Patent Description:
In recently known printing systems, sheets printed by printing apparatuses can be inspected using inspection apparatuses during conveyance of the sheets. In the inspection of the printed sheet, the inspection apparatus reads an image on the conveyed printed sheet and determines whether the printed sheet is normally printed by analyzing the read image. As a specific inspection method, the inspection apparatus compares the read image data with correct answer image data registered in the inspection apparatus. In a procedure for performing the inspection, initially, a user registers a correct answer image (master image or reference image) to be used in the inspection in the inspection apparatus in advance. Next, an inspection job is input to the printing apparatus, and at that time, the user selects the correct answer image corresponding to the input inspection job from the correct answer images registered in the inspection apparatus. Then, the inspection apparatus can detect, for example, a print defect in the above-described inspection.

According to <CIT>, a technique is discussed in which a registered correct answer image corresponding to an inspection job input by a user is searched for, and if the registered correct answer image is not found, a correct answer image is newly generated. If the registered correct answer image is found, the inspection is performed as it is.

<CIT> discusses that to solve the problem of not being able to use a previously used correct image when deleting an executed job and reprinting the same data because a different job ID is issued, that, even if a different job ID is issued when the same job is imported again, the same correct answer image can be used based on a hash value by storing the hash value of the correct image and content in association with each other.

The dependent claims define particular embodiments.

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 a method for controlling a printing apparatus as specified in claim <NUM>. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus as specified in claims <NUM> to <NUM>. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a printing apparatus as specified in claim <NUM>.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments which will be described below do not restrict the present invention according to the claims. All of combinations of the features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the means for solution according to the present invention. Each of the embodiments of the present invention described below can be implemented solely or as a combination of a plurality of the embodiments or features thereof where necessary or where the combination of elements or features from individual embodiments in a single embodiment is beneficial.

According to the present embodiment, an external controller may be sometimes referred to as an image processing controller, a digital front end (DFE), and a print server in the following description. An image forming apparatus may be sometimes referred to as a multifunction peripheral (MFP).

<FIG> is an overall view of a hardware configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment. The image processing system includes an image forming apparatus <NUM> and an external controller <NUM>. The image forming apparatus <NUM> and the external controller <NUM> are connected to each other via an internal local area network (LAN) <NUM> and a video cable <NUM> in a communicable manner. The external controller <NUM> is connected to a client personal computer (PC) <NUM> in a communicable manner via an external LAN <NUM>, and the client PC <NUM> issues a print instruction to the external controller <NUM>.

A printer driver having a function of converting print data into a print description language that can be processed by the external controller <NUM> is installed in the client PC <NUM>. A user who performs 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 the print instruction from the user. In response to receiving the print instruction from the client PC <NUM>, the external controller <NUM> performs data analysis and/or rasterizing processing and instructs the image forming apparatus <NUM> to perform printing by inputting the print data.

Next, the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described. The image forming apparatus <NUM> is connected to a plurality of apparatuses having different functions so as to be able to perform complicated print processing such as bookbinding. The image forming apparatus <NUM> does not necessarily include all of a printing apparatus <NUM>, an inserter <NUM>, an inspection apparatus <NUM>, a stacker (a large-capacity stacker) <NUM>, and a finisher <NUM>.

The printing apparatus <NUM> forms an image using toner on a recording sheet (a sheet) to be conveyed from a sheet feeding unit in a lower part 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 a printed material. A configuration and an operating principle of the printing apparatus <NUM> are as follows.

A light ray such as a laser beam modulated based on image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror such as a polygon mirror, and a photosensitive drum is irradiated with the laser beam as scanning light. An electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by the laser beam is developed by toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet attached on a transfer drum. This series of image formation processes is sequentially executed for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners, and thus a full color image is formed on the sheet. The sheet on which the full color image is formed on the transfer drum is conveyed to a fixing unit. The fixing unit includes a belt and a roller having a built-in heat source such as a halogen heater, melts the toner on the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred by heat and pressure, and fixes the toner image on the recording sheet.

The inserter <NUM> inserts an insertion sheet. A sheet is insertable into a sheet group that has been printed and conveyed by the printing apparatus <NUM> at a certain position from the inserter <NUM>.

The inspection apparatus <NUM> reads an image on the conveyed sheet and determines whether the printed image is normal by comparing the read image with a correct answer image registered in advance.

The large-capacity stacker <NUM> is capable of stacking a large number of sheets.

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

A printing system described in conjunction with <FIG> has a configuration in which the image forming apparatus <NUM> is connected to the external controller <NUM>, but the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration in which the image forming apparatus <NUM> is connected to the external controller <NUM>. In other words, the image forming apparatus <NUM> may be connected to the external LAN <NUM>, and print data that can be processed by the image forming apparatus <NUM> may be transmitted from the client PC <NUM>. In such a case, the image forming apparatus <NUM> performs data analysis and/or rasterizing processing and executes 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>.

Initially, a configuration of the printing apparatus <NUM> in the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described. The printing apparatus <NUM> in 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> in the image forming apparatus <NUM> further includes a document exposure unit <NUM>, a laser exposure unit <NUM>, an image forming unit <NUM>, a fixing unit <NUM>, and a sheet feeding unit <NUM>. Each component is connected to 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> and performs communication for controlling each apparatus.

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

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

The HDD <NUM> is a storage device that stores a program and data.

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

The memory <NUM> stores image data and a program to be used for the CPU <NUM> to perform various processes and operates as a work area.

The operation unit <NUM> receives inputs of various settings and an instruction of an operation from a user.

The display <NUM> displays setting information for the image forming apparatus <NUM>, a processing status of a print job, and the like.

The document exposure unit <NUM> performs processing for reading a document at the time of using a copy function and/or a scan function. The document exposure unit <NUM> reads document data by illuminating a sheet placed by a user with an exposure lamp and capturing an image thereof with a charge coupled device (CCD) camera.

The laser exposure unit <NUM> performs primary charging to irradiate the photosensitive drum with the laser beam in order to transfer a toner image to the photosensitive drum, and laser exposure. In the laser exposure unit <NUM>, initially, primary charging is performed to charge a photosensitive drum surface to a uniform negative potential. Next, a laser driver irradiates the photosensitive drum with the laser beam while adjusting a reflection angle with the polygon mirror. Thus, the negative charge of the irradiated portion is neutralized, and an electrostatic latent image is formed.

The image forming unit <NUM> transfers the toner to the sheet, includes a development unit, a transfer unit, and a toner replenishing unit, and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum to the sheet.

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

The fixing unit <NUM> melts and fixes the toner on the sheet by heat and pressure and includes a heater, a fixing belt, and a pressure belt.

The sheet feeding unit <NUM> feeds the sheet and controls a sheet feeding operation and a conveyance operation of the sheet with a roller and various sensors.

Next, a configuration of the inserter <NUM> in the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described. The inserter <NUM> in 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 each component is connected to one another via a system bus <NUM>.

The communication I/F <NUM> is connected to the printing apparatus <NUM> via the communication cable <NUM> and performs communication to be used for control.

The CPU <NUM> performs various types of control for sheet feeding in accordance with a control program stored in the memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> is a storage device that stores the control program.

The sheet feeding control unit <NUM> controls feeding and conveyance of the sheet conveyed from a sheet feeding unit of the inserter <NUM> and the printing apparatus <NUM>, based on an instruction from the CPU <NUM>, while controlling a roller and a sensor.

Next, a configuration of the inspection apparatus <NUM> in the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described. The inspection apparatus <NUM> in 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 each component is connected to one other via a system bus <NUM>.

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

The CPU <NUM> performs various types of control for inspection in accordance with a control program stored in the memory <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> is a storage device that stores the control program.

The image capturing unit <NUM> captures an image of the conveyed sheet based on an instruction from the CPU <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> compares the image captured by the image capturing unit <NUM> with the correct answer 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, a setting screen, and the like.

The operation unit <NUM> is operated by a user and receives instructions to change a setting of the inspection apparatus <NUM>, to register the correct answer image, and the like.

The HDD <NUM> stores correct answer image data together with identification information such as a correct answer image identification (ID).

Next, a configuration of the large-capacity stacker <NUM> in the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described. The large-capacity stacker <NUM> in 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 each component is connected to one another via a system bus <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> performs various types of control for discharging the sheet in accordance with a control program stored in the memory <NUM>.

The sheet discharge control unit <NUM> controls conveyance of the conveyed sheet to an escape tray <NUM> or the subsequent finisher <NUM> based on an instruction from the CPU <NUM>.

Next, a configuration of the finisher <NUM> in the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described. The finisher <NUM> in 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 each component is connected to one another via a system bus <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> performs various types of control for finishing processing and sheet discharge in accordance with a control program stored in the memory <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> is a storage device that stores the control program. The sheet discharge control unit <NUM> controls conveyance and discharge of the sheet based on an instruction from the CPU <NUM>. The finishing processing unit <NUM> controls the finishing processing, such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitch bookbinding, based on an instruction from the CPU <NUM>.

Next, a configuration of the external controller <NUM> will be described. 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>, which are connected to one another via a system bus <NUM>.

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

The memory <NUM> stores a program and data for the CPU <NUM> to perform various processes and operates as a work area.

The HDD <NUM> stores a program and data for an operation such as print processing.

The keyboard <NUM> is a device for the user to input an operation instruction for the external controller <NUM>.

The display <NUM> displays information about an execution application of the external controller <NUM> and the like by a video signal of a still image and a moving image.

The LAN I/F <NUM> is connected to the client PC <NUM> via the external LAN <NUM> and performs communication of a print instruction and the like.

The LAN I/F <NUM> is connected to the image forming apparatus <NUM> via the internal LAN <NUM> and performs communication of a print instruction and the like. The video I/F <NUM> is connected to the image forming apparatus <NUM> via the video cable <NUM> and performs communication of print data and the like.

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

The CPU <NUM> generates print data and executes the print instruction based on a document processing program and the like stored in the HDD <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> also comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> stores a program and data for the CPU <NUM> to perform various processing and operates as a work area.

The keyboard <NUM> is used for the user to input an operation instruction for the client PC <NUM>.

The display <NUM> displays information about an execution application of the client PC <NUM> and the like based on video signals of a still image and a moving image.

The LAN I/F <NUM> is connected to the external LAN <NUM> and performs communication of the print instruction and the like.

In the above descriptions, the external controller <NUM> and the image forming apparatus <NUM> are connected to the internal LAN <NUM> and the video cable <NUM>, but any configuration may be used as long as data for printing can be transmitted and received, and for example, a connection configuration using only a video cable may be used. Each of the memories <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be a storage device for storing data and a program. For example, the memory may be substituted by a volatile random access memory (RAM), a nonvolatile read-only memory (ROM), an internal HDD, an external HDD, and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory.

<FIG> is a mechanical sectional view of the image forming apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The printing apparatus <NUM> forms an image to be printed on a sheet. The image forming apparatus <NUM> includes sheet feeding decks <NUM> and <NUM>. The sheet feeding decks <NUM> and <NUM> can store various types of sheets. Information about the sheet (a sheet size and a sheet type) stored in each of the sheet feeding decks <NUM> and <NUM> can be set from the operation unit <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM>.

In the sheet feeding decks <NUM> and <NUM>, only one uppermost sheet can be separated from the stored sheets and transferred to a sheet conveyance path <NUM>.

Development stations <NUM> to <NUM> each form a toner image with the corresponding one of colored toners of Y, M, C, and K to form a color image. The toner image formed in the development station is primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt <NUM>. The intermediate transfer belt <NUM> rotates clockwise in <FIG>, and the toner image is transferred to the sheet conveyed from the sheet conveyance path <NUM> at a secondary transfer position <NUM>.

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

A fixing unit <NUM> fixes the toner image to the sheet. The fixing unit <NUM> includes a pressure roller and a heating roller. The toner is melted and pressure bonded while the sheet passes between the rollers, and thus the toner image is fixed to the sheet. The sheet having passed through the fixing unit <NUM> is conveyed to a sheet conveyance path <NUM> through a sheet conveyance path <NUM>.

In a case where further melting and pressure bonding are to be performed to fix the toner due to a type of the sheet, after passing through the fixing unit <NUM>, the sheet is conveyed to a second fixing unit <NUM> via an upper sheet transfer path, subjected to additional melting and pressure bonding, and then conveyed to the sheet conveyance path <NUM> through a sheet conveyance path <NUM>.

In a case where an image formation mode is a two-sided mode, the sheet is conveyed to and reversed in a sheet reversing path <NUM>, and then conveyed to a two-sided conveyance path <NUM>, and an image is transferred onto a second surface of the sheet at a secondary transfer position <NUM>.

The inserter <NUM> inserts an insertion sheet. The inserter <NUM> includes an inserter tray <NUM> and joins a sheet fed through a sheet conveyance path <NUM> to the conveyance path. Thus, the inserter <NUM> can insert a sheet into a series of sheet groups conveyed from the printing apparatus <NUM> at a certain position and convey the sheet to a subsequent apparatus.

A printed material (the sheet) that has passed through the inserter <NUM> is conveyed to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. The inspection apparatus <NUM> includes cameras <NUM> and <NUM> that are arranged to face each other. The cameras <NUM> and <NUM> respectively read an upper surface and a lower surface of the printed material.

The inspection apparatus <NUM> can read images on the sheet using the cameras <NUM> and <NUM> at timing when the conveyed sheet reaches a predetermined position in a sheet conveyance path <NUM> and determine whether the image formed by the printing apparatus <NUM> is normal. The display unit <NUM> displays a result of the inspection made by the inspection apparatus <NUM> and the like.

The large-capacity stacker <NUM> can stack a large number of sheets. The large-capacity stacker <NUM> includes a stack 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 stacked on the stack tray <NUM> from the sheet conveyance path <NUM> via a sheet conveyance path <NUM>.

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

A reversing unit <NUM> reverses the sheet. The reversing unit <NUM> is used in a case where the sheet is stacked on the stack tray <NUM>. In a case where the sheet is stacked on the stack tray <NUM> so that the orientation of the sheet at the time of output is the same as that at the time of input, the sheet is once reversed in the reversing unit <NUM>. In a case where the sheet is conveyed to the escape tray <NUM> or the subsequent post-processing apparatus, the sheet is discharged without being flipped at the time of stacking, so that a reversing operation in the reversing unit <NUM> is not performed.

The finisher <NUM> applies finishing processing to the conveyed sheet in accordance with a function specified by a user. More specifically, the finisher <NUM> has finishing functions including stapling (one position binding and two position binding), punching (two holes and three hole), and saddle stitch bookbinding.

The finisher <NUM> includes two sheet discharge trays <NUM> and <NUM> and outputs the sheet to the sheet discharge tray <NUM> via a sheet conveyance path <NUM>. The finishing processing such as stapling cannot be performed in the sheet conveyance path <NUM>. In a case where the finishing processing such as stapling is performed, the finishing function specified by a user is executed in a processing unit <NUM> via a sheet conveyance path <NUM>, and the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge tray <NUM>.

Each of the sheet discharge trays <NUM> and <NUM> can be elevated and lowered, and it is possible to operate the sheet discharge tray <NUM> to be lowered to stack, on the sheet discharge tray <NUM>, the sheet having been subjected to the finishing processing in the processing unit <NUM>. In a case where the saddle stitch bookbinding is specified, a saddle stitch processing unit <NUM> performs stapling on the center of the sheets, then folds the sheets in half, and outputs the sheets to a saddle stitch bookbinding tray <NUM> via a sheet conveyance path <NUM>. The saddle stitch bookbinding tray <NUM> has a belt conveyor configuration and conveys a saddle stitch bookbinding bundle stacked on the saddle stitch bookbinding tray <NUM> to a left side.

<FIG> is a software configuration diagram of the printing apparatus <NUM> relating to the inspection in the printing system. The present software configuration is executed by the CPU <NUM> developing a program and data stored in the HDD <NUM> in the memory <NUM>.

A job control unit <NUM> analyzes details of the job transmitted from the external controller <NUM>. Information about what settings are made is added to the received job, thus the job control unit <NUM> analyzes the information and requests a next appropriate program to process the job together with the setting information.

An image generation unit <NUM> converts a document in association with the job transmitted from the external controller <NUM> into image data. The image generation unit <NUM> performs processing for generating an image according to a type of the job such as a print job and a storage job and a setting of the job. The image generation unit <NUM> also generates a correct answer image to be registered in the inspection apparatus <NUM>, which will be described below.

An image storage unit <NUM> executes processing for converting a document transmitted from the external controller <NUM> into an image and storing the image in the HDD <NUM>. Normally, an image of a print job is not stored, but in a case where the job is stored in the printing apparatus <NUM> and later the image is selected by the operation unit <NUM> in the printing apparatus <NUM> and printed or in a case where the correct answer image is to be registered in the inspection apparatus <NUM>, processing for temporarily storing the job in the HDD <NUM> is performed.

An inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> is a processing unit that exchanges data with the inspection apparatus <NUM>, detects that the correct answer image for inspection is temporarily stored in the HDD <NUM>, and transmits the stored correct answer image to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. In a case where inspection processing is executed, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> instructs the inspection apparatus <NUM> to start the inspection.

An image printing unit <NUM> is a portion that performs printing in the printing apparatus <NUM> and performs printing corresponding to a job transmitted from the external controller <NUM>.

<FIG> is a software configuration diagram of the inspection apparatus <NUM>, relating to the inspection in the printing system. The CPU <NUM> develops a program and data stored in the HDD <NUM> in the memory <NUM> to execute the software configuration.

A correct answer image reception unit <NUM> receives the correct answer image transmitted from the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM>.

A correct answer image storage unit <NUM> stores the correct answer image received by the correct answer image reception unit <NUM> in the HDD <NUM> together with the identification information such as the correct answer image ID.

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

An image inspection unit <NUM> performs inspection by comparing the scanned image with the correct answer image. The scanned image is the scanned image acquired by the scan image acquisition unit <NUM>, and the correct answer image is the correct answer image corresponding to the scanned image stored in the correct answer image storage unit <NUM>. The image inspection unit <NUM> may extract a characteristic amount of the scanned image and a characteristic amount of the correct answer image and perform inspection by comparing the extracted characteristic amounts.

An inspection job control unit <NUM> is a portion that determines whether the correct answer image to be used in the inspection processing is registered in the correct answer image storage unit <NUM>. According to the present embodiment, in a case where an inspection start instruction inquiry is received from the printing apparatus <NUM>, the inspection job control unit <NUM> determines whether the correct answer image is registered in the correct answer image storage unit <NUM> using the identification information such as the correct answer image ID.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a setting screen of a job to be displayed on the display <NUM> of the external controller <NUM> at the time of executing the inspection and registering the correct answer image. The setting screen can be considered to be an example of a screen of the printer driver that corresponds to the image forming apparatus <NUM> and is installed on the client PC <NUM>. A user who wants to perform printing can open this screen from various applications and the like and issue a print instruction.

A print setting screen <NUM> includes a text box <NUM> in which a page range can be specified and text boxes <NUM> to <NUM> in which a print setting to be applied to the page range specified in the text box <NUM> can be instructed. As an example, the number of copies, a sheet feeding unit, one-sided/two-sided, a sheet type, a print orientation, a job annotation note, and a binding position can be specified on the print setting screen <NUM>.

A number of copies text box <NUM> is a text box for the user to specify the number of copies of the page range specified in the text box <NUM>.

A sheet feeding unit pull-down menu <NUM> is used for selecting a sheet feeding unit from which the sheet is fed, from among a plurality of sheet feeding units <NUM>. In <FIG>, "auto" is selected as an example.

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

A sheet type <NUM>, which is pull-down menu, is used for selecting a type of a sheet, such as plain paper and thick paper. In <FIG>, "plain paper" is selected as an example.

A print orientation pull-down menu <NUM> is used for selecting vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape).

A job annotation note text box <NUM> is used for inputting a memo related to a job.

A binding position pull-down menu <NUM> is used for specifying a binding position and can select top left, top right, bottom left, or bottom right.

An inspection setting <NUM> is a selection column for specifying whether to execute the inspection processing. In a case where inspection "ON" is selected, a job is treated as an inspection target, and in a case where inspection "OFF" is selected, a job is treated as a normal job on which the inspection is not to be performed.

A correct answer image registration item <NUM> indicates a registration status of the correct answer image in the inspection apparatus <NUM>, and the correct answer image registration item <NUM> allows the selection of the status. In a case where no inspection is recorded, "unregistered" is selected, and if an inspection job has been performed at least once, "registered" is selected. The correct answer image registration item <NUM> may be controlled such that a state selected in advance is displayed. For example, a log of an inspection job executed in the past is stored in the HDD <NUM> of the external controller <NUM>, and control is performed to determine "unregistered" or "registered" by using various application programs of the printer driver. In a case where a user wants to explicitly register the correct answer image again in the correct answer image registration item <NUM> even for the same job for which the inspection processing has been executed in the past, the user may select "unregistered". The correct answer image registration item <NUM> in <FIG> displays options of "registered" and "unregistered", but options of "to register" and "not to register" the correct answer image may be used, and details of a display does not matter.

If an OK button <NUM> is pressed, the print setting is completed, and print processing is executed. If a cancel button <NUM> is pressed, the print setting and execution are canceled.

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

Elements to be included for establishing a job are assembled into one by the information being structured. The structured information can be transmitted from the external controller <NUM> to the printing apparatus <NUM>.

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

Print media information <NUM> described in the fourth line in <FIG> represents information about a sheet to be used in printing.

A setting value of the sheet type <NUM> and the like is set in the print media information <NUM>.

Information <NUM> described in the eleventh line in <FIG> represents inspection settings. A setting value of the inspection setting <NUM> and the correct answer image registration item <NUM> in <FIG> are set in the information <NUM>.

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

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating the inspection processing and the correct answer image registration which are performed by the printing apparatus <NUM> after a job set on the print setting screen <NUM> in <FIG> is received. Processing in <FIG> is executed by the CPU <NUM> in the printing apparatus <NUM>. The processing in <FIG> is described with reference to the software configuration diagrams in <FIG>.

The processing in the flowchart illustrated in <FIG> is started in response to the printing apparatus <NUM> receiving a print job including an image (a document) to be printed and the job information relating to the image illustrated in <FIG> from the external controller <NUM>. The print job does not necessarily have to be transmitted all at once from the external controller <NUM> to the printing apparatus <NUM>. For example, the external controller <NUM> may transmit the print job in two steps in such a manner that the external controller <NUM> first transmits only the job information and then transmits the image upon receiving an image reception request from the printing apparatus <NUM>.

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

In step S702, the CPU <NUM> determines whether the received job is an inspection job, based on a result of analysis made by the job control unit <NUM> in step S701. As a result of determination, if it is not the inspection job (NO in step S702), the processing proceeds to step S703, and the processing is executed as a normal job. A normal job is a job for which printing is to be performed, and, here, represents a job that is not an inspection target for which a document and/or an image are/is to be stored. If it is determined to be the inspection job (YES in step S702), the processing proceeds to step S704.

In step S704, the CPU <NUM> determines whether the correct answer image is registered, based on the result of analysis made by the job control unit <NUM> in step S701. As a result of determination, if the correct answer image is registered (YES in step S704), the processing proceeds to step S705. If the correct answer image is unregistered (NO in step S704), the processing proceeds to step S709, and correct answer image registration processing is started.

In step S705, the CPU <NUM> inquires of the inspection apparatus <NUM> about an inspection start instruction. An inspection instruction includes information about the correct answer image ID corresponding to the document to be inspected. In the present embodiment, a description is provided using the correct answer image ID, but any identification information with which the correct answer image corresponding to the document to be inspected is identifiable may be used. An operation of the inspection apparatus <NUM> that receives the inspection start instruction inquiry will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

In step S706, the CPU <NUM> determines whether the inspection job is executable (whether the start of inspection is practicable). The CPU <NUM> determines whether the result of inquiring of the inspection apparatus <NUM> about the inspection start instruction in step S705 or a registration completion notification of the correct answer image in step S713 is received. If the inspection job is printable (if the start of inspection is practicable) (YES in step S706), the processing proceeds to step S708.

In step S708, the inspection job is executed. More specifically, the image printing unit <NUM> prints all jobs of the inspection targets. The processing is then terminated.

If start of printing of the inspection job is not practicable (NO step S706), the processing proceeds to step S707, and alternative processing is executed. A reason why printing cannot be started may be that the inspection apparatus <NUM> cannot select the corresponding correct answer image because the inspection is performed once, but the registered correct answer image is deleted or the like from the inspection apparatus <NUM>. In addition, the CPU <NUM> determines that the start of printing of the inspection job is not practicable in a case where the printing apparatus <NUM> and the inspection apparatus <NUM> cannot correctly communicate with each other as a result of inquiry about the inspection start instruction in step S705.

In the alternative processing, the processing may be returned to step S704 again, proceed to the correct answer image registration processing assuming that the correct answer image is not registered, register the correct answer image, and then start printing. The CPU <NUM> may make a notification to the external controller <NUM>, display an error screen, and then input a job again according to an instruction from a user. Alternatively, the CPU <NUM> may prompt a user to instruct whether to execute registration of the correct answer image or to cancel printing by displaying an error on the operation unit <NUM> in the printing apparatus <NUM>.

After step S709, the operations in steps S710 to S713 are repeated.

In step S710, the image generation unit <NUM> generates a correct answer image from data transmitted from the external controller <NUM>. The generation of the correct answer image is different from image formation of a normal print job or a storage job, and the processing, such as color conversion, lowering resolution, and increasing a compression rate, is performed for an inspection correct answer image.

This processing is performed to improve a transmission performance of the inspection apparatus <NUM>.

In step S711, the image generation unit <NUM> temporarily stores the generated correct answer image in a specific area of the HDD <NUM>.

In step S712, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> detects that the correct answer image is stored in the HDD <NUM> and transmits the correct answer image to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. At the time of transmitting to the inspection apparatus <NUM>, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> transmits the correct answer image together with the correct answer image ID corresponding to the inspection target document. In a case of the processing on the last page, the CPU <NUM> notifies that the page is the last page.

In step S713, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> receives the registration completion notification from the inspection apparatus <NUM> and repeats the processing to the last page. Similarly, in response to receiving a notification that the last correct answer image is registered, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> terminates the correct answer image registration processing and advances the processing to step S706.

If the correct answer image registration processing is terminated in step S713, the printing apparatus <NUM> may transmit a notification to the external controller <NUM>, receive a job from the external controller <NUM> again, and advance the processing to step S701.

In the present embodiment, the correct answer image registration and execution of the inspection processing are executed at once in the flowchart, but the processing may be separated in such a manner that the correct answer image is registered, and then the processing returns to the print setting screen <NUM> in <FIG> to input a job again assuming that the correct answer image has been registered.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating processing in the inspection apparatus <NUM> at the time of inquiring of the inspection apparatus <NUM> about the inspection start instruction in step S705 in <FIG>. Processing in this flowchart is started if the inspection start instruction is received from the printing apparatus <NUM>.

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

In step S1302, the inspection job control unit <NUM> searches for registered correct answer image using the correct answer image ID included in the information received in step S1301. More specifically, the inspection job control unit <NUM> searches the correct answer image storage unit <NUM> for the registered correct answer image corresponding to the correct answer image ID.

In step S1303, the inspection job control unit <NUM> determines a search result in step S <NUM>. If it is determined that the registered correct answer image corresponding to the correct answer image ID is present (YES in step S1303), the processing proceeds to step S1304.

If it is determined that the registered correct answer image corresponding to the correct answer image ID is not present (NO in step S1303), the processing proceeds to step S1305.

In step S1304, the inspection job control unit <NUM> transmits information indicating that the start of inspection is practicable to the printing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S1305, the inspection job control unit <NUM> transmits information indicating that the start of inspection is not practicable to the printing apparatus <NUM>.

Information to be transmitted may be any information that indicates whether the start of inspection is practicable or not, and details thereof are not limited. The information transmitted in this step is received by the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> in the printing apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating the correct answer image registration processing in the inspection apparatus <NUM> at the time when the correct answer image is transmitted to the inspection apparatus <NUM> in step S712 in <FIG>. Processing in this flowchart is started when a first page is received.

In step S801, the inspection apparatus <NUM> continues the subsequent operations until information about a last image of the correct answer image is received from the printing apparatus <NUM> in step S712.

In step S802, the inspection apparatus <NUM> receives an image to be a correct answer image transmitted from the printing apparatus <NUM> in step S712.

In step S803, the inspection apparatus <NUM> restores the image to be the correct answer image received to the correct answer image that can be inspected. This is because the image to be the correct answer image received in step S802 is specially compressed for transmission.

In step S804, the restored image is registered as the correct answer image in the inspection apparatus <NUM>. At the time of registration, the correct answer image is registered together with the identification information such as the correct answer image ID corresponding to the inspection target document.

In step S805, the inspection apparatus <NUM> notifies the printing apparatus <NUM> of registration completion. In a case where registration of the last image is completed, information indicating the completion of registration of the last image is also notified at the same time, and the processing is terminated.

<FIG> is an operation flowchart illustrating a basic operation of the inspection apparatus <NUM> at the time of inspection.

In step S901, the inspection apparatus <NUM> receives the inspection start instruction in step S705 in <FIG> and operates the cameras <NUM> and <NUM> to perform comparison processing of comparing the scanned image with the correct answer image.

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

In step S903, the inspection apparatus <NUM> reads the image on the sheet using the cameras <NUM> and <NUM>.

Next, in step S904, the inspection apparatus <NUM> compares the image read in step S903 with the correct answer image stored in the memory <NUM>. It is assumed that the correct answer image is registered by the processing in the flowchart in <FIG> and stored in the memory <NUM>. In the comparison operation, initially, image positions of the correct answer image and the scanned image which is the inspection target are aligned using a characteristic point of the image as an alignment reference point. Next, the inspection apparatus <NUM> analyzes four corners of the sheet and the alignment reference point of the scanned image in the scanned image which is the inspection target, to detect whether the image is misaligned with respect to the sheet. Next, the inspection apparatus <NUM> compares, for each pixel, density values of the correct answer image and the scanned image which is the inspection target. As a result of these operations, if a defect is not detected, the inspection result is OK. The inspection apparatus <NUM> may operate to extract characteristic points of the images and compare the extracted characteristic points with each other.

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

If the inspection result is OK (YES in step S905), the processing proceeds to step S906. If the inspection result is a failure (NO in step S905), the processing proceeds to step S907.

In step S906, for example, the inspection apparatus <NUM> instructs the large-capacity stacker <NUM> to discharge the sheet to the stack tray <NUM>.

In step S907, for example, the inspection apparatus <NUM> instructs the large-capacity stacker <NUM> to discharge the sheet to the escape tray <NUM>.

The operations in steps S902 to S907 are repeated until the inspection is completed for all the sheets. If the inspection is completed for all the sheets, the processing in this flowchart is terminated.

Descriptions have been provided of an example in which in a case where the inspection result is OK, the sheet is conveyed to the finisher <NUM>, and in a case where the inspection result is a failure, the sheet is conveyed to the escape tray <NUM>, but a sheet discharge destination may be switched in accordance with a user instruction or the print setting, and a configuration thereof is not limited.

As described above, in the present embodiment, information that is included in a print job received by the printing apparatus <NUM> and indicates whether to register a correct answer image is analyzed, and if the correct answer image is to be registered, the correct answer image is initially registered, then inspection is executed. Thus, a time required to register the correct answer image can be shortened, and user convenience in the inspection processing can be improved.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. According to the first embodiment, information indicating whether a correct answer image is to be registered is added at the time of inputting an inspection job. This enables the printing apparatus <NUM> and the inspection apparatus <NUM> to efficiently execute an inspection operation.

However, it is not possible to issue an instruction to execute inspection based on an image stored in a storage unit such as the HDD <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM> at the time of registration of the correct answer image. In other words, even in a case where the same document is inspected again, there is no other way but to issue a print instruction again from the external controller <NUM>, and the printing apparatus <NUM> cannot issue the print instruction again.

This is because a processing method is different between RIP processing for converting a document into a correct answer image and RIP processing for converting a document into an image to be printed to perform printing. In other words, printing cannot be performed on a RIP image having been subjected to the processing for converting into the correct answer image.

According to a second embodiment, a description will be provided of a method by which a document stored in the printing apparatus <NUM> is directly specified and execution of inspection is enabled, after the correct answer image is registered is described.

In the present embodiment, a part different from the above-described first embodiment will be described below. The parts not described in detail are similar to those according to the first embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a job setting screen to be displayed on the display <NUM> of the external controller <NUM> at the time of execution of the inspection and registration of a correct answer image. The screen is almost the same as that in <FIG>, but a "store in box" item <NUM> is indicated as a difference. Items <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in a screen <NUM> respectively correspond to the items <NUM> to <NUM> in the print setting screen <NUM>.

The screen items <NUM> to <NUM>, an OK button <NUM>, and a cancel button <NUM> are the same as those in <FIG>, and thus the descriptions thereof are omitted.

The item "store inspection document in box" <NUM> is used for specifying whether to store an inspection document in a storage area of the HDD <NUM> in the printing apparatus <NUM> at the time of execution of the inspection processing. The document is stored in the HDD <NUM>, so that in a case where a user wants to execute the inspection again, the user can execute an inspection job by selecting the stored document from the application of the printing apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating the inspection processing and the correct answer image registration which are performed by the printing apparatus <NUM> after a job set on the print setting screen <NUM> in <FIG> is received. The processing in <FIG> is executed by the CPU <NUM> in the printing apparatus <NUM>.

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

In step S1102, the job control unit <NUM> determines whether to store the inspection target document in the printing apparatus <NUM>, based on a result of analysis in step S1101. As a result of determination, if 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 the job transmitted from the external controller <NUM> is a job to execute the inspection job.

If 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 the correct answer image has been registered, based on a result of analysis in step S1101. As a result of determination, if the correct answer image has been registered (YES in step S1103), the processing proceeds to step S1104, and the job control unit <NUM> performs processing of printing and storing the document.

If the correct answer image is unregistered (NO in step S1104), the processing proceeds to step S1107, and the correct answer image registration processing is started.

In steps S1104, S1105, and S1106, an image is generated in a state in which inspection information is added to the inspection target document, and the generated image is stored in the HDD <NUM>. For the image with inspection information to be stored, an identifier for associating with the correct answer image to be transmitted to the inspection apparatus <NUM> in step S1110 described below is also stored at the same time. As the identifier, a file name of the correct answer image may be used, an ID may be issued when the registration completion notification of the correct answer image data is received, or an ID of the target job may be used. The image to be generated in step S1106 is subjected to processing different from that for the correct answer image for inspection and can be printed with specification from the application of the printing apparatus <NUM>.

More specifically, in the RIP processing for the correct answer image, the image is generated by converting resolution of <NUM> dpi into <NUM> dpi, whereas in steps S1105 and S1106, the RIP processing is performed at the original resolution of <NUM> dpi.

After step S1107, the operations in steps S1108 to S1111 are repeated.

In step S1108, the image generation unit <NUM> generates the correct answer image from data transmitted from the external controller <NUM>. The generation of the correct answer image is different from an image of a normal print job or an image of a storage job to be generated in step S1105, and the processing, such as color conversion, lowering resolution, and increasing a compression rate, is performed for an inspection correct answer image. This is to shorten a transmission time to the inspection apparatus <NUM>.

In step S1109, the image storage unit <NUM> stores the generated correct answer image generated by the image generation unit <NUM> in the specific area of the HDD <NUM>.

In step S1110, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> detects that the correct answer image is stored in the HDD <NUM> and transmits the correct answer image to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. In a case of the processing on the last image, information indicating that the image is the last image is informed.

In step S1111, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> receives the registration completion notification from the inspection apparatus <NUM> and repeats the processing to the last image. Similarly, in response to receiving a notification that the last correct answer image is registered, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> terminates the correct answer image registration processing, returns the processing to step S1103, and, in step S1104 and subsequent steps, performs document storage processing assuming that the correct answer image is registered.

In step S1112, the job control unit <NUM> determines whether the received job is the inspection job, based on the analyzed result in step S1101. As a result of determination, if it is not the inspection job (NO in step S1112), the processing proceeds to step S1113, and the processing is executed as a normal job. A normal job is a job for which printing is executed, and, here, represents a job that is not an inspection target for which a document or an image is to be stored. If it is determined to be the inspection job (YES in step S1112), the processing proceeds to step S1114.

In step S1114, the CPU <NUM> determines whether the correct answer image has been registered, based on a result of analysis made by the job control unit <NUM> in step S1101. As a result of determination, if the correct answer image has been registered (YES in step S1114), the processing proceeds to step S1115. If the correct answer image is unregistered (NO in step S1114), the processing proceeds to step S1119, and the correct answer image registration processing is started.

In step S1115, the CPU <NUM> inquires of the inspection apparatus <NUM> about an inspection start instruction. The inspection instruction includes the information about the correct answer image ID corresponding to the document to be inspected. In the present embodiment, a description is provided using the correct answer image ID, but any identification information with which the correct answer image corresponding to the document to be inspected is identifiable may be used.

In step S1116, the CPU <NUM> determines whether the inspection job is executable (whether the start of inspection is practicable). The CPU <NUM> makes determination based on the result of inquiring of the inspection apparatus <NUM> about the inspection start instruction in step S1115. If the inspection job is printable (if the start of inspection is practicable) (YES in step S1116), the processing proceeds to step S1117.

In step S1117, the inspection job is executed. More specifically, the image printing unit <NUM> prints all jobs of the inspection targets. The processing is then terminated.

If start of printing of the inspection job is not practicable (NO of a left arrow in step S1116), the processing proceeds to step S1118, and the alternative processing is executed. Alternatively, the CPU <NUM> may advance the processing to step S1119 again (NO of a right arrow in step S1116) to perform the correct answer image registration processing assuming that the correct answer image is unregistered, register the correct answer image, and then start printing. Whether to advance the processing to the right arrow or the left arrow in step S1116 may be changed depending on the inquiry result in step S1115. A reason why printing cannot be started may be that the inspection apparatus <NUM> cannot select the corresponding correct answer image because the inspection is performed once, but the registered correct answer image is deleted or the like from the inspection apparatus <NUM>. In addition, the CPU <NUM> determines that the start of printing of the inspection job is not practicable in a case where the printing apparatus <NUM> and the inspection apparatus <NUM> cannot correctly communicate with each other as a result of inquiry about the inspection start instruction in step S1115.

In the alternative processing, the CPU <NUM> may make a notification to the external controller <NUM>, display an error screen, and then input a job again according to an instruction from a user (NO of the left arrow in step S1116). Alternatively, the CPU <NUM> may prompt a user to instruct whether to execute registration of the correct answer image or to cancel printing by displaying an error on the operation unit <NUM> in the printing apparatus <NUM>.

The operations in steps S1119 to S1122 and the subsequent steps are the same as those in steps S709 to S712, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted.

In step S1123, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> receives the registration completion notification from the inspection apparatus <NUM> and repeats the processing to the last page. Similarly, upon receiving a notification that the last correct answer image is registered, the inspection apparatus communication unit <NUM> terminates the correct answer image registration processing and advances the processing to step S1114. In this flowchart, it is illustrated that the processing proceeds to step S1114, but the processing may proceed to step S1116. If the correct answer image registration processing is terminated in step S1123, the printing apparatus <NUM> may transmit a notification to the external controller <NUM>, receive a job from the external controller <NUM> again, and advance the processing to step S1101.

According to the present embodiment, the correct answer image registration and execution of the inspection processing are executed at once in the flowchart, but the processing may be separated in such a manner that the correct answer image is registered, and then the processing returns to the print setting screen <NUM> in <FIG> to input a job again assuming that the correct answer image has been registered.

The operations in steps S1112 to S1124 are similar to those in steps S702 to S714 in <FIG>, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted. In the flowchart illustrated in <FIG>, whether the correct answer image has been registered causes a branch in step S1103, but the branch in step S1103 and steps S1107 to S1111 may be omitted.

<FIG> illustrate examples of screens on which a document stored in the HDD <NUM> in the printing apparatus <NUM> is selected to perform printing.

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 document with inspection information stored in steps S1105 and S1106 in <FIG>, the normal document stored in steps S703 and S1113, or a document scanned and stored in the printing apparatus <NUM>.

A document <NUM> indicates that the document with inspection information stored in steps S1105 and S1106 is currently selected, and if an OK button <NUM> is pressed, the document list screen <NUM> is shifted to a print setting screen <NUM>. If a cancel button <NUM> is pressed, an application for usage of a stored file is terminated.

The print setting screen <NUM> in <FIG> is used for making a print setting of the document selected on the document list screen <NUM> and executing printing. An inspection item <NUM> indicates the inspection information registered in steps S1105 and S1106 in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the inspection is set to "ON", and if a print start button <NUM> is pressed, printing and inspection processing are executed. In a case where the inspection item <NUM> is set to "ON", a print setting change button <NUM> cannot be pressed. If the inspection item <NUM> is set to "OFF", the print setting change button <NUM> is enabled, and normal printing is practicable with the print setting changed. The inspection processing to be executed from the print setting screen <NUM> is similar to that in the flowchart in <FIG>, and thus a description thereof is omitted.

As described above, according to the present invention, not only printing and inspection can be directly performed, but, storing a document that can be used for inspection in the printing apparatus <NUM> once enables also execution of inspection processing not only from the external controller <NUM> but also from the printing apparatus <NUM>. This improves user convenience.

The present invention can also be realized by processing for supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus via a network or a storage medium and causing one or more processors in a computer of the system or the apparatus to read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) realizing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments.

Claim 1:
A printing apparatus (<NUM>) connectable to an inspection apparatus (<NUM>) in a communicable manner, the printing apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a reception means (<NUM>) for receiving an inspection job including at least information indicating a registration status of a correct answer image in the inspection apparatus;
an analysis means (<NUM>) for analysing the received inspection job;
an image generation unit (<NUM>) configured to generate a correct answer image;
a control means (<NUM>) for performing control so that the correct answer image generated by the image generation unit is transmitted to the inspection apparatus (<NUM>) in a case the registration status indicates the correct answer image is not registered, as a result of the analysis; and
a communication unit configured to receive registration completion notification from the inspection apparatus,
wherein the control means (<NUM>) is configured for performing control so that an inspection start instruction is sent to the inspection apparatus in case the registration status indicates the correct answer image is registered, as a result of the analysis, and
wherein the inspection start instruction includes an identification of the correct answer image in the inspection apparatus.