or not the cutting marks M1, M2, M3, and M4 have been printed correctly.
On the other hand, in the second inspection by the inspection unit 40 in step S12 of the flowchart of FIG. 4, the inspection of the region Y is not executed. In other words, the image formed in the area Y is not inspected for defects, stains, or the like. Then, the inspection unit 40 determines whether or not the cutting marks M1, M2, M3, and M4 remain in the region X surrounding the region Y. FIG. Here, if any of the cutting marks M1, M2, M3, and M4 remains even partially, the inspection unit 40 determines that the paper is not properly cut.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of this example, when the same sheet is inspected a plurality of times, the inspection of the image performed in the first inspection is omitted in the second and subsequent inspections, and the peripheral portion is inspected. Only inspections that are necessary for post-processing such as inspections of Therefore, in the second and subsequent inspections, the inspection unit 40 does not inspect the area Y, which occupies most of the area of the image read by the scanner unit 703, and inspects the area Y, which is the peripheral portion of the paper. only takes place. As a result, the range of analysis performed by the analysis unit 706 can be greatly reduced.
As a result, the processing load required for inspection in the inspection unit 40 can be significantly reduced, and the inspection time can be shortened. In addition, as for the image data to be saved as the inspection result, only the image data around the paper is saved for the second time, which contributes to the reduction of the data storage capacity.

[3. Screen example when an inspection job is executed]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a job list when executing an inspection job in the image forming apparatus of this example. The screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the LCD 401 (FIG. 1) of the operation display unit 400, for example.
FIG. 6 shows an example of displaying a list of inspection jobs performed in the past by the image forming apparatus.
The user selects a specific list item R1 from the list of past inspection jobs shown in FIG. We judge that it is.

[4. Modification]
In the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the area around the paper is automatically inspected for the second and subsequent inspections. On the other hand, when you instruct to execute an inspection job that instructs reinspection of paper that has been inspected in the past, only when there is an instruction to reinspect paper with cut marks, the area around the paper Automatic inspection may be performed.
That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the inspection control unit 702 determines whether or not an instruction to reinspect the inspected sheet has been issued (step S21). ), it is determined whether or not the inspection is for a sheet with cut marks (step S22).
Here, if the paper with cut marks is to be re-inspected (YES in step S22), the inspection control unit 702 automatically selects inspection items so that only the periphery of the paper is inspected (step S23). .
On the other hand, if the reinspection is for a sheet without cut marks (NO in step S22), the inspection control unit 702 acquires the inspection type executed in the first inspection from the stored data (step S24), An inspection other than the inspection type executed in the inspection is executed (step S25).

By performing the inspection type selection process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the items to be inspected are automatically appropriately set based on the history at that time.
Note that the cutting marks M11 to M14 at the four corners shown in FIG. 5 are generally used to determine that correct cutting has been performed if the cutting marks M11 to M14 are not present after cutting. On the other hand, in order to clarify the size standard, there is also a case where the paper is cut while leaving the cutting marks M11 to M14 at the four corners. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to switch between the presence or absence of the cutting marks and the determination as to whether it is correct.
It is also possible to determine which cutting mark has been added from the history selected on the screen as shown in FIG. 6, and automatically switch the checking method.

Also, the first inspection history and the second inspection history for the same sheet may be displayed in relation to each other on the screen.
That is, for example, while the inspection history list of FIG. 8 is being displayed, assume that the user instructs re-inspection of a specific item R2 in this history list.
Re-inspection is executed by this instruction, and when the inspection is completed, an inspection history list is displayed as shown in FIG. Here, an item R2 indicating the first inspection and an item R3 indicating the second inspection for the same sheet are displayed vertically adjacent to each other.
In this way, by associating the inspections performed multiple times on the same printed matter and displaying them in the inspection history, the items checked in the first inspection (here, "dirt") and the items checked in the second inspection can be displayed. The item (here, "cutting mark") can be easily identified from the history display.

Further, the inspection unit 40 may store the image read by the scanner unit 703 at the time of each inspection in the data storage unit 705 . When the images read in this manner are stored, for example, when the user selects the detailed display of item R2 or item R3 from the examination history screen shown in FIG. 9, the images read in each examination are displayed on the screen. may

FIG. 10 shows an example in which images read by two inspections are displayed side by side. In the example of FIG. 10, the image of the first inspection is shown as a primary inspection A11, and the date and time of the first inspection are also displayed. In addition, the image of the second inspection is shown as a secondary inspection A12, and the date and time of the second inspection are also displayed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the re-execution of an inspection job executed in the past is determined to be the second inspection, and part of the inspection such as the inspection of the peripheral area is performed. On the other hand, it is also possible to determine whether or not to re-inspect by selecting the paper transport source at the time of inspection execution.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a paper feed tray selection screen during inspection. Here, eleven paper feed trays T11 to T21 are displayed on the screen. Here, the paper feed tray T21 is the paper feed tray 31 (FIG. 1) that does not pass through the printer section 500, and the paper to be fed from this paper feed tray T21 is selected and the inspection start button B1 is pressed. 4, the inspection control unit 702 determines that the inspection is for already inspected sheets at the time of determination in step S11 of FIG.

It should be noted that the screen shown in FIG. 6 and the like described so far is merely an example, and other configurations may be used as the screen for instructing inspection. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the operation display unit 400 included in the main body 10 is used as the screen for instructing an examination. However, the external information terminal 60 shown in FIG. You may do so.

In the above-described embodiment, only the peripheral area is inspected as the inspection process performed at the time of the second inspection. good. For example, in the first inspection, a precise inspection may be performed on images other than the peripheral image, and in the second inspection, an inspection may be performed with reduced accuracy to detect stains on the image other than the peripheral image.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the inspection unit 40 connected to the image forming apparatus performs inspection according to instructions from the image forming apparatus. By creating a program to be executed and installing the program in an existing image forming apparatus, the existing image forming apparatus may perform the same operation. The program in this case can be realized, for example, by recording it in various recording media and implementing it in a computer that controls the image forming apparatus.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the inspection is performed by the inspection unit 40 incorporated in the image forming apparatus. good. Alternatively, in the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 1, instead of the inspection control unit 702 (FIG. 3) provided in the inspection unit 40 controlling multiple inspections, the control unit 100 side or the external information terminal 60 shown in FIG. However, it is also possible to control inspection items and the like when multiple inspections are executed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Main body 20... Paper feed unit 30... Post-processing unit 40... Inspection unit 50... Paper discharge unit 60... Information terminal 100... Control unit 500... Printer unit 600... Image processing unit 702... Inspection control unit 703 Scanner unit 706 Analysis unit

Claims (9)

an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper being conveyed;
a scanner unit that reads a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;
an inspection unit that analyzes and inspects the image read by the scanner unit;
a control unit that controls the inspection by the inspection unit, and performs an inspection different from the first inspection when the inspection by the inspection unit is a reinspection of already inspected sheets ;
a display unit for displaying an inspection history in the inspection unit;
an operation unit for selecting execution of re-inspection of an inspected job from the inspection history displayed on the display unit;
When execution of re-inspection of an inspected job is selected by the operation unit and the selected job is a re-inspection of sheets having cut marks, the control unit arranges the cut marks by the inspection unit. Perform inspection only on the area surrounding the edge of the paper
Image forming device. further comprising an operation unit for selecting execution of re-inspection of the inspected job from the inspection history displayed by the display unit;
When re-inspection of an inspected job is selected by the operation unit, the control unit controls the scanner without performing image formation in the image forming unit on sheets loaded in a predetermined tray. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled so that reading by the unit and inspection of the read image by the inspection unit are performed. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control section also displays the history of the first inspection on the display section when displaying the result of the re-inspection. an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper being conveyed;
a scanner unit that reads a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;
an inspection unit that analyzes and inspects the image read by the scanner unit;
a control unit that controls inspection by the inspection unit, and performs an inspection different from the first inspection when the inspection by the inspection unit is a reinspection of already inspected paper,
The control unit causes the inspection unit to inspect only the peripheral area of the edge of the paper when there is an instruction to inspect paper that does not pass through the image forming unit.
Image forming device. an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper being conveyed;
a scanner unit that reads a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;
an inspection unit that analyzes and inspects the image read by the scanner unit;
a control unit that controls inspection by the inspection unit, and performs an inspection different from the first inspection when the inspection by the inspection unit is a reinspection of already inspected paper,
The image forming apparatus , wherein the control section causes the inspection section to inspect only a peripheral area of an edge portion of the sheet when an inspection instruction is given to the sheet fed from a predetermined tray . an inspection process of reading a sheet on which an image is formed by image forming processing and performing an inspection by analyzing the read image;
a control process for executing an inspection different from the first inspection when the inspection in the inspection process is a re-inspection of already inspected paper;
a display process for displaying an inspection history in the inspection process;
an operation input process for accepting execution of re-inspection of the inspected job from the inspection history displayed by the display process;
As the control processing, when the job by the operation input of re-inspection of the inspected job in the operation input processing is re-inspection of the paper having the cut marks, the inspection processing is performed to re-inspect the edges of the paper on which the cut marks are arranged. Let the scan run only on the peripheral area
Imaging method. an inspection process in which a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming process in an image forming unit is read, and an inspection is performed by analyzing the read image;
a control process for performing an inspection different from the first inspection when the inspection in the inspection process is a reinspection of already inspected paper,
As the control process, when there is an instruction to inspect a sheet that does not pass through the image forming unit, the inspection process is performed to inspect only the peripheral area of the edge of the sheet.
Imaging method. an image forming process for forming an image on a conveyed paper;
a reading process for reading a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming process;
an inspection process that analyzes and inspects the image read in the pre-reading process;
a control process for controlling the inspection by the inspection process, and performing an inspection different from the first inspection when the inspection process is a reinspection of already inspected paper,
In the control process, when there is an instruction to inspect a sheet fed from a predetermined tray, the inspection process is controlled so that only the peripheral area of the edge of the sheet is inspected.
Imaging method. A program that causes a computer to execute a procedure for executing each process included in the image forming method according to any one of claims 6 to 8 .

Images