Patent Description:
In recent years, printing systems capable of performing an inspection using an inspection apparatus during conveyance of sheets on which printing had been performed by a printing apparatus has been known. In the inspection of the printed sheet, the inspection apparatus scans an image on the conveyed printed sheet and analyzes the scanned image to determine whether the printed sheet is printed normally. More specifically, in the inspection, image data scanned by the inspection apparatus and inspection image data registered in the inspection apparatus are compared with each other. The inspection includes the following processes. First, a user pre-registers an inspection image for use in the inspection in the inspection apparatus. Next, an inspection job is input to the printing apparatus. In the inputting, the user selects an inspection image corresponding to the input inspection job from among inspection images registered in the inspection apparatus. Then, the inspection apparatus can detect, for example, a printing defect by the above-described inspection. A job for pre-registration of an inspection image is referred to as an inspection image registration job, and a print job for inspection of a printed sheet is referred to as an inspection job.

<CIT> discusses a method for controlling execution of an inspection image registration job and an inspection job. Specifically, an image scan start instruction and an image scan end instruction are received from a user in each of the inspection image registration job and the inspection job. <CIT> discloses the preamble of claims <NUM> and <NUM>, i.e. a method for calibrating an optical sensor to scan printed marks in an inkjet printer, in which a test pattern is printed and then scanned.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus as specified in claims <NUM> to <NUM>. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inspection system as specified in claims <NUM> to <NUM>. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing method as specified in claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. It should be noted that the below-described embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention and that not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are always essential to a technical solution provided by the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an external controller will sometimes be referred to as "image processing controller", "digital front end (DFE)", or "print server". An image forming apparatus will sometimes be referred to as "copy machine" or "multi-function peripheral" (MFP).

<FIG> is an overall diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image processing system according to the present embodiment. The image processing system is also referred to as "inspection system" or "printing system" and includes an image forming apparatus <NUM> and an external controller <NUM>. The image forming apparatus <NUM> and the external controller <NUM> are connected with each other to perform communication via an internal local area network (LAN) <NUM> and a video cable <NUM>. The external controller <NUM> is connected to a client personal computer (PC) <NUM> to perform communication via an external LAN <NUM>, and the client PC <NUM> issues print instructions to the external controller <NUM>.

A printer driver including a function of converting print data into a print description language processable by the external controller <NUM> is installed in the client PC <NUM>. A user to perform printing can issue a print instruction from various applications via the printer driver. The printer driver transmits print data to the external controller <NUM> based on a print instruction from the user. In a case where the external controller <NUM> receives a print instruction from the client PC <NUM>, the external controller <NUM> performs data analysis and rasterization processing, inputs print data to the image forming apparatus <NUM>, and issues a print instruction to the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

Next, the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described below. A plurality of apparatuses with different functions is connected to the image forming apparatus <NUM> and is configured to perform complicated print processing, such as bookbinding. Not all of the apparatuses including a printing apparatus <NUM>, an inserter <NUM>, an inspection apparatus <NUM>, a stacker (large-capacity stacker) <NUM>, and a finisher <NUM> are essential to the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

The printing apparatus <NUM> forms a toner image on a recording sheet (sheet) conveyed from a sheet feeding unit disposed at a lower portion of the printing apparatus <NUM>. According to the present embodiment, a printed recording sheet on which an image has been formed is referred to as "printed material". A configuration and an operation principle of the printing apparatus <NUM> are as described below.

A light beam, such as laser light, modulated based on image data is reflected by a rotary polygonal mirror, such as a polygon mirror, and the reflected light as scan light illuminates a photosensitive drum. An electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by the laser light is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet attached to a transfer drum. The foregoing image forming process is sequentially performed using yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners, whereby a full-color image is formed on the sheet. The sheet, on which the full-color image has been formed, on the transfer drum is conveyed to a fixing device. The fixing device includes a roller, a belt, and a built-in heat source, such as a halogen heater, in the roller. The fixing device melts the toners of the transferred toner images on the recording sheet and fixes the toners to the recording sheet with heat and pressure.

The inserter <NUM> is an inserter for inserting an insertion sheet. An insertion sheet can be inserted from the inserter <NUM> to a position in a set of sheets that have been printed by the printing apparatus <NUM> and conveyed.

The inspection apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus that scans an image on a conveyed sheet and performs determination of whether the printed image is normal, by comparing the scanned image with an inspection image registered in advance.

The stacker <NUM> is a large-capacity stacker on which a large amount of sheets can be stacked.

The finisher <NUM> is a finisher that performs finishing processing on conveyed sheets. The finisher <NUM> can perform finishing, such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitch bookbinding, and the finisher <NUM> discharges sheets to a sheet discharge tray.

While the printing system illustrated in <FIG> is configured in such a manner that the external controller <NUM> is connected to the image forming apparatus <NUM>, the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration with the external controller <NUM> being connected. Specifically, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can be connected to the external LAN <NUM>, and the client PC <NUM> can transmit print data processable by the image forming apparatus <NUM>. In this case, the image forming apparatus <NUM> performs data analysis, rasterization processing, and print processing.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the image forming apparatus <NUM>, the external controller <NUM>, and the client PC <NUM>.

First, a configuration of the printing apparatus <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described below. The printing apparatus <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> includes a communication interface (I/F) <NUM>, a LAN I/F <NUM>, a video I/F <NUM>, a hard disk drive (HDD) <NUM>, a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an operation unit <NUM>, and a display <NUM>. The printing apparatus <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> further includes a document exposure unit <NUM>, a laser exposure unit <NUM>, an imaging unit <NUM>, a fixing unit <NUM>, and a sheet feeding unit <NUM>. The foregoing components are connected with each other via a system bus <NUM>.

The communication I/F <NUM> is connected to the inserter <NUM>, the inspection apparatus <NUM>, the large-capacity stacker <NUM>, and the finisher <NUM> via a communication cable <NUM> to perform communication for control of the inserter <NUM>, the inspection apparatus <NUM>, the large-capacity stacker <NUM>, and the finisher <NUM>.

The LAN I/F <NUM> is connected to the external controller <NUM> via the internal LAN <NUM> to communicate print data and the like.

The video I/F <NUM> is connected to the external controller <NUM> via the video cable <NUM> to communicate image data and the like.

The HDD <NUM> is a storage device storing programs and data.

The CPU <NUM> comprehensively controls image processing and printing based on programs stored in the HDD <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> stores programs for various types of processing, which is performed by the CPU <NUM>, and image data and operates as a work area.

The operation unit <NUM> receives various settings input by the user and operation instructions from the user.

The display <NUM> displays setting information about an image processing apparatus and a print job processing status.

The document exposure unit <NUM> performs document reading processing when a copy function or a scan function is used. The document exposure unit <NUM> reads document data by capturing an image of a sheet placed by the user with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera while illuminating the sheet with an exposure lamp.

The laser exposure unit <NUM> is an apparatus that performs primary charging to illuminate the photosensitive drum with laser light to transfer a toner image and performs laser exposure. The laser exposure unit <NUM> first performs primary charging to charge a surface of the photosensitive drum to a uniform negative potential. Next, a laser driver illuminates the photosensitive drum with laser light reflected from the polygon mirror at adjusted angles. The negative charges on the illuminated portion is neutralized by the laser light, and an electrostatic latent image is formed.

The imaging unit <NUM> is a device for transferring toner to a sheet. The imaging unit <NUM> includes a development unit, a transfer unit, and a toner supply unit and transfers toner on the photosensitive drum to a sheet.

In the development unit, negatively-charged toner from a development cylinder is attached to an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to visualize the electrostatic latent image. The transfer unit performs primary transfer and secondary transfer. In the primary transfer, a positive potential is applied to a primary transfer roller, and toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum is transferred to a transfer belt. In the secondary transfer, a positive potential is applied to a secondary transfer external roller, and the toner on the transfer belt is transferred to a sheet.

The fixing unit <NUM> is a device for melting and fixing toner on a sheet with heat and pressure and includes a heating heater, a fixing belt, and a pressing belt.

The sheet feeding unit <NUM> is a device for feeding sheets. Operations of feeding and conveying of sheets are controlled using rollers and various sensors.

Next, a configuration of the inserter <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described below. The inserter <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> includes a communication I/F <NUM>, a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a sheet feeding control unit <NUM>, and the foregoing components are connected with each other via a system bus <NUM>.

The communication I/F <NUM> is connected to the printing apparatus <NUM> via the communication cable <NUM> to perform communication for control.

The CPU <NUM> performs various types of control for feeding of sheets, based on control programs stored in the memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> is a storage device storing control programs.

The sheet feeding control unit <NUM> controls feeding and conveying of sheets conveyed from a sheet feeding unit of the inserter <NUM> or from the printing apparatus <NUM> while controlling rollers and sensors based on instructions from the CPU <NUM>.

Next, a configuration of the inspection apparatus <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described below. The inspection apparatus <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> includes a communication I/F <NUM>, a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an image capturing unit <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, an operation unit <NUM>, and a HDD <NUM>, and the foregoing components are connected with each other via a system bus <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> performs various types of control for an inspection based on control programs stored in the memory <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> is a storage device storing control programs.

The image capturing unit <NUM> captures images of conveyed sheets based on instructions from the CPU <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> compares an image captured by the image capturing unit <NUM> and an inspection image stored in the HDD <NUM> or the memory <NUM> and determines whether the printed image is normal.

The display unit <NUM> displays an inspection result and a setting screen.

The operation unit <NUM> is operated by the user and receives instructions to change settings of the inspection apparatus <NUM> and instructions to register an inspection image.

The HDD <NUM> stores inspection image data together with identification information, such as an inspection image identification (ID).

Next, a configuration of the large-capacity stacker <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described below. The large-capacity stacker <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> includes a communication I/F <NUM>, a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a sheet discharge control unit <NUM>, and the foregoing components are connected with each other via a system bus <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> performs various types of control for discharging of sheets based on control programs stored in the memory <NUM>.

The sheet discharge control unit <NUM> controls conveying of sheets based on an instruction from the CPU <NUM> to convey the conveyed sheet to an escape tray <NUM> or the subsequent apparatuses, such as the finisher <NUM>.

Next, a configuration of the finisher <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described below. The finisher <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> includes a communication I/F <NUM>, a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a sheet discharge control unit <NUM>, and a finishing processing unit <NUM>, and the foregoing components are connected with each other via a system bus <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> performs various types of control for finishing and discharging of sheets based on control programs stored in the memory <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> is a storage device storing control programs. The sheet discharge control unit <NUM> controls conveying and discharging of sheets based on instructions from the CPU <NUM>. The finishing processing unit <NUM> controls finishing processing, such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitch bookbinding, based on instructions from the CPU <NUM>.

Next, a configuration of the external controller <NUM> will be described below. The external controller <NUM> includes a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a HDD <NUM>, a keyboard <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a LAN I/F <NUM>, a LAN I/F <NUM>, and a video I/F <NUM>, and the foregoing components are connected with each other via a system bus <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> comprehensively performs processing, such as print data reception from the client PC <NUM>, raster image processing (RIP), and print data transmission to the image forming apparatus <NUM>, based on programs and data stored in the HDD <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> stores programs and data for various types of processing, which is performed by the CPU <NUM>, and operates as a work area.

The HDD <NUM> stores programs and data for operations, such as print processing.

The keyboard <NUM> is a device for inputting operation instructions to the external controller <NUM>.

The display <NUM> displays information about an executed application of the external controller <NUM> by using video signals of still images and moving images.

The LAN I/F <NUM> is connected to the client PC <NUM> via the external LAN <NUM> to communicate print instructions.

The LAN I/F <NUM> is connected to the image forming apparatus <NUM> via the internal LAN <NUM> to communicate print instructions. The video I/F <NUM> is connected to the image forming apparatus <NUM> via the video cable <NUM> to communicate print data.

Next, a configuration of the client PC <NUM> will be described below. The client PC <NUM> includes a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a HDD <NUM>, a keyboard <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and a LAN I/F <NUM>, and the foregoing components are connected with each other via a system bus <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> generates print data and issues print instructions based on document processing programs stored in the HDD <NUM>. Further, the CPU <NUM> comprehensively controls the devices connected to the system bus <NUM>.

The keyboard <NUM> is a device for inputting operation instructions to the client PC <NUM>.

The display <NUM> displays information about an executed application of the client PC <NUM> using video signals of still images and moving images.

The LAN I/F <NUM> is connected to the external LAN <NUM> to communicate print instructions.

While the internal LAN <NUM> and the video cable <NUM> are connected to the external controller <NUM> and the image forming apparatus <NUM> in the above-described configuration, any configurations that enable transmission and reception of data for printing can be used. For example, only the video cable <NUM> can be used for the connection. The memories <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can each be a storage device for holding data and programs. For example, a volatile random access memory (RAM), a non-volatile read-only memory (ROM), a built-in HDD, an external HDD, or a universal serial bus (USB) memory can be used as a substitute.

<FIG> is a mechanical cross-sectional view illustrating the image forming apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The printing apparatus <NUM> forms images to be printed on sheets. In the image forming apparatus <NUM>, sheet feeding decks <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed. The sheet feeding decks <NUM> and <NUM> can store various sheets. Information (sheet size, sheet type) about sheets stored in the sheet feeding decks <NUM> and <NUM> can be set via the operation unit <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM>.

An uppermost sheet among sheets stored in the sheet feeding decks <NUM> and <NUM> is separated from the other sheets and conveyed to a sheet conveyance path <NUM>.

Development stations <NUM> to <NUM> form toner images using color toners Y, M, C, and K to form a color image. The formed toner images are primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt <NUM>, and the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> is rotated in a clockwise direction in <FIG>. At a secondary transfer position <NUM>, the toner images are transferred to a sheet conveyed from the sheet conveyance path <NUM>.

The display <NUM> displays a printing status of the image forming apparatus <NUM> and information for settings.

A fixing unit <NUM> fixes the toner images to the sheet. The fixing unit <NUM> includes a pressing roller and a heating roller, and when the sheet passes between the pressing roller and the heating roller, the toners are melted and pressed, whereby the toner images are fixed to the sheet. The sheet having passed through the fixing unit <NUM> is conveyed through a sheet conveyance path <NUM> to a sheet conveyance path <NUM>.

In a case where further melting and pressing for fixing is needed because of the type of the sheet, the sheet having passed through the fixing unit <NUM> is conveyed through the above-described sheet conveyance paths to a second fixing unit <NUM>, undergoes further melting and pressing, and is then conveyed through a sheet conveyance path <NUM> to the sheet conveyance path <NUM>.

In a case where an image forming mode is two-sided, the sheet is conveyed to a sheet reversing path <NUM>, reversed by the sheet reversing path <NUM>, and conveyed to a two-sided conveyance path <NUM>, and the image transfer to a second side of the sheet is performed at the secondary transfer position <NUM>.

The inserter <NUM> is an inserter for inserting an insertion sheet. The inserter <NUM> includes an inserter tray <NUM> and causes a sheet fed through a sheet conveyance path <NUM> to join the conveyance path. Consequently, the insertion sheet is inserted to a desired position in a sheet set conveyed from the printing apparatus <NUM> and is conveyed together with the sheet set to a subsequent apparatus.

The printed material (sheet) having passed through the inserter <NUM> is conveyed to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. In the inspection apparatus <NUM>, cameras <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed to face each other. The camera <NUM> is a camera for scanning an upper surface of the printed material, and the camera <NUM> is a camera for scanning a lower surface of the printed material.

The inspection apparatus <NUM> scans images on the sheet using the cameras <NUM> and <NUM> at a timing at which the sheet conveyed to a sheet conveyance path <NUM> reaches a predetermined position, and determines whether the images scanned by the inspection apparatus <NUM> are normal. The display unit <NUM> displays a result of the inspection performed by the inspection apparatus <NUM>.

The large-capacity stacker <NUM> is a stacker on which a large amount of sheets can be stacked. The large-capacity stacker <NUM> includes a stacking tray <NUM> as a tray for stacking sheets. The sheet having passed through the inspection apparatus <NUM> is input to the large-capacity stacker <NUM> through a sheet conveyance path <NUM>. The sheet is conveyed through a sheet conveyance path <NUM> from the sheet conveyance path <NUM> and then stacked on the stacking tray <NUM>.

The stacker <NUM> further includes the escape tray <NUM> as a sheet discharge tray. The escape tray <NUM> is a sheet discharge tray that is used to discharge sheets determined as defective sheets by the inspection apparatus <NUM>. In a case where a sheet is to be output to the escape tray <NUM>, the sheet is conveyed through a sheet conveyance path <NUM> from the sheet conveyance path <NUM> to the escape tray <NUM>. In a case where a sheet is to be conveyed to a post-processing apparatus subsequent to the large-capacity stacker <NUM>, the sheet is conveyed through a sheet conveyance path <NUM>.

A reversing portion <NUM> reverses the sheet. The reversing portion <NUM> is used when the sheet is stacked on the stacking tray <NUM>. In a case where the sheet is to be stacked on the stacking tray <NUM>, the sheet is reversed by the reversing portion <NUM>, so that an orientation of the sheet at the time of output corresponds to an orientation of the sheet at the time of input. In a case where the sheet is to be conveyed to the escape tray <NUM> or the subsequent post-processing apparatus, since the sheet is to be discharged without being flipped in stacking, the reversing operation by the reversing portion <NUM> is not performed.

The finisher <NUM> applies finishing processing to the conveyed sheet based on a function designated by the user. Specifically, the finisher <NUM> includes finishing functions, such as stapling (single position, double positions), punching (two holes, three holes), and saddle stitch bookbinding.

The finisher <NUM> includes two sheet discharge trays <NUM> and <NUM>, and a sheet is output to the sheet discharge tray <NUM> through a sheet conveyance path <NUM>. The finishing processing, such as stapling, cannot be performed through the sheet conveyance path <NUM>. In a case where the finishing processing, such as stapling, is to be performed, the sheet is conveyed through a sheet conveyance path <NUM>, and a processing unit <NUM> performs the finishing function designated by the user. Then, the resulting sheet is output to the sheet discharge tray <NUM>.

Because the sheet discharge trays <NUM> and <NUM> can each be moved upward and downward, the sheet discharge tray <NUM> can be moved downward to stack the sheet having undergone the finishing processing by the processing unit <NUM> on the sheet discharge tray <NUM>. In a case where the saddle stitch bookbinding is designated, a saddle stitch processing unit <NUM> staples in a center of the sheet and then folds the stapled sheet in half, and the resulting sheet is conveyed through a sheet conveyance path <NUM> and is output to a saddle stitch bookbinding tray <NUM>. The saddle stitch bookbinding tray <NUM> has a belt-conveyor configuration, and the saddle-stitch bound sheets stacked on the saddle stitch bookbinding tray <NUM> are conveyed leftward.

<FIG> is a software configuration diagram illustrating the printing apparatus <NUM> that relates to the inspection of the printing system. The software configuration is realized by the CPU <NUM> developing programs and data stored in the HDD <NUM> on the memory <NUM> and executing the developed programs and data.

A job control unit <NUM> analyzes details of a job transmitted from the external controller <NUM>. Information about settings configured for a received job is added to the job, and the job control unit <NUM> analyzes the information and transmits a processing request together with setting information to a subsequent appropriate program.

An image generation unit <NUM> converts a document associated with the job transmitted from the external controller <NUM> into image data. The image generation unit <NUM> performs processing to generate an image based on a job type, such as a print job and a storing job, and job settings. An inspection image to be registered in the inspection apparatus <NUM>, which will be described below, is also generated by the image generation unit <NUM>.

An image storage unit <NUM> performs processing to convert a document transmitted from the external controller <NUM> into an image and store the image in the HDD <NUM>. While a print job normally does not involve storing of an image, the processing of temporarily storing an image in the HDD <NUM> is performed in a case where the image is stored in the printing apparatus <NUM> and thereafter is selected via the operation unit <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM> and printed and also in a case where an inspection image is to be registered in the inspection apparatus <NUM>.

An inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> is a processing unit that communicates data with the inspection apparatus <NUM>. The inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> detects temporary storage of an inspection image for inspection in the HDD <NUM> and transmits an inspection image stored in the inspection apparatus <NUM>. Further, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> issues an inspection start instruction to the inspection apparatus <NUM> also in a case where the inspection processing is to be performed.

An image printing unit <NUM> is part of the printing apparatus <NUM> that performs printing. The image printing unit <NUM> performs printing based on a job transmitted from the external controller <NUM>.

<FIG> is a software configuration diagram illustrating the inspection apparatus <NUM> that relates to the inspection of the printing system. The software configuration is realized by the CPU <NUM> developing programs and data stored in the HDD <NUM> on the memory <NUM> and executing the developed programs and data.

An inspection image reception unit <NUM> receives an inspection image transmitted from the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM>.

An inspection image storage unit <NUM> stores an inspection image received by the inspection image reception unit <NUM> together with identification information, such as an inspection image ID, in the HDD <NUM>.

A scanned image acquisition unit <NUM> captures an image of a conveyed sheet with the image capturing unit <NUM> and acquires a read scanned image.

An image inspection unit <NUM> performs inspection by comparing a scanned image and an inspection image. The scanned image is a scanned image acquired by the scanned image acquisition unit <NUM>, and the inspection image is an inspection image that is stored in the inspection image storage unit <NUM> and corresponds to the scanned image. The image inspection unit <NUM> can perform inspection by extracting feature amounts of the scanned image and the inspection image and comparing the extracted feature amounts.

An inspection job control unit <NUM> performs determination of whether an inspection image for use in inspection processing is registered in the inspection image storage unit <NUM>. According to the present embodiment, the determination of whether an inspection image for use in inspection processing is registered in the inspection image storage unit <NUM> is performed using identification information, such as an inspection image ID, in a case where an inspection start instruction inquiry is received from the printing apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a job setting screen that is displayed on the display <NUM> of the external controller <NUM> when inspection and inspection image registration are performed. The print settings can be considered as an example of a screen of the printer driver that is installed in the client PC <NUM> and supports the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The user to perform printing opens the screen via various applications and can issue a print instruction.

A print setting screen <NUM> includes a textbox <NUM> for designating a page range and textboxes and menus <NUM> to <NUM> for designating print settings to be applied to the page range designated in the textbox <NUM>. On the print setting screen <NUM>, for example, the number of copies, sheet feeding unit, one-sided/two-sided, sheet type, printing orientation, job annotation, and binding position can be designated.

A number-of-copies textbox <NUM> is a textbox for designating the number of copies of the page range designated in the textbox <NUM>.

A sheet feeding unit pull-down menu <NUM> is a menu for selection of a sheet feeding unit from which sheets are to be fed among the decks of the sheet feeding unit <NUM>. In <FIG>, automatic is selected as an example.

A one-sided/two-sided pull-down menu <NUM> is a menu for selection of one-sided printing or two-sided printing. In <FIG>, one-sided printing is selected as an example.

A sheet type pull-down menu <NUM> is a menu for selection of a sheet type, such as normal sheet and thick sheet. In <FIG>, normal sheet is selected as an example.

A printing orientation pull-down menu <NUM> is a menu for selection of portrait or landscape.

A job annotation textbox <NUM> is a textbox for inputting of an annotation about the job.

A binding position pull-down menu <NUM> is a menu for designating a binding position, and upper left, upper right, lower left, or lower right can be selected.

An inspection setting <NUM> is a selection item for designation of whether to perform inspection processing. In a case where ON is selected, the job is determined as an inspection target job, and in a case where OFF is selected, the job is determined as a normal job without performing an inspection.

An inspection image registration item <NUM> indicates a status of inspection image registration in the inspection apparatus <NUM>, and the status can be selected. In a case where there is not even one inspection record, "unregistered" is selected, and in a case where an inspection job is previously performed at least once, "registered" is selected. The inspection image registration item <NUM> can be controlled to display a pre-selected state. Specifically, for example, a log of previously-performed inspection jobs is stored in the HDD <NUM> of the external controller <NUM>, and various application programs, such as the printer driver, are controlled to determine "unregistered" or "registered". In a case where a job is previously inspected and an inspection image is to be registered explicitly for the same job, the user can select "unregistered" of the inspection image registration item <NUM>. While the options of the inspection image registration item <NUM> in <FIG> are "registered" and "unregistered", descriptions of the options of the inspection image registration item <NUM> are not limited, and the options can be "register inspection image" and "not register inspection image".

An OK button <NUM> is to complete the print settings and perform print processing. In response to pressing of a cancel button <NUM>, the print settings and the print processing are canceled.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a diagram of structured information set on the job setting screen in <FIG>.

Components for forming a job are assembled together into a single piece by structuring information. The structured information can be transmitted from the external controller <NUM> to the printing apparatus <NUM>.

Job information <NUM> indicates data on information about how a document to be input as the job is to be processed, and includes information about each item of the print setting screen <NUM> and information added as a default.

Medium-to-be-printed information <NUM> on the fourth line in <FIG> indicates information about a sheet to be printed.

Setting values, such as the sheet type selected in the sheet type pull-down menu <NUM>, are configured in the Medium-to-be-printed information <NUM>.

Inspection setting information <NUM> on the eleventh line in <FIG> indicates information about inspection settings. A setting value of the inspection setting <NUM> and a setting value selected as the inspection image registration item <NUM> in <FIG> are configured in the inspection setting information <NUM>.

As described above, the structured information obtained by structuring all pieces of information, such as the print settings, is added as part of print job data, and the print job data with the added structured information is transmitted from the external controller <NUM> to the printing apparatus <NUM>. According to an aspect of the present invention, a print job includes at least the structured information illustrated as an example in <FIG> and a document (image) to be printed.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a procedure of data communication between the apparatuses according to a first embodiment.

In step S1501, the external controller <NUM> transmits a print job to the printing apparatus <NUM>. The print job herein includes an image (document) to be printed and job information about printing of the image that is illustrated as an example in <FIG>. Jobs include an inspection image registration job for a process of registering an inspection image in the inspection apparatus <NUM>, a normal job for printing using the printing apparatus <NUM>, and an inspection job for printing using the printing apparatus <NUM> and inspecting the printed document using the inspection apparatus <NUM>. According to the present embodiment, the term "print job" is a generic term for a job that includes both an inspection image registration job and an inspection job, a job that includes only an inspection job, or a job that includes only a normal job.

In step S1502, the printing apparatus <NUM> having received the print job including the inspection image registration job from the external controller <NUM> transmits inspection image data to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. Consequently, processing of registering the received inspection image data is performed in the inspection apparatus <NUM>. The inspection image registration processing in the inspection apparatus <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

In step S1503, the inspection apparatus <NUM> transmits an inspection image registration completion notification to the printing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S <NUM>, the printing apparatus <NUM> having received the inspection image registration completion notification from the inspection apparatus <NUM> performs printing based on the print job received in step S1501.

In step S1505, in a case where the received print job includes an inspection job, the printing apparatus <NUM> transmits an inspection instruction (inspection start instruction) to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. The inspection instruction herein is an instruction including an inspection image ID corresponding to the printed material to be inspected. Alternatively, information from which the inspection image is identifiable can be used instead of the inspection image ID. The inspection image registration completion notification from the inspection apparatus <NUM> can serve as a trigger to perform steps S1504 and S1505 simultaneously, or step S1504 can be performed following step S1505.

In step S1506, the inspection apparatus <NUM> performs inspection processing. The inspection processing by the inspection apparatus <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

In step S1507, the inspection apparatus <NUM> transmits an inspection result notification to the printing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S1508, the printing apparatus <NUM> having received the inspection result from the inspection apparatus <NUM> transmits a printing completion notification to the external controller <NUM>. In step S <NUM>, the printing apparatus <NUM> having received the inspection result from the inspection apparatus <NUM> transmits an inspection completion notification (inspection end notification) to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. The inspection result notification from the inspection apparatus <NUM> can serve as a trigger to perform steps S1508 and S1509 simultaneously, or step S1508 can be performed following step S1509.

A procedure of performing the inspection image registration processing and the inspection processing in the image processing system (inspection system) according to the present embodiment is as described above. The inspection image registration processing and the inspection processing in each apparatus will be described below.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating the inspection processing and the inspection image registration processing by the printing apparatus <NUM> after the job that is set on the print setting screen <NUM> in <FIG> is received. The process in <FIG> is performed by the CPU <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM>. The process in <FIG> will be described below with reference to the software configuration diagram in <FIG>.

The flowchart in <FIG> is started in a case where the printing apparatus <NUM> receives a print job including an image (document) to be printed and job information about printing of the image as illustrated as an example in <FIG> from the external controller <NUM>. The print job does not have to be transmitted collectively from the external controller <NUM> to the printing apparatus <NUM>. For example, the transmission can be performed in two steps. Specifically, first, the job information is transmitted from the external controller <NUM>, and then in a case where the external controller <NUM> receives an image reception request from the printing apparatus <NUM>, the external controller <NUM> transmits the image.

In step S701, the job control unit <NUM> analyzes the job information transmitted from the external controller <NUM>. For example, the structured information illustrated in <FIG> is analyzed. While the data structured as illustrated in <FIG> is described as an example according to the present embodiment, the data to be analyzed in <FIG> and <FIG> is not limited to the structured information.

In step S702, the job control unit <NUM> determines whether the job is an inspection job, based on a result of the analysis in step S701. In a case where the job control unit <NUM> determines that the job is not an inspection job, based on a result of the analysis (NO in step S702), the processing proceeds to step S703. In step S703, the job is processed as a normal job. The normal job refers to a job for execution of printing and is not an inspection target job involving storing of a document or an image. On the other hand, in a case where the job control unit <NUM> determines that the job is an inspection job (YES in step S702), the processing proceeds to step S704.

In step S704, the job control unit <NUM> determines whether an inspection image has been registered as a result of the analysis in step S701. In a case where the job control unit <NUM> determines that an inspection image has been registered, as a result of the analysis (YES in step S704), the processing proceeds to step S705. On the other hand, the job control unit <NUM> determines that an inspection image has not been registered (NO in step S704), the processing proceeds to step S709. In step S709, the inspection image registration processing is started.

In step S705, an inspection start instruction inquiry is transmitted to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. Specifically, the inspection instruction contains inspection image ID information corresponding to the document to be inspected. While the inspection image ID is used in the description of the present embodiment, any identification information from which the inspection image corresponding to the document to be inspected is identifiable can be used. Operations of the inspection apparatus <NUM> having received the inspection start instruction inquiry will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

In step S706, the job control unit <NUM> determines whether the inspection job can be performed is determined. A result of the inspection start instruction inquiry to the inspection apparatus <NUM> in step S705 is checked, or determination of whether an inspection image registration completion notification is received in step S713 is determined. In a case where the job control unit <NUM> determines that the inspection job can be performed (YES in step S706), the processing proceeds to step S708.

In step S708, the inspection job is performed. Specifically, the image printing unit <NUM> prints the entire inspection target job. Then, the process ends.

On the other hand, in a case where the printing cannot be started (NO in step S706), the processing proceeds to step S707. In step S707, alternative processing is performed. A possible reason why the printing cannot be started is a case where the corresponding inspection image is not in the inspection apparatus <NUM> due to deletion of the inspection image registered in the inspection apparatus <NUM> although the inspection has previously been performed. Another possible case where it is determined that the printing cannot be started is a case where the printing apparatus <NUM> and the inspection apparatus <NUM> cannot properly communicate with each other as a result of the inspection start instruction in step S705.

In the alternative processing, the processing can return to step S704, and after the job control unit <NUM> determines that no inspection image is registered, the processing can proceed to the inspection image registration processing. Then, after an inspection image is registered, the printing can be started. Alternatively, after a notification is transmitted to the external controller <NUM> and an error screen is displayed, a job can be input again based on a user instruction. Alternatively, the operation unit <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM> can display an error and prompt the user to specify whether to perform the inspection image registration or to cancel the printing.

From step S709, steps S710 to S713 are repeatedly performed.

In step S710, the image generation unit <NUM> generates an inspection image based on data transmitted from the external controller <NUM>. Generation of an inspection image is different from generation of an image of a normal print job or a storing job in that the processing for inspection images for inspection includes color conversion and is performed at a low resolution and at an increased compression rate, for example.

The processing for inspection images is to improve the performance of transmission to the inspection apparatus <NUM>.

In step S711, the inspection image generated by the image generation unit <NUM> is temporarily stored in a specific area of the HDD <NUM>.

In step S712, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> detects the storing of the inspection image in the HDD <NUM> and transmits the inspection image to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. In transmitting the inspection image to the inspection apparatus <NUM>, an inspection image ID associated with an inspection target document can be transmitted together with the inspection image. In a case where the processing is performed on the last page, a notification notifying that the page is the last page is simultaneously transmitted.

In step S713, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> receives a registration completion notification from the inspection apparatus <NUM>, and the process is repeated until the last page. In a case where a notification notifying that the last inspection image is registered is received, similarly, the inspection image registration processing is ended, and the processing proceeds to step S706.

In a case where the inspection image registration processing is ended in step S713, a notification can be transmitted from the printing apparatus <NUM> to the external controller <NUM>, and in a case where a job is received from the external controller <NUM>, the processing can proceed to step S701.

While the inspection image registration and the inspection processing are collectively performed in the procedure according to the present embodiment, the operations can be divided in such a manner that after the inspection image registration, the print setting screen <NUM> in <FIG> is displayed again to set the inspection image registration to "registered" and a job is input again.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a process that is performed by the inspection apparatus <NUM> in a case where an inspection start instruction inquiry is transmitted to the inspection apparatus <NUM> in step S705 in <FIG>. The flowchart is started in a case where an inspection start instruction inquiry from the printing apparatus <NUM> is received.

In step S1301, the inspection job control unit <NUM> of the inspection apparatus <NUM> receives information about the inspection start instruction inquiry.

In step S1302, a search is performed to determine whether an inspection image is registered, using the inspection image ID included in the information received in step S1301. Specifically, the inspection job control unit <NUM> performs a search to determine whether an inspection image corresponding to the inspection image ID has been registered in the inspection image storage unit <NUM>.

In step S1303, determination for a result of the search in step S1302 is performed. In a case where the inspection job control unit <NUM> determines that an inspection image corresponding to the inspection image ID has been registered (YES in step S1303), the processing proceeds to step S1304.

On the other hand, in a case where the inspection job control unit <NUM> determines that an inspection image corresponding to the inspection image ID has not been registered (NO in step S1303), the processing proceeds to step S1305.

In step S1304, information indicating that the inspection can be started is transmitted to the printing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S1305, information indicating that the inspection cannot be started is transmitted to the printing apparatus <NUM>.

Contents of the information to be transmitted can be any information that specifies whether the inspection can or cannot be started, and details of the contents are not limited. The transmitted information is received by the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating the inspection image registration processing by the inspection apparatus <NUM> in a case where an inspection image is transmitted to the inspection apparatus <NUM> in step S712 in <FIG>. The process in the flowchart is started in a case where the first page is received.

In step S801, the following process is continued until the inspection apparatus <NUM> receives information indicating the last image of the inspection image in step S712 from the printing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S802, the inspection apparatus <NUM> receives the image transmitted from the printing apparatus <NUM> in step S712.

In step S803, the inspection apparatus <NUM> restores the received image to an image that can be used in the inspection. This is because special compression for transmission is performed on the inspection image received in step S802.

In step S804, the restored image is registered as an inspection image in the inspection apparatus <NUM>. In registering the inspection image, identification information, such as an inspection image ID, associated with an inspection target document is also registered together with the inspection image.

In step S805, a registration completion notification is transmitted to the printing apparatus <NUM>. In a case where registration of the last image is completed, a notification of information indicating the completion is also transmitted, and the process is ended.

<FIG> is an operation flowchart illustrating basic operations of the inspection apparatus <NUM> during the inspection.

In step S901, in response to receipt of an inspection start instruction transmitted in step S705 in <FIG>, the cameras <NUM> and <NUM> are activated, and the processing of comparing a scanned image and an inspection image is performed.

Next, the processing proceeds to step S902. In step S902, in a case where there is an inspection target sheet, the processing proceeds to step S903.

In step S903, an image on the sheet is scanned using the cameras <NUM> and <NUM>.

Next, in step S904, an inspection image stored in the memory <NUM> and the image scanned in step S903 are compared. The inspection image is registered and stored in the memory <NUM> in the processing of the flowchart in <FIG>. In the comparison operation, first, image positions on the inspection image and the inspection target scanned image are aligned with each other using feature points of the images as alignment reference points. Next, four corners of the sheet of the inspection target scanned image and the alignment reference points of the scanned image are analyzed, and whether there is a misalignment of the image with respect to the sheet is determined. Next, density values of the inspection image and the inspection target scanned image are compared pixel by pixel. In a case where no defects are detected as a result of the foregoing processing, it is determined that the inspection result is OK. Alternatively, an operation of extracting feature points of the images and comparing the extracted feature points can be performed.

In step S905, the CPU <NUM> checks the inspection result in step S904.

In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the inspection result is OK (YES in step S905), the processing proceeds to step S906. On the other hand in a case where the inspection result is NG (NO in step S905), the processing proceeds to step S907.

In step S906, for example, an instruction to discharge the sheet to the stacking tray <NUM> of the large-capacity stacker <NUM> is issued.

In step S907, for example, an instruction to discharge the sheet to the escape tray <NUM> of the large-capacity stacker <NUM> is issued.

Steps S902 to S907 are repeated until all the sheets are inspected. In a case where all the sheets are inspected, the procedure is ended.

While, in the above-described example, the sheet is conveyed to the finisher <NUM> in a case where the inspection result is OK whereas the sheet is discharged to the escape tray <NUM> in a case where the inspection result is NG, a sheet discharge destination can be changed based on a user instruction or print settings, and forms thereof are not limited.

As described above, the printing apparatus <NUM> analyzes the information added to the received job, and in a case where the inspection image registration is necessary, first, an inspection image is registered, and then the inspection is performed, whereby the inspection operation is efficiently performed.

According to the first embodiment, the job transmission from the external controller <NUM> to the printing apparatus <NUM> is performed as a print job before the inspection image registration processing is performed. Alternatively, an inspection image registration job and an inspection job can be transmitted at different timings from the external controller <NUM> to the printing apparatus <NUM>. According to a second embodiment, a procedure of a case in which an inspection image registration job and an inspection job are separately input to the printing apparatus <NUM> will be described below.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a procedure of data communication between the apparatuses according to the second embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a procedure of a case where the inspection setting <NUM> is "ON" and the inspection image registration item <NUM> is "unregistered" on the print setting screen <NUM> in <FIG>.

In step S1601, the external controller <NUM> transmits an inspection image registration job to the printing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S1602, the printing apparatus <NUM> having received the inspection image registration job from the external controller <NUM> transmits inspection image data to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. Consequently, the processing of registering the received inspection image data is performed in the inspection apparatus <NUM>. The inspection image registration processing by the inspection apparatus <NUM> is similar to the inspection image registration processing according to the first embodiment described above with reference to <FIG>.

In step S1603, the inspection apparatus <NUM> transmits an inspection image registration completion notification to the printing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S <NUM>, the printing apparatus <NUM> having received the inspection image registration completion notification from the inspection apparatus <NUM> transmits an inspection image registration completion notification to the external controller <NUM>.

In step S1605, the external controller <NUM> having received the inspection image registration completion notification transmits an inspection job to the printing apparatus <NUM>. The processing of transmitting an inspection image registration job and an inspection job by the external controller <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

In step S <NUM>, the printing apparatus <NUM> having received the inspection job from the external controller <NUM> performs printing based on the received inspection job.

In step S <NUM>, the printing apparatus <NUM> transmits an inspection instruction (inspection start instruction) to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. The inspection image registration completion notification from the inspection apparatus <NUM> can serve as a trigger to perform steps S1606 and S1607 simultaneously, or step S1606 can be performed following step S1607.

In step S1608, the inspection apparatus <NUM> performs the inspection processing. The inspection processing by the inspection apparatus <NUM> is similar to the inspection processing according to the first embodiment described above with reference to <FIG>.

In step S1609, the inspection apparatus <NUM> transmits an inspection result notification to the printing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S1610, the printing apparatus <NUM> having received the inspection result from the inspection apparatus <NUM> transmits a printing completion notification to the external controller <NUM>. In step S1611, the printing apparatus <NUM> having received the inspection result from the inspection apparatus <NUM> transmits an inspection end notification to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. The inspection result notification from the inspection apparatus <NUM> can serve as a trigger to perform steps S1610 and S1611 simultaneously, or step S1610 can be performed following step S1611.

The procedure of the inspection image registration processing and the inspection processing by the image processing system according to the present embodiment is as described above. The inspection image registration processing and the inspection processing in each apparatus will be described below.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a job input process by the external controller <NUM> in transmitting an inspection image registration job and an inspection job from the external controller <NUM> to the printing apparatus <NUM>. The procedure is started in a case where a print instruction to perform the inspection image registration and the inspection is received from the user via the print setting screen <NUM> displayed on the display <NUM> of the external controller <NUM>.

In step S1401, whether the inspection image is unregistered on the print setting screen <NUM> in <FIG> is determined.

In a case where it is determined that the inspection image registration item <NUM> is set to "unregistered" (YES in step S1401), the processing proceeds to step S1402. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the inspection image registration item <NUM> is set to "registered" (NO in step S1401), the processing proceeds to step S1405.

In step S1402, the inspection target image is converted into a low-resolution image, and the low-resolution image is input as an inspection image registration job. Converting into a low resolution image is useful for improvement in the performance in inputting a job and transmitting an inspection image and registering the inspection image in the inspection system. Converting into the low resolution can be performed in response to inputting of an inspection image job from the external controller <NUM> or can be performed in the printing apparatus <NUM> after the inspection target image is transmitted from the external controller <NUM> to the printing apparatus <NUM>.

In steps S1403 and S1404, a notification about whether the inspection image input in step S1402 is registered in the inspection system is awaited. Specifically, the processing proceeds to step S1405 in a case where the inspection image registration completion notification in step S1603 in <FIG> is received.

In step S1405, an inspection job corresponding to the registered inspection image is input.

In inputting of an inspection image registration job in step S <NUM> and inputting of an inspection job in step S1405, the same content of the settings is configured on the print setting screen <NUM> in <FIG>.

According to the first and second embodiments described above, information indicating whether the inspection image registration is necessary is added when an inspection job is input. This enables efficient performance of the inspection operation by the printing apparatus <NUM> and the inspection apparatus <NUM>.

It is, however, not possible to issue an instruction to perform the inspection from an image stored in a storage unit, such as the HDD <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM>, at a timing of when an inspection image is registered. Specifically, even in a case where a previously-inspected document is to be inspected again, reissuance of a print instruction is performed from the external controller <NUM>, and it is not possible to reissue a print instruction from the printing apparatus <NUM>.

This is because RIP for converting a document into an inspection image and RIP for converting a document into a print image for printing are different processing methods. Specifically, printing cannot be performed with a RIP image having undergone the processing of conversion into an inspection image.

A method for performing the inspection by directly designating a document stored in the printing apparatus <NUM> after the inspection image registration is performed according to a third embodiment will be described below.

Different points of the present embodiment from the first embodiment described above will be described below. Those that are not described in detail are similar to those according to the first embodiment, and the redundant descriptions are omitted.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a print setting screen <NUM> for the job that is displayed on the display <NUM> of the external controller 102when the inspection and the inspection image registration are performed. The screen is similar to the print setting screen <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> except for a store-in-box item <NUM> illustrated as a difference. Screen items <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the print setting screen <NUM> respectively correspond to the items <NUM> to <NUM> of the print setting screen <NUM> in <FIG>.

The screen items <NUM> to <NUM>, the OK button <NUM>, and the cancel button <NUM> are similar to those in <FIG>, and the redundant descriptions are omitted.

The store-in-box item <NUM> is an item for specifying whether to store an inspection document in a storage area of the HDD <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM> when the inspection processing is performed. In a case where the inspection document is stored in the HDD <NUM>, the re-inspection can be performed by selecting the stored document from an application of the printing apparatus <NUM>, so that an inspection job can be performed.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the inspection processing and the inspection image registration by the printing apparatus <NUM> after a job set on the print setting screen <NUM> in <FIG> is received. The process in <FIG> is performed by the CPU <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S1101, the job control unit <NUM> analyzes job information transmitted from the external controller <NUM>. For example, the structured information illustrated in <FIG> is analyzed.

In step S1102, the job control unit <NUM> determines whether the inspection target document is to be stored in the printing apparatus <NUM>, based on a result of the analysis in step S1101. In a case where the job control unit <NUM> determines that the inspection document is not to be stored (NO in step S1102), the processing proceeds to step S1112. In step S1112, the job control unit <NUM> determines whether to perform an inspection job.

On the other hand, in a case where the job control unit <NUM> determines that the inspection document is to be stored (YES in step S1102), the processing proceeds to step S1103.

In step S1103, the job control unit <NUM> determines whether an inspection image has been registered, based on a result of the analysis in step S1101. In a case where the job control unit <NUM> determines that an inspection image has been registered (YES in step S1103), the processing proceeds to step S1104. In step S1104, the job control unit <NUM> performs processing for printing the inspection document and processing for storing the inspection document.

On the other hand, in a case where the job control unit <NUM> determines that an inspection image has not registered (NO in step S1103), the processing proceeds to step S1107. In step S1107, the inspection image registration processing is started.

In steps S1104, S1105, and S1106, an image is generated with inspection information added to the inspection target document, and the generated image is stored in the HDD <NUM>. The stored image with the inspection information is stored together with an identifier for association with the inspection image to be transmitted to the inspection apparatus <NUM> in subsequent step S1110. The identifier can be a file name of the inspection image or an ID that is issued at the time of receiving an inspection image data registration completion notification, or an ID of the job. The image generated in step S1106 is an image that undergoes processing different from the processing performed on the inspection images for inspection and can be designated from an application of the printing apparatus <NUM> and printed.

Specifically, in RIP for an inspection image, an image is generated by converting a resolution of the image from <NUM> dpi to a resolution of <NUM> dpi. However, in the processing in steps S1105 and S1106, because the resolution is the same as the original, i.e., <NUM> dpi, RIP is performed.

In step S1107 and subsequent steps, steps S1108 to S1111 are repeatedly performed.

In step S1108, the image generation unit <NUM> generates an inspection image based on data transmitted from the external controller <NUM>. Generation of an inspection image is different from generation of an image of a normal print job and generation of an image of a storing job that is generated in step S1105 in that the processing for inspection images for inspection includes converting colors and is performed at a decreased resolution and an increased compression rate, for example. This is to reduce the time of transmission to the inspection apparatus <NUM>.

In step S1109, the inspection image generated by the image storage unit <NUM> is stored in a specific area of the HDD <NUM>.

In step S1110, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> detects the storing of the inspection image in the HDD <NUM> and transmits the inspection image to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. In a case where the processing is on the last image, a notification notifying that the image is the last image is simultaneously transmitted.

In step S1111, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> receives a registration completion notification from the inspection apparatus <NUM>, and the processing is repeated until the last image. In a case where a notification notifying that the last inspection image is registered is received, similarly, as described above, the inspection image registration processing is ended, and the processing returns to step S1103. Then, after the inspection image registration is set to "registered" in step S1103, document storage processing in step S1104 and subsequent steps is performed.

Because steps S1112 to S1123 are similar to steps S702 to S713 in <FIG>, the redundant descriptions are omitted. While the procedure illustrated in <FIG> includes the branch point in step S1103 to determine whether an inspection image is registered, the branch point in step S1103 and steps S1107 to S1111 can be omitted.

<FIG> illustrate an example of a screen on which a document stored in the HDD <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM> is selected to print the selected document.

A document list screen <NUM> in <FIG> is a screen that displays a list of documents stored in the HDD <NUM>. The document list includes the documents with the inspection information stored in steps S1105 and S1106 in <FIG>, normal documents stored in steps S703 and S1113, and documents scanned and stored in the printing apparatus <NUM>.

A document <NUM> indicates that a document with inspection information stored in steps S1105 and S1106 is selected, and in a case where an OK button <NUM> is pressed, the screen changes to a print settings screen <NUM>. In a case where a cancel button <NUM> is pressed, the application for using a stored file is ended.

The print settings screen <NUM> in <FIG> is a screen on which the print settings for the document selected on the document list screen <NUM> is set to print the selected document. An inspection item <NUM> indicates the inspection information registered in steps S1105 and S1106 in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the inspection item <NUM> is set to "OK", and in a case where a start-printing button <NUM> is pressed, the printing and the inspection processing is performed. A change-print-setting button <NUM> cannot be pressed in a case where the inspection item <NUM> is set to "ON". In a case where the inspection item <NUM> is set to "OFF", the change-print-setting button <NUM> is enabled, and the print settings can be changed to perform normal printing. A process of performing the inspection processing from the print settings screen <NUM> is similar to the flowchart in <FIG>, and the redundant descriptions are omitted.

As described above, in addition to the configuration in which the printing and the inspection can be performed directly, a document that can be inspected can be stored in the printing apparatus <NUM>, so that the inspection processing can be performed not only from the external controller <NUM> but also from the printing apparatus <NUM>, whereby user convenience further improves.

Claim 1:
A printing apparatus (<NUM>) capable of communicating with at least an inspection apparatus (<NUM>) and a processing apparatus (<NUM>), the printing apparatus comprising:
receiving means configured to receive a registration job for registration of image data in the inspection apparatus (<NUM>) and an inspection job for execution of an inspection of a printed material on which the image data is printed by the printing apparatus;
transmission means configured to transmit, in a case where the registration job is received, image data based on the registration job to the inspection apparatus (<NUM>);
reception means configured to receive a notification of completion of the registration of the image data from the inspection apparatus (<NUM>); and characterized in that the printing apparatus comprises
control means configured to perform, in a case where the notification is received, control to perform printing based on the inspection job and to transmit an inspection instruction to the inspection apparatus, wherein the inspection instruction is an instruction to inspect the printed material, by comparing a scanned image generated by scanning of an image on the printed material with the registered image data.