Patent Description:
In recent years, print systems capable of inspecting an image printed on a sheet by a printing apparatus using an inspection apparatus during conveyance of the sheet have been known. In such inspection of a printing sheet, an inspection apparatus determines whether a printed image is normal by reading an image on a conveyed printed sheet and analyzing image data obtained by the reading. Inspection by an inspection apparatus makes it possible to detect, for example, a lack of image and a printing anomaly. Similarly to when printing, a flow of this inspection by an inspection apparatus includes registering an image converted into a bitmap as a reference image in the inspection apparatus in advance. Then, when executing a print job, a registered reference image is specified in the print job, and a printed product printed according to the print job is inspected using the specified registered reference image.

While such a print system including an inspection apparatus and a printing apparatus enables a user to obtain a desired printed product, it is necessary to execute a task, such as registering a reference image for inspection and searching for a corresponding reference image. Also, it takes time to create a reference image, which poses problems such as a lot of time being needed for printing. Therefore, <CIT> discloses an inspection system capable of searching for a registered reference image.

A configuration of <CIT> does not necessitate that a reference image be re-registered when re-executing and reprinting a print job and also automatically performs a task of searching for a reference image, which improves efficiency of a printing task. However, a reprint function of a print server makes it possible to make a change in print settings even when reprinting the same document of a print job, and depending on that setting, it may be necessary to convert document data of the print job to a bitmap again. In such a case, regardless of being based on the same document of the print job, a previously-used reference image corresponding to the print job cannot be reused, resulting in a search for a reference image, which takes time. Further, in a print system that stores reference images of print jobs stored in a print server in an inspection apparatus in consideration of a reprint by the print server, there is a problem that an amount of the reference images increases, resulting in a search needing a large amount of time in the inspection apparatus, which decreases reprint throughput. <CIT> discloses an image forming apparatus and image forming method to verify a target image using a selected correct image which is registered in association with print settings. The registered correct image is selected based on print settings of a verification target image, and verification is performed by comparing the verification target image with the selected correct image.

An aspect of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned problems with conventional technology.

A feature of the present invention is to provide a technique of automating creation and registration of a reference image for a reprint job re-executed due to a change in print settings, enabling a user to execute the reprint job without being conscious of the creation and the registration of the reference image.

The present invention in its first aspect provides an information processing apparatus as specified in claim <NUM>.

The present invention in its second aspect provides an inspection system as specified in claim <NUM>.

The present invention in its third aspect provides a method of controlling an information processing apparatus as specified in claim <NUM>.

The present invention in its fourth aspect provides a method of controlling an inspection system as specified in claim <NUM>.

The present invention in its fifth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium as specified in claim <NUM>.

The present invention in its sixth aspect provides a program as specified in claim <NUM>.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Hereinafter, an example and embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the following descriptions, an external controller may be referred to as an information processing apparatus, a digital front end, a print server, a DFE, and the like. An image forming apparatus may be referred to as a multifunction device and a multifunction peripheral (MFP).

<FIG> is a diagram for describing an overall configuration of a print system according to an example.

This print system includes an image forming apparatus <NUM> and an external controller <NUM>. The image forming apparatus <NUM> and the external controller <NUM> are connected via an internal LAN <NUM> and a video cable <NUM> so as to be capable of communication with each other. The external controller <NUM> is also connected to a client PC <NUM> via an external LAN <NUM> so as to be capable of communication therewith, and the client PC <NUM> can give a print instruction to the external controller <NUM>.

A printer driver including a function for converting print data into a print description language (such as a page description language (PDL)) that can be processed by the external controller <NUM> is installed on the client PC <NUM>. A user of the client PC <NUM> can give a print instruction from various applications via the printer driver. At this time, the printer driver transmits print data to the external controller <NUM> based on the print instruction from the user. When the print instruction is received from the client PC <NUM>, the external controller <NUM> analyzes the print data and performs rasterization (RIP) processing to create image data for printing. Then, the print data is inputted to the image forming apparatus <NUM> via the internal LAN <NUM>, and the rasterized image data is inputted to the image forming apparatus <NUM> via the video cable <NUM>.

Next, the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described.

In the image forming apparatus <NUM>, apparatuses including a plurality of different functions are connected and configured so as to be capable of complicated print processing such as book binding. A printing apparatus <NUM> forms (prints) an image using toner on a sheet conveyed from a feed unit at a lower portion of the printing apparatus <NUM>. Here, a description will be given using sheets as an example; however, print mediums, such as papers, sheets, films and the like may also be used. An example of a configuration and an operation principle of the printing apparatus <NUM> is as follows. A light beam, such as a laser beam, modulated according to image data is reflected by a rotating polygonal mirror, such as a polygon mirror, and is irradiated onto a photosensitive drum as a scanning beam. An electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by the laser beam is developed using toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet attached to a transfer drum. A full color image is formed on a sheet by sequentially executing this series of image forming processes for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners. The sheet on the transfer drum on which the full color image is thus formed is conveyed to a fixing unit. The fixing unit includes a roller, a belt, and the like; contains a heat source, such as a halogen heater, in the roller; and melts, using heat and pressure, toner on a sheet to which a toner image has been transferred, thereby fixing the toner to the sheet.

An inserter <NUM> can insert a sheet at an arbitrary position into a group of sheets that have been printed by the printing apparatus <NUM> and conveyed.

An inspection apparatus <NUM> reads an image on a conveyed sheet and compares it with reference image data (a correct image) registered in advance to determine whether a printed image is normal. Printed products that have been determined to be normal or not are, for example, discharged and sorted into normal printed products and error-occurring printed products.

A large volume stacker <NUM> is capable of stacking and storing a large volume of sheets. A finisher <NUM> performs finishing processing on conveyed sheets. This finishing processing includes processing such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching, and a sheet bundle on which the finishing processing has been performed is discharged to a discharge tray.

Although the print system of <FIG> is configured by connecting the external controller <NUM> to the image forming apparatus <NUM>, the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which the external controller <NUM> is connected. That is, a configuration may be taken so as to directly connect the image forming apparatus <NUM> to the external LAN <NUM> and directly transmit print data from the client PC <NUM> to the image forming apparatus <NUM>. In this case, print processing is performed with data analysis and rasterization processing being performed in the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are block diagrams for describing hardware configurations of the image forming apparatus <NUM>, the external controller <NUM>, and the client PC <NUM> according to an example.

Referring first to <FIG>, a configuration of the external controller <NUM> will be described.

The external controller <NUM> includes a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an HDD <NUM>, a keyboard <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a LAN interface (I/F) <NUM>, a LAN I/F <NUM>, and a video I/F <NUM>, which are connected via a bus <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> deploys in the memory <NUM> a program stored in the HDD <NUM>, executes the deployed program to thereby perform processing, such as receiving print data from the client PC <NUM>, processing for converting to bit map data (RIP processing), and transmitting print data to the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The memory <NUM> includes a RAM, stores programs and data necessary for when the CPU <NUM> performs various kinds of processing, and operates as a work area. The HDD <NUM> stores programs and data necessary for operation, such as print processing. The keyboard <NUM> is an apparatus for inputting operation instructions to the external controller <NUM>. The display <NUM> displays information, such as an application executed by the external controller <NUM>, using still images and a video signals of moving images. The LAN I/F <NUM> is connected with the client PC <NUM> via the external LAN <NUM> and performs communication for print instructions and the like. The LAN I/F <NUM> is connected with the image forming apparatus <NUM> via the internal LAN <NUM> and performs communication for print instructions and the like. The video I/F <NUM> is connected with the image forming apparatus <NUM> via the video cable <NUM> and performs communication for image data and the like.

Next, a configuration of the client PC <NUM> will be described. The client PC <NUM> includes a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an HDD <NUM>, a keyboard <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and a LAN I/F <NUM>, which are connected via a bus <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> deploys in the memory <NUM> a document processing program stored in the HDD <NUM>, executes the deployed program, and executes print data creation and print instruction. The CPU <NUM> also comprehensively controls the respective devices connected to the bus <NUM>. The memory <NUM> includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like; stores programs and data necessary for when the CPU <NUM> performs various kinds of processing; and operates as a work area of the CPU <NUM>. The HDD <NUM> stores programs and data necessary for operations such as print processing. The keyboard <NUM> is an apparatus for inputting operation instructions to the PC <NUM>. The display <NUM> displays information, such as an application executed by the client PC <NUM>, using still images and video signals of moving images. The LAN I/F <NUM> is connected to the external LAN <NUM> and performs communication for print instructions and the like.

Next, referring to <FIG>, a configuration of the printing apparatus <NUM>, the inserter <NUM>, the inspection apparatus <NUM>, the large volume stacker <NUM>, and the finisher <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> according to an example will be described.

The printing apparatus <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> includes a communication I/F <NUM>, a LAN I/F <NUM>, a video I/F <NUM>, an HDD <NUM>, a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a console unit <NUM>, and a display unit <NUM>. The printing 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 feed unit <NUM>. These components are connected via a system bus <NUM>.

The communication I/F <NUM> is connected to the inserter <NUM>, the inspection apparatus <NUM>, the large volume stacker <NUM>, and the finisher <NUM> via a communication cable <NUM> and performs communication for controlling the respective apparatuses. The LAN I/F <NUM> is connected with the external controller <NUM> via the internal LAN <NUM> and performs communication for print instructions and the like. The video I/F <NUM> is connected with the external controller <NUM> via the video cable <NUM> and performs communication for image data and the like.

The HDD <NUM> is a storage apparatus in which programs and data are stored. The CPU <NUM> deploys in the memory <NUM> a program stored in the HDD <NUM>, executes the deployed program, and comprehensively performs image processing control and printing control. The memory <NUM> includes a ROM and a RAM, stores programs and image data necessary for when the CPU <NUM> performs various kinds of processing; and operates as a work area of the CPU <NUM>. The console unit <NUM> receives operation instructions and input for various settings from the user. The display (display unit) <NUM> displays setting information, a print job processing status, and the like of the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

The document exposure unit <NUM> performs processing for reading a document when a copy function or a scan function is used. That is, the document exposure unit <NUM> reads document data by capturing an image using a CCD camera while illuminating an exposure lamp over a sheet set by the user. The laser exposure unit <NUM> performs primary charge for irradiating the photosensitive drum with a laser beam to transfer a toner image, and laser exposure. The laser exposure unit <NUM> first performs primary charging in which a surface of the photosensitive drum is charged to a uniform negative potential. Next, a laser beam is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum by a laser driver while an angle of reflection is adjusted using the polygon mirror. As a result, a negative charge of an irradiated portion is neutralized to form an electrostatic latent image. The image forming unit <NUM> is a device for transferring toner to a sheet; includes a developing unit, a transfer unit, a toner replenishing unit, and the like; and transfers toner on the photosensitive drum to a sheet. The developing unit visualizes an electrostatic latent image on a surface of the photosensitive drum by adhering negatively-charged toner thereto from a developing cylinder. The transfer unit performs primary transfer in which a positive potential is applied to the primary transfer roller to transfer toner on a surface of the photosensitive drum to the transfer belt and secondary transfer in which a positive potential is applied to the transfer roller to transfer toner on the transfer belt to a sheet. The fixing unit <NUM> is a device for melting and fixing toner on a sheet to the sheet using heat and pressure and includes a heater, a fixing belt, a pressing belt, and the like. The feed unit <NUM> is a device for feeding sheets, and a feed operation and a conveyance operation for sheets are controlled by rollers and various sensors.

Next, a configuration of the inserter <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described. The inserter <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> includes a communication I/F <NUM>, a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a feed controller <NUM>, which are connected via a bus <NUM>. The communication I/F <NUM> is connected to the printing apparatus <NUM> via the communication cable <NUM> and performs communication necessary for control. The CPU <NUM> executes a control program stored in the memory <NUM> to perform various controls necessary for sheet feeding. The memory <NUM> is a storage apparatus in which the control program is stored. Based on instructions from the CPU <NUM>, the feed controller <NUM> controls feeding and conveyance of sheets conveyed from the printing apparatus <NUM> and a feed unit of the inserter <NUM> while controlling rollers and sensors.

Next, a configuration of the inspection apparatus <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described.

The inspection apparatus <NUM> includes a communication I/F <NUM>, a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an imaging unit <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, a console unit <NUM>, and an HDD <NUM>, which are connected via a bus <NUM>. The communication I/F <NUM> is connected to the printing apparatus <NUM> via the communication cable <NUM> and performs communication necessary for control. Reference image data (reference image) used for inspection is also received from the printing apparatus <NUM> via the communication cable <NUM> and the communication I/F <NUM> and stored in the HDD <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> executes a control program stored in the memory <NUM> to perform various controls necessary for inspection. The memory <NUM> includes a ROM and a RAM and stores the control program and the like. It is preferable for the memory <NUM> to include a large-volume rewritable non-volatile memory for registering reference image in a non-volatile manner.

Based on instructions of the CPU <NUM>, the imaging unit <NUM> captures a conveyed sheet and reads an image printed on the sheet. The CPU <NUM> compares image data obtained by image capturing by the imaging unit <NUM> and a reference image stored in the memory <NUM> to determine whether a printed image is normal. The display unit <NUM> displays an inspection result, a setting screen, and the like. The console unit <NUM> is operated by the user and receives instructions, such as a change in settings of the inspection apparatus <NUM> and registration of a reference image. The HDD <NUM> stores reference images. When the HDD <NUM> is not provided, a configuration may be taken so as to store reference images in the HDD <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM> and, when performing processing for determining whether or not a printed image is normal (good or bad), read out the reference image from the HDD <NUM> to the memory <NUM> and use the reference image.

Next, a configuration of the large volume stacker <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described.

The large volume stacker <NUM> includes a communication I/F <NUM>, a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a discharge controller <NUM>, which are connected via a bus <NUM>. The communication I/F <NUM> is connected to the printing apparatus <NUM> via the communication cable <NUM> and performs communication necessary for control. The CPU <NUM> executes a control program stored in the memory <NUM> to perform various controls necessary for sheet discharge. The memory <NUM> includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like and stores the control program and the like. The discharge controller <NUM> conveys a conveyed sheet to a stack tray, an escape tray, or the subsequent finisher <NUM> based on instructions from the CPU <NUM>.

Next, a configuration of the finisher <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described.

The finisher <NUM> includes a communication I/F <NUM>, a CPU <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a discharge controller <NUM>, and a finishing processor <NUM>, which are connected via a bus <NUM>. The communication I/F <NUM> is connected to the printing apparatus <NUM> via the communication cable <NUM> and performs communication necessary for control. The CPU <NUM> executes a control program stored in the memory <NUM> to perform various controls necessary for finishing and sheet discharge. The memory <NUM> includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like and stores the control program and the like. The discharge controller <NUM> controls sheet conveyance and sheet discharge based on instructions from the CPU <NUM>. The finishing processor <NUM> performs finishing processing, such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching, based on instructions from the CPU <NUM>. Although, in the above description, the external controller <NUM> and the image forming apparatus <NUM> are connected to the internal LAN <NUM> and the video cable <NUM>, a configuration need only be capable of transmitting and receiving data necessary for printing; for example, a configuration of connection need only be a video cable. In addition, each of the memory <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and the memory <NUM> need only be a storage apparatus for holding data and programs. For example, a configuration may be taken so as to replace them with a volatile RAM, a non-volatile ROM, an internal HDD, an external HDD, a USB memory, and the like.

<FIG> depicts a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a mechanism of the image forming apparatus <NUM> according to an example.

First, the printing apparatus <NUM> will be described. The feed decks <NUM> and <NUM> can store a plurality of various types of sheets. Each feed deck separates a single uppermost sheet of the stored sheets and conveys it to a sheet conveyance path <NUM>. Information (a sheet size and a sheet type) of the stored sheets can be set for each of the feed decks from the console unit <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM>.

Developing stations <NUM> to <NUM> form toner images using colored toners of Y, M, C, and K, respectively, in order to form a color image. The toner images formed here are primary-transferred to an intermediate transfer belt <NUM> to form the color image on the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>. The intermediate transfer belt <NUM> is rotationally driven in a clockwise direction in <FIG>, and the color image is transferred to a sheet conveyed from the sheet conveyance path <NUM> at a secondary transfer position <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> displays information for a printing status and settings of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. A fixing unit <NUM> fixes the color image on a sheet to the sheet. The fixing unit <NUM> includes a pressure roller and a heating roller, and the color image is fixed to a sheet by melting and pressure bonding toner by passing the sheet to which the color image has been transferred between rollers. A sheet that has passed through the fixing unit <NUM> is conveyed to a conveyance path <NUM> through a sheet conveyance path <NUM>. Depending on the type of sheet, if further melting and pressure bonding are necessary for fixing, a sheet that has passed through the fixing unit <NUM> is conveyed to a second fixing unit <NUM> via an upper sheet conveyance path. Then, a sheet that has been subjected to additional melting and pressure bonding by the second fixing unit <NUM> is conveyed to the conveyance path <NUM> through a sheet conveyance path <NUM>. When an image forming mode is two-sided, a sheet after fixing is conveyed to a sheet reversing path <NUM>; after a front and back of the sheet are reversed by the sheet reversing path <NUM>, the sheet is conveyed to a two-sided conveyance path <NUM>; and an image is transferred to a second side of the sheet at the secondary transfer position <NUM>.

Next, a configuration of the inserter <NUM> for inserting a sheet will be described.

The inserter <NUM> includes an inserter tray <NUM> and causes a sheet fed through a sheet conveyance path <NUM> to join the conveyance path <NUM>. This makes it possible to insert a sheet at an arbitrary position into a group of a series of sheets conveyed from the printing apparatus <NUM> and convey them to a subsequent apparatus.

A sheet that has passed through the inserter <NUM> is conveyed to the inspection apparatus <NUM>. In the inspection apparatus <NUM>, cameras <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged in a form in which they are facing each other. The camera <NUM> is a camera for reading a top side of a sheet, and the camera <NUM> is a camera for reading a bottom side of a sheet. The inspection apparatus <NUM> reads an image of a sheet conveyed on a sheet conveyance path <NUM> using the cameras <NUM> and <NUM> when the sheet reaches a predetermined position and can determine whether or not an image printed on the sheet is normal. The display unit <NUM> displays a result of inspection by the inspection apparatus <NUM> and the like.

Next, a configuration of the large volume stacker <NUM> capable of stacking a large volume of sheets will be described.

The large volume stacker <NUM> includes a stack tray <NUM> as a tray for stacking sheets. A sheet that has passed through the inspection apparatus <NUM> is supplied to the large volume stacker <NUM> through a sheet conveyance path <NUM>. The sheet passes from the sheet conveyance path <NUM> through a sheet conveyance path <NUM> and is stacked onto the stack tray <NUM>. The large volume stacker <NUM> also includes an escape tray <NUM> as a discharge tray. The escape tray <NUM> is a discharge tray used for discharging a sheet determined to be a abnormal sheet by the inspection apparatus <NUM>. When being discharged to the escape tray <NUM>, a sheet is conveyed from the sheet conveyance path <NUM> to the escape tray <NUM> via a sheet conveyance path <NUM>. When conveying a sheet to a post-processing apparatus downstream of the large volume stacker <NUM>, the sheet is conveyed through a sheet conveyance path <NUM>. A reversing unit <NUM> is a mechanism for reversing a front and back of a sheet. The reversing unit <NUM> is used for when stacking a sheet onto the stack tray <NUM>. When stacking a sheet onto the stack tray <NUM> such that an orientation of the sheet at the time of input is the same as an orientation of the sheet at the time of output, the sheet is reversed once by the reversing unit <NUM>. When conveying a sheet to the escape tray <NUM> or a subsequent post-processing apparatus (the finisher <NUM>), the sheet is discharged as is, without being flipped, when stacking; therefore a sheet reversal operation by the reversing unit <NUM> is not performed.

The finisher <NUM> may apply post-processing to conveyed sheets according to functions specified by the user. Specifically, the finisher <NUM> includes a finishing function, such as stapling (<NUM>-position and <NUM>-position stapling), punching (<NUM>-hole and <NUM>-hole), and saddle stitching. The finisher <NUM> includes two discharge trays <NUM> and <NUM>, and a sheet bundle that is not subjected to finishing processing is outputted to the discharge tray <NUM> via a sheet conveyance path <NUM>. When performing finishing processing, such as stapling, a fed sheet is sent to a processor <NUM> via a sheet conveyance path <NUM>, a finishing function specified by the user is executed, and the sheet is outputted to the discharge tray <NUM>. The discharge trays <NUM> and <NUM> can each be moved up and down, and it is also possible to lower the discharge tray <NUM> and stack sheets on which finishing processing has been performed by the processor <NUM> on the discharge tray <NUM>. When saddle stitching is specified, a saddle stitching processor <NUM> performs stapling processing at a center of a sheet bundle, and then folds the sheet bundle in two and outputs it to a saddle stitching tray <NUM> via a sheet conveyance path <NUM>. The saddle stitching tray <NUM> has a conveyor-belt configuration and is configured to convey a saddle stitched bundle stacked on the saddle stitching tray <NUM> to a left side of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen <NUM> of a printed queue displayed on the display <NUM> of the external controller <NUM> according to an example.

The external controller <NUM> can hold printed jobs in a printed queue and reexecute a print job held in the printed queue to reprint the print job. Regarding this reprint, it is also possible to make a change in print settings for the held print job and print.

The display screen <NUM> for the printed queue is displayed on the display <NUM> of the external controller <NUM>. A list display <NUM> displaying contents of a printed queue <NUM> indicates that six print jobs are stored in the printed queue <NUM>. A print job issued from the external controller <NUM> is automatically held in the printed queue <NUM> when printing according to the print job is completed. Print data of a print job stored in the printed queue <NUM> is held in a state of having been converted into a bitmap, which is a state of immediately before being transmitted to the printing apparatus <NUM>. Therefore, when a print job held in the printed queue is printed again with the same print settings, it is possible to print at high speed without performing RIP processing. Also, an upper limit number of print jobs that can be held in the printed queue is variable, and the upper limit number can be set by the user. A cursor <NUM> indicates a selected print job in the list, and by pressing a print button <NUM> or a delete button <NUM> in this state, the selected print job can be executed and printed or deleted. When the print button <NUM> is pressed, printing is performed via a print setting screen for a selected print job. It is also possible to print with exactly the same print settings or print with a change to some of the print settings. When the delete button <NUM> is pressed, a selected print job is deleted from the printed queue.

<FIG> is a flowchart for explaining processing of a print job by the printing apparatus <NUM> according to an example. The processing explained in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU <NUM> of the printing apparatus <NUM> executing a program deployed in the memory <NUM>.

First, in step S501, the CPU <NUM> receives a print job from the external controller <NUM>. Next, the processing proceeds to step S502, and the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not a setting for inspection by the inspection apparatus <NUM> has been set for the received print job; if the inspection setting has been set, the processing proceeds to step S503, and if the inspection setting has not been set, the processing proceeds to step S508. In step S508, the CPU <NUM> executes print processing and terminates this processing without inspecting a printed product using the inspection apparatus <NUM>.

In step S503, the CPU <NUM> determines whether identification information (ID) of a reference image (reference image ID) is specified in the inspection setting of the print job. If the reference image ID is specified here, the processing proceeds to step S506; if not, the processing proceeds to step S504. In step S504, the CPU <NUM> creates reference image data for inspection from image data of the print job received from the external controller <NUM> and registers the reference image data as a reference image in the inspection apparatus <NUM>.

At this time, the inspection apparatus <NUM> stores the received reference image data as a reference image in the HDD <NUM>. The inspection apparatus <NUM> collectively manages, in print job units, a plurality of reference images that accords with images to be printed according to a corresponding print job, a type of the images, and the like. When all the reference images for one print job are received, a reference image ID - uniquely determined in print job units - is issued for the print job and notified to the printing apparatus <NUM>. Accordingly, by the user, who inputs a print job, specifying the reference image ID corresponding to the print job, each printed product is inspected by comparison being performed for each print image to be printed according to the print job with a corresponding reference image in order according to a printing order in which printing is to be performed.

The processing proceeds to step S505, and the CPU <NUM> transmits the reference image ID - issued in print job units - received from the inspection apparatus <NUM> to the external controller <NUM>. By this, the external controller <NUM> additionally stores the reference image ID in a print attribute of the printed queue. When a print job stored in the printed queue is re-executed, the external controller <NUM> specifies the reference image ID in association with the print job. Thus, the printing apparatus <NUM> can perform a reprint of the print job and inspection of printed products at the time of a reprint without creating and registering reference images for the print job for which a reprint has been instructed.

Then, the processing proceeds to step S506, the printing apparatus <NUM> specifies the reference image ID and causes the inspection apparatus <NUM> to transition to an inspection mode, and the processing proceeds to step S507. The inspection apparatus <NUM> that has transitioned to the inspection mode in this way waits for a printed sheet to be conveyed so as to capture it by the imaging unit <NUM>. In step S507, the CPU <NUM> performs print processing for executing a print job and inspection processing by the inspection apparatus <NUM>. When the print job is completed, the inspection apparatus <NUM> is notified that the print job has been completed. By this, the inspection mode of the inspection apparatus <NUM> is terminated.

According to the processing explained in this flowchart, the user can automatically register reference images and inspect printed products using registered reference images simply by performing an inspection setting on a print job and inputting the print job.

<FIG> is a flowchart for explaining processing of the external controller <NUM> according to an example. Here, a description will be given using an example of processing for deciding a reference image ID for when a change has been made in print settings at the time of a reprint. The processing explained in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU <NUM> of the external controller <NUM> executing a program deployed in the memory <NUM>.

In an example, as described above, the external controller <NUM> holds a reference image ID used in inspection by the inspection apparatus <NUM> in a print attribute of a print job stored in the printed queue. Therefore, when reprinting a print job, a reference image ID of the print job stored in the printed queue is specified to instruct a reprint. Thus, at the time of a reprint, the printing apparatus <NUM> can perform inspection printing by indicating reference images to the inspection apparatus <NUM> using a specified reference image ID without creating reference images again.

However, inspection of an example is configured to sequentially compare reference images stored in the HDD <NUM> of the inspection apparatus <NUM> and scanned images of printed products captured by the imaging unit <NUM>. Even if it is a reprint, depending on the content of a change in print settings, RIP may be performed again, a printing order may change, or a print orientation may change. In that case, in a configuration of the aforementioned example, there is a possibility that an inspection abnormality may occur if a reference image is not recreated. Therefore, at the time of a change in print settings of reprint of a print job stored in the printed queue, the external controller <NUM> determines whether or not it is necessary to recreate a reference image and specifies a reference image ID in a print job only when it is not necessary to newly create the reference image.

The processing explained in the flowchart of <FIG> is started when a print job stored in the printed queue of the external controller <NUM> is re-executed, and determines whether or not to set a reference image ID. First, in step S601, the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not a setting for inspection by the inspection apparatus <NUM> is set for a print job for which a reprint has been instructed; if the inspection setting has been set, the processing proceeds to step S602, and if the inspection setting has not been set, the processing is simply terminated. In step S602, the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not a change has been made in print settings of the print job for which a reprint has been instructed; if a change has been made in the print settings, the processing proceeds to step S603, and if a change has not been made in the print settings, the processing is simply terminated. At this time, a reference image ID stored in the print job is specified as is for the print job instructed to be reprinted.

In step S603, the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not RIP needs to be performed again for a corresponding reference image due to the change in the print settings; if it is determined that RIP needs to be performed again, the processing proceeds to step S606, and otherwise, the processing proceeds to step S604. Here, a condition for performing RIP again may be, for example, a case where a print image itself is changed due to a change of setting of an image processing for the print job, a case where a printing magnification is changed due to a change of an output sheet size for the print job, a case where an NUP setting which changes the number of images to be printed on one page is changed, and the like.

In step S604, the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not a printing order is changed due to the change in the print settings; if the printing order is changed, the processing proceeds to step S606, and otherwise, the processing proceeds to step S605. A condition for the printing order being changed is, for example, a case where the side of the sheet that will face up when the sheet is discharged is changed. In addition, depending on discharge-type accessories that are connected downstream of the printing apparatus <NUM>, it may be necessary to output sheets in reverse order of normal printing; therefore, a change of a printing order is depending largely on a change of configurations of the discharge-type accessories.

In step S605, the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not a print orientation is changed due to the change in the print settings; if it is determined that the print orientation is changed, the processing proceeds to step S606, and otherwise, the processing is terminated. Conditions for the print orientation being changed may include, for example, a change of a position of finishing, such as stapling and punching.

Since a reference image needs to be recreated, in step S606, the CPU <NUM> sets the reference image ID to none in the inspection setting of the print job. By this, the printing apparatus <NUM> that has received this print job determines that processing for creating reference image data is necessary and, in step S504 of <FIG>, creates reference image data and registers it in the inspection apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating an example of a change in print settings that the external controller <NUM> determines in step S603 of <FIG> requires the RIP to be performed again.

<FIG> illustrates a printing order (P1 to P4) and a print orientation prior to a change in print settings for a print job. Here, each of four pages printed according to the print job is printed on one side of each sheet in order from P1 (a first page) to P4 (fourth page) on a total of four sheets (P <NUM> to P4). The print orientation here is such that when a sheet discharged from the printing apparatus <NUM> is seen from above, top of each sheet is towards the back side of the printing apparatus <NUM> and bottom of each sheet is towards the front side of the printing apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a case in which the print job is printed in a 2UP in which an image of two pages are printed on one side of a sheet. At this time, an image of two pages is printed on one side of a sheet, and a total of two sheets are printed. In this case, since an image to be printed on a sheet has changed from a case in <FIG>, RIP must be performed again by the external controller <NUM>. In this case, since printed images to be inspected change, if reference images are not recreated, it results in an inspection abnormality. <FIG> only show an example of a case in which RIP is performed again; of course, RIP may be performed again for other setting changes.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating examples of a change in print settings for which the external controller <NUM> determines in step S604 of <FIG> that a printing order will change.

<FIG> illustrates a printing order (P1 to P4) and a print orientation prior to a setting change. The printing order and the print orientation here are the same as in the aforementioned <FIG>. Assume that print settings include one-sided printing and face-down discharge. <FIG> is a diagram of sheets discharged onto the discharge tray <NUM> of the finisher <NUM> seen from above. In an example, in face-down discharge, four sheets are printed in an order from P1 to P4 as in <FIG> and are reversed by the sheet reversing path <NUM> such that they are discharged to the discharge tray <NUM> with a printed side facing down as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a printing order (P4 to P1) and a print orientation for when a change has been made in print settings from face-down discharge to face-up discharge. In an example, face-up discharge is realized by printing a sheet as is without passing it through the sheet reversing path <NUM>. Therefore, when printing is performed in the order of <FIG>, a sheet on which P4 is printed is outputted at the top, resulting in a final output sheet bundle being in reverse order. Therefore, by printing in reverse order of <FIG> as illustrated in <FIG> so as to face-up discharge sheets in which a sheet on which the first page (P1) is printed is discharged at the top of the sheets as illustrated in <FIG>, a correct output result can be obtained.

Since the example is configured in such a way that an inspection error occurs even when a printing order is changed, reference images are recreated even in such a case. <FIG> show examples of a case where a printing order is changed; of course, the printing order may be changed by other setting changes.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating examples of a change in print settings for which the external controller <NUM> determines in step S605 of <FIG> that an image orientation will change.

<FIG> illustrates a printing order (P1 to P4) and a print orientation prior to a change in print settings. The printing order and the print orientation here are the same as in <FIG>. Assume that print settings here include one-sided printing and a left punch hole setting. <FIG> is a diagram of sheets discharged onto the discharge tray <NUM> of the finisher <NUM> seen from above. Assume that punch holes according to an example are made one sheet at a time on a trailing end in a conveyance direction. Therefore, when punch holes are made on a trailing end of a sheet in the conveyance direction when the sheet is faced down due to being reversed by the sheet reversing path <NUM>, it results in a discharge state illustrated in <FIG>. Therefore, as illustrated in <FIG>, an output result is that punch holes are made on a left side of sheets.

<FIG> illustrates a printing order (P1 to P4) and a print orientation for when a setting is changed from a left punch hole setting to a right punch hole setting. In an example, in contrast to when left punch holes are set, punch holes on a right side of a sheet are realized by printing an image after the image is rotated <NUM> degrees. Therefore, in contrast to <FIG>, images are printed after being rotated <NUM> degrees as illustrated in <FIG>, resulting in a discharge state illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, an output result is that punch holes are made on a right side of sheets, and the sheets are discharged facing up.

Since the example is configured in such a way that an inspection error occurs even when a print orientation is changed, it becomes necessary to recreate reference image data even in such a case. <FIG> show examples of a case where a print orientation is changed; however, of course, the print orientation may be changed by other setting changes.

As described above, by virtue of an example, when reprinting a print job held in a printed queue, even if settings of the print job are changed, it is possible to set so as to automatically recreate reference image data as necessary. Thus, it becomes possible to prevent a normal printed product from being determined as abnormal in inspection due to a reference image being different. This enables efficient inspection printing.

In the aforementioned example, reference image data is recreated not only when RIP processing needs to be performed again but also when a printing order and a print orientation change. However, when it is merely a change of a printing order or a print orientation, an image itself does not actually change. Therefore, when the inspection apparatus <NUM> includes an order change function or an image rotation function for reference images, it is not necessary to recreate reference images, and reference images need be recreated only when it is necessary to perform RIP processing again. When a printing order or a print orientation changes, the inspection apparatus <NUM> may be instructed to change an order of reference images or rotate the reference images before a start of a print job. Such an embodiment will be described.

<FIG> is a flowchart for explaining processing of the external controller <NUM> according to the embodiment. Here, a description will be given using an example of processing for determining a reference image ID in a change in print settings at the time of a reprint and determining a change of an order of reference images, and a change of an orientation of reference images. The processing explained in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU <NUM> of the external controller <NUM> executing a program deployed in the memory <NUM>. The processing explained in this flowchart is started at the time of reprinting a print job stored in the printed queue of the external controller <NUM> and determines whether or not to set a reference image ID.

First, in step S <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not a setting for inspection by the inspection apparatus <NUM> is set for a print job for which a reprint has been instructed; if the inspection setting has been set, the processing proceeds to step S <NUM>, and if the inspection setting has not been set, the processing is terminated. In step S <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not a change has been made in print settings of the reprint job; if a change has been made in the print settings, the processing proceeds to step S <NUM>, and if a change has not been made in the print settings, the processing is terminated. If a change has not been made in the print settings, the stored reference image ID is specified as is in the reprint job.

In step S <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> determines whether RIP needs to be performed again due to the change in the print settings; if it is determined that RIP needs to be performed again, the processing proceeds to step S <NUM>, and otherwise, the processing proceeds to step S1004. Since a reference image needs to be recreated, in step S <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> sets the reference image ID to none in the inspection setting of the reprint job. By this, the printing apparatus <NUM>, in the aforementioned step S503 of <FIG>, determines that processing for creating reference image data is necessary and, in step S504, executes the processing for creating reference image data and registering the reference image data in the inspection apparatus <NUM> as reference images for the reprint job.

When it is determined that RIP does not need to be performed again, the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not a printing order will change due to the change in the print settings in step S <NUM>; if it is determined that the printing order is changed in step S <NUM>, the processing proceeds to step S1005, and if not, the processing proceeds to step S1006. In step S1005, the CPU <NUM> instructs the inspection apparatus <NUM> to change an order of reference images and proceeds to step S1006. An instruction for changing an order of reference images can be realized by passing, to the inspection apparatus <NUM>, list data in which a reference image ID is associated with an order of page numbers after a change of the order of reference images.

In step S <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not a print orientation is changed due to the change in the print settings; if it is determined that the print orientation is changed, the processing proceeds to step S1007, and otherwise, the processing is terminated. In step S <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> instructs the inspection apparatus <NUM> to rotate the reference images. This rotation instruction instructs the inspection apparatus <NUM> how many times to rotate a reference image of which page number, and then this processing is terminated.

As described above, by virtue of the embodiment, it is possible to, when settings of a reprint job for which a print job stored in a printed queue is re-executed is changed, minimize recreation of reference image data, which makes it possible to perform more efficient inspection printing.

In the above-described embodiment, descriptions have been given using examples of reprinting a print job stored in a printed queue; however, the present invention can be applied to, for example, printing of a print job held by a box function. That is, the print job held by the box function is printed according to temporary predetermined print settings unless a change is made in the print settings. Therefore, also for that case, a configuration may be taken so as to create reference image data with the predetermined print settings, register reference image data as reference images in an inspection apparatus, and perform inspection printing of a print job held by the box function.

Claim 1:
An information processing apparatus (<NUM>) for inputting a print job to a printing apparatus (<NUM>) and causing the printing apparatus to print the print job, the apparatus comprising:
holding means (<NUM>) for holding a print job and identification information of reference images that are associated with the print job and are used in inspection of the print job; wherein
the holding means holds, in association with the print job, one identification information that is unique to a plurality of reference images that accord with images printed according to the print job; and
control means (<NUM>) for controlling so as to,
in a case where a reprint is instructed with a change in print settings of the held print job and an order of reference images being associated with the held print job or an orientation of a reference image being associated with the held print job needs to be changed,
instruct an apparatus that performs inspection using the reference images to change the order of the reference images or the orientation of the reference image, attach the identification information of the reference images to the print job, and transmit the print job to the printing apparatus.