Patent Publication Number: US-2023153990-A1

Title: Inspection system, information processing apparatus, and control method thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/346,033, filed Jun. 11, 2021, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-104672, filed Jun. 17, 2020, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates to a technique for inspecting print quality of a printed product. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Inspection systems, which read printed products printed by image forming apparatuses and inspect quality thereof, are known. The inspection system can detect an image defect such as dirt and print omission, an error in a character, bar code quality, and the like. A resultant product in which the above-described defect is detected is separated from a printed product without a defect by, for example, changing a sheet discharge destination. 
     Printed product inspection is divided into inspection preparation and inspection. In the inspection preparation, a reference image is registered by scanning a non-defective product. In the inspection, an image to be inspected obtained by scanning a printed product as an inspection sample is compared with the reference image, and an error in the printed product is detected. 
     According to Japanese Patent No. 5168651, a reference image is stored in a memory of a printing apparatus, and an error in a printed product is detected using the stored reference image. 
     However, in a case of the technique according to Japanese Patent No. 5168651, for example, if the reference image is forgotten to be registered, inspection can be executed. More specifically, there is an issue that even though the reference image used for the inspection is not registered, and thus the inspection cannot be correctly executed, printing for the inspection is started, and a printed product is output in a state where the inspection cannot be executed. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an inspection system capable of preventing a printed product from being output in a state where inspection cannot be correctly executed because a reference image corresponding to the printed product is not registered. 
     According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an inspection system including a printing apparatus, an inspection apparatus configured to inspect quality of a printed product printed by the printing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus configured to transmit a print job to the printing apparatus, wherein the inspection apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive a scanned image obtained by scanning the printed product printed by the printing apparatus from the printing apparatus, and an inspection unit configured to inspect quality of the printed product based on comparison of the received scanned image with a reference image, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a transmission unit configured to transmit a print job to the printing apparatus, and wherein the transmission unit transmits the print job in a case where a reference image to be used for inspecting the quality of the printed product corresponding to the print job is registered, and does not transmit the print job in a case where the reference image corresponding to the print job is not registered. 
     Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus, an inspection apparatus, and an image forming apparatus. 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing apparatus, the inspection apparatus, and the image forming apparatus. 
         FIG.  3    a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a program included in a client computer. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an example of a job according to a first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate examples of reference image registration instruction files according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a table indicating an example of information stored in a database for associating a printed product with a reference image according to the first exemplary embodiment 
         FIGS.  7 A,  7 B,  7 C, and  7 D  illustrate examples of screens according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  illustrate examples of screens according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is a table used for determining a completion of an inspection setting, according to a second exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates an example of a reference image according to a third exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a flowchart illustrating processing to be executed in a case where a selection of a print job is instructed, according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  12    is a flowchart illustrating processing to be executed in a case where a completion of a print setting is instructed, according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  13    is a flowchart illustrating processing to be executed in a case where an execution of reference image registration is instructed, according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is a flowchart illustrating processing to be executed in a case where start of reference image registration is instructed, according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  15    is a flowchart illustrating processing to be executed in a case where an execution of printing and an inspection is instructed, according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  16    is a flowchart illustrating processing to be executed in a case where a start of inspection is instructed, according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  17    is a flowchart illustrating processing to be executed in a case where start of reference image registration is instructed according to the second exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  18    is a flowchart illustrating processing to be executed in a case where a start of reference image registration is instructed, according to the third exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  19    is a flowchart illustrating processing to be executed in a case where a start of reference image registration is instructed, according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  20    is a flowchart illustrating processing to be executed in a case where an execution of printing and an inspection is instructed, according to a modification of the first exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an inspection system according to a first exemplary embodiment including an information processing apparatus, an inspection apparatus, and an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment is described using an electrophotographic method image forming apparatus, but may be an image forming apparatus using a different image forming method, such as an ink-jet method and an offset method. 
     An image forming apparatus  0101  is connected to an information processing apparatus  0109  via a cable  0112  and can communicate therewith. The information processing apparatus  0109  is connected to a client computer (information processing apparatus)  0110  and an inspection apparatus  0108  via a network  0113  and can communicate therewith. 
     The image forming apparatus  0101  includes a user interface (UI) panel  0102  and sheet feeding decks  0103  and  0104 . The image forming apparatus  0101  is further connected with an option deck  0105  including sheet feeding decks with three stages. The image forming apparatus  0101  is, for example, an electrophotographic method image forming apparatus. The UI panel  0102  is a user interface provided with, for example, a capacitance type touch panel. 
     The image forming apparatus  0101  further includes an inspection unit  0106  and a large capacity stacker  0107 . The inspection unit  0106  is connected to the inspection apparatus  0108  via a cable  0114 . The large capacity stacker  0107  includes a main tray and a top tray, and thousands of sheets can be loaded on the main tray at a time. 
     A print job is generated by the client computer  0110 , transmitted to the information processing apparatus  0109  via the network  0113 , and managed in the information processing apparatus  0109 . Then, the print job is transmitted from the information processing apparatus  0109  to the image forming apparatus  0101  via the cable  0112 , and the image forming apparatus  0101  performs processing for printing the print job on a sheet. The print job may be generated and managed in the information processing apparatus  0109 , transmitted to the image forming apparatus  0101  via the cable  0112 , and managed in the image forming apparatus  0101 . 
     The client computer  0110 , the information processing apparatus  0109 , and the inspection apparatus  0108  may be connected to the cable  0112  so as to be able to communicate with the image forming apparatus  0101 . Thus, the connection form of the image forming apparatus  0101 , the information processing apparatus  0109 , and the client computer  0110  according to the present exemplary embodiment is an example, and various connection forms can be used in addition to the one according to the present exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG.  2    is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image forming apparatus  0101 , the inspection apparatus  0108 , the large capacity stacker  0107 , the information processing apparatus  0109 , and the client computer  0110  according to the present exemplary embodiment. 
     A central processing unit (CPU)  0201  performs control and calculation on each unit in the image forming apparatus  0101  via a system bus  0212 . The CPU  0201  controls execution of a program stored in a storage unit  0205  and loaded into a random access memory (RAM)  0202 . The RAM  0202  is a type of a commonly used volatile storage device directly accessible from the CPU  0201  and used as a work area of the CPU  0201  or a temporary data storage area. The storage unit  0205  functions as a temporary storage area and a work memory at the time of an operation of the image forming apparatus  0101 . 
     An engine interface (I/F)  0209  performs communication with and control on a printer engine  0210 . A sheet feeding deck I/F  0204  performs communication with and control on a sheet feeding deck  0211 . The sheet feeding deck  0211  is a general term for the sheet feeding decks  0103  and  0104  and the option deck  0105  as a hardware configuration. A UI panel  0203  is a hardware configuration of the UI panel  0102  and is a user interface for performing overall operations of the image forming apparatus  0101 . According to the present exemplary embodiment, the UI panel  0203  includes a capacitance type touch panel. 
     A network interface (hereinbelow, referred to as NW I/F)  0207  is connected to a NW I/F  0238  of the information processing apparatus  0109  via a cable  0213  and controls communication between the information processing apparatus  0109  and the image forming apparatus  0101 . In this example, the interfaces connected to the system buses  0212  and  0239  are directly connected to each other, but the information processing apparatus  0109  and the image forming apparatus  0101  may be connected to each other via, for example, a network, and a connection form thereof is not limited. A video I/F  0206  is connected to a video I/F  0233  via a video cable  0241  and controls communication of image data between the information processing apparatus  0109  and the image forming apparatus  0101 . 
     A connection interface of the information processing apparatus  0109  to the image forming apparatus  0101  may be in a form in which functions of the NW I/F  0238  and the video I/F  0233  are integrated. Further, a connection interface of the image forming apparatus  0101  to the information processing apparatus  0109  may be in a form in which functions of the NW I/F  0207  and the video I/F  0206  are integrated. 
     An accessory I/F  0208  is connected to an accessory I/F  0214  and an accessory I/F  0220  via a cable  0225 . In this way, the image forming apparatus  0101  communicates with the inspection unit  0106  and the large capacity stacker  0107  via the accessory I/Fs  0208 ,  0214 , and  0220 . 
     A CPU  0216  performs control and calculation on each unit in the inspection unit  0106  via a system bus  0219  and controls execution of a program stored in a storage unit  0247  and loaded into a RAM  0217 . The RAM  0217  is a type of a commonly used volatile storage device directly accessible from the CPU  0216  and used as a work area of the CPU  0216  or a temporary data storage area. The storage unit  0247  functions as a temporary storage area and a work memory at the time of an operation of the inspection apparatus  0108 . An inspection apparatus I/F  0215  is connected to an inspection unit I/F  0231  via a cable  0251 . Thus, the inspection unit  0106  communicates with the inspection apparatus  0108  via the inspection apparatus I/F  0215  and the inspection unit I/F  0231 . 
     An image capturing unit  0218  provided with, for example, a contact image sensor (hereinbelow, referred to as CIS) has an image capturing function, captures an image of a sheet passing through the inspection unit  0106 , and transmits the captured image to the inspection apparatus  0108  via the inspection apparatus I/F  0215 . The CIS of the image capturing unit  0218  is an example of a sensor, and the image capturing unit  0218  may use another type of a sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor without limiting an image capturing method. 
     A CPU  0221  performs control and calculation on each unit in the large capacity stacker  0107  via a system bus  0224  and controls execution of a program stored in a storage unit  0248  and loaded into a RAM  0222 . The RAM  0222  is a type of a commonly used volatile storage device directly accessible from the CPU  0221  and used as a work area of the CPU  0221  or a temporary data storage area. The storage unit  0248  functions as a temporary storage area and a work memory at the time of the operation of the inspection apparatus  0108 . A sheet discharge unit  0223  performs monitoring and control on a sheet discharge operation to the main tray and the top tray and a stacking status of each of the main tray and the top tray. 
     A CPU  0226  performs control and a calculation on each unit in the inspection apparatus  0108  via a system bus  0230  and controls execution of a program stored in a storage unit  0228  and loaded into a RAM  0227 . The RAM  0227  is a type of a commonly used volatile storage device directly accessible from the CPU  0226  and used as a work area of the CPU  0226  or aa temporary data storage area. The storage unit  0228  functions as a temporary storage area and a work memory at the time of the operation of the inspection apparatus  0108 . A page description language (PDL) analysis unit  0229  reads PDL data such as Portable Document Format (PDF) data, PostScript data, and page control language (PCL) data received from the client computer  0110  and the information processing apparatus  0109  and executes interpretation processing. A display unit  0245  is, for example, a liquid crystal display connected to the inspection apparatus  0108  and receives an input to the inspection apparatus  0108  from a user and displays a state of the inspection apparatus  0108 . 
     A CPU  0234  performs control and calculation on each unit in the information processing apparatus  0109  via a system bus  0239  and controls execution of a program stored in a storage unit  0236  and loaded into a RAM  0235 . The RAM  0235  is a type of a commonly used volatile storage device directly accessible from the CPU  0234  and used as a work area of the CPU  0234  or another temporary data storage area. The storage unit  0236  functions as a temporary storage area and a work memory at the time of an operation of the information processing apparatus  0109 . A NW I/F  0237  is connected to NW I/Fs  0232  and  0240  via the network. The information processing apparatus  0109  communicates with the inspection apparatus  0108  via the NW I/Fs  0237  and  0232 . Further, the information processing apparatus  0109  communicates with the client computer  0110  via the NW I/Fs  0237  and  0240 . 
     A CPU  0243  performs control and calculation on each unit in the client computer  0110  via a system bus  0246  and controls execution of a program stored in a storage unit  0244  and loaded into a RAM  0242 . The RAM  0242  is a type of a commonly used volatile storage device directly accessible from the CPU  0243  and used as a work area of the CPU  0243  or a temporary data storage area. The storage unit  0244  functions as a temporary storage area and a work memory at the time of an operation of the client computer  0110 . A display unit  0249  is, for example, a liquid crystal display connected to the client computer  0110  and receives an input to the client computer  0110  from a user and displays a state of a print job. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a configuration of programs included in the client computer  0110 . 
     A boot loader  301  is a program executed immediately after power supply to the client computer  0110  is turned on. The program includes a program for executing various starting sequences necessary for starting the system. 
     An operating system  302  is a program for providing an execution environment for various programs for implementing a function of the client computer  0110 . The operating system  302  provides a function of managing resources such as memories of the client computer  0110 , i.e., the RAM  0242  and the storage unit  0244 , and other functions. 
     A network control program  303  is a program executed in a case where data is transmitted to and received from devices connected via the network. More specifically, the network control program  303  is used in a case where a print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus  0101 , and print processing is executed. The network control program  303  is also used in a case where a reference image registration instruction file is transmitted to the inspection apparatus  0108 . The network control program  303  is further used in a case where a print job transmission instruction is received from the inspection apparatus  0108 . 
     A workflow control program  304  is a program for collectively managing generation of a print job, transmission of the print job, and generation of a file, and is the core of the client computer  0110 . 
     A second reception program  305  is a program for receiving a preparation completion notification from the inspection apparatus  0108 . Upon receiving the preparation completion notification from the inspection apparatus  0108 , the second reception program  305  notifies the workflow control program  304  of an instruction, a condition, and the like in the preparation completion notification. 
     A second transmission program  306  is a program for transmitting a file to the inspection apparatus  0108 . The second transmission program  306  generates a file using information about the print job before transmitting the print job and transmits the generated file to the inspection apparatus  0108 . 
     A UI control program  307  is a program for controlling a screen to be displayed on the display unit  0249  of the client computer  0110  and controls display on the screen, and enabling and disabling of a button. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an example of a print job generated by the client computer  0110 . According to the present exemplary embodiment, a description is given based on a Job Definition Format (JDF) format, which is a standard specification, as a print job format. Main pieces of information included in a print job are a job identifier (ID)  401 , a print job name  402 , resource information  403  for indicating what the PDF data is used for, and a number of copies  404  of the print job. The job ID  401  is used for uniquely identifying the print job. 
       FIG.  5 A  illustrates an example of a reference image registration instruction file generated in the client computer  0110  and transmitted to the inspection apparatus  0108 . The reference image registration instruction file represents an outline of the print job and is used for a purpose of transmitting the information about the print job to the device such as the inspection apparatus  0108 . According to the present exemplary embodiment, the reference image registration instruction file is generated in an Extensible Markup Language (XML) format. However, the reference image registration instruction file may be generated in a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format and another different format. 
     A root element  500  of the reference image registration instruction file corresponds to one print job. A job ID  501  includes a value the same as that of the job ID  401  of the print job in  FIG.  4   . A reference image identifier  502  is used for a purpose of identifying a reference image by the inspection apparatus  0108 . A value of the reference image identifier  502  can be mapped from the print job name  402  and the resource information  403 . According to the present exemplary embodiment, the second transmission program  306  maps the value of the print job name  402  in the reference image identifier  502 . 
     A number of copies  503  of the print job indicates how many times the same printing is repeated for one print queue. For example, if the number of pages is ten pages, the number of copies  503  of the print job specifies how many copies (times) to print the entire ten pages. The number of copies  503  of the print job is used for determining how many times inspection is executed in the inspection. If a small value is input to the number of copies  503  of the print job in the reference image registration instruction file, a printed product to be inspected will not be inspected. For this reason, the number of copies  503  of the print job in the reference image registration instruction file is set to the same value as the number of copies specified in the print job. 
     A number of scans  504  of the printed product is used at the time of the reference image registration. The number of scans  504  of the printed product specifies how many times a non-defective product is scanned in a case where the reference image is generated. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the reference image is obtained by synthesizing images obtained by scanning the non-defective product for a plurality of times. The reference image obtained by synthesizing the images includes less noise, so that inspection accuracy is increased. On the contrary, if the number of scans of the non-defective product is small, noise in the reference image becomes conspicuous, and the inspection accuracy is reduced. 
     A collate setting  505  indicates presence or absence of a collate setting in the print job. In a case where a plurality of copies is printed with the collate setting, print processing proceeds in an order of a first page, the first page, and the first page, instead of printing of the first page, a second page, and a third page. Thus, the presence or absence of the collate setting is used for determining whether the inspection is also executed in the order of the first page, the first page, and the first page. A media size  506  is a size of a sheet specified in the print job. 
       FIG.  5 B  illustrates an example of a reference image registration result file generated in the inspection apparatus  0108  and transmitted to the client computer  0110 . The reference image registration result file is used for a purpose of notifying the client computer  0110  of a result of the reference image registration. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the reference image registration result file is generated in the XML, format. However, the reference image registration result file may be generated in the JSON format and the like. 
     A root element  510  of the reference image registration result file corresponds to one print job. A reference image identifier  511  is used for a purpose of identifying the reference image by the inspection apparatus  0108  and indicates that registration of the reference image identified by the reference image identifier is completed. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates an example of information stored in a database for associating a printed product, the reference image, and a registration status of the reference image. A database  600  is stored in the storage unit  0244  of the client computer  0110 . A reference image identifier  601  is used for a purpose of identifying the reference image by the inspection apparatus  0108 . The database  600  includes a job ID  602 . The database  600  also includes a reference image registration status  603 . In a case where the reference image is registered, the reference image registration status  603  is set to YES. Whereas, in a case where the reference image is not registered, the reference image registration status  603  is set to NO. If the NW I/F  0237  of the client computer  0110  receives the reference image registration result file from the NW I/F  0232  of the inspection apparatus  0108 , the second reception program  305  analyzes the reference image registration result file. The second reception program  305  obtains a value from the reference image identifier  511  in the reference image registration result file. The second reception program  305  checks the database  600  and changes the reference image registration status  603  to YES (registered) if the same value as that of the reference image identifier  511  exists in the database  600 . 
       FIGS.  7 A,  7 B,  7 C, and  7 D  illustrate examples of screens used for executing printing and inspection in the client computer  0110 . The screen is controlled by the UI control program  307  and displayed on the display unit  0249 . On a screen  700 , a print setting button  701 , a reference image registration button  702 , a print button  703 , and a print job list  704  are displayed. The print setting button  701 , the reference image registration button  702 , and the print button  703  each have an enabled state and a disabled state, accept pressing if they are in the enabled state, and do not accept pressing if they are in the disabled state. A list of the print jobs stored in the storage unit  0244  is displayed in the print job list  704 . According to the present exemplary embodiment, a print job is transmitted from a Management Information System as a comma separated value (CSV) file and the like in which a setting value is specified, and is received by the client computer  0110 . After the reception, the print job is stored in the storage unit  0244 . 
       FIG.  7 A  exemplifies a state where a job is not selected in the print job list  704 . The print setting button  701 , the reference image registration button  702 , and the print button  703  are disabled. 
       FIG.  7 B  exemplifies a state where a print job of which an inspection setting  711  is set to OFF is selected in the print job list  704 . The reference image registration button  702  is disabled, whereas the print setting button  701  and the print button  703  are enabled. 
       FIG.  7 C  exemplifies a state where a print job of which the inspection setting  711  is set to ON is selected in the print job list  704 , and registration of the reference image corresponding to the selected print job is not completed. The print button  703  is disabled, whereas the print setting button  701  and the reference image registration button  702  are enabled. 
       FIG.  7 D  exemplifies a state where a print job of which the inspection setting  711  is set to ON is selected in the print job list  704 , and registration of the reference image corresponding to the selected print job is completed. The print setting button  701 , the reference image registration button  702 , and the print button  703  are enabled. 
       FIG.  8 A  illustrates an example of a screen used for executing a print setting in the client computer  0110 . The screen is controlled by the UI control program  307  and displayed on the display unit  0249 . 
       FIG.  8 A  illustrates a print setting screen  705 . The print setting screen  705  includes a job ID  706 , an entry field  707  for a job name, and an entry field  708  for the number of copies. The print setting screen  705  further includes an entry field  709  for the number of scans necessary for generating one reference image, an entry field  710  for a media size, and a selection field  750  for ON and OFF of the collate setting. A user selects whether to execute the inspection with respect to the print job using a selection field  712 . In a case where the selection field  712  for the inspection is set to ON, the inspection is executed if the user performs a reference image registration operation and then performs a print operation. In a case where the selection field  712  for inspection is set to OFF, if the user performs the print operation, only printing is executed, and the inspection is not executed. The print setting screen  705  further includes a print setting completion button  713 . 
       FIG.  8 B  illustrates an example of an inspection parameter setting screen in the inspection apparatus  0108 . The inspection parameter setting screen is displayed on the display unit  0245  of the inspection apparatus  0108 . 
     An inspection parameter setting screen  714  includes a job name  715  of an inspection target currently being set and an entry field  716  for the number of copies subjected to the inspection. The inspection parameter setting screen  714  further includes an entry field  717  for a media size (sheet size) of the inspection target, a selection field  718  for ON and OFF of the collate setting, and a setting button  719  for an inspection area and an inspection level. If the setting button  719  is pressed, an inspection area setting screen (not illustrated) is opened and receives specification of an area to be inspected in the reference image and a setting of an inspection level corresponding to the area from a user. The inspection parameter setting screen  714  further includes an inspection parameter setting completion button  720 . 
     Processing according to the present exemplary embodiment is described with reference to flowcharts. A program of the image forming apparatus  0101  according to the present flowchart is stored in the storage unit  0205  of the image forming apparatus  0101 , read into the RAM  0202 , and executed by the CPU  0201 . A program of the inspection apparatus  0108  according to the present flowchart is stored in the storage unit  0228  of the inspection apparatus  0108 , read into the RAM  0227 , and executed by the CPU  0226 . A program of the information processing apparatus  0109  according to the present flowchart is stored in the storage unit  0236  of the information processing apparatus  0109 , read into the RAM  0235 , and executed by the CPU  0234 . A program of the client computer  0110  according to the present flowchart is stored in the storage unit  0244  of the client computer  0110 , read into the RAM  0242 , and executed by the CPU  0243 . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates processing executed by the client computer  0110  in a case where the client computer  0110  is instructed to select the print job. More specifically, the UI control program  307  receives an operation and executes various processing for controlling the UI. 
     In step S 800 , the UI control program  307  receives an operation for selecting the print job. Each line in the print job list  704  on the screen  700  illustrated in  FIG.  7 A  indicates a print job, and if a user selects the line, the UI control program  307  receives a selection of the print job corresponding to the line. 
     In step S 801 , the UI control program  307  enables a UI for executing the print setting. The UI for executing the print setting is, for example, the print setting button  701  illustrated in  FIG.  7 A . The print setting button  701  is disabled before selection of the print job and does not accept pressing. In a case where a print job is selected as illustrated in  FIGS.  7 B,  7 C, and  7 D , the print setting button  701  receives pressing, and the UI control program  307  displays the print setting screen  705  illustrated in  FIG.  8 B . 
     In step S 802 , the workflow control program  304  determines whether the inspection is set to ON or OFF in the print setting of the selected print job. As a result of the determination, in a case where the inspection is set to ON (YES in step S 802 ), the processing proceeds to step S 804 . On the other hand, in a case where the inspection is set to OFF (NO in step S 802 ), the processing proceeds to step S 803 . 
     In step S 803 , the UI control program  307  disables a UI for executing the reference image registration. The UI for executing the reference image registration is, for example, the reference image registration button  702  illustrated in  FIG.  7 A . The reference image registration button  702  in  FIG.  7 B  indicates the disabled state and does not accept pressing. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the reference image registration is executed by pressing the reference image registration button  702 . However, the reference image registration may be executed by pressing, for example, a test print button. In this case, the test print button may be enabled. 
     In step S 804 , the UI control program  307  enables the UI for executing the reference image registration. The reference image registration buttons  702  in  FIGS.  7 C and  7 D  indicate the enabled state and accept pressing. 
     In step S 805 , the workflow control program  304  determines whether the reference image of the selected print job is already registered. The workflow control program  304  refers to the database  600  illustrated in  FIG.  6    and determines whether the reference image registration status  603  corresponding to the reference image identifier  502  associated with the print job is registered. In a case where it is determined that the reference image is already registered (YES in step S 805 ), the processing proceeds to step S 806 . Whereas, in a case where it is determined that the reference image is not registered (NO in step S 805 ), the processing proceeds to step S 807 . 
     In step S 806 , the UI control program  307  enables a UI for executing printing and inspection. The UI for executing printing and inspection is, for example, the print button  703  illustrated in  FIG.  7 A . The print buttons  703  in  FIGS.  7 B and  7 D  indicate the enabled state and accept pressing. 
     In step S 807 , the UI control program  307  disables the UI for executing printing and inspection. The print buttons  703  in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 C  indicate the disabled state and do not accept pressing. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates processing executed by the client computer  0110  in a case where the client computer  0110  is instructed to complete the print setting. More specifically, the UI control program  307  receives an operation and executes various processing for controlling the UI. 
     In step S 808 , the workflow control program  304  receives the print setting. The print setting is performed on the print setting screen displayed by the UI control program  307  if a user selects the print job and presses the print setting button  701 , and the print setting is received by pressing the print setting completion button  713 . 
     In step S 809 , the workflow control program  304  analyzes the received print setting and determines whether the inspection is set to ON or OFF in the print setting of the print job. As a result of the determination, in a case where the inspection is set to ON (YES in step S 809 ), the processing proceeds to step S 804 . Whereas, in a case where the inspection is set to OFF (NO in step S 809 ), the processing proceeds to step S 803 . 
     The processing in steps S 803  and S 804  and subsequent steps is already described with reference to  FIG.  8 A , and thus the descriptions thereof are omitted. 
       FIG.  13    is a flowchart illustrating processing at the time of the reference image registration by the client computer  0110 . 
     In step S 810 , the workflow control program  304  receives a reference image registration execution instruction. The reference image registration execution instruction corresponds to, for example, pressing of the reference image registration button  702  by a user. 
     In step S 811 , the second transmission program  306  generates the reference image registration instruction file illustrated in  FIG.  5 A  based on the setting of the print job and transmits the reference image registration instruction file to the inspection apparatus  0108 . A transmission method may be Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) communication or to store the reference image registration instruction file in a folder accessible by the client computer  0110  and the inspection apparatus  0108 . According to the present exemplary embodiment, the method for storing the reference image registration instruction file in the folder is described. 
     In step S 812 , the second reception program  305  obtains a deletion event of the reference image registration instruction file stored in the folder and thus determines that a print instruction corresponding to the reference image registration instruction file can be transmitted. 
     In step S 813 , the workflow control program  304  transmits a print instruction for the reference image registration to the image forming apparatus  0101  via the information processing apparatus  0109 . 
     In step S 814 , if the reference image registration result file is received from the NW I/F  0232  of the inspection apparatus  0108 , the second reception program  305  analyzes the reference image registration result file and obtains a value from the reference image identifier  511  in the reference image registration result file. The second reception program  305  checks the database  600  and changes the reference image registration status  603  to YES (registered) if the same value as that of the reference image identifier  511  exists in the database  600 . 
     In step S 815 , the UI control program  307  obtains the job ID corresponding to the reference image identifier  511  of which the reference image registration status  603  is changed to YES (registered) from the database  600  and determines whether the obtained job ID matches the job ID of the print job selected in the print job list. As a result of the determination, in a case where the job ID is selected (YES in step S 815 ), the processing proceeds to step S 816 . Whereas, in a case where the job ID is not selected (NO in step S 815 ), the reference image registration processing by the client computer  0110  is terminated. 
     In step S 816 , the UI control program  307  enables the UI for executing printing and inspection. The UI for executing printing and inspection is, for example, the print button  703  illustrated in  FIG.  7 A . The print buttons  703  in  FIGS.  7 B and  7 D  indicate the enabled state and accept pressing. 
       FIG.  14    is a flowchart illustrating processing at the time of the reference image registration by the inspection apparatus  0108 . 
     In step S 817 , the CPU  0226  receives a reference image registration start instruction from the client computer  0110 . According to the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU  0226  receives the reference image registration start instruction by reading the reference image registration instruction file stored in the folder by the client computer  0110 . 
     In step S 818 , the CPU  0226  starts reading the reference image. At that time, the inspection unit I/F  0231  notifies the inspection apparatus I/F  0215  of the start of reading the reference image. Then, the CPU  0216  notifies the image capturing unit  0218  to prepare for reading the reference image. If the preparation is completed, the CPU  0216  notifies the CPU  0226  of the completion via the inspection apparatus I/F  0215  and the inspection unit I/F  0231 . 
     In step S 819 , since the preparation for the reference image registration is completed, the CPU  0226  is in a state of waiting for receiving a scanned image of the printed product. Further, the CPU  0226  notifies the client computer  0110  that the preparation for starting the reference image registration is completed. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the completion of the preparation for starting the reference image registration is notified by deleting the reference image registration instruction file stored in the folder. 
     In step S 820 , the CPU  0226  receives an image of the printed product scanned by the inspection unit  0106  from the inspection unit  0106  via the inspection apparatus I/F  0215  and the inspection unit I/F  0231 . 
     In step S 821 , the CPU  0226  registers the image received in step S 820  in the RAM  0227  as the reference image. At that time, a plurality of reference images can be read to allow a user to select one from them, combine them, or register a plurality of the reference images. 
     In step S 822 , the CPU  0226  displays the inspection parameter setting screen  714  on the display unit  0245 . If the display unit  0245  receives a “completion” instruction on the inspection parameter setting screen  714 , the processing proceeds to step S 823 . 
     In step S 823 , the CPU  0226  determines whether the reference image registration is completed for the number of sheets of the print job described in an inspection start instruction file. In a case where the reference image registration is completed (YES in step S 823 ), the processing proceeds to step S 824 . Whereas, in a case where the reference image registration is not completed (NO in step S 823 ), the processing returns to step S 820 . 
     In step S 824 , the reference image registration is completed for the number of sheets of the print job described in the inspection start instruction file, and thus the CPU  0226  finishes reading the reference image. 
     In step S 825 , the CPU  0226  transmits the reference image registration result file to the client computer  0110 . 
       FIG.  15    is a flowchart illustrating processing at the time of executing printing and inspection by the client computer  0110 . 
     In step S 826 , the workflow control program  304  receives a printing and inspection execution instruction. The printing and inspection execution instruction corresponds to, for example, a pressing operation on the print button  703  by a user. 
     In step S 827 , the workflow control program  304  determines whether the inspection setting is set to ON in the print job to which the printing and inspection execution instruction is issued. As a result of the determination, in a case where the inspection is set to ON (YES in step S 827 ), the processing proceeds to step S 828 . Whereas, in a case where the inspection is set to OFF (NO in step S 827 ), the processing proceeds to step S 830 . 
     In step S 828 , the second transmission program  306  generates an inspection start instruction file based on the setting in the print job and transmits the generated inspection start instruction file to the inspection apparatus  0108 . The transmission method may be the HTTP communication or to store the inspection start instruction file in the folder accessible by the client computer  0110  and the inspection apparatus  0108 . According to the present exemplary embodiment, the method for storing the inspection start instruction file in the folder is described. 
     In step S 829 , the second reception program  305  obtains a deletion event of the inspection start instruction file stored in the folder and thus determines that a print instruction corresponding to the inspection start instruction file can be transmitted. 
     In step S 830 , the workflow control program  304  transmits the print instruction to the image forming apparatus  0101  via the information processing apparatus  0109 . 
       FIG.  16    is a flowchart illustrating processing at the time of executing inspection by the inspection apparatus  0108 . 
     In step S 831 , the CPU  0226  receives an inspection start instruction from the client computer  0110 . According to the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU  0226  receives the inspection start instruction by reading the inspection start instruction file stored in the folder by the client computer  0110 . 
     In step S 832 , the CPU  0226  obtains the reference image corresponding to the print job using information described in the inspection start instruction. 
     In step S 833 , the CPU  0226  starts inspection of the print job for which the association with the reference image is completed and starts reading an inspection target image. 
     In step S 834 , since the preparation for the reference image registration is completed, the CPU  0226  is in a state of waiting for scanning the printed product. Further, the CPU  0226  notifies the client computer  0110  that the preparation for starting the inspection is completed. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the completion of the preparation for starting the inspection is notified by deleting the inspection start instruction file stored in the folder. 
     In step S 835 , the CPU  0226  receives an image to be inspected scanned by the inspection unit  0106  from the inspection unit  0106  via the inspection apparatus I/F  0215  and the inspection unit I/F  0231 . 
     In step S 836 , the CPU  0226  reads the reference image identified in step S 832  from the storage unit  0228  and performs inspection by comparing the reference image with the image to be inspected received from the inspection unit  0106 . 
     In step S 837 , the CPU  0226  determines an inspection result. In a case where the inspection result is successful (YES in step S 837 ), the processing proceeds to step S 838 . Whereas, in a case where the inspection result is failure (NO in step S 837 ), the processing proceeds to step S 839 . 
     In step S 838 , the CPU  0226  instructs the large capacity stacker  0107  to output the printed product having passed the inspection to the main tray in the sheet discharge unit  0223  of the large capacity stacker  0107 . 
     In step S 839 , the CPU  0226  instructs the large capacity stacker  0107  to output the printed product having failed the inspection to the top tray in the sheet discharge unit  0223  of the large capacity stacker  0107 . 
     In step S 840 , the CPU  0226  determines whether the inspection is completed for the inspection target printed product. In a case where the inspection is completed (YES in step S 840 ), the processing proceeds to step S 841 . Whereas, in a case where the inspection is not completed (NO in step S 840 ), the processing returns to step S 835 . 
     In step S 841 , since the inspection is completed for the inspection target printed product, the CPU  0226  finishes reading the inspection target image. 
     According to the above-described exemplary embodiment, the example in which it is determined whether the reference image is registered to change the display of the UI, and if the reference image is registered, a print instruction can be issued, is described. However, it may be determined whether the reference image is registered after issuing the print instruction, and if the reference image is registered, the print job may be transmitted, whereas, if the reference image is not registered, the print job may not be transmitted. 
     In  FIGS.  7 A to  7 D , the print button  703  is controlled to be selectable in a case where the reference image is registered. According to a modification of the first exemplary embodiment, the print button  703  can be selected regardless of whether the reference image is registered. 
       FIG.  20    is a flowchart illustrating processing according to the modification of the first exemplary embodiment. More specifically,  FIG.  20    is the flowchart illustrating the processing at the time of executing printing and inspection by the client computer  0110 . Steps are similar to those in  FIG.  15    except for steps S 848  and S 849 , and thus the descriptions thereof are omitted. 
     In step S 848 , the workflow control program  304  determines whether the reference image of the print job that is instructed to be printed in step S 826  is already registered. A determination method is similar to that in step S 805  in  FIG.  11   . In a case where it is determined that the reference image is already registered (YES in step S 848 ), the processing proceeds to step S 827 . Whereas, in a case where it is determined that the reference image is not registered (NO in step S 848 ), the processing proceeds to step S 849 . 
     In step S 849 , a warning is displayed for indicating that the reference image is not registered. 
     According to the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the reference image corresponding to the printed product is not registered, the printed product can be prevented from being output in a state where the inspection cannot be executed. 
     According to the first exemplary embodiment, the configuration in which information necessary for the inspection apparatus to execute inspection is described in the inspection start instruction file and transmitted by the client computer, is described. On the other hand, the information necessary for the inspection apparatus to execute the inspection may be input by the inspection apparatus in some cases. The information necessary for the inspection apparatus to execute inspection differs depending on the inspection apparatus. According to a second exemplary embodiment, the inspection apparatus determines whether input of the information necessary for executing the inspection is completed, and if not, the client computer prevents a user from executing an operation for executing printing and inspection. Accordingly, the printed product can be prevented from being output in a state where the inspection cannot be executed. 
     According to the second exemplary embodiment, an example in which it is determined that the reference image is registered in a case where the information necessary for executing the inspection is prepared in addition to the reference image is described with reference to  FIGS.  9  and  17   . Parts common to the above-described exemplary embodiment are omitted from the description below. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a database for determining whether input of the information necessary for the inspection apparatus to execute the inspection is completed. A database  900  is stored in the storage unit  0228  of the inspection apparatus  0108 . 
     A column  901  indicates whether a user needs to set each inspection parameter on the inspection parameter setting screen  714 . “TRUE” represents that a setting of the corresponding inspection parameter is required, and “FALSE” represents that the setting of the corresponding inspection parameter is not required. “TRUE” is stored in the column  901  for the inspection parameter which must be set in step S 822 . For example, in a case where the column  901  of the media size is set to “TRUE”, the inspection parameter setting screen  714  is not closed even if a user presses the inspection parameter setting completion button  720  unless the user inputs the media size in the entry field  717  on the inspection parameter setting screen  714 . On the other hand, “FALSE” is stored in the column  901  in a case where a default value is prepared and the inspection can be executed without setting the parameter and in a case where the parameter is obtained later by receiving a setting value in the inspection start instruction in step S 831 . For example, in a case where the inspection can be executed using default inspection area and inspection level even if a user does not set the inspection area and the inspection level, “FALSE” is stored in the columns  901  corresponding to the inspection area and the inspection level. 
       FIG.  17    illustrates processing executed by the inspection apparatus  0108  in a case where the inspection apparatus  0108  is instructed to start the reference image registration. More specifically, the CPU  0226  receives the instruction and executes various processing for registering the reference image. 
     In step S 842 , the CPU  0226  checks the inspection parameter set in step S 822  and determines whether input of a parameter necessary for executing the inspection is completed. As a result of the determination, in a case where the input is completed (YES in step S 842 ), the processing proceeds to step S 823 . Whereas, in a case where the input is not completed (NO in step S 842 ), the processing proceeds to step S 822 . The parameter necessary for executing the inspection includes the number of copies of inspection, the inspection area, and the inspection level. The database  900  illustrated in  FIG.  9    is used for determining whether the input is completed. The database  900  is stored in the storage unit  0228  of the inspection apparatus  0108 . The CPU  0226  determines whether the settings are all completed by comparing the parameter specified as “TRUE” in the inspection setting registered in the database  900  with the inspection parameter set in step S 822 . 
     According to the present exemplary embodiment, even in the configuration in which the information necessary for the inspection apparatus to execute the inspection is input by the inspection apparatus, the printed product can be prevented from being output in a state where the inspection cannot be executed. 
     There is a case where information necessary for inspection, such as feature point information, is obtained from an image scanned for the reference image registration. 
     In the inspection processing, it is necessary to adjust the position of an image in the reference image and an image of the printed product included in the image to be inspected to compare the reference image with the image to be inspected.  FIG.  10    illustrates an example of the scanned image. The position adjustment may be performed in two ways, i.e., a case in which an outline  1000  of a sheet in a scanned image is used as a feature point and a case in which an image  1001  printed on the sheet is used as the feature point. In a case where the sheet does not fit within a range in which a scanner can capture an image, the outline  1000  of the sheet in the scanned image cannot be detected to use as the feature point. Further, in a case where the image  1001  printed on the sheet has less feature, such as a blank page, the feature point cannot be detected from the image  1001  printed on the sheet. In the above-described cases, a user needs to add a marker  1002  and the like for detecting the feature point to the image to enable the feature point to be detected and then to register the reference image again. According to a third exemplary embodiment, the inspection apparatus determines whether the information necessary for executing the inspection can be obtained from the scanned image, and if not, the client computer prevents a user from executing an operation for executing printing and inspection. Accordingly, the printed product can be prevented from being output in a state where the inspection cannot be executed. 
     According to the third exemplary embodiment, an example in which the information necessary for the inspection cannot be obtained from an image scanned for the reference image registration is described with reference to  FIG.  18   . Parts common to the above-described exemplary embodiments are omitted from the description below. The processing added to the present exemplary embodiment may be added to the processing according to the second exemplary embodiment and executed. 
       FIG.  18    illustrates processing executed by the inspection apparatus  0108  in a case where the inspection apparatus  0108  is instructed to start the reference image registration. More specifically, the CPU  0226  receives the instruction and executes various processing for registering the reference image. 
     In step S 843 , the CPU  0226  determines whether the information necessary for executing the inspection can be obtained. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU  0226  determines whether the feature point can be detected from the scanned image. As a result of the determination, in a case where the information necessary for executing the inspection can be obtained (YES in step S 843 ), the processing proceeds to step S 821 . Whereas, in a case where the information necessary for executing the inspection cannot be obtained (NO in step S 843 ), the processing proceeds to step S 844 . 
     In step S 844 , the CPU  0226  displays, on the display unit  0245 , that the information necessary for executing the inspection cannot be obtained from the scanned image to notify a user thereof. 
     According to the present exemplary embodiment, in the configuration in which the inspection apparatus obtains the information necessary for executing inspection from the scanned image, the printed product can be prevented from being output while the inspection cannot be executed in a case where the information cannot be obtained. 
     In a case of a system of generating one reference image from a plurality of scanned images, it is necessary to perform synthesis processing and then start inspection. On the other hand, if there is one scanned image, the inspection can be started without performing the synthesis processing. Whether to execute the synthesis processing is specified for each print job on the print setting screen  705  in the client computer  0110 . In a case where a value more than one is set in the entry field  709  for the number of scans, the synthesis processing is executed, whereas in a case where 1 is set in the entry field  709  for the number of scans, the synthesis processing is not executed. 
     According to a fourth exemplary embodiment, an example in which a reference image is generated by synthesizing a plurality of the scanned images is described with reference to  FIG.  19   . Parts common to the above-described exemplary embodiments are omitted from the below description. Processing added to the present exemplary embodiment may be added to the processing according to the second and the third exemplary embodiments and executed. 
       FIG.  19    illustrates processing executed by the inspection apparatus  0108  in a case where the inspection apparatus  0108  is instructed to start the reference image registration. More specifically, the CPU  0226  receives the instruction and executes various processing for registering the reference image. 
     In step S 845 , the CPU  0226  determines whether it is necessary to perform the synthesis processing on the scanned images. The CPU  0226  refers to the number of scans of the printed product specified in the reference image registration instruction file received in step S 817 . In a case where the value is more than one, the CPU  0226  determines that it is necessary to perform the synthesis processing on the scanned image (YES in step S 845 ), and the processing proceeds to step S 846 . In the case where the value is one, the CPU  0226  determines that it is not necessary to perform the synthesis processing on the scanned images (NO in step S 845 ), and the processing proceeds to step S 821 . In step S 846 , the CPU  0226  determines whether the scanned images for the specified number of scans of the printed product are received. In a case where the scanned images for the specified number of scans of the printed product are received (YES in step S 846 ), the processing proceeds to step S 847 . Whereas, in a case where the scanned images for the specified number of scans of the printed product are not received (NO in step S 846 ), the processing proceeds to step S 820 . In step S 847 , the CPU  0226  synthesizes a plurality of the scanned images and generates one reference image. 
     According to the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the synthesis processing does not have to be performed, a user can execute the inspection even if the synthesis processing is not performed. 
     According to the first exemplary embodiment, a printing and inspection start instruction is prevented from being executed by disabling the print button  703  of the print job for which the corresponding reference image is not registered. However, instead of disabling the print button  703 , it may be determined whether the corresponding reference image is registered when the print button  703  is pressed, and if the reference image is not registered, a user may be notified of that effect. In this case, if the print button is pressed, the inspection apparatus may be inquired as to whether the reference image is already registered. 
     According to the above-described exemplary embodiments, a printed product can be prevented from being output in a state where inspection cannot be correctly executed since a reference image corresponding to the printed product is not registered. 
     Other Embodiments 
     Embodiment(s) of the present disclosure can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like. 
     While the present disclosure includes exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.