Image inspection device, image inspection method, and image inspection program

Abstract

To provide an image inspection apparatus, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program with which it is possible to shorten the time required for processing from generation of a reference image to image inspection and to prevent or suppress an occurrence of a situation in which the inspection cannot be performed because the reference image has not been generated.SOLUTION: An image inspection apparatus 300 includes an image former 330, a storage 390, an image inspector 350, and a determiner 310. The image former 330 forms an image on a recording medium on the basis of image data. The storage 390 stores a reference image to be used for inspection of the image formed on the recording medium. The image inspector inspects the image formed on the recording medium on the basis of the reference image. The determiner determines whether or not the reference image on the basis of the image to be inspected by the image inspector 350 is stored in the storage 390 after the image former 330 starts an image forming process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image inspection device, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a method for inspecting the quality of a printed matter by comparing a read image obtained by reading a print sheet (printed matter) on which a test image has been printed with a reference image (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). In Patent Document 1, a user inspects several printed matters on which a test image has been printed, and the read image of the printed matter that is determined to be free of abnormalities is used as the reference image.

[0003] There is also known a method of inspecting the quality of a printed matter by using an original image as a reference image and comparing the original image with a scanned image of the printed matter (for example, see Patent Document 2 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-146514 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-53561 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the image forming device of Patent Document 1, a user inspection is required to generate a reference image to be used in the actual printing. Furthermore, the reference image must be prepared before the actual printing begins, and then the actual printing is performed. Furthermore, in the print inspection device of Patent Document 2, the generation of the reference image (steps S101 to S115 in FIG. 6) must be completed before the generation of the inspection image (step S117 in FIG. 6 of the same document) begins. Therefore, there is a problem in that the process from the generation of the reference image (steps S101 to S115 in FIG. 6) to the image inspection (steps S117 to S119 in FIG. 6) still requires a considerable amount of time.

[0006] In response to this, no technology has been proposed to date that simultaneously performs the generation process of a reference image and the inspection process of an inspection image. To shorten the time required for the processes from the generation of a reference image to the image inspection, the inventor is developing a technology that simultaneously performs the generation process of a reference image and the image inspection process, and sequentially performs the image inspection using the generated reference image. However, depending on the time required to generate the reference image, a situation may arise in which the reference image has not been generated at the time of image inspection. In this case, the inspection may not be possible.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an image inspection device, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program that can reduce the time required for processing from the generation of a reference image to the image inspection, while preventing or suppressing situations in which an inspection cannot be performed because a reference image has not been generated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following means.

[0009] (1) An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data, a storage unit that stores a reference image used to inspect the image formed on the recording medium, an image inspection unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, and a determination unit that determines whether or not the reference image of the image inspected by the image inspection unit is stored in the storage unit after the image forming process by the image forming unit is started. a control unit that concurrently executes a reference image generation unit that generates a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data, a reference image generation process including generation of a reference image by the reference image generation unit, and an inspection process including formation of the image on the recording medium by the image forming unit, and inspection by the image inspection unit of a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed, and the determination unit makes the determination at a timing when the image forming unit starts forming the image on the recording medium. Image inspection equipment. (2) An image forming apparatus including: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data; a storage unit that stores a reference image used to inspect the image formed on the recording medium; an image inspection unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; a determination unit that determines whether or not the reference image of the image inspected by the image inspection unit is stored in the storage unit after the image forming unit starts an image forming process; a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image used to inspect the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; and a control unit that concurrently executes a reference image generating process including generating a reference image by the reference image generating unit; and an inspection process including forming the image on the recording medium by the image forming unit and inspecting, by the image inspection unit, a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed, wherein the determination unit makes the determination while the image is being formed on the recording medium by the image forming unit. Image inspection equipment. (3) An image inspection device having an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data, a memory unit that stores a reference image used to inspect the image formed on the recording medium, an image inspection unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, a judgment unit that judges whether the reference image of the image to be inspected by the image inspection unit is stored in the memory unit after the image forming process by the image forming unit has started, a reference image generation unit that generates a reference image to be used to inspect the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data, and a control unit that executes in parallel a reference image generation process including generation of a reference image by the reference image generation unit, and an inspection process including formation of the image on the recording medium by the image forming unit and inspection by the image inspection unit of a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed, wherein the judgment unit makes the judgment at the timing when formation of the image on the recording medium by the image forming unit is completed.

[0010] ( 4 The determination unit determines whether the reference image is stored in the storage unit before the image inspection unit inspects the image. or (2) The image inspection device according to claim 1.

[0011] ( 5 The image inspection unit performs the inspection for each page of the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, and the judgment unit performs the judgment for each page, (1) or (2) The image inspection device according to claim 1.

[0017] ( 6 ) The above (1) or (2) further includes a control unit that controls the image inspection unit based on the determination result by the determination unit. 2 ) An image inspection device according to the present invention.

[0018] ( 7 ) the control unit stops the inspection by the image inspection unit when the determination unit determines that the reference image is not stored in the storage unit, 5 ) An image inspection device according to the present invention.

[0019] ( 8 ) the control unit stops the formation of the image by the image forming unit when the determination unit determines that the reference image is not stored in the storage unit, 5 ) An image inspection device according to the present invention.

[0020] ( 9 ) the control unit causes the image forming unit to form an image again when the determination unit determines that the reference image is not stored in the storage unit, 5 ) An image inspection device according to the present invention.

[0021] ( 10 ) the control unit suspends the inspection by the image inspection unit when the determination unit determines that the reference image is not stored in the storage unit, 5 ) An image inspection device according to the present invention.

[0022] ( 11 ) the control unit notifies the image inspection unit of the suspension of inspection when the determination unit determines that the reference image is not stored in the storage unit, 6 ) An image inspection device according to the present invention.

[0023] ( 12 (a) forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; (b) generating a reference image based on the image data to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; a step of storing a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium in a storage unit ( c ) and a step of inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image ( d ) and after the start of the image forming process in step (a), d ) determining whether the reference image of the image to be inspected is stored in the storage unit ( e ) and, a reference image generating step including generating a reference image in the step (b), and an inspection step including forming the image on a recording medium in the step (a) and inspecting a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed in the step (d) are executed in parallel, and the determination in the step (e) is made at the timing when the formation of the image on the recording medium in the step (a) is started; Imaging methods. (13) A method for inspecting an image formed on a recording medium based on image data, comprising: a step (a) of forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; a step (b) of generating a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; a step (c) of storing the reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium in a storage unit; a step (d) of inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and a step (e) of determining, after the start of the image forming step in the step (a), whether or not the reference image of the image to be inspected in the step (d) is stored in the storage unit, wherein the reference image generating step including the generation of the reference image in the step (b) and the inspection step including the formation of the image on the recording medium in the step (a) and the inspection of the read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed in the step (d) are performed in parallel, and the determination in the step (e) is made while the image is being formed on the recording medium in the step (a). Imaging methods. (14) An image inspection method including: a step (a) of forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; a step (b) of generating a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; a step (c) of storing the reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium in a memory unit; a step (d) of inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and a step (e) of determining, after the start of the image forming step in step (a), whether the reference image of the image to be inspected in step (d) is stored in the memory unit, wherein a reference image generating step including generating the reference image in step (b) and an inspection step including forming the image on the recording medium in step (a) and inspecting a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed in step (d) are performed in parallel, and the determination in step (e) is made at a timing when the formation of the image on the recording medium in step (a) is completed.

[0024] (15) a step (a) of forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; a step (b) of generating a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; A procedure ( c) and a procedure of inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image ( d ) and after the start of the image forming process in the step (a), d ) a step of determining whether the reference image of the image to be inspected is stored in the storage unit ( e ) and, a reference image generating step including generating a reference image in the step (b), and an inspection step including forming the image on a recording medium in the step (a) and inspecting the read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed in the step (d) are executed in parallel, and the determination in the step (e) is made at the timing when the formation of the image on the recording medium in the step (a) is started. An image inspection program that causes a computer to carry out the processing. (16) An image inspection program for causing a computer to execute a process including: a step (a) of forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; a step (b) of generating a reference image to be used in inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; a step (c) of storing the reference image to be used in inspecting the image formed on the recording medium in a memory unit; a step (d) of inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and a step (e) of determining, after the start of the image forming process in the step (a), whether the reference image of the image to be inspected in the step (d) is stored in the memory unit; wherein a reference image generating process including generating the reference image in the step (b) and an inspection process including forming the image on the recording medium in the step (a) and inspecting the read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed in the step (d) are executed in parallel; and the determination in the step (e) is made while the image is being formed on the recording medium in the step (a). (17) An image inspection program for causing a computer to execute a process including: a step (a) of forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; a step (b) of generating a reference image to be used in inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; a step (c) of storing the reference image to be used in inspecting the image formed on the recording medium in a memory unit; a step (d) of inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and a step (e) of determining, after the start of the image forming process in the step (a), whether the reference image of the image to be inspected in the step (d) is stored in the memory unit; wherein a reference image generating process including generating the reference image in the step (b) and an inspection process including forming the image on the recording medium in the step (a) and inspecting the read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed in the step (d) are executed in parallel; and the determination in the step (e) is made at the timing when the formation of the image on the recording medium in the step (a) is completed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, whether or not a reference image is stored in a storage unit is determined before inspecting an inspection image, thereby shortening the time required for processing from generating a reference image to inspecting the image, and preventing or suppressing situations in which inspection cannot be performed because a reference image has not been generated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of the control operations of the control unit and the print controller unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method performed by the image forming system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the time series of processes of acquiring an original image, generating a reference image, forming an inspection image, and inspecting the inspection image. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a modified example of the timing for determining whether or not the reference image has been stored. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method in which, after an inspection image is formed and before the inspection image is read, it is determined whether a reference image corresponding to the inspection image has been stored. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method in which it is determined whether a reference image corresponding to an inspection image has been stored before the inspection image is formed. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method when controlling the execution of an inspection process in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method when controlling the execution of an image forming process in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing, in chronological order, the processes of acquiring an original image, generating a reference image, forming an inspection image, and inspecting the inspection image when recovery printing is performed. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method performed by an image forming system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method performed by an image forming system according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation, and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0028] (First embodiment) <Printing system configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG.

[0029] 1, the printing system 100 includes a client terminal 200 and an image forming system 300. The client terminal 200 and the image forming system 300 are connected to each other via a communication line 400 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0030] The client terminal 200 may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. A printer driver for converting manuscript data into a print job is installed in the client terminal 200. The printer driver generates a print job in a format compatible with the print controller unit 320 (see FIG. 2) of the image forming system 300, and transmits the print job to the image forming system 300 via a communication line 400. The client terminal 200 also has a display that can display the inspection results of the printed matter (good / defective), images of defective printed matter, etc.

[0031] A print job includes, for example, print data in PDL (Page Description Language) format and job information. The print data includes, for example, print data consisting of pages 1 to n. The job information includes, for example, print settings such as the number of pages, number of copies, paper (recording medium) type, size, basis weight, single-sided printing / double-sided printing, and inspection setting (on / off). By turning on the inspection setting, the user can issue an instruction to the image forming system 300 to inspect the image.

[0032] The communication line 400 may be a LAN (Local Area Network) that connects computers or network devices together according to a predetermined standard, or a WAN (Wide Area Network) that connects LANs together via a dedicated line, etc. Examples of predetermined standards include Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity).

[0033] The number of the above components connected to the communication line 400 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0034] <Configuration of Image Forming System 300> 1 and 2, image forming system 300 includes a control unit 310, a print controller unit 320, an image forming unit 330, an image reading unit 340, an image inspection unit 350, an operation display unit 360, a paper feed unit 370, a reference image generating unit 380, and a storage device (storage unit) 390. Image forming system 300 functions as an image inspection device.

[0035] <Configuration of control unit 310> The control unit 310 includes an image control CPU (Central Processing Unit) 311, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control IC 312, a memory 313, an image memory (DRAM) 314, a compression / decompression IC 315, a read processing unit 316, a write processing unit 317, a memory unit 318, etc.

[0036] Image control CPU 311 loads various programs stored in storage unit 318 into memory 313, and controls the overall operation of image forming system 300 in cooperation with the loaded programs.

[0037] The reading processing unit 316 performs various processes, such as analog processing, A / D conversion processing, and shading processing, on the analog image signal output from the scanner 341 of the image reading unit 340 to generate digital image (read image) data. The generated digital image data is output to the compression / decompression IC 315 by the DRAM control IC 312. The compression / decompression IC 315 performs compression processing on the digital image data and decompression processing on the compressed digital image data under the control of the DRAM control IC 312. The DRAM control IC 312 also controls input / output to and from the image memory (DRAM) 314 for the compressed / decompressed digital image data.

[0038] The image memory 314 is made up of DRAM and has an internal compression memory and page memory area, and temporarily stores compressed image data, decompressed image data, and the like.

[0039] The write processing unit 317 outputs the decompressed digital image data to an exposure unit 332 of the image forming unit 330 .

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 310 functions as a reference image determination unit (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "determination unit"). The reference image determination unit determines whether or not a reference image of the inspection image to be inspected by the image inspection unit 350 is stored in the storage device 390 during the period from the start of the image formation process by the image forming unit 330 until the inspection of the inspection image is performed. Here, the image formation process refers to the process from the start of image formation to the completion of image formation for each page of the inspection image. For example, the reference image determination unit may determine whether or not a reference image is stored in the storage device 390 for each page of the inspection image immediately before the inspection of the inspection image by the image inspection unit 350, as the determination timing for determining whether or not a reference image is stored in the storage device 390.

[0041] The reference image determination unit has a function of determining, for example, for each page, whether a reference image corresponding to an inspection image is stored in storage device 390. The reference image determination unit determines whether a reference image corresponding to an inspection image is stored by image inspection unit 350 at a determination timing described below, as well as at a determination timing immediately before inspecting the inspection image, and can output the determination result. For example, when a reference image is stored in storage device 390, the reference image determination unit associates information about the page of the corresponding inspection image (e.g., a page number) with the reference image and stores it in storage device 390. The reference image determination unit determines whether a reference image corresponding to the inspection image is stored by referring to the information about the page in storage device 390.

[0042] <Configuration of print controller unit 320> The print controller unit 320 analyzes the print job received from the client terminal 200 via the communication line 400, and performs processes such as color conversion, screening, and rasterization to generate an original image in bitmap format. The generated original image is sent to the control unit 310. The print controller unit 320 functions as an original image acquisition unit.

[0043] The print controller unit 320 is configured with a controller control unit 321, a reference image generation control unit 322, a DRAM control IC 323, an image memory (DRAM) 324, a communication control unit 325, a communication I / F 326, etc. The controller control unit 321 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the print controller unit 320. The controller control unit 321 also receives print jobs from the client terminal 200, etc. via the communication I / F 326. The communication control unit 325 controls the communication I / F 326.

[0044] The received print job includes print data (mainly in PDL format) that is the source of the original image, and job information that describes print settings such as the type of paper to be used. The print controller unit 320 performs rasterization (RIP) processing, which converts the print data into bitmap data on a page-by-page basis based on the print settings. The RIP image after rasterization is temporarily stored in image memory 324. The RIP image in image memory 324 is temporarily stored in a compressed memory area within image memory 314 via compression / decompression IC 315 under the control of DRAM control IC 323 of print controller unit 320 and DRAM control IC 312 of control unit 310. During normal printing, the RIP image stored in the compressed memory area is decompressed by compression / decompression IC 315 and sent as an original image (image data) to image forming unit 330 via write processing unit 317, where it is printed.

[0045] The reference image generation control unit 322 outputs a reference image generation instruction to the reference image generation unit 380 (described later) to generate a reference image based on the document image at a predetermined generation timing. The predetermined generation timing may be, for example, when the inspection setting is on and the document image acquisition unit acquires the document image. The reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image based on the reference image generation instruction.

[0046] Ideally, a scanned image generated by scanning an inspection image formed on paper would match the original image in terms of content. However, when scanning an inspection image formed on paper using a scanner, errors can occur in the scanned image compared to the original image due to various factors, such as variations in the paper transport path, misalignment of the scanner's reading position, color reproducibility, and differences in paper type. Furthermore, errors can also occur in the scanned image compared to the original image depending on the resolution of the scanner. Therefore, simply comparing the scanned image with the original image is likely to result in errors, and it is not realistic to inspect the inspection image by simply comparing the scanned image with the original image. Therefore, in this embodiment, various processes are performed on the original image regarding position, resolution, color, etc. to generate a reference image that can be compared with the scanned image, and the scanned image is then compared with the reference image. This allows for appropriate comparison with the scanned image, enabling accurate inspection of printed materials. Details of the reference image generation process will be described later. Although FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the reference image generation control unit 322 is provided in the print controller unit 320, the reference image generation control unit 322 may be configured to be provided in the control unit 310.

[0047] <Configuration of Image Forming Unit 330> The image forming unit 330 forms (prints) an image on paper using an electrophotographic process, including charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing processes, in accordance with instructions from the control unit 310. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 330 forms an inspection image, which is inspected by the image inspection unit 350, on paper using image formation conditions set based on print settings. The image forming unit 330 includes a printer control unit 331 and an exposure unit 332. The printer control unit 331 is connected to the image control CPU 311 via serial communication and receives control from the image control CPU 311. The printer control unit 331 drives the LD (laser diode) of the exposure unit 332 in response to a signal from the write processing unit 317, forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original image on a photoconductor (not shown). The toner image formed on the photoconductor is developed through a development process and transferred onto paper supplied from the paper feed unit 370. The unfixed toner image on the paper is then fixed by applying heat and pressure. The paper on which the toner image has been fixed is transported to the image reading unit 340 .

[0048] The image forming unit 330 also includes a print sheet discharge device that separates and discharges (purges) paper (waste paper) on which an inspection image detected as abnormal by the image inspection unit 350 has been formed, from paper on which a normal inspection image has been formed.

[0049] <Configuration of image reading unit 340> The image reading unit 340 has a scanner 341 and a scanner control unit 342. The scanner 341 reads the paper (printed material) being transported along the transport path, for example, using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The scanner control unit 342 controls the scanner to read the inspection image formed on the paper transported from the image forming unit 330 in accordance with a reading instruction from the control unit 310. The scanner control unit 342 outputs the read image obtained by reading the inspection image formed on the paper to the control unit 310.

[0050] <Configuration of image inspection unit 350> The image inspection unit 350 performs an image inspection based on the reference image. More specifically, the image inspection unit 350 acquires the reference image and the read image, and compares the reference image and the read image for each page, thereby inspecting the inspection image formed on the paper.

[0051] The image inspection unit 350 includes an image inspection control unit 351. The image inspection control unit 351 includes an image control CPU 311 or a CPU, RAM, ROM, and auxiliary storage device (not shown). The inspection function of the inspection image is realized by the CPU executing an image inspection program. The image inspection control unit 351, for example, calculates the difference (error) in pixel values ​​between the reference image and the scanned image for each page and determines the pass / fail of the inspection image based on the magnitude of the difference. The calculation of the difference can be performed for each page, each object, or each region. For example, when calculating the difference for each page, if the total value of the pixel differences within a page is less than a specified value, a "pass" inspection result is output; if the total value of the differences is equal to or greater than the specified value, a "fail" inspection result is output. Furthermore, when calculating the difference for each object or region, the system can be configured to output a "pass" or "fail" inspection result based on the total value of the pixel differences within the selected object or region.

[0052] If the inspection result of the inspection image is "good", the control unit 310 determines that the printed matter is a good product, and if the inspection result of the inspection image is "bad", the control unit 310 determines that the printed matter is a defective product.

[0053] <Configuration of operation display unit 360> The operation display unit 360 includes a touch screen 361, an operation control unit 362, a numeric keypad as hard keys, a start button, a stop button, and the like. The touch screen includes, for example, a touch sensor and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) located behind the touch sensor. The operation control unit 362 accepts input from the touch sensor and hard keys and transmits the input data to the control unit 310. The operation control unit 362 also receives output data from the control unit 310 and displays it on the LCD. The operation display unit 360 is used by the user to input various settings (e.g., turning the inspection setting on / off) and instructions (e.g., an instruction to start printing). The operation display unit 360 is also used to output (display) the status of the image forming system 300, the inspection results of printed materials (good / bad), images of defective printed materials, etc.

[0054] <Configuration of Paper Feed Unit 370> The paper feed unit 370 includes at least one large-capacity paper tray, and supplies paper to the image forming unit 330 one sheet at a time.

[0055] <Configuration of Reference Image Generator 380> Reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image based on the original image acquired by the original image acquisition unit and outputs the generated reference image to control unit 310. Reference image generation unit 380 can be realized by a CPU (not shown) separate from image control CPU 311 executing an image inspection program. This allows the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of an inspection image to be performed in parallel. Alternatively, if image control CPU 311 is a multi-core CPU, reference image generation unit 380 may be assigned to a core separate from the processing of forming and inspecting an inspection image, and the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of an inspection image may be performed in parallel by the separate cores.

[0056] In the past, the same CPU was configured to generate the reference image and form and inspect the inspection image. Therefore, the CPU would form and inspect the inspection image after completing the generation of the reference image for each page, so it was not possible to generate the reference image and form and inspect the inspection image in parallel. In this embodiment, the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of the inspection image are configured to be performed by separate CPUs, so the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of the inspection image can be performed in parallel.

[0057] Furthermore, if the original image is a complex image, the computational load for generating the reference image may increase significantly. By having a CPU other than image control CPU 311 take charge of generating the reference image, the computational load on image control CPU 311 can be reduced.

[0058] <Configuration of storage device 390> The storage device 390 stores the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380. The storage device 390 may be a storage device such as a RAM, a solid state drive (SSD), or a hard disk drive (HDD). When reprinting an original image, the control unit 310 uses the reference image stored in the storage device 390, eliminating the need to generate the reference image again. This eliminates the need to generate the reference image again.

[0059] <Outline of Control Operations of Control Unit 310 and Print Controller Unit 320> FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of the control operations of the control unit 310 and the print controller unit 320 shown in FIG.

[0060] First, the control unit 310 receives an original image and job information from the original image acquisition unit (print controller unit 320) ((1) Image input). The original image is an RIP image obtained by rasterizing print data.

[0061] When the reference image generation unit 380 receives a reference image generation instruction from the reference image generation control unit 322 ((2)-1 reference image generation instruction), it generates a reference image based on the document image acquired by the document image acquisition unit and outputs it to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 stores the reference image in the page memory 1.

[0062] As described above, the reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image by performing various processes on the document image regarding position, resolution, color, etc. For example, the reference image generation unit 380 can extract position information of content portions from the document image and add or embed the position information in the reference image so that the content portions (contents) of the reference image and the scanned image can be compared. That is, the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380 includes alignment information for aligning the reference image and the scanned image when performing image inspection based on the reference image. The alignment information includes image contour information and edge information. The reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380 also includes area information regarding the inspection area and the non-inspection area used when performing image inspection based on the reference image. Furthermore, the reference image generation unit 380 can generate a reference image by adjusting the resolution of the document image to match the resolution of the scanner of the image reading unit 340. Furthermore, the reference image generating unit 380 can generate a reference image by converting the color space of the original image so that it matches the color space (for example, RGB) used by the scanner of the image reading unit 340 .

[0063] Furthermore, when the control unit 310 receives an original image from the original image acquisition unit, it instructs the image forming unit 330 to form an image and outputs the original image stored in the page memory 1 to the image forming unit 330 ((2)-2 Image output). In this embodiment, the image forming unit 330 forms an inspection image on paper based on the original image. The generation of the reference image by the reference image generation unit 380 and the formation of the inspection image by the image forming unit 330 are performed in parallel.

[0064] When the reference image generation unit 380 completes the generation of the reference image, it notifies the reference image generation control unit 322 of the completion of reference image generation ((3)-1 Reference image generation completed). Furthermore, when the image forming unit 330 completes image formation on the paper, it notifies the control unit 310 of output completion ((3)-2 Output completed). The memory device 390 saves the generated reference image ((4)-1 Save reference image). The reference image determination unit determines for each page whether or not a reference image corresponding to the test image is stored in the memory device 390.

[0065] Furthermore, upon receiving notification of output completion, the control unit 310 immediately outputs an image reading instruction to the image reading unit 340 ((4)-2 Image reading instruction). The image reading unit 340 reads the paper on which the inspection image is formed, and outputs the read image of the paper to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 stores the read image in the page memory 2. Upon completion of reading the paper, the image reading unit 340 notifies the completion of image reading ((5)-2 Image reading completion).

[0066] Upon receiving notification that image reading is complete, the control unit 310 outputs an image inspection instruction to the image inspection unit 350 ((6)-2 Image inspection instruction). The image inspection unit 350 obtains the reference image and the read image from the page memory 1 and the page memory 2, respectively, and inspects the inspection image by comparing the reference image with the read image. The image inspection unit 350 then outputs the inspection result of the inspection image to the control unit 310 ((7)-2 Image inspection result).

[0067] In response to an instruction from the user, the control unit 310 controls the operation display unit 360 or the display of the client terminal 200 to display the inspection result (good / bad) of the printed matter based on the inspection result of the inspection image.

[0068] <Image Inspection Method Using Image Forming System 300> Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of an image inspection method performed by the image forming system shown in Fig. 1. Each process shown in Fig. 4 is realized by image control CPU 311 executing an image inspection program. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing each process of obtaining an original image, generating a reference image, forming an inspection image, and inspecting the inspection image in chronological order.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 4, first, the control unit 310 acquires an original image (step S101). The control unit 310 receives the original image (RIP image) from the original image acquisition unit one page at a time in order from the first page to the final nth page. For example, Fig. 5 illustrates a case where the original images are received in order from the first page to the eighth page.

[0070] Next, the control unit 310 stores the document images (step S102). When a print job is started, the control unit 310 stores the document images acquired from the document image acquisition unit in the page memory 1 page by page.

[0071] Next, control unit 310 controls the generation of a reference image to be used in inspecting the inspection image. Reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image in accordance with an instruction from control unit 310 (step S103). For example, when the first page of the document image is acquired and stored in page memory 1, control unit 310 controls reference image generation unit 380 to generate a reference image based on the first page of the document image. Reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image based on the first page of the document image. A reference image is similarly generated for the second page of the document image.

[0072] Next, the storage device 390 stores the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380 (step S104). For example, the storage device 390 stores the first and second pages of the document image. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 310 controls the image forming unit 330 to form an inspection image on paper based on the document image and job information received from the document image acquisition unit, in parallel with the processes of steps S103 and S104. For example, the control unit 310 performs printing preparation and controls the image forming unit 330 to form an inspection image on paper for the first page of the document image. The image forming unit 330 forms an inspection image on paper for the first page of the document image in accordance with the instructions of the control unit 310 (step S105). After the inspection image for the first page of the document image is formed, an inspection image for the second page of the document image is similarly formed on paper.

[0073] Next, the image reading unit 340 reads the test image formed on the paper (step S106).

[0074] Next, the reference image determination unit determines whether a reference image for each page of the acquired document image has been stored in storage device 390 (step S107). That is, after reading an image formed on a sheet based on an inspection image, the reference image determination unit determines for each page whether a reference image corresponding to the inspection image has been stored in storage device 390. For example, the reference image determination unit determines whether a page corresponding to the page of the inspection image formed by image forming unit 330 has been stored in storage device 390. If a reference image has been stored (step S107: YES), the image inspection unit 350 compares the reference image with the read image to inspect the inspection image (step S108).

[0075] On the other hand, if the reference image has not been stored (step S107: NO), the image inspection unit 350 waits until the reference image is stored. For example, if the original image (first page) that is the basis of the inspection image inspected in step S108 and the reference image of the same original image (first page) are not stored, the image inspection unit 350 waits until the reference image of this original image (first page) is stored.

[0076] Then, the control unit 310 repeats the processes of steps S101 to S108 until inspection of the inspection images for all pages (from the first page to the final n-th page) is completed (step S109).

[0077] 5, the generation of a reference image by reference image generation unit 380 and the formation and inspection of an inspection image by image formation unit 330 are performed in parallel. This enables image formation system 300 to further reduce the time required for processing from the generation of a reference image to image inspection compared to conventional techniques.

[0078] [Parallel generation of reference image and formation of test image on paper] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the generation of reference images for the first page (1P) and the second page (2P) and printing preparation are performed in parallel, and the generation of the reference image for the third page (3P) and the formation of the inspection image for the first page (1P) are performed in parallel. Then, the generation of the reference image for the fourth page (4P) and the formation of the inspection image for the first page (1P) are performed in parallel. Note that in the same figure, the generation of the reference image for the third page (3P) and the formation of the inspection image for the first page (1P) are shown to start simultaneously, but this is not limited to this. The formation of the inspection image for the first page (1P) can start at an appropriate time after the completion of printing preparation, and the generation of the reference image for the third page (3P) can start at an appropriate time after the generation of the reference image for the second page (2P). The start timing of the generation of the reference image and the generation of the inspection image is the same for subsequent pages.

[0079] [Generating a reference image, forming a test image on paper, and inspecting the test image in parallel] After that, the generation of the reference image of the fifth page (5P), the formation of the inspection image of the second page (2P), and the inspection of the inspection image of the first page are executed in parallel.

[0080] As described above, in this embodiment, a reference image is generated based on the reception of an original image (starting from the reception of the original image), and an inspection image is formed on paper when printing preparations are complete, and the inspection image is inspected. Furthermore, since the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of the inspection image are performed in parallel, the time required for processing from the generation of the reference image to the image inspection can be shortened. As a result, the productivity of printed matter is improved. Furthermore, before inspecting the inspection image, it is determined whether the reference image is stored in the storage unit. Therefore, while shortening the time required for processing from the generation of the reference image to the image inspection, it is possible to prevent or suppress situations in which inspection cannot be performed because the reference image has not been generated.

[0081] <print job> As described above, when image forming system 300 receives a print job and the inspection setting in the job information is on, it generates a reference image and forms an inspection image in parallel. Control unit 310 and print controller unit 320 control the generation of a reference image by reference image generation unit 380 and the formation of an inspection image by image formation unit 330 to be executed in parallel for one (same) print job.

[0082] Alternatively, the image forming system 300 may generate a reference image and form and inspect an inspection image using separate print jobs. The control unit 310 and the print controller unit 320 control the reference image generation process (reference image generation job) and the inspection process (inspection job) to be executed in parallel. Here, the reference image generation process includes the generation of a reference image by the reference image generation unit 380. The inspection process includes the formation of an inspection image on paper by the image forming unit 330 and the image inspection unit 350 inspecting the scanned image generated by scanning the paper on which the inspection image is formed. For example, the reference image generation process may be executed by a CPU other than the image control CPU 311, and the inspection process may be executed by the image control CPU 311. Alternatively, if the control unit 310 has a multi-core CPU, the reference image generation process and the inspection process may be assigned to separate cores, and these cores may execute the reference image generation process and the inspection process in parallel.

[0083] <Timing for determining whether the reference image has been stored> In the above example, the reference image determination unit has been described as determining, after reading an image formed on paper based on the test image, whether or not a reference image corresponding to the test image is stored in the storage device 390. Below, a description will be given of a case where the unit determines, at another determination timing before the test image is inspected, whether or not a reference image corresponding to the test image has already been stored.

[0084] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the timing for determining whether a reference image has been stored. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of an image inspection method in which it is determined whether a reference image corresponding to an inspection image has been stored after the inspection image is formed and before the inspection image is read. Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of an image inspection method in which it is determined whether a reference image corresponding to an inspection image has been stored before the inspection image is formed. The processing shown in Figs. 7 and 8 is realized by image control CPU 311 executing an image inspection program.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 6, the reference image determination unit may be configured to determine whether a reference image corresponding to the test image has been stored at any determination timing during the reading process from the start of reading the test image to the completion of reading, as another determination timing before the test image is inspected. More specifically, the reference image determination unit may be configured to determine whether a reference image corresponding to the test image has been stored at the start of reading, during reading, or the completion of reading of the image formed on paper. For example, the reference image determination unit may determine whether reference image 1 corresponding to test image 1 has been stored based on test image 1 at the start of reading, during reading, or the completion of reading of the image formed on paper.

[0086] For example, a case where it is determined whether or not a reference image has been stored at the timing of starting reading will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In the figure, the processes of steps S201 to S204, S208, and S209 are the same as the processes of steps S101 to S104, S108, and S209 in Fig. 4 described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] After the inspection image is formed in step S205, the reference image determination unit determines whether the reference image has been stored (step S206). If the reference image has been stored (step S206: YES), the control unit 310 controls the image reading unit 340 to read the image formed on the paper (step S207). On the other hand, if the reference image has not been stored (step S206: NO), the control unit 310 waits until the reference image is stored.

[0088] The reference image determination unit may be configured to determine whether a reference image has been stored at any determination timing during the image formation process from the start of image formation to the completion of image formation, as another determination timing before the inspection of the inspection image. More specifically, the reference image determination unit may be configured to determine whether a reference image corresponding to the inspection image has been stored for each page of the inspection image at the start of image formation, during image formation, or the completion of image formation.

[0089] For example, a case where it is determined whether or not a reference image has been stored at the timing of starting image formation will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, the processes of steps S301 to S304, S308, and S309 are the same as the processes of steps S101 to S104, S108, and S109 in Fig. 4 described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] After the document image is saved in step S302, the reference image determination unit determines whether the reference image has been stored (step S305). If the reference image has been stored (step S305: YES), the control unit 310 controls the image forming unit 330 to form an inspection image on paper (step S306) and controls the image reading unit 340 to read the inspection image formed on the paper (step S307). Then, the control unit 310 controls the image inspection unit 350 to inspect the inspection image (step S308). On the other hand, if the reference image has not been stored (step S305: NO), the control unit 310 waits until the reference image is stored.

[0091] Note that a plurality of the above-described determination timings may be combined. By combining a plurality of determination timings, image formation or image inspection can be stopped until the reference image is stored, so as to prevent a situation in which the reference image is not formed when the inspection image is inspected.

[0092] The information processing device, image inspection method, and image inspection program according to the first embodiment described above provide the following advantages.

[0093] Before inspecting the inspection image, it is determined whether or not a reference image is stored in the storage unit. This reduces the time required for processing from generating the reference image to inspecting the image, while preventing or suppressing situations where inspection cannot be performed because a reference image has not been generated.

[0094] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the execution of an inspection process or an image forming process is controlled based on the determination result of whether or not a reference image corresponding to an inspection image has been stored. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method when the execution of an inspection process is controlled in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method when the execution of an image forming process is controlled in the second embodiment. The processing shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is realized by the image control CPU 311 executing an image inspection program. Note that to avoid duplication, descriptions of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0095] <Control of inspection process execution> In FIG. 9, the processes in steps S401 to S406 are the same as the processes in steps S101 to S106 in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] In step S407, the reference image determination unit determines whether a reference image corresponding to the inspection image has been stored. If the reference image has been stored (step S407: YES), the image inspection unit 350 inspects the inspection image (step S408).

[0097] The control unit 310 repeats the processes of steps S401 to S408 until inspection of the inspection images for all pages (from the first page to the final n-th page) is completed (step S409).

[0098] On the other hand, if the reference image has not been stored (step S407: NO), the control unit 310 skips the inspection of the inspection image and stops the inspection (step S410). Specifically, the control unit 310 stops the print job (inspection job). This stops the formation of the inspection images on the next and subsequent pages on the paper and the inspection of the inspection images.

[0099] Next, the control unit 310 notifies the user that the test has been stopped (step S411) and ends the process (END). For example, the control unit 310 notifies the user that the test has been stopped by displaying a warning on the display of the operation display unit 360, flashing or lighting a patrol light, sending an email, etc.

[0100] <Control of the image formation process> In Fig. 10, the processes of steps S501 to S508 correspond to the processes of steps S101 to S104, S107, S105, S106, and S108 in Fig. 4 of the first embodiment. The process contents of steps S501 to S508 are the same as the corresponding steps in Fig. 4, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0101] In step S505, the reference image determination unit determines whether a reference image corresponding to the test image has been stored. If a reference image has been stored (step S505: YES), the control unit 310 controls the image forming unit 330 to form a test image on paper (step S506) and controls the image reading unit 340 to read the image formed on the paper (step S507). Then, the control unit 310 controls the image inspection unit 350 to inspect the test image (step S508).

[0102] The control unit 310 repeats the processes of steps S501 to S508 until inspection of the inspection images for all pages (from the first page to the final n-th page) is completed (step S509).

[0103] On the other hand, if the reference image has not been stored (step S505: NO), the control unit 310 skips the inspection of the inspection image and stops the inspection (step S510). Specifically, the control unit 310 stops the print job (inspection job). This stops the formation of the inspection images on the next page and subsequent pages on the paper and the inspection of the inspection images.

[0104] Next, the control unit 310 notifies the user that the test has been stopped (step S511) and ends the process (END). For example, the control unit 310 notifies the user that the test has been stopped by displaying a warning on the display of the operation display unit 360, flashing or lighting a patrol light, sending an email, etc.

[0105] In this way, the control unit 310 controls the execution of the inspection process or the image forming process based on the determination result as to whether or not the reference image corresponding to the inspection image has been stored.

[0106] The information processing device, image inspection method, and image inspection program according to the second embodiment described above have the following advantages in addition to the advantages of the first embodiment.

[0107] The execution of the inspection process or the image formation process is controlled based on the result of the determination of whether the reference image has been stored. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the waiting time for the inspection process when it takes longer to generate the reference image than expected by the user.

[0108] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which a sheet on which an image has been formed based on an inspection image is purged while the reference image is not stored in the storage device 390, and an image is formed again based on the same inspection image (recovery printing) after the reference image has been stored in the storage device 390. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the time series of processes for acquiring an original image, generating a reference image, forming an inspection image, and inspecting the inspection image when recovery printing is performed. Note that to avoid duplication, descriptions of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0109] The control unit 310 and the image forming unit 330 function as a recovery printing unit. For example, the more complex the original image, the longer it takes for the reference image generating unit 380 to generate the reference image. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which the second page of the original image is complex, which makes it take time to generate the second page of the reference image. The recovery printing unit performs recovery printing if the generation of the reference image is not completed before the corresponding test image is inspected. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the generation of the second page of the reference image is not completed even after the second page of the test image is formed. Therefore, the recovery printing unit waits for the generation of the reference image to be completed before performing recovery printing of the second page of the original image (forming the second page of the test image). The control unit 310 purges the paper for the second page of the test image that has already been printed. This prevents paper with an uninspected test image from being mixed with paper with a normal test image.

[0110] Furthermore, during recovery printing, the image inspection unit 350 can perform image inspection using the reference image stored in the storage device 390. This eliminates the need for the reference image generation unit 380 to generate the reference image again, thereby saving the time required to generate the reference image.

[0111] <Image Inspection Method Using Image Forming System in Third Embodiment> Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of an image inspection method by the image forming system in the third embodiment. The processing shown in the figure is realized by image control CPU 311 executing an image inspection program. Note that the processing of steps S601 to S605 is the same as the processing of steps S101 to S105 in Fig. 4 in the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] In step S606, the reference image determination unit determines whether the reference image has been stored. If the reference image has been stored (step S606: YES), the image inspection unit 350 reads the inspection image (step S607) and inspects the inspection image (step S608).

[0113] The control unit 310 repeats the processes of steps S601 to S608 until inspection of the inspection images for all pages (from the first page to the final n-th page) is completed (step S609).

[0114] On the other hand, if the reference image has not been stored (step S606: NO), the image forming unit 330 executes step S605 and reprints the inspection image.

[0115] When performing recovery printing, the document image stored in page memory 1 in step S602 of the figure can be configured to be stored in storage device 390. By using the document image stored in storage device 390, the processes of steps S601 and S602, as well as the processes of generating and storing a reference image (steps S603 and S604), become unnecessary. Therefore, control unit 310 and print controller unit 320 control the print job so that only the process of forming an inspection image and inspecting it is executed. This reduces the time required from the start of a print job to the completion of inspection of the printed matter. As a result, productivity of printed matter is improved.

[0116] (Fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, a case will be described in which the suspension and resumption of the inspection process is controlled based on the determination result of whether or not a reference image corresponding to an inspection image has been stored. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of an image inspection method by an image forming system in the fourth embodiment. The processing shown in the figure is realized by the image control CPU 311 executing an image inspection program. Note that to avoid duplication, explanations of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0117] In FIG. 13, the processes of steps S701 to S706 are the same as the processes of steps S101 to S106 in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] In step S707, the reference image determination unit determines whether or not the reference image has been stored. If the reference image has been stored (step S707: YES), the image inspection unit 350 inspects the inspection image (step S710).

[0119] On the other hand, if the reference image has not been stored (step S707: NO), the image forming unit 330 suspends the image formation of the inspection image (step S708).

[0120] Next, the control unit 310 determines whether to resume image formation (step S709). For example, the control unit 310 waits until it receives an instruction from the user to resume image formation, and when it receives the instruction to resume image formation, it resumes image formation of the inspection image.

[0121] Next, the image inspection unit 350 executes the inspection process of the inspection image (step S710). Then, the control unit 310 repeats the processes of steps S701 to S710 until the inspection of the inspection images for all pages (from the first page to the final n-th page) is completed (step S711).

[0122] In addition, the control unit 310 may be configured to stop the machine just before the image formed on the paper is read by the image reading unit 340 after the image forming unit 330 has formed the image, and wait until the reference image is generated before performing the inspection.

[0123] The information processing device, image inspection method, and image inspection program according to the fourth embodiment described above have the following advantages in addition to the advantages of the first embodiment.

[0124] The interruption and resumption of image formation of the inspection image is controlled based on the result of determining whether the reference image has been stored. Therefore, if the generation of the reference image takes longer than expected by the user, the image formation of the inspection image can be prevented from proceeding too far ahead.

[0125] As described above, the image inspection device, the image inspection method, and the image inspection program have been described in the embodiments. However, it goes without saying that those skilled in the art can appropriately add, modify, and omit the present invention within the scope of the technical concept thereof.

[0126] For example, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the case where the reference image is generated by the reference image generating unit 380 and stored in the storage device 390 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such a case. For example, the reference image corresponding to the inspection image may be generated or acquired in advance and stored in the storage device 390 before the inspection of the inspection image.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a case where an original image is generated based on a print job has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such a case. The image forming unit 330 may be configured to have an image reading device 333 (see FIG. 1) that reads an original prepared by a user, and to generate an original image based on an image generated by reading the original using the image reading device 333. For example, the image reading device 333 uses a scanner to read an original transported to a predetermined reading position by an automatic document feeder, and generates image data.

[0128] The image inspection program may be provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, flexible disk, or CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is typically transferred and stored in memory or storage. The inspection program may be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device as a function of the server.

[0129] In addition, in the embodiment, part or all of the processing executed by the inspection program may be replaced with hardware such as a circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 100 printing systems, 200 client terminals, 300 Image forming system, 310 control section, 311 Image control CPU, 312 DRAM control IC, 313 Memory, 314 image memory (DRAM), 315 Compression / Expansion IC, 316 reading processing section, 317 write processing section, 318 Memory section, 320 Print controller section, 321 Controller control section, 322 Reference image generation control unit, 323 DRAM control IC, 324 image memory (DRAM), 325 Communications Control Section, 326 communication I / F, 330 Image forming unit, 331 Printer control unit, 332 Exposure section, 333 Image reading device, 340 Image reading unit, 341 scanner, 342 scanner control unit, 350 Imaging Department, 351 Image inspection control unit, 360 operation display section, 361 LCD / touch sensor, 362 Operation control section, 370 Paper feed section, 380 Reference image generation unit, 390 storage device, 400 communication lines.

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data; a storage unit that stores a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; an image inspection unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; a determination unit that determines whether or not the reference image of the image to be inspected by the image inspection unit is stored in the storage unit after the start of the image formation process by the image formation unit; a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; a control unit that concurrently executes a reference image generating step including generating a reference image by the reference image generating unit, and an inspection step including forming the image on a recording medium by the image forming unit, and inspecting, by the image inspecting unit, a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed, The determination unit performs the determination at a timing when the image forming unit starts forming the image on the recording medium.

2. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data; a storage unit that stores a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; an image inspection unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; a determination unit that determines whether or not the reference image of the image to be inspected by the image inspection unit is stored in the storage unit after the start of the image formation process by the image formation unit; a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; a control unit that concurrently executes a reference image generating step including generating a reference image by the reference image generating unit, and an inspection step including forming the image on a recording medium by the image forming unit, and inspecting, by the image inspecting unit, a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed, The determination unit performs the determination while the image forming unit is forming the image on the recording medium.

3. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data; a storage unit that stores a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; an image inspection unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; a determination unit that determines whether or not the reference image of the image to be inspected by the image inspection unit is stored in the storage unit after the start of the image formation process by the image formation unit; a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; a control unit that concurrently executes a reference image generating step including generating a reference image by the reference image generating unit, and an inspection step including forming the image on a recording medium by the image forming unit, and inspecting, by the image inspecting unit, a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed, The determination unit performs the determination at a timing when the image forming unit completes forming the image on the recording medium.

4. The image inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination unit determines whether the reference image is stored in the memory unit before the image inspection unit inspects the image.

5. the image inspection unit performs the inspection for each page of the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, the determining unit determines whether a reference image for each page is stored in the storage unit; The image inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. An image inspection device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit controls the image inspection unit based on the judgment result by the judgment unit.

7. The image inspection device according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit causes the image inspection unit to stop inspection when the determination unit determines that the reference image is not stored in the storage unit.

8. The image inspection device according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit causes the image forming unit to stop forming the image when the determination unit determines that the reference image is not stored in the storage unit.

9. The image inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit causes the image forming unit to form an image again when the judgment unit determines that the reference image is not stored in the memory unit.

10. The image inspection device according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit interrupts inspection by the image inspection unit when the determination unit determines that the reference image is not stored in the storage unit.

11. The image inspection device according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit notifies the image inspection unit of a stop of inspection when the determination unit determines that the reference image is not stored in the storage unit.

12. (a) forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; (b) generating a reference image based on the image data to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; a step (c) of storing a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium in a storage unit; (d) inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and (e) determining, after the start of the image forming process in the step (a), whether or not the reference image of the image to be inspected in the step (d) is stored in the storage unit, a reference image generating step including generating a reference image in the step (b), forming the image on a recording medium in the step (a), and an inspection step including inspecting a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed in the step (d) are carried out in parallel; An image inspection method, wherein the determination in step (e) is performed at the timing when the formation of the image on the recording medium in step (a) is started.

13. (a) forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; (b) generating a reference image based on the image data to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; a step (c) of storing a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium in a storage unit; (d) inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and (e) determining, after the start of the image forming process in the step (a), whether or not the reference image of the image to be inspected in the step (d) is stored in the storage unit, a reference image generating step including generating a reference image in the step (b), forming the image on a recording medium in the step (a), and an inspection step including inspecting a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed in the step (d) are carried out in parallel; An image inspection method, wherein the determination in the step (e) is performed while the image is being formed on the recording medium in the step (a).

14. (a) forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; (b) generating a reference image based on the image data to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; a step (c) of storing a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium in a storage unit; (d) inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and (e) determining, after the start of the image forming process in the step (a), whether or not the reference image of the image to be inspected in the step (d) is stored in the storage unit, a reference image generating step including generating a reference image in the step (b), forming the image on a recording medium in the step (a), and an inspection step including inspecting a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed in the step (d) are carried out in parallel; An image inspection method, wherein the determination in step (e) is performed at a timing when the formation of the image on the recording medium in step (a) is completed.

15. a step (a) of forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; a step (b) of generating a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; a step (c) of storing a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium in a storage unit; (d) inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and (e) determining, after the start of the image forming process in the step (a), whether or not the reference image of the image to be inspected in the step (d) is stored in the storage unit, a reference image generating step including generating a reference image in the step (b), forming the image on a recording medium in the step (a), and an inspection step including inspecting a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed in the step (d) are carried out in parallel; An image inspection program for causing a computer to execute a process for making a determination in the step (e) at the timing when formation of the image on the recording medium in the step (a) is started.

16. a step (a) of forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; a step (b) of generating a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; a step (c) of storing a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium in a storage unit; (d) inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and (e) determining, after the start of the image forming process in the step (a), whether or not the reference image of the image to be inspected in the step (d) is stored in the storage unit, a reference image generating step including generating a reference image in the step (b), forming the image on a recording medium in the step (a), and an inspection step including inspecting a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed in the step (d) are carried out in parallel; An image inspection program for causing a computer to execute processing for making the judgment in the step (e) while the image is being formed on the recording medium in the step (a).

17. a step (a) of forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; a step (b) of generating a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; a step (c) of storing a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium in a storage unit; (d) inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and (e) determining, after the start of the image forming process in the step (a), whether or not the reference image of the image to be inspected in the step (d) is stored in the storage unit, a reference image generating step including generating a reference image in the step (b), forming the image on a recording medium in the step (a), and an inspection step including inspecting a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed in the step (d) are carried out in parallel; An image inspection program for causing a computer to execute a process for making the determination in step (e) at a timing when formation of the image on the recording medium in step (a) is completed.

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