PRINT CONTROL APPARATUS, PRINT CONTROL METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM STORING PRINT CONTROL PROGRAM

A print control apparatus that is capable of reducing occurrence of an error in a verification result of a printed sheet even if an unexpected job occurs. The print control apparatus includes a determination unit and a controller. The determination unit determines whether a verification apparatus verifies a printed sheet that is printed according to a second job in a case where a print instruction of a first job that is different from the second job is received. The controller controls to switch the print instruction of the first job to another job operation in the print control apparatus in a case where the determination unit determines that the verification apparatus verifies the printed sheet that is printed according to the second job.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a print control apparatus, a print control method, and a storage medium storing a print control program.

Description of the Related Art

There is a verification apparatus that reads a printed sheet that is printed by a printing apparatus like a multifunction apparatus to verify quality of the printed sheet on the basis of a reading result. The verification apparatus detects print omission, an error of characters, and quality of a bar code on a printed sheet. The verification apparatus verifies a printed sheet by comparing correct answer data of a print job input into the printing apparatus with image data that is obtained by reading the printed sheet. When the correct answer data and the image data coincide, a verification result becomes a normal product. When they do not coincide, the verification result becomes a defective product.

In the meantime, the printing apparatus can process a plurality of print jobs received from an external apparatus. The external apparatus transmits a print job of a printing target to the printing apparatus from among a plurality of print jobs currently held on the basis of a user's instruction. Then, the external apparatus transmits the plurality of print jobs to the printing apparatus in a predetermined print order on the basis of a print instruction from a user. At this time, when an unexpected print job is input into the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus may not print in a correct print order.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2014-106826 (JP 2014-106826A) suggests a related technique. The technique generates an output order list that records pieces of identification information about print processes in a reception order of print instructions. The technique temporarily accumulates output data about the received print instructions and generates a print order list that records pieces of identification information about the print processes in a transmission order to an image forming apparatus. Then, the verification is performed by comparing the pieces of identification information recorded in the two lists in order from heads of the lists.

For example, a print system in which a printing apparatus and a verification apparatus are connected may be used. In the print system concerned, when a print job is transmitted to the printing apparatus from an external apparatus, a printed sheet that is printed by the printing apparatus is conveyed to the verification apparatus. Then, the verification apparatus reads an image of the printed sheet and verifies the printed sheet by comparing correct answer data of the print job with the read image. At this time, an unexpected job may be input into the printing apparatus while the printing apparatus is processing the print job for verification. In such a case, when an unexpected job is input into the printing apparatus, the corresponding relation between the order of the printed sheet that is printed by the printing apparatus and the order of the correct answer data becomes inconsistent, even if the lists are used as the technique of the above-mentioned publication. As a result, an error occurs in the verification result of the printed sheet. This problem may occur also in a system other than the print system in which a printing apparatus and a verification apparatus are connected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a print control apparatus, a print control method, and a storage medium storing a print control program, which are capable of reducing occurrence of an error in a verification result of a printed sheet even if an unexpected job occurs.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a print control apparatus including a determination unit configured to determine whether a verification apparatus verifies a printed sheet that is printed according to a second job in a case where a print instruction of a first job that is different from the second job is received, and a controller configured to control to switch the print instruction of the first job to another job operation in the print control apparatus in a case where the determination unit determines that the verification apparatus verifies the printed sheet that is printed according to the second job.

According to the present invention, occurrence of an error in a verification result of a printed sheet is reduced even if an unexpected job occurs.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are mere example. And the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the following embodiments.

FIG. 1is a view showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image processing system100according to this embodiment. The image processing system100includes an image forming apparatus101, an external controller102, and a client terminal103. The image forming apparatus101and the external controller102are connected through an internal LAN105and a video cable106so as to be mutually communicable. The external controller102is connected with the client terminal103through an external LAN104so as to be mutually communicable. The external controller102is a print control apparatus that issues a print instruction to the client terminal103. The connection between the image forming apparatus101and external controller102and the connection between the external controller102and client terminal103may be wired connection and may be wireless connection.

The client terminal103is a personal computer, for example. A printer driver that has a function that converts print data into print description language that can be processed by the external controller102is installed into the client terminal103. A user can issue a print instruction from various applications installed in the client terminal103through the printer driver. The client terminal103transmits print data to the external controller102through the printer driver in response to a print instruction from a user. When receiving the print instruction from the client terminal103, the external controller102executes various processes, such as a data analysis process and a rasterizing process and inputs a job including print data to the image forming apparatus101.

The image forming apparatus101will be described. The image forming apparatus101includes a plurality of apparatuses that respectively have different functions and are connected. The image forming apparatus101is constituted so that complicated print processes, such as a bookbinding process, can be executed. In the example inFIG. 1, the image forming apparatus101as a print system includes a printer107, an inserter108, a verification apparatus109, a large-capacity stacker110, and a finisher111.

The printer107forms an image using toner on a sheet conveyed from a sheet cassette provided in a lower part of the printer107. The printer107irradiates a photosensitive drum with a scanning light beam like a laser beam that is modulated according to image data and is reflected by a polygon mirror. An electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with the laser beam is developed by toner, and a toner image is transferred to a sheet pasted on a transfer drum. A full color image is formed on a sheet by sequentially executing a series of image forming processes with toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). It should be noted that the printer107may be an apparatus that forms a monochrome image. The sheet on the transfer drum on which the image is formed is conveyed to a fixing device. The fixing device includes rollers and a belt, and a roller contains a heat source like a halogen heater. Then, the fixing device melts the toner on the sheet on which the toner image is transferred with heat and pressure and fixes the toner image to the sheet.

The inserter108is an apparatus for inserting a sheet. The inserter108can insert a sheet in arbitrary positions to a sheet group printed and conveyed with the printer107. The verification apparatus109reads an image of a conveyed sheet and performs verification to determine whether the sheet on which the image is printed is a normal product or a defective product by comparing the read image with a correct answer image registered beforehand. The large-capacity stacker110is a stacker that can stack mass sheets. The finisher111is an apparatus that applies finishing processes to a conveyed sheet. There are a stapling process, a punching process, a saddle stitch bookbinding process, etc. as the finishing processes. The finisher111discharges a sheet to which a finishing process is applied to a discharge tray.

Since the image forming apparatus101is designed so that a sheet verified by the verification apparatus109will be stacked in the large-capacity stacker110, the large-capacity stacker110is connected to a downstream side of the verification apparatus109in a connecting relation shown inFIG. 1. However, the connecting relation of the verification apparatus109and the large-capacity stacker110is not limited to the example shown inFIG. 1. For example, the large-capacity stacker110or another sheet stacking device may be connected to an upstream side of the verification apparatus109in order to stack sheets that are not verified. This point is mentioned later. Moreover, sheet stacking devices may be respectively connected to both the upstream side and the downstream side of the verification apparatus109.

The configuration of the image forming apparatus101may not be limited to the example shown inFIG. 1. For example, another apparatus may be added and some apparatus may be omitted. The image forming apparatus101may be connected to the client terminal103through the external LAN104without passing the external controller102. In this case, the client terminal103achieves the function of the external controller102. When the client terminal103transmits print data that can be processed by the image forming apparatus101and the image forming apparatus101applies a data analysis process and a rasterizing process, the print process is executed. The client terminal103achieves various kinds of functions, such as reception of a print start instruction from a user and a data management of a plurality of print data that will be transmitted to the image forming apparatus101.

FIG. 2is a block diagram showing examples of hardware configurations of the apparatuses in the image processing system100. The printer107of the image forming apparatus101has a communication I/F (interface)217, a LAN I/F218, a video I/F220, an HDD221, a CPU222, a memory223, an operation unit224, and a display unit225. Moreover, the printer107has the document reader226, a laser exposure unit227, an imaging unit228, a first fixing unit229a, a second fixing unit229b, a first sheet feed unit230a, and a second sheet feed unit230b. These units are connected through a system bus231. The communication I/F217is connected with the inserter108, the verification apparatus109, the large-capacity stacker110, and the finisher111through a communication cable254. Control signals are communicated through the communication I/F217. The LAN I/F218is connected with the external controller102through the internal LAN105. Various data are communicated through the LAN I/F218.

The video I/F220is connected with the external controller102through the video cable106. Image data etc. are communicated through the video I/F220. The HDD221is a storage unit that stores programs and data. The CPU222is a processor that performs various processes, such as image processing control and print control, by running programs stored in the HDD221. The memory223memorizes programs, which are executed by the CPU222when performing various processes, image data, etc. and functions as a work area. The function of the printer107is achieved because the CPU222runs the program developed to the memory223.

The operation unit224receives inputs about various setting items and instructions of operations from a user. The display unit225displays setting information about the image forming apparatus101, a processing status of a job (print job), etc. The operation unit224and the display unit225may be integrally constituted as a touch panel display unit. The document reader226performs a document reading process when using a copy function and a scan function. The document reader226reads document data by capturing an image with a CCD sensor while illuminating a document placed by a user with an exposure lamp. The laser exposure unit227performs primary charge, laser exposure for irradiating a photosensitive drum with a laser beam, etc. in order to transfer a toner image. The laser exposure unit227first performs the primary charge that electrifies a photosensitive drum surface to uniform negative potential. Next, a laser beam from a laser driver is deflected by the polygon mirror so as to illuminate the photosensitive drum. Thereby, the minus electric charge of an irradiated portion is neutralized and an electrostatic latent image is formed.

The imaging unit228is a device for transferring toner to a sheet. The imaging unit228has a development unit, a transfer unit, a toner supply unit, etc., and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum to the sheet. The development unit sticks the toner electrified in minus to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum surface from a development cylinder to visualize the image. The transfer unit applies positive potential to a primary transfer roller and performs primary transfer that transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum surface to a transfer belt. Moreover, the transfer unit applies positive potential to a secondary transfer outer roller and performs secondary transfer that transfers the toner on the transfer belt to a sheet. Each of the fixing units229aand229bmelts and fixes the toner on the sheet with heat and pressure. Each of the fixing units229aand229bhas a heat roller including a heater, a pressure roller, etc. The sheet feed units230aand230bare devices for feeding a sheet. A feeding operation and conveyance operation of a sheet are achieved by rollers on the basis of outputs of various sensors.

The inserter108of the image forming apparatus101has a communication I/F232, a CPU233, a memory234, and a sheet-feeding controller235, and these units are connected through a system bus236. The communication I/F232is connected with the printer107through the communication cable254. Control signals are communicated through the communication I/F232. The CPU233performs various control processes required for feeding a sheet according to control programs stored in the memory234. The memory234is a storage unit that stores the control programs. The sheet-feeding controller235controls feeding and conveyance of a sheet conveyed from the sheet feed unit of the inserter108or the printer107on the basis of instructions from the CPU233.

The verification apparatus109of the image forming apparatus101has a communication I/F237, a CPU238, a memory239, an image pickup unit240, and an operation unit241, and these units are connected through a system bus243. The verification apparatus109verifies a printed sheet that is a sheet on which an image is formed. The communication I/F237is communicable with the other devices of the image forming apparatus101through the communication cable254. Control signals are communicated through the communication I/F237. The CPU238performs various control processes of this embodiment required for verification according to control programs stored in the memory239. The memory239is a storage unit that stores the control programs. The image pickup unit240captures the conveyed sheet on the basis of an instruction from the CPU238. The conveyed sheet is the printed sheet that is printed by the printer107. The CPU238compares the image that is captured by the image pickup unit240with the correct answer image stored in the memory239to determine whether the image of the printed sheet is normal. The CPU238verifies the printed sheet on the basis of the determination result. The operation unit241has an operational function and a display function. The operation unit241receives an operation from a user and displays information about a verification result, a setting screen, etc. User's operations include an instruction to change setting values of the verification apparatus109and an instruction to register a correct answer image, for example. The operation unit241is a touch panel display unit, for example. However, the verification apparatus109may provide the above-mentioned operational function and display function as separate devices.

The large-capacity stacker110of the image forming apparatus101has a communication I/F244, a CPU245, a memory246, and a sheet discharge controller247, and these units are connected through a system bus248. The communication I/F244is connected with the printer107through the communication cable254. Control signals are communicated through the communication I/F244. The CPU245performs various control processes required for discharging a sheet according to control programs stored in the memory246. The memory246is a storage unit that stores the control programs. The sheet discharge controller247controls to convey the conveyed sheet to a stack tray, an escape tray, or the following finisher111according to an instruction from the CPU245.

The finisher111of the image forming apparatus101has a communication I/F249, a CPU250, a memory251, a sheet discharge controller252, and a finishing processor253, and these units are connected through a system bus255. The communication I/F249is connected with the printer107through the communication cable254. Control signals are communicated through the communication I/F249. The CPU250performs various control processes required for finishing or discharging a sheet according to control programs stored in the memory246. The memory251is a storage unit that stores the control programs. The sheet discharge controller252controls conveyance and discharge of a sheet according to an instruction from the CPU250. The finishing processor253controls the finishing processes, such as the stapling process, punching process, and saddle stitch bookbinding process, according to an instruction from the CPU250.

The external controller102will be described. The external controller102has a CPU208, a memory209, an HDD210, an input device211, a display unit212, a LAN I/F213, a LAN I/F214, and a video I/F215. These units of the external controller102are connected through a system bus216. The external controller102corresponds to the print control apparatus. In the meantime, when the client terminal103achieves the function of the external controller102, the client terminal103corresponds to the print control apparatus.

The CPU208comprehensively executes processes, such as reception of print data from the client terminal103, an RIP process, and transmission of print data to the image forming apparatus101, on the basis of the programs and data that are stored in the HDD210. The memory209memorizes programs and data that are needed when the CPU208performs various processes, and functions as a work area. Each process of the external controller102in this embodiment is achieved because the CPU208runs the program developed to the memory209. The external controller102may have a plurality of CPUs. Moreover, the CPU208may perform the processes of this embodiment by executing the processes in parallel. The CPU208corresponds to a determination unit and a control unit.

The HDD210stores programs and data that are required for operations of a print process etc. The input device211is a device for inputting an operation instruction of the external controller102. The input device211can employ a keyboard, a mouse, etc. Information about the executing application of the external controller102is displayed on the display unit212using a video signal of a static image or a moving image. The input device211and the display unit212may be integrally constituted as a touch panel display unit. The LAN I/F213is connected with the client terminal103through the external LAN104and manages communications like a print instruction etc. The LAN I/F214is connected with the image forming apparatus101through the internal LAN105and manages communications like a print instruction etc. The video I/F215is connected with the image forming apparatus101through the video cable106and manages various communications.

The client terminal103will be described. The client terminal103has a CPU201, a memory202, an HDD203, an input device204, a display unit205, and a LAN I/F206, and these units are connected through a system bus207. The CPU201generates print data and issues a print instruction according to a document processing program etc. that are stored in the HDD203. The CPU201comprehensively controls the units connected to the system bus207. The memory202memorizes programs and data that are needed when the CPU201performs various processes, and functions as a work area. The HDD203stores programs and data that are required for operations of a print process etc. The input device204is a device for inputting an operation instruction of the client terminal103. The input device204can employ a keyboard, a mouse, etc. Information about the executing application of the client terminal103is displayed on the display unit205using a video signal of a static image or a moving image. The input device204and the display unit205may be integrally constituted as a touch panel display unit. The LAN I/F206is connected with the external LAN104and manages various communications.

Although the external controller102and the image forming apparatus101are connected through the internal LAN105and video cable106in the example inFIG. 2, the connections between them are not limited to the example inFIG. 2as long as data for executing a print job can be transmitted and received. For example, when data for executing a print job can be transmitted and received through the video cable106, the internal LAN105may not be connected between the external controller102and the image forming apparatus101. Moreover, the memories202,209,223,234,239,246, and251of the respective devices can be achieved by arbitrary devices as long as they can memorize data and programs. For example, each memory may employ a volatile RAM, a nonvolatile ROM, a built-in HDD, an external HDD, a USB memory, or the like.

Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus101will be described.FIG. 3is a sectional view showing the image forming apparatus101. The printer107has the first and second sheet feed units (feed decks)230aand230b. The sheet feed units230aand230bcan store various kinds of sheets. Each of the sheet feed units230aand230bcan separate a topmost sheet of stored sheets and convey the separated sheet to the sheet conveyance path303. Development stations304,305,306, and307respectively form toner images using color toners of Y, M, C, and K. The formed toner images are primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt308in an overlapped fashion so as to form a color image. The intermediate transfer belt308rotates clockwise. Then, the color toner image is transferred to the sheet conveyed through the sheet conveyance path303at a secondary transfer position309.

The display unit225displays information about a printing status and settings of the image forming apparatus101. The first fixing unit229afixes the toner image to the sheet. The first fixing unit229ahas the pressure roller and the heat roller. When the sheet passes between the rollers, the toner image is fixed to the sheet by melting and pressuring the toner. The sheet that passes through the first fixing unit229ais conveyed through a sheet conveyance path312to a conveyance path315. Some kinds of sheets need further melting and pressuring. Such a sheet is conveyed to the second fixing unit229bthrough the sheet conveyance path312after passing through the first fixing unit229a. Then, the sheet is subjected to the melting and pressuring again and is conveyed through a sheet conveyance path314to the conveyance path315. When an image forming mode is a double side mode, the sheet is conveyed to a sheet inversion path316and is inverted. After the inversion, the sheet is conveyed to a double-side conveyance path317, and an image of the second side is transferred to the sheet at the secondary transfer position309. Then, the printed sheet in which the image has been formed on the sheet is conveyed to the inserter108.

The inserter108has an inserter tray321and feeds a sheet (printed sheet) from the inserter tray321through a sheet conveyance path322so as to join the sheet to the conveyance path. Thereby, the inserter108can insert a sheet in an arbitrary position of a series of sheet group conveyed from the printer107and can convey the sheet group to the following device. The sheet passing through the inserter108is conveyed to the verification apparatus109. Cameras331and332are arranged in the verification apparatus109so as to face each other. The cameras331and332are image pickup devices that respectively read a top face and a bottom face of a sheet and correspond to the image pickup unit240inFIG. 2. The verification apparatus109reads the images of the sheet with the cameras331and332at a timing when the sheet conveyed through a sheet conveyance path333arrives at a predetermined position, and determines whether the images of the sheet are normal. A result of the verification of the sheet (printed sheet) by the verification apparatus109is displayed on the operation unit241as a verification result. The verification apparatus109manages a verification mode as an operational mode. The verification mode is information determining whether the verification apparatus109verifies a printed sheet. The verification mode is prescribed by a value of ON or OFF. When the verification mode is set to ON, the verification apparatus109reads an image printed on a printed sheet and verifies the printed sheet by determining whether the image is normal or defective. In the meantime, when the verification mode is set to OFF, the verification apparatus109does not verify a printed sheet. In this case, the sheet passes through the verification apparatus109and is conveyed to the following device. The details of the verification mode will be mentioned later.

The large-capacity stacker110has a stack tray341as a tray stacking sheets. The sheet (printed sheet) that passes through the verification apparatus109is conveyed to the large-capacity stacker110through a sheet conveyance path344. The sheet is stacked on the stack tray341while being flipped from the sheet conveyance path344through a sheet conveyance path345. The stack tray341has a lifting tray342and an ejection tray343. Moreover, the large-capacity stacker110has an escape tray346as a discharge tray.

The escape tray346is the discharge tray used in order to discharge a sheet (printed sheet) determined as a defective product by the verification apparatus109. When a sheet is discharged to the escape tray346, the sheet is conveyed from the sheet conveyance path344to the escape tray346through a sheet conveyance path347. When a sheet is conveyed to the finisher111of the latter part of the large-capacity stacker110, the sheet is conveyed through a sheet conveyance path348. An inversion section349inverts a sheet. The inversion section349is used when a discharge destination of a sheet is switched corresponding to the determination result of the verification apparatus109. This aims to gain time needed to verify a sheet by the verification apparatus109by reading images on the sheet with the cameras331and332and to switch the discharge destination among the sheet conveyance paths345,347, and348. When the verification apparatus109does not verify a sheet, the inversion section349is used only when the sheet is stacked on the stack tray341while flipping the sheet.

The finisher111has finishing functions, such as stapling (one-place binding or two-place binding), punching (two holes or three holes), and saddle stitch bookbinding. The functions of the finisher111are not limited to these functions. The finisher111has discharge trays361and362. A sheet (printed sheet) is discharged to the discharge tray361through a sheet conveyance path363. However, the finishing process, such as the stapling process, is not performed in the sheet conveyance path363. When the finishing process, such as the stapling process, is performed, a sheet is conveyed to a processing unit365through a sheet conveyance path364, and the processing unit365performs the finishing function designated by a user. Then, the sheet to which the finishing process has been applied is discharged to the discharge tray362. The discharge trays361and362can be moved up and down, respectively. The sheet to which the processing unit365applies the finishing process can be stacked on the discharge tray361by moving down the discharge tray361. When the saddle stitch bookbinding is designated, a saddle stitch processing unit366applies the stapling process to a center of a sheet and folds the sheet into two. Then, the folded sheet is discharged to a saddle stitch bookbinding tray368from a sheet conveyance path367. The saddle stitch bookbinding tray368has a conveyor belt, and a saddle stitch bookbinding bundle stacked on the saddle stitch bookbinding tray368is conveyed to a side opposite to the side at which the large-capacity stacker110is connected.

Next, screen examples displayed on the operation unit241of the verification apparatus109will be described. The CPU238of the verification apparatus109controls the screen displayed on the operation unit241. As mentioned above, the verification apparatus109verifies images of a sent printed sheet according to predetermined verification items. An image of a printed sheet is verified by comparing a correct answer image registered beforehand with the image of the sent printed sheet. Arbitrary image comparison methods, such as a method of comparing pixel values for every image point, a comparison of positions of objects detected by edge detection, and extraction of character data by OCR (Optical Character Recognition), are applicable. Verification items include deviation of a print position, a color tone of an image, density of an image, a streak, thin printing, print omission, etc.

FIG. 4is a view showing an example of a screen displayed when the verification apparatus109is started. The following screens are displayed on the operation unit241of the verification apparatus109under the control of the CPU238. When no correct answer image is registered to the verification apparatus109, the CPU238displays a message401that requests registration of the correct answer image(s) as shown inFIG. 4on the operation unit241. When a correct answer image is registered to the verification apparatus109, the message401is not displayed. The CPU238may display a message, which shows that the registration of the correct answer image(s) has been completed and the verification can be started, on the operation unit241instead of the message401. A correct answer image is displayed in an area402. When no correct answer image is registered, the CPU238displays a message of “Unregistered” in the area402.

A button403is used for calling a registration screen of a correct answer image. A correct answer image is a criterion of determination of whether an image read by the verification apparatus109is normal or defective. An image that is normally printed on a printed sheet and is read by the verification apparatus109is used as a correct answer image, for example. An image that is beforehand checked by visual observation may be used as a correct answer image. A correct answer image is registered by storing into the memory239etc., for example. A button405is used to call a setting screen about verification. On the setting screen, a user can set the verification items, verification accuracy, etc. depending on a user's verification purpose. The verification accuracy prescribes a degree of difference between a read image and a correct answer image when a printed sheet of a verification target is determined as a defective product. A button406is used to call a checking screen of a verification result. When the button406is pressed, past verification contents and verification results can be checked. A button407is used to instruct start of verification. When the button407is pressed, the CPU238starts verification of an image of a sent printed sheet. Moreover, when the verification start button407is pressed, the CPU238sets the verification mode to ON. When the verification is completed, the CPU238sets the verification mode to OFF. A button for instructing termination of verification may be provided in the screen400. For example, when a user manually presses the button for instructing the termination of verification, the CPU238sets the verification mode to OFF.

FIG. 5is a view showing an example of a screen displayed when a correct answer image is registered. The screen500inFIG. 5is displayed when the button403inFIG. 4is pressed. In a setting area501, the number of sheets per copy of a job to be verified can be set up. When the job includes two or more sheets per copy, a plurality of images are registered to the verification apparatus109as the correct answer images. A target side of the verification can be set up in a setting area502. In the setting area502inFIG. 5, a user can select a target side of verification from among “Both sides”, “Front side only”, and “Back side only”. For example, even when an image is printed on one side of a printed sheet, the verification of both sides may be set to check whether dust does not adhere to the side to which no image is printed. A button503is used to instruct registration of a correct answer image. When the button503is pressed, the CPU238controls to read an image of a sent printed sheet and to register the read image as a correct answer image.

FIG. 6is a view showing an example of a screen displayed when the correct answer image is being read. When the button503inFIG. 5is pressed, the screen600inFIG. 6is displayed. The screen500is displayed until completing the reading of the sheets of the number set up in the setting area501. A button601is used to instruct stop of the reading of the correct answer image. When the button601is pressed, the CPU238controls to display the screen400inFIG. 4without registering a correct answer image.

FIG. 7is a view showing an example of a screen displayed after completing the reading of the correct answer image(s). The image of the printed sheet that is read by the verification apparatus109is displayed in an image display area701. An image switching section702is used to switch an image displayed in the image display area701among images of a plurality of sheets and includes a previous button, a next button, and a page number. A button703is used to switch the front side and the back side when both (front and back) sides of the printed sheet are read. A button704is used to instruct the setting of a verification skip area. In this embodiment, an area that is not verified can be set to a case where a print content in a specific area is different in each sheet like a case of Variable Data Printing (VDP). The area that is not verified is the verification skip area. The button704can also be used in a case where a printed sheet of which an ID is different in each sheet and a case where a name and an address are different in each sheet.

A button705is used to instruct registration of the read image displayed in the image display area701as a correct answer image. When the button705is pressed, the CPU238controls to register the correct answer image and to display the screen400inFIG. 4on the operation unit241. A button706is used to cancel reading of an image. When the button706is pressed, the CPU238controls to display the screen400inFIG. 4on the operation unit241without registering a correct answer image.

FIG. 8is a view showing an example of a setting screen of the verification skip area. The screen800inFIG. 8is displayed when the button704inFIG. 7is pressed. An area801shows the verification skip area. An area position designation section802is provided to designate a position of the verification skip area in the image display area701and includes four direction buttons that allow designating an arbitrary position. An area sizes designation section803is provided to designate a size of the verification skip area in the image display area701and includes four direction buttons that allow enlarging or reducing the area to an arbitrary size. A button804is used to register the setting of the verification skip area. When the button804is pressed, the CPU238controls to register the verification skip area and to display the screen700inFIG. 7on the operation unit241. A button805is used to register the verification skip area and also to register another verification skip area. A plurality of verification skip areas can be registered to the verification apparatus109. A plurality of verification skip areas can be registered using the button805. A button806is used to cancel the setting of the verification skip area. When the button806is pressed, the CPU238controls to display the screen700inFIG. 7on the operation unit241without registering a verification skip area.

FIG. 9is a view showing an example of a screen displayed when verification parameters are set up. The screen900inFIG. 9is displayed when the button405inFIG. 4is pressed. A setting area901is provided to set up a verification level. The verification accuracy can be arbitrarily changed by changing the verification level in the setting area901. In this embodiment, the CPU238reduces allowable difference (difference between a read image and a correct answer image) that is used to determine that a verification result is normal as the verification level set in the setting area901increases. For example, when the verification level is high, the CPU238may determine that a printed sheet is a defective product even if difference between a read image and a correct answer image is small. In the meantime, when the verification level is low, the CPU238may determine that a printed sheet is a normal product even if difference between a read image and a correct answer image which were read is large. A setting area902is provided to set up verification items. The verification items in the setting unit902can be set up depending on a verification purpose. In the example inFIG. 9, the print position, color tone, streak, and print omission are included in the verification targets and the density is excluded from the verification targets in the setting area902. When an OK button903is pressed, the CPU238controls to display the screen400inFIG. 4on the operation unit241.

FIG. 10is a view showing an example of a screen on which a verification result is shown. The screen1000inFIG. 10is displayed when the button406inFIG. 4is pressed. Attributes, verification results, etc. of the verified job are displayed in a result display area1001. A job selection section1002is provided to select a job of which the verification result is displayed. In the result display area1001, the number of OK sheets shows the number of the printed sheets determined as normal products and the number of NG sheets shows the number of the printed sheets determined as defective products. The example inFIG. 10shows that the first job is selected from among nine jobs of which histories are saved. The verification results of the printed sheets of the first job are displayed inFIG. 10. The job selection section1002includes a previous button, a next button, and a job number. The two buttons are used to select a job. The display contents are switched to verification results of an arbitrary job using the two buttons concerned. A button1003is used to finish the display of the screen1000. When the button1003is pressed, the CPU238controls to display the screen400inFIG. 4on the operation unit241.

FIG. 11is a view showing an example of a screen displayed after starting the verification. The screen1100inFIG. 11is displayed when the button407inFIG. 4is pressed. An image of the printed sheet that is finally read by the verification apparatus109is displayed in an area1101. The verification result that the CPU238determined is displayed in a result display area1102. For example, “OK” is displayed in the result display area1102when the verification result is determined as a normal product, and “NG” is displayed when the verification result is determined as a defective product. A button1103is used to instruct a finish of the verification. When the button1103is pressed, the CPU238controls to finish the process concerning the verification and to display the screen400inFIG. 4on the operation unit241. A button1104is used to designate to display a checking screen of the verification results of the entire job. When the button1104is pressed, the CPU238controls to display the screen1100inFIG. 10that shows the verification results on the operation unit241.

FIG. 12is a view showing another example of a screen after starting the verification. When an image of a read printed sheet includes defective pixels, the CPU238determines whether a verification result means a defective product by referring to the verification level. The image of the printed sheet that is finally read is displayed in the area1101in the screen inFIG. 12. The screen inFIG. 11shows that the verification result of the first page among 89 pages is determined as a normal product. The screen inFIG. 12shows that the verification result of the first page among 95 pages is determined as a defective product. In the result display area1102inFIG. 12, “NG” showing that the verification result is determined as the defective product is displayed. Moreover, the factor of determination as the defective product and the position of the defective pixels are shown in the result display area1102inFIG. 12. A streak1201is detected in the image of the read printed sheet in the case inFIG. 12. The CPU238determines the verification result as the defective product resulting from the streak1201.

FIG. 13is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a process that is executed when registering the correct answer image(s). The process of the flowchart inFIG. 13is started when the button403to register the correct answer image(s) is pressed while displaying the screen400inFIG. 4. When receiving a press operation of the button403, the CPU238controls to start reading an image of a printed sheet.

In S1302, the CPU238starts reading the printed sheets to register the correct answer images. The process in S1302is started when there is a sheet of which an image is read. For example, the CPU238may determine whether there is a printed sheet of which an image is read on the basis of whether the inserter108discharged a printed sheet. The CPU238may determine whether there is a sheet of which an image is read on the basis of whether a sensor, which is arranged on the sheet conveyance path at the side of the inserter108than the cameras331and332, detects a sheet. The CPU238may determine whether there is a sheet of which an image is read on the basis of whether the cameras331and332detect the sheet.

In S1303, the CPU238controls the cameras331and332to read the images of the printed sheet that is conveyed along the sheet conveyance path333. Then, the CPU238obtains the images that are read by the cameras331and332. In S1304, the CPU238registers the correct answer images by storing the read images as the correct answer images into the memory239. At this time, the CPU238displays the image stored into the memory239in the image display area701of the screen700inFIG. 7. In S1305, the CPU238repeats the processes in S1302through S1305until reading images of all the sheets used to register the correct answer images. After the images of all the sheets used to register the correct answer images have been read, the CPU238finishes the process of the flowchart inFIG. 13.

The process for registering the correct answer images is not limited to the process of the flowchart inFIG. 13. For example, the instruction to start reading images may be automatically issued in conjunction with an instruction to start printing in the printer107, the client terminal103, or the external controller102. Moreover, the verification apparatus109may capture a plurality of images for the same page and may register an image obtained by combining the captured image as a correct answer image.

FIG. 14is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a verification process that the verification apparatus109executes. The process of the flowchart inFIG. 14is started when the CPU238receives a press operation of the button407inFIG. 4. In S1401, the CPU238controls to start reading an image of a printed sheet (sheet) to be verified. In S1402, reading of an image of a verification target sheet is started. The process in S1402is started when there is a sheet of which an image is read. This point is the same as that in S1302. In S1403, the CPU238controls the cameras331and332so as to read images of the verification target sheet. Then, the CPU238obtains the images that are read by the cameras331and332.

In S1404, the CPU238obtains the correct answer image stored in the memory239and compares the obtained correct answer image with a verification target image read in S1403. At this time, the CPU238aligns the correct answer image and the verification target image. For example, the CPU238may align the correct answer image with the verification target image with characteristic points of the correct answer image and the verification target image as reference points of the alignment. Then, the CPU238analyzes four corners of the sheet and the above-mentioned reference point in the verification target image and detects whether there is any positional deviation of the image to the sheet. After that, the CPU238compares density values of the correct answer image and the verification target image for every pixel and detects a pixel defect on the basis of a comparison result. It should be noted that a method of comparing a correct answer image with a verification target image is not limited to the above-mentioned example.

In S1405, the CPU238determines whether the verification result means a normal product (OK) on the basis of the verification level and the detected pixel defect. The pixel defect shows difference between the correct answer image and the verification target image. The higher the verification level is, the smaller the allowable difference to determine as a normal product is. The lower the verification level is, the larger the allowable difference to determine as a normal product is. When the determination result in S1405is Yes (i.e., when the verification result means the normal product), the CPU238proceeds with the flow to S1406. In S1406, the CPU238instructs the large-capacity stacker110through the communication cable254to discharge the sheet to the stack tray341. In the meantime, when the determination result in S1405is No (i.e., when the verification result means the defective product), the CPU238proceeds with the flow to S1407. In S1407, the CPU238instructs the large-capacity stacker110through the communication cable254to discharge the sheet to the escape tray346.

After executing the process in S1406or S1407, the CPU238proceeds with the flow to S1408. In S1408, the CPU238repeats the processes in S1402through S1408until the verifications of all the printed sheets are completed. After the verifications of all the printed sheets are completed, the CPU238finishes the process of the flowchart inFIG. 14. The flow of the verification process is not limited to the process of the flowchart inFIG. 14. As mentioned above, an arbitrary method can be employed about the instruction to start reading images. In the process of the flowchart inFIG. 14, the printed sheet of which the verification result is the normal product is discharged to the stack tray341, and the printed sheet of which the verification result is the defective product is discharged to the escape tray346. However, a discharge destination may be switched according to a user's instruction or a print setting value.

FIG. 15is a view showing an example of a print setting screen for a job displayed when a correct answer image is registered. Since the above-mentioned screens inFIG. 4throughFIG. 12are displayed when the verification parameters are set to the verification apparatus109, these screens are displayed on the operation unit241of the verification apparatus109. In the meantime, the screen1501inFIG. 15is displayed on the display unit212of the external controller102. When the client terminal103achieves the function of the external controller102, the screen1501inFIG. 15is displayed on the display unit205of the client terminal103. For example, the screen for the printer driver installed in the client terminal103may be the screen1501inFIG. 15.

The screen1501includes a text box1502in which a page range can be designated. For example, a user can input an arbitrary numerical value into the text box1502using the input device211, such as a mouse and a keyboard. When a numerical value is input into the text box1502, the CPU208recognizes the input numerical value. On the screen1501, various kinds of print setting items can be set to the page range designated in the text box1502. In the example inFIG. 15, the various kinds of print setting items include the number of copies, a sheet feed unit, one side/double side, a sheet type, a page orientation, a job comment memo, and a binding position. The print setting items are not limited to the items shown inFIG. 15. Other setting items may be included or some print setting items shown inFIG. 15may be omitted.

In a text box1503, the number of copies to be printed within the designated page range can be designated. In a pull-down menu1504, a user can select a sheet feed unit from which a sheet is fed from among the plurality of sheet feed units230aand230bprovided in the printer107. The example inFIG. 15is set so that a sheet feed unit will be automatically selected. In a pull-down menu1505, the user can select one-sided printing or double-side printing that will be executed. In a pull-down menu1506, the user can select the sheet type from among normal paper, thick paper, etc. In a pull-down menu1507, the user can select a page orientation of a sheet to print from portrait and landscape. In a text box1508, the user can input a memo (job comment memo) about a job. In a pull-down menu1509, the user can select a binding position from among upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right, etc. A cancel button1510is used to cancel a print setting operation. When the cancel button1511is pressed, the CPU208cancels the print setting operation and displays the screen that has been displayed prior to displaying the screen1501.

The screen1501may also include an item that sets up a verification mode flag that shows whether the verification will be executed. The verification mode flag can be set to ON or OFF using the item concerned. Details of the verification mode flag will be mentioned later. When the button1510is pressed after setting the various kinds of print setting items on the screen150, the CPU208recognizes the print setting values about the job of the time of registering a correct answer image. After that, when the user instructs the verification apparatus109to register a correct answer image and issues the print instruction of the job to which the above-mentioned print setting values are set up to the external controller102, the registration process of the correct answer image is started. When the registration process of the correct answer image is started, the printer107prints the correct answer image on a sheet, and the sheet (printed sheet) to which the correct answer image is printed is conveyed to the verification apparatus109. Then, the verification apparatus109reads the correct answer image printed on the printed sheet and registers the read correct answer image according to the flowchart inFIG. 13.

FIG. 16is a view showing examples of outputs of a job.FIG. 16shows corresponding relation between print control, a binding process, and a binding result of a case where a sheet bundle is bound by the finisher111. An image group1601shows images “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, and “5” printed on respective pages. In the meantime, printed sheet groups1602,1603,1604, and1605show patterns of the images printed on sheets by the image forming apparatus101. An orientation of a numerical character expresses an orientation of a printed image on a sheet in the printed sheet groups1602through1605. A deep character shows face-up discharge, and a thin character shows face-down discharge. The face-up discharge means that a sheet is discharged in a state where a front side of a printed face can be seen when the output sheet is viewed from the upper side of the apparatus. The face-down discharge means that a sheet is discharged in a state where a back side of a printed face can be seen when the output sheet is viewed from the upper side of the apparatus (i.e., a state where the front side is downward). In this embodiment, a normal-order printing that sequentially prints a plurality of pages from the first page shall be performed. In this case, the printed sheets are discharged in the face-down discharge in order to conform an output order of the printed sheets. The sheets are stacked in a normal order because the sheets are discharged to the tray from the first page.

A binding position1610shows a position to which needle-less binding (needle-less stapling) is applied. A sheet bundle to which the needle-less stapling is applied is bound because parts of sheets are crushed and are mutually bonded by pressure. The binding position1610shown inFIG. 16shows a binding position included in an image sent to the image forming apparatus101through the video I/F215from the external controller102. When a process to bind the upper left corners of the printed sheets is performed, the normal-order printing is performed without rotating the orientation of images as shown in the printed sheet group1602. When the fifth sheet is discharged, the binding process is applied to the binding position1610of the sheet bundle. In this case, a bound result position1611of the upper left corner of the printed sheet bundle is bound. Moreover, when a process to bind the lower right corners of the printed sheets is performed, the normal-order printing is performed while rotating the orientation of images by 180 degrees (vertical inversion) as shown in the printed sheet group1603. When the fifth sheet is discharged, the binding process is applied to the binding position1610of the sheet bundle. In this case, a bound result position1612of the lower right corner of the printed sheet bundle is bound.

Next, when a process to bind the upper right corners of the printed sheets is performed, a reverse-order printing is performed without rotating the orientation of images as shown in the printed sheet group1604. At the beginning, image data of the fifth page is printed on the first sheet. In this case, a sheet is discharged in the face-up discharge so that the front side of the printed face will be upward. When the printing progresses and the fifth sheet on which the image data of the first page is printed is discharged to the tray, the binding process is applied to the binding position1610of the sheet bundle. In this case, a bound result position1613of the upper right corner of the printed sheet bundle is bound. Moreover, when a process to bind the lower left corners of the printed sheets is performed, the reverse-order printing is performed while rotating the orientation of images by 180 degrees as shown in the printed sheet group1605. When the fifth sheet is discharged, the binding process is applied to the binding position1610of the sheet bundle. In this case, a bound result position1614of the lower left corner of the printed sheet bundle is bound.

As mentioned above, even when the binding position at which the binding process is applied to the printed sheet bundle is the same, the bound result position can be changed by controlling the rotation and output order of the print images. The print setting values by which the orientation and order of images are controlled are not limited to the example mentioned above. For example, the above-mentioned print setting values are applicable to layout control in a saddle stitch bookbinding printing, etc. If a job that prints verification target image is executed while changing the print setting values about the layout control in the saddle stitch bookbinding printing from the print setting values set when a correct answer image is registered, the verification target image cannot be normally compared with the correct answer image. Moreover, when the color tone of the print image is changed, or when the image is enlarged or reduced according to the change of the sheet size, the verification target image cannot be normally compared with the correct answer image. In such a case, it is necessary to redo the process from registration of a correct answer image. Accordingly, in this embodiment, even if the user tries to change the print setting values from the values set when the correct answer image is registered, it is controlled to prohibit changing the print setting values so that the verification target image can be normally compared with the correct answer image.

Next, a flow of a process about a print instruction in the external controller102will be described.FIG. 17is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process that is executed when the print instruction is issued to the external controller102. The flowchart inFIG. 17shows the flow of the process from reception of a print start instruction until completion of the printing. The print start instruction is received after setting to print on a sheet on the print setting screen1501inFIG. 15. At the beginning, the verification mode flag is described. The verification mode flag is stored in the HDD210in association with a job transmitted to the image forming apparatus101. Moreover, the verification mode flag is held in the memory209from which the program executed by the CPU208is read. The verification mode flag is set when the external controller102transmits a job to the printer107in a mode (hereinafter, referred to as a verification mode ON) in which the verification apparatus109reads images on a sheet with the cameras331and332. As mentioned above, the CPU238of the verification apparatus109may set the verification mode to ON when the button403(the registration button for a correct answer image) or the button407(the verification start button) inFIG. 4is pressed.

In S1701, when receiving a print instruction, the CPU208sets the verification mode flag to OFF to initialize the verification mode flag. In S1702, the CPU208communicates with the CPU238of the verification apparatus109through the internal LAN105before transmitting a job to the image forming apparatus101and obtains information about the verification mode of the verification apparatus109. In S1703, the CPU208determines whether the verification mode that the obtained information shows is ON. When the determination result in S1703is Yes, the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1704. In S1704, the CPU208sets the verification mode flag to ON and stores the verification mode flag in the memory209in association with a job. When the determination result in S1803is No, the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1705. In this case, the value of the verification mode flag is not changed from the initial value.

In S1705, the CPU208transmits the job based on the print setting values set on the screen1501inFIG. 15to the image forming apparatus101per page. The printer107of the image forming apparatus101prints an image on a sheet according to the received job. In S1706, the CPU208determines whether all the pages of the transmitted job have been printed. For example, when the printer107of the image forming apparatus101completes the print of all the pages of the received job, the printer107may transmit information indicating printing completion to the CPU208of the external controller102. The CPU208may perform the determination of S1706on the basis of the received information. When the determination result in S1706is No, the CPU208returns the flow to S1705because the print of all the pages is not completed. When the determination result in S1706is Yes, the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1707because the print of all the pages is completed.

In S1707, the CPU208determines whether the verification mode flag is ON by referring to the verification mode flag stored in the memory209. When the determination result in S1707is Yes, the CPU208moves the job to a standby queue. At this time, the CPU208sets the verification mode flag to ON and stores the verification mode flag to the HDD210in association with the above-mentioned job. In this case, the HDD210functions as the standby queue. The memory209may achieve the function of the standby queue. The CPU208can call the job stored in the standby queue and can display the information about the job on the display unit212. After the process in S1708has been executed or when the determination result in S1707is No, the CPU208finishes the process of the flowchart inFIG. 17. The process of the flowchart inFIG. 17is applicable to the print for registering a correct answer image and to the print based on a job for verification.

FIG. 18A,FIG. 18B, andFIG. 18Care views showing examples of a job management screen. The screen (job management screen)1801inFIG. 18A,FIG. 18B, andFIG. 18Cis displayed on the display unit212of the external controller102under the control of the CPU208. Various information contents relevant to a job are displayed on the screen1801. When the information contents relevant to a job have many items, it may be difficult to display all the information contents on the same screen. In such a case, the CPU208can switch the displayed information contents using a plurality of tabs like the screen1801. Moreover, the CPU208can shift the screen1801to another setting screen. The screen1801includes a printing tab that displays a job under printing, a history tab that displays a history of a job printed in the past, and a standby tab that displays a job waited for next print.

The user can operate the tabs of the screen1801currently displayed on the display unit212using the input device211of the external controller102. The items and the number of tabs included in the screen1801are not limited to the examples inFIG. 18AthroughFIG. 18C. For example, they can be changed depending on the function of the external controller102or the image forming apparatus101.FIG. 18AthroughFIG. 18Cshow the contents displayed on the screen1801during operations from print start to print end of a job B for registering the correct answer image(s). When receiving a print instruction for registering the correct answer image(s), the CPU208starts the process of the flowchart inFIG. 17. When the printing tab1802is pressed during the execution of the print process of S1705inFIG. 17, the CPU208displays summary information contents about the job B under printing in a summary information area1805as shown inFIG. 18A. The summary information contents in the summary information area1805inFIG. 18Ainclude a job name, a user, the number of pages, and the number of copies as print setting items of the job.

When the print is completed, the CPU208displays a list of summary information contents about jobs printed in the past in a summary information area1806as shown inFIG. 18B. Moreover, when the process of S1708inFIG. 17is executed, the CPU208displays summary information contents about the job B that has been moved to the standby cue in a summary information area1807of the standby tab1804as shown inFIG. 18C. The screen1801inFIG. 18AthroughFIG. 18Cincludes an OK button1811. When receiving a press operation of the OK button1811, the CPU208hides the screen1801.

A print button1808displayed on the tabs1803and1804is used to issue the print instruction of a selected job. When the job B is selected in the standby tab1804, the CPU208changes black characters to solid-white characters as shown inFIG. 18C. When the print button1808is pressed, the CPU208controls to print the selected job with the print setting values that are used in the previous print. When the CPU208controls to print the job, the job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus101, and the image forming apparatus101executes the print based on the job. When there is a job under printing, the image forming apparatus101will execute the print on the basis of the received job after all the jobs under printing are completed.

The image forming apparatus101prints on sheets in the order of the received jobs. However, the external controller102can transmit an instruction to execute print jobs in a different order from the order of the jobs that the image forming apparatus101received to the image forming apparatus101. The screen1801inFIG. 18BandFIG. 18Cincludes an interruption print button1812and a print-next button1813. When the interruption print button1812is pressed in the state where the job is selected, the CPU208transmits a selected interruption job that will be executed preferentially to the image forming apparatus101. The image forming apparatus101processes the received interruption job preferentially rather than other jobs under execution as long as the image forming apparatus101allows. For example, the image forming apparatus101shall have received two jobs in order of the job A and the job B and that the job A shall be under printing. At this time, when a job C is selected and the interruption print button1812is pressed, the CPU208transmits an instruction to interrupt the job A that the image forming apparatus101is printing by the selected job C to the image forming apparatus101. The external controller102and the image forming apparatus101interrupt the job A under printing by the job C to print the job C preferentially.

In this case, the image forming apparatus101prints a part of the job A until the interruption first, and then prints the job C, and a remaining part of the job A sequentially. The user can assort the printed sheets of the jobs A and C or can separate the discharge destinations of the printed sheets of the jobs A and C. As mentioned above, the job selected by the interruption print button1812can be printed by interrupting the job that the image forming apparatus101is printing.

In the meantime, the print-next button1813is used to execute a selected job next to the job that the image forming apparatus101is executing. When the print-next button1813is pressed, the CPU208transmits an instruction, which instructs to print the selected job C next to the job that the image forming apparatus101is printing, to the image forming apparatus101. As mentioned above, the image forming apparatus101shall have received two jobs in order of the job A and the job B and shall be executing the print of the job A. In this case, when the user presses the print-next button1813and the image forming apparatus101receives a print instruction of the job C, the image forming apparatus101changes the print order in the order of the job A, the job C, and the job B. That is, when the user presses the print-next button1813, the job C becomes a job that changes the order of jobs that the image forming apparatus101executes.

The screen1801inFIG. 18BandFIG. 18Cincludes the print button1808. The print button1808is used to execute print based on a job by the image forming apparatus101. When the print button1808is pressed, the CPU208transmits an instruction to execute print of the selected job to the image forming apparatus101. The job selected by pressing the print button1808is neither a job that generates interruption nor a job that changes an order of jobs that the image forming apparatus101executes. The job that generates interruption mentioned above can obtain a printed sheet most quickly. The job that changes the order of jobs that the image forming apparatus101executes can obtain a printed sheet quickly next.

The screen1801shown inFIG. 18BandFIG. 18Cincludes an edit button1808. When the edit button1809is pressed, the CPU208displays the screen1501inFIG. 15on the display unit212. When a setting value on the screen1501is changed, the CPU208changes a print setting value according to the changed setting value. A deletion button1810shown inFIG. 18Cis used to delete a job selected from among jobs of which the summary information contents are displayed in the summary information area1807of the standby tab1804. In the screen examples inFIG. 18AthroughFIG. 18C, the user who operates the input device211in order to register the correct answer image(s) presses the standby tab1804, selects a job that is subjected to the verification, and can verify the job after setting the number of copies.

The verification apparatus109reads the printed sheets that the printer107prints according to the job for registering the correct answer images and registers them as the correct answer images. The verification apparatus109registers the correct answer images according to the print order set by the job for registering the correct answer images. Moreover, the verification apparatus109reads the printed sheets that the printer107prints according to the job for verification and verifies them by comparing the read images with the correct answer images. When the job that generates interruption is input from the external controller102while the printer107is printing by executing the job for verification, the job that the printer107is executing is switched to another job. In this case, since the order of the registered correct answer images is in conflict with the order of the images printed under the influence of interruption, correct verification becomes impossible. When the correct answer images are registered by a plurality of jobs and when the print is influenced by a job that changes the order of jobs that the image forming apparatus101executes, the order of the registered correct answer images is in conflict with the order of the images of the printed sheets that are printed under the influence of the change of order of the jobs. Accordingly, correct verification becomes impossible. Consequently, the CPU208controls as follows.

FIG. 19is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a process related to the control of a job. The process inFIG. 19process is started when the print button1808, the interruption print button1812, or the print-next button1813on the screen1801inFIG. 18BorFIG. 18Cis pressed. The CPU208of the external controller102has a function to perform various kinds of control and management while receiving operations of a plurality of jobs simultaneously. When the external controller102is operated to print a plurality of jobs, the process of the flowchart inFIG. 19is executed for each of the jobs. Hereinafter, a job selected in the history tab1803inFIG. 18Bor the standby tab1804inFIG. 18Cwhen the process of the flowchart inFIG. 19begins shall be a first job.

In S1901, the CPU208determines whether the verification mode of the verification apparatus109is ON. For example, the CPU208may obtain the information about the verification mode from the verification apparatus109and may perform the determination in S1901according to the obtained information. When the determination result in S1901is No, the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1902. In S1902, the CPU208executes the print instruction that the user inputs using the input device211. The print instruction executed in S1902is the print instruction that the user designates at the time when this flowchart is started. In the meantime, when the determination result in S1901is Yes, the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1903. In S1903, the CPU208determines whether there is a job that the printer107of the image forming apparatus101is printing. The CPU208may obtain the information about whether there is a job under printing from the verification apparatus109and may perform the determination in S1903according to the obtained information. When the determination result in S1903is No, the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1902. In the meantime, when the determination result in S1903is Yes, the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1904.

When the determination result by the CPU208in S1901is No, the interruption of the job mentioned above is not necessary to take into consideration because the verification apparatus109does not perform the verification. Moreover, when the determination result by the CPU208in S1903is No, the interruption to the job under printing and the job that changes the print order are not necessary to take into consideration because there is no job that the printer107of the image forming apparatus101is printing. Accordingly, when the determination result in S1901is No or when the determination result in S1903is No, the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1902and instructs the image forming apparatus101to print as designated by the user. The process of S1902is performed also when the print button1808ofFIG. 18BandFIG. 18C, the interruption print button1812, or the print-next button1813is pressed. Hereinafter, the job that the printer107is printing is called a second job.

In S1904, the CPU208determines whether the first job based on the print instruction is a job that passes through the verification apparatus109. When the determination result in S1904is No, the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1902. For example, when there is a sheet stacking device or a discharge tray to which printed sheets are discharged at the side of the printer107than the verification apparatus109in the image forming apparatus101, the printed sheets that the printer107prints are discharged prior to reaching to the verification apparatus109. The first job as an interruption job that designate print of a color chart for a color tone check shall be input to the image forming apparatus101while the printer107is printing the second job. Moreover, the first job concerned is set to discharge the printed sheets prior to reaching to the verification apparatus109. In this case, even when the interruption by the first job is input, the interruption does not affect the print order of the second job because the color chart is discharged prior to reaching to the verification apparatus109. Accordingly, when the determination result in S1904is No, the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1902. In the meantime, when the determination result in S1904is Yes, the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1905.

In S1905, the CPU208determines whether the user instructing the print of the first job is the same as the user instructing the print of the second job. A user name (an information content that identifies a user instructing print) is associated with each job in the screen1801inFIG. 18AthroughFIG. 18C. The CPU208can perform the determination in S1905on the basis of the corresponding relation between the job and the user name. When the user instructing the print of the first job is the same as the user instructing the print of the second job, it is estimated that the user intentionally operated to print the first job during the print of the second job. In this case, since the job input to the image forming apparatus101is not an unintentional job, the CPU208determines Yes in S1905and proceeds with the flow to S1902.

The CPU208may perform the determination in S1905by a method different from the method that uses the correlation between the job and the user name. For example, the CPU208may determine that the jobs are input by the same user when the jobs are received from the same client terminal103(terminal). Moreover, the CPU208may determine that the jobs are input by the same user when the jobs are generated by operations executed by the same application program on the client terminal103.

When the determination result in S1905is No, the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1906. Examples of intentional job operations by the same user will be described. For example, the user shall issue a print instruction of a preceding job X as a second job, which is a verification target, to the external controller102. After that, the user shall give a press operation (print instruction) to the print button1808in order to print a job Y as a first job that is not the verification target. In this situation, the user shall operate the operation unit241of the verification apparatus109to set the verification mode to OFF when the verification of the printed sheets based on the job X by the verification apparatus109progresses to a predetermined stage. For example, in a case where a button for designating a termination of verification is provided in the screen400, the verification mode becomes OFF when the user presses the button concerned.

In such a case, the print based on the job Y is performed before the print based on the job X finishes. Accordingly, the user who performed the above-mentioned operation can get the printed sheets based on the job Y quickly. At this time, although the print based on the job Y is performed before the print based on the job X finishes, the verification based on an unintentional job is reduced because the user instructing the print of the job X is the same as the user instructing the print of the job Y.

In S1906, the CPU208controls to switch the print instruction of the first job to a predetermined job operation. In this embodiment, the predetermined job operation is described as job cancellation or change to a print-start-waiting state that suspends start of print. However, the predetermined job operation may be other operations about a job. The job cancellation is an operation of canceling the job operation performed at the time when the process of the flowchart inFIG. 19is started. In this case, the summary information contents of the first job remain in the history tab1803or the standby tab1804inFIG. 18AthroughFIG. 18C. The CPU208displays a warning dialog on the display unit212when canceling the job operation.

FIG. 20is a view showing an example of the warning dialog displayed. For example, the warning dialog2001is superimposed and displayed on the screen1801inFIG. 18AthroughFIG. 18C. The warning dialog2001includes the information showing that the job has been canceled because a print instruction is received during the verification of another job. AlthoughFIG. 20shows the example of the warning showing that the job has been canceled, the warning showing that the state of the job is changed to the print-start-waiting state that suspends start of print may be displayed. That is, the CPU208may control so that the warning showing that the job operation is switched will be displayed on the display unit212when the CPU208controls to switch the print instruction of the first job to the predetermined job operation in S1906. This can show the user that the instruction of the job has been switched to the predetermined job operation because the print instruction is received during the verification of the other job.

When the state of the job is changed to the print-start-waiting state, the CPU208keeps the job of the print-start-waiting state within the external controller102without inputting into the printer107until a condition of the print start is satisfied. When the condition of the print start is satisfied, the CPU208inputs the kept job of the printing-start-waiting state into the printer107without needing a user's operation. The condition of the print start will be mentioned later.

In S1907, the CPU208determines whether the verification mode of the verification apparatus109is OFF. When the determination result in S1907is No (i.e., when the verification mode is ON), the CPU208repeats the determination in S1907to wait until the verification mode becomes OFF. When the determination result in S1907is Yes (i.e., when the verification mode becomes OFF), the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1908.

In S1908, the CPU208determines whether the first job is in the print-start-waiting state because the print instruction of the first job is switched to the predetermined job operation as mentioned above. When the determination result in S1908is Yes, the CPU208proceeds with the flow to S1909. In S1909, the CPU208controls to start the print of the first job that has been in the print-start-waiting state. The condition of the print start is satisfied when the verification mode of the verification apparatus109becomes OFF. A condition (predetermined condition) that the verification mode becomes OFF is satisfied when the print of the preceding second job is completed or when the verification mode is set to OFF by the user's operation (when the print of the second job is stopped). When the verification mode becomes OFF, the verification result is not affected even if the print of the first job is started. Accordingly, the print based on the first job is started when reaching the stage where the verification result is not affected.

As described above, when the verification mode of the verification apparatus109is ON, the print start of the other job prior to the completion of the verification based on the job for verification is avoidable in this embodiment. This reduces occurrence of an error in a verification result of a printed sheet even if an unexpected job occurs. As a result, occurrence of waste sheets can also be suppressed.

Although the example in which the verification mode is set to the verification apparatus109is described in this embodiment, the external controller102may set up the verification mode to the verification apparatus109on its initiative. In this case, the CPU208of the external controller102communicates with the CPU238of the verification apparatus109through the internal LAN105and switches the verification mode to ON or OFF. For example, a verification setting item that sets ON or OFF of the verification mode may be provided on a job setting screen like the screen1501inFIG. 15. In the verification setting item, ON/OFF of the verification mode can be set for each job.

When receiving the print instruction of the job of which the verification mode is set to ON in the verification setting item, the CPU208communicates with the CPU238of the verification apparatus109and changes the verification mode of the verification apparatus109to ON. In this case, the verification mode of the verification apparatus109can be set to ON at the timing when the CPU208of the external controller102receives the print instruction of the job of which the verification mode is set to ON in the verification setting item.

Another user may issue the print instruction between the press of the verification start button407inFIG. 4and the issuance of the print instruction for verification to the external controller102by the previous user. In this case, since the job based on the print instruction by the other user no longer corresponds to the job of the correct answer image, the correct verification becomes impossible. Accordingly, the CPU208of the external controller102sets the verification mode of the verification apparatus109to ON at the timing when receiving the print instruction of the job of which the verification mode is set to ON in the verification setting item, as mentioned above. Thereby, the determination result in S1901inFIG. 19is Yes. Moreover, when the CPU208of the external controller102receives a print instruction from a different user, the CPU208determines “No” in S1905and executes the process of S1906. Thereby, the process of S1906is executed, so that the job operation on the basis of the print instruction from another user is switched to the predetermined job operation. Accordingly, since the job on the basis of the print instruction by other users is not executed, the correct verification becomes available.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-194479, filed Nov. 24, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.