Inspection apparatus, image forming apparatus, method, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present application provides an inspection device, an image forming device, a storage medium and an image forming method, which can inspect a contour portion with high accuracy compared with a case where only original image data is set as correct image data and inspection is performed. An inspection device includes a processor that performs the following processing: in a case of a first inspection in which original image data is set as correct image data, and using the correct image data, read image data obtained by reading an image formed object obtained by forming the original image data on a recording medium is set as an inspection object and is determined to be good or bad, a contour portion included in the read image data set as the inspection object is subjected to a second inspection in which the read image data based on the original image data is used as correct image data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an inspection apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a storage medium, and an image forming method. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus comprising a printing unit that forms a RIP-processed original image onto paper and an image reading unit that reads the original image formed on the paper to obtain a read image. This image forming apparatus includes: an image forming condition acquisition unit that acquires image forming conditions when the printing unit forms the original image onto the paper; an image reading condition acquisition unit that acquires image reading conditions when the image reading unit reads the original image formed on the paper; a processing parameter determination unit that determines processing parameters based on the image forming conditions and the image reading conditions; and an image inspection unit that corrects the read image based on the processing parameters and inspects the completion of the printed material by comparing the original image with the corrected read image. The image forming condition acquisition unit acquires at least one of a color mode indicating the type of color printing / monochrome printing, paper information indicating paper characteristics, screen information in halftone processing, and coverage as image forming conditions. The image reading condition acquisition unit acquires at least one of a color mode indicating the type of color reading / monochrome reading and image reading resolution as image reading conditions. The processing parameter determination unit determines thresholds that serve as the basis for image inspection items and the judgment of their quality based on the image formation conditions. Using information obtained from the image formation and image reading conditions, along with these thresholds, it calculates correction values ​​for correcting the read image. The processing parameter determination unit determines halftone image regions based on screen information during halftone processing, calculates the density values ​​of the halftone image regions in both the original image and the read image, and calculates correction values ​​based on the variation in density values ​​corresponding to the difference between the image formation resolution and the image reading resolution contained in the screen information. The image inspection unit uses these correction values ​​to correct the read image.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6489433

[0004] When the original image data, which will form the basis of the image formation, is set as the correct image data, and the read image data of the image formation is checked, the lines of the outline in the read image data may sometimes be thicker than the correct image data, depending on factors such as printer characteristics. Therefore, it is easy to determine that it is unacceptable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an inspection apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a storage medium, and an image forming method that can inspect contour portions with high precision compared to the case where only the original image data is set as correct image data for inspection.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the inspection device according to the first method includes a processor that performs the following processing: when the original image data is set as correct image data and the correct image data is used to perform a first inspection on read image data obtained by reading an image formed on a recording medium from the original image data as the inspection object and determining its quality, a second inspection is performed on the contour portion included in the read image data set as the inspection object, using the read image data based on the original image data as correct image data.

[0007] Furthermore, in the inspection device of the second method, in the inspection device of the first method, the processor performs both the first inspection and the second inspection on the entire read image data set as the inspection object, uses the inspection result of the second inspection to determine the quality of the contour portion, and uses the inspection result of the first inspection to determine the quality of the portion other than the contour portion.

[0008] Furthermore, in the inspection apparatus of the third method, in the inspection apparatus of the first method, the processor performs the second inspection on the contour portion of the read image data set as the inspection object, performs the first inspection on the portion of the read image data set as the inspection object other than the contour portion, determines the quality of the contour portion using the inspection result of the second inspection, and determines the quality of the portion other than the contour portion using the inspection result of the first inspection.

[0009] Furthermore, in the inspection device involved in the fourth method, when the determination result of the good or bad of the outline portion is different from the determination result of the good or bad of the portion other than the outline portion, the processor displays the different determination results as the inspection result of the read image data of the inspection object, and controls the display of a screen for receiving whether the user allows it.

[0010] Furthermore, in the inspection apparatus of the fifth method, in any one of the inspection apparatuses of the first to fourth methods, the processor extracts the contour portion by applying a contour extraction filter to the original image data or the read image data.

[0011] Furthermore, in the inspection apparatus of the sixth method, in the inspection apparatus of the fifth method, the processor, in the second inspection, uses the contour extraction filter to establish a corresponding association between the contour portion of the read image data that is set as the correct image data and the contour portion of the read image data of the object being inspected.

[0012] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the image forming apparatus according to the seventh method includes: a forming unit for forming original image data on a recording medium; a reading unit for reading the image formed by the forming unit; and an inspection device, including a processor, which, when setting the original image data as correct image data and using the correct image data to perform a first inspection on the read image data obtained by the reading unit as the inspection object and determining its quality, performs a second inspection on the contour portion included in the read image data set as the inspection object, using the read image data based on the original image data as correct image data.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objectives, the storage medium involved in the eighth method stores a checking program for causing a computer to perform the following function: when the original image data is set as correct image data and the correct image data is used to perform a first check to set the read image data obtained by reading the image formed by the original image data on the recording medium as the check object and determine its quality, a second check is performed on the contour portion contained in the read image data set as the check object to use the read image data based on the original image data as correct image data.

[0014] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objectives, the image forming method involved in the ninth method includes the following steps:

[0015] In the case of setting the original image data as correct image data and using the correct image data to perform a first inspection on the read image data obtained by reading the image formed by the original image data on the recording medium as the inspection object and determining its quality, a second inspection is performed on the contour portion contained in the read image data set as the inspection object, using the read image data based on the original image data as correct image data.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to the first, seventh, eighth, and ninth methods, compared to the case where only the original image data is set as the correct image data for inspection, it has the effect of being able to inspect the contour part with high precision.

[0018] According to the second method, compared to the case where only the first inspection is performed on the entire read image data set as the inspection object, it has the effect of being able to inspect the contour part with high precision.

[0019] According to the third method, compared to the case where both the first and second checks are performed on the entire read image data set as the object of inspection, the processing time for the inspection can be shortened.

[0020] According to the fourth method, it has the effect of accepting the user's permission when the judgment results of good and bad differ in the outline part and other parts.

[0021] According to the fifth method, compared with the case of not using a contour extraction filter, it has the effect of being able to easily extract contour parts.

[0022] According to the sixth method, compared with the case of not using a contour extraction filter, it has the effect of easily establishing a correspondence between the contour portion of the read image data set as correct image data and the contour portion of the read image data of the object being inspected. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical structure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 (A) is a top view showing an example of an image reading structure using the embedded sensor according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 (B) is a side view showing an example of an image reading structure using the embedded sensor according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the first and second checks involved in the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a front view showing an example of the screen for allowing or disabling reception according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process executed by the inspection procedure according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the inspection procedure according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Symbol Explanation

[0033] 10, 10A - Image forming apparatus; 11 - CPU; 11A - RIP unit; 11B - Image forming control unit; 11C - Image reading control unit; 11D, 11H - First inspection unit; 11E, 11J - Second inspection unit; 11F, 11K - Contour extraction unit; 11G, 11L - Inspection result production unit; 12 - ROM; 13 - RAM; 14 - I / O; 15 - Storage unit; 15A - Inspection program; 16 - Display unit; 17 - Operation unit; 18 - Original document reading unit; 19 - Image forming unit; 20 - Embedded sensor; 21 - Communication unit; 30 - Inspection device; 40 - Allow / disallow reception screen; 41 - Allow selection bar; 42 - Judgment result. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, an example of a technical solution for implementing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] [First Implementation]

[0036] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical structure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes an inspection device 30, a display unit 16, an operation unit 17, a document reading unit 18, an image forming unit 19, an embedded sensor 20, and a communication unit 21. Furthermore, the image forming unit 19 is an example of a forming unit, and the embedded sensor 20 is an example of a reading unit.

[0038] The inspection device 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an input / output interface (I / O) 14, and a storage unit 15. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 and the inspection device 30 are integrally provided, but this is not a limitation. The image forming apparatus 10 and the inspection device 30 may also be provided separately.

[0039] The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and I / O 14 are interconnected via a bus. The I / O 14 houses functional units including a storage unit 15, a display unit 16, an operation unit 17, a document loading unit 18, an image forming unit 19, an embedded sensor 20, and a communication unit 21. These functional units can communicate with the CPU 11 via the I / O 14.

[0040] The control unit comprises CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and I / O 14. The control unit can be configured as a sub-control unit controlling a portion of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10, or as part of a main control unit controlling the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10. Integrated circuits such as LSI (Large Scale Integration) or IC (Integrated Circuit) chipsets can be used, for example, in some or all of the blocks of the control unit. Independent circuits can be used in each block, or circuits that are partially or completely integrated can be used. The blocks can be integrated as a single unit, or separate blocks can be provided. Furthermore, a portion of each block can be separately provided. Regarding the integration of the control unit, it is not limited to LSI; dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors can also be used.

[0041] The storage unit 15 may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. The storage unit 15 stores a check program 15A for performing the check processing described in this embodiment. Alternatively, the check program 15A may also be stored in a ROM 12.

[0042] The inspection program 15A may also be pre-installed in the image forming apparatus 10, for example. The inspection program 15A may also be implemented by storing it in a non-volatile storage medium or by distributing it via a network and appropriately installing it in the image forming apparatus 10. Examples of non-volatile storage media include CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), optical discs, HDDs, DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), flash memory, and memory cards.

[0043] The display unit 16 may use, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display. The display unit 16 may also integrate a touch panel. The operation unit 17 is provided with various operation keys such as numeric keys and a start key. The display unit 16 and the operation unit 17 receive various instructions from the user of the image forming apparatus 10. These instructions include, for example, instructions to start reading the original document and instructions to start printing the original document. The display unit 16 displays various information such as the results of processing performed according to the instructions received from the user or notifications regarding the processing.

[0044] The original document reading unit 18 reads one original document at a time from the paper feed table of the automatic document feeder (not shown) located on the top of the image forming apparatus 10, and optically reads the read original document to obtain image information. Alternatively, the original document reading unit 18 optically reads an original document placed on a document table such as a platen glass to obtain image information.

[0045] The image forming unit 19 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image information obtained by the document reading unit 18 or image information obtained from an external personal computer (PC) connected via a network. In this embodiment, an electrophotographic method is described as an example of the image forming method, but other methods such as inkjet printing can also be used.

[0046] When the image formation method is electrophotography, the image forming unit 19 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit. The charging unit applies a voltage to the photosensitive drum, charging its surface. The exposure unit exposes the charged photosensitive drum to light corresponding to the image information, forming an electrostatic latent image in the drum. The developing unit develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum using a toner, thereby forming a toner image in the drum. The transfer unit transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum to a recording medium. The fixing unit fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium by heating and pressurizing.

[0047] The embedded sensor 20 is a sensor that reads an image formed on a recording medium by the image forming unit 19.

[0048] The communication unit 21 connects to networks such as the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), and WAN (Wide Area Network), and can communicate with external PCs and other devices via the network.

[0049] Next, refer to Figure 2 (A) and Figure 2 (B) describes the image reading structure using the embedded sensor 20.

[0050] Figure 2 (A) is a top view showing an example of an image reading structure using the embedded sensor 20 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 (B) is a side view showing an example of an image reading structure using the embedded sensor 20 according to this embodiment.

[0051] like Figure 2 (A) and Figure 2As shown in (B), the embedded sensor 20 is a sensor that reads images formed on a recording medium P such as paper, and is provided, for example, on a conveyor belt Cb that transports the recording medium P between the aforementioned fixing unit and the output tray (not shown). The embedded sensor 20 may use sensors such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). In the embedded sensor 20, when light is shone from a light source, the reflected light from the recording medium P is imaged onto a light receiving unit via a light receiving lens, and converted into an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of reflected light in the light receiving unit, and measurement data is output. The embedded sensor 20 acquires measurement data for each line of the recording medium P sequentially by moving the recording medium P along the transport direction, and acquires readout image data of one plane of the recording medium P at the point when the entire recording medium P has passed through. The acquired readout image data is stored in the storage unit 15.

[0052] The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment has the functions of a first inspection and a second inspection to inspect the image formed.

[0053] The first inspection involves setting the original image data as the correct image data and setting the read image data obtained by reading the image formed from the original image data on a recording medium as the inspection object. In the first inspection, the original image data, i.e., the correct image data, is compared with the read image data of the inspection object, and the quality of the read image data of the inspection object is determined. Alternatively, multiple read image data can be set as the inspection object. Furthermore, the original image data is the image data that forms the basis of the image formed (printed), such as data processed by RIP (Raster Image Processor) (rasterized data), bitmap data, and GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) data.

[0054] The second inspection involves selecting the read image data obtained from reading an image formed on a recording medium from the original image data as the correct image data and selecting the read image data obtained from reading a new image formed as the inspection object. In the second inspection, the read image data, i.e., the correct image data, is compared with the read image data of the inspection object to determine the quality of the read image data of the inspection object. Furthermore, the correct image data can be selected from multiple read image data sets; similar to the first inspection described above, multiple read image data sets can also be selected as the inspection object.

[0055] In the second check, for example, as candidates for correct image data, the read image data obtained by reading the original image data formed on several recording media is displayed, the read image data selected by the user from it is set as the correct image data, and the read image data of the image formed thereafter is set as the check object.

[0056] Next, refer to Figure 3 The first and second checks involved in this embodiment will be explained in detail.

[0057] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the first and second checks involved in this embodiment.

[0058] First, the first check to set the original image data as the correct image data will be explained.

[0059] exist Figure 3 In step (S1), for example, the RIP unit 11A receives input image data D1 described in PDL (Page Description Language). Examples of PDLs include PCL (Printer Control Language, registered trademark) and PS (Post Script, registered trademark). Furthermore, the RIP unit 11A performs RIP processing, which will be explained in detail later.

[0060] exist Figure 3 In step (S2), the RIP unit 11A performs RIP processing on the received input image data D1 and outputs the original image data D2. In the first check, the original image data D2 is set as the correct image data.

[0061] exist Figure 3 In step (S3), the image forming unit 19 receives the input of the original image data D2.

[0062] exist Figure 3 In step (S4), the image forming unit 19 receives the input original image data D2, forms it on multiple recording media, and outputs multiple image formations P3a to P3c.

[0063] exist Figure 3 In (S5), as an example, as described above Figure 2 (A) Figure 2 As shown in (B), the embedded sensor 20 reads multiple image formations P3a to P3c that are being transported on the conveyor belt Cb.

[0064] exist Figure 3In step (S6), the embedded sensor 20 outputs multiple read image data D4a to D4c obtained by reading multiple image formations P3a to P3c respectively. In the first inspection, these multiple read image data D4a to D4c are set as the inspection objects.

[0065] In the first inspection, the original image data D2 (the correct image data) is compared with each of the multiple read image data D4a to D4c, and the quality of each read image data D4a to D4c is determined.

[0066] Next, the second check, which sets the read image data obtained by reading the image formation as correct image data, will be explained.

[0067] exist Figure 3 In step (S1) to (S6), the processing is the same. However, in the second check, for example, the read image data D4a is set as the correct image data, and the newly output read image data D4b and D4c after read image data D4a are set as the inspection objects. In the second check, each of the read image data D4a, i.e., the correct image data, and the inspection objects, i.e., the new read image data D4b and D4c, is compared, and the quality of the new read image data D4b and D4c is determined respectively.

[0068] Here, when performing the first check by setting the original image data as the correct image data, as mentioned above, depending on the characteristics of the printer, the lines of the outline may sometimes be thicker than the correct image data, making it easy to determine as unacceptable. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the inspection accuracy of the outline. Furthermore, the outline refers to the portion representing the outline of text, graphics, images, etc.

[0069] In the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, during the first check of setting the original image data as correct image data, a second check is performed on the outline portion of the read image data of the object to be inspected, setting the read image data obtained by reading the image formation as correct image data. In the second check, the read image data is set as correct image data, therefore it is considered that the state of the compared image (e.g., size, line thickness, etc.) is approximately the same as in the first check. That is, it can be said that the second check is more suitable for inspecting the outline portion than the first check. Therefore, the inspection accuracy of the outline portion is improved.

[0070] Specifically, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment writes the inspection program 15A stored in the storage unit 15 into the RAM 13 and executes the program, as... Figure 4 Each part, as shown, performs its function.

[0071] Figure 4This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment functions as a RIP unit 11A, an image forming control unit 11B, an image reading control unit 11C, a first inspection unit 11D, a second inspection unit 11E, a contour extraction unit 11F, and an inspection result production unit 11G.

[0073] As an example, RIP unit 11A translates the input image data described by PDL to generate intermediate data, performs color conversion on the generated intermediate data, and renders it to generate original image data. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the original image data can be, for example, rasterized data, bitmap data, or GIF data. Additionally, the original image data generated by RIP unit 11A is registered in storage unit 15. In the above... Figure 3 In the example, the original image data is equivalent to the original image data D2.

[0074] The image forming control unit 11B controls the operation of the image forming unit 19. Based on the control signal from the image forming control unit 11B, the image forming unit 19 forms the original image data registered in the storage unit 15 onto the recording medium and outputs the image formed product.

[0075] The image readout control unit 11C controls the operation of the embedded sensor 20. Based on the control signal from the image readout control unit 11C, the embedded sensor 20 reads the image formed from the image forming unit 19 and outputs readout image data. The readout image data output from the embedded sensor 20 is stored in the storage unit 15. In the above... Figure 3 In the example, reading image data is equivalent to reading image data D4a to D4c.

[0076] The first inspection unit 11D performs the first inspection. Specifically, the first inspection unit 11D sets the original image data registered in the storage unit 15 as the correct image data, and uses the correct image data to determine the quality of the read image data of the object under inspection. That is, it compares the original image data, i.e., the correct image data, with the read image data of the object under inspection, and determines the quality of the compared read image data. In the above... Figure 3 In the example, checking the object and reading the image data is equivalent to reading image data D4a to D4c.

[0077] The second inspection unit 11E performs a second inspection. Specifically, the second inspection unit 11E sets the read image data registered in the storage unit 15 as correct image data, and uses this correct image data to determine the quality of read image data obtained by reading a new image formation, setting it as the inspection object. That is, it compares the read image data, i.e., the correct image data, with the read image data of the inspection object, and determines the quality of the compared read image data. In the above... Figure 3 In the example, correct image data is equivalent to the first read image data D4a, and the read image data of the object being inspected is equivalent to read image data D4b and D4c. Furthermore, since read image data D4a is correct image data, it is not part of the object being inspected, but the inspection result corresponding to the first inspection result is set to "Good".

[0078] That is, in this embodiment, the entire read image data set as the inspection object in the first inspection unit 11D and the second inspection unit 11E is subjected to both a first inspection and a second inspection.

[0079] The contour extraction unit 11F extracts contour portions by applying a contour extraction filter to the original image data or the read image data. For example, known techniques such as the Laplacian filter and the Sobel filter are applied to the contour extraction filter.

[0080] The inspection result generation unit 11G receives the inspection results of the first and second checks on the read image data designated as the inspection object. The inspection result generation unit 11G uses the inspection result of the second check to determine the quality of the contour portions contained in the read image data designated as the inspection object, and uses the inspection result of the first check to determine the quality of portions other than the contour portions (e.g., blank areas). Based on these determination results, the inspection result generation unit 11G generates a final inspection result and outputs the generated inspection result.

[0081] Specifically, the inspection result generation unit 11G uses the contour extraction result based on the contour extraction filter input from the contour extraction unit 11F to establish a corresponding association between the contour portion of the read image data of the correct image data designated for the second inspection and the contour portion of the read image data of the inspection object. Thus, the contour portion of the read image data of the inspection object can be determined. Furthermore, the quality of the determined contour portion is assessed using the inspection result of the second inspection, while the inspection result of the first inspection is used for portions other than the contour portion. In other words, both the first and second inspections are performed on the read image data of the inspection object, and the inspection result is distinguished based on whether it is a contour portion.

[0082] Specifically, in the case of the outline portion, when the result of the first inspection is "No" and the result of the second inspection is "Good," the result of the second inspection, i.e., "Good," is adopted as the judgment result for the outline portion. (This is repeated four times in the original text.)

[0083] Furthermore, in the case of a blank area (excluding the outline), if the result of the first inspection is "No" and the result of the second inspection is "Good," then the result of the first inspection, "No," is used as the determination result for the blank area.

[0084] The inspection result production unit 11G controls the display unit 16 to show the final inspection result of the read image data of the inspected object. Specifically, when the judgment result of the outline portion is the same as the judgment result of the portion other than the outline portion, the inspection result production unit 11G controls the display of the same judgment result as the inspection result of the read image data of the inspected object. Furthermore, when the judgment result of the outline portion is different from the judgment result of the portion other than the outline portion, for example, ... Figure 5 As shown, the inspection result production unit 11G displays different judgment results as inspection results of the read image data of the inspected object, and displays a control for receiving a screen indicating whether the user has given permission.

[0085] Figure 5 This is a front view showing an example of the allow / disallow receive screen 40 involved in this embodiment.

[0086] exist Figure 5The allowed / disallowed reception screen 40 displays the read image data set as the object to be inspected, and also displays an allow selection bar 41 and a judgment result 42. The judgment result 42 displays the judgment results for the goodness or badness of the outline and the blank areas. Furthermore, the allow selection bar 41 can selectively display "Yes" and "Disallow". The user observes the judgment result 42 and the read image data, selects "Yes" when allowed, and selects "Disallow" when not allowed. If the "OK" button is pressed, the final inspection result is displayed.

[0087] Next, refer to Figure 6 The operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be explained.

[0088] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process performed by the inspection procedure 15A according to the first embodiment.

[0089] First, if the image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to perform an inspection, the inspection procedure 15A is started and the following steps are performed.

[0090] exist Figure 6 In step S101, the CPU 11 acquires input image data from the original document reading unit 18 or an external PC.

[0091] In step S102, CPU 11 performs RIP processing on the input image data acquired in step S101 and generates original image data. Furthermore, the generated original image data is stored in storage unit 15. As described above, the original image data may include, for example, data processed by RIP (rasterized data), bitmap data, and GIF data.

[0092] In step S103, the CPU 11 controls the operation of the image forming unit 19 by sending a control signal to the image forming unit 19, forming the original image data registered in step S102 onto a recording medium, and outputting an image formed object. Alternatively, multiple recording media can be used, and multiple image formed objects can be output.

[0093] In step S104, the CPU 11 controls the operation of the embedded sensor 20 in the following manner: it sends a control signal to the embedded sensor 20, reads the image formed object output in step S103, and outputs the read image data. Furthermore, when there are multiple image formed objects, multiple read image data are output.

[0094] In step S105, CPU11 sets the original image data as correct image data and performs a first check on the entire read image data set as the object of inspection.

[0095] In step S106, the CPU11, for example, sets the first image data to be read as the correct image data, sets the subsequent image data to be read as the inspection object, and performs a second inspection on the entire image data to be read as the inspection object.

[0096] In step S107, the CPU11 applies a contour extraction filter to the original image data or the read image data. At this time, the applicable contour extraction filter is used to establish a correspondence between the contour portion of the read image data (which is set as correct image data) and the contour portion of the read image data of the object being inspected.

[0097] In step S108, CPU11 determines the area of ​​the object to be inspected from which image data is read.

[0098] In step S109, CPU11 determines whether the region determined in step S108 is a contour portion. When it is determined that the determined region is a contour portion (when it is a positive determination), it proceeds to step S110; when it is determined that the determined region is not a contour portion, i.e., a portion other than a contour portion (when it is a negative determination), it proceeds to step S111.

[0099] In step S110, CPU11 applies the inspection result of the second inspection to the contour portion determined in step S109.

[0100] In step S111, CPU11 applies the inspection result of the first inspection to the parts other than the contour portion determined in step S109.

[0101] In step S112, CPU 11 outputs the final inspection result of the read image data relative to the inspection object based on the inspection result of the second inspection used in step S110 and the inspection result of the first inspection used in step S111, and ends the series of processes executed by this inspection program 15A.

[0102] Thus, according to this embodiment, both the first and second checks are performed on the entire read image data of the object to be inspected. The result of the second check is applied to the contour portion of the read image data, while the result of the first check is applied to the portion other than the contour portion. Therefore, the inspection accuracy of the contour portion can be improved.

[0103] [Second Implementation]

[0104] In the first embodiment described above, when performing the first inspection, both a first inspection and a second inspection are performed on the entire read image data of the inspection object. The inspection result of the second inspection is applied to the contour portion, while the inspection result of the first inspection is applied to the portion other than the contour portion. In the second embodiment, the second inspection is performed on the contour portion of the read image data of the inspection object, and the first inspection is performed on the portion other than the contour portion. Furthermore, the two inspections are performed without repetition for each region.

[0105] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the image forming apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment.

[0106] like Figure 7 As shown, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 10A according to this embodiment functions as a RIP unit 11A, an image forming control unit 11B, an image reading control unit 11C, a first inspection unit 11H, a second inspection unit 11J, a contour extraction unit 11K, and an inspection result production unit 11L. Furthermore, components having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment are marked with the same symbols, and their repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0107] The contour extraction unit 11K applies a contour extraction filter to the original image data or the read image data, and inputs the obtained contour extraction results to the second inspection unit 11J and the first inspection unit 11H respectively.

[0108] The second inspection unit 11J uses the contour portion extraction result input from the contour extraction unit 11K to establish a corresponding association between the contour portion of the read image data of the correct image data set for the second inspection and the contour portion of the read image data of the inspection object. The second inspection unit 11J determines the contour portion of the read image data of the inspection object and performs a second inspection on the determined contour portion.

[0109] The first inspection unit 11H uses the contour portion extraction result input from the contour extraction unit 11K to determine the portion of the read image data other than the contour portion (e.g., blank portion) that is set as the inspection object, and performs a first inspection on the determined portion other than the contour portion.

[0110] The inspection result production department 11L uses the inspection results of the second inspection to determine the quality of the outline portion, uses the inspection results of the first inspection to determine the quality of the portions other than the outline portion, and produces the final inspection result based on these determination results, and outputs the produced inspection result.

[0111] Next, refer to Figure 8 The operation of the image forming apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment will be explained.

[0112] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process executed by the inspection procedure 15A according to the second embodiment.

[0113] First, if an image forming apparatus 10A is instructed to perform an inspection, the inspection procedure 15A is started, and the following steps are performed.

[0114] exist Figure 8 In step S121, CPU11 acquires input image data from the original document reading unit 18 or an external PC.

[0115] In step S122, the CPU 11 performs RIP processing on the input image data acquired in step S121 and generates original image data. Furthermore, the generated original image data is stored in the storage unit 15. As described above, the original image data may include, for example, data processed by RIP (rasterized data), bitmap data, and GIF data.

[0116] In step S123, the CPU 11 controls the operation of the image forming unit 19 by sending a control signal to the image forming unit 19, forming the original image data registered in step S122 on the recording medium, and outputting an image formed object. Alternatively, multiple recording media can be used, and multiple image formed objects can be output.

[0117] In step S124, the CPU 11 controls the operation of the embedded sensor 20 in the following manner: it sends a control signal to the embedded sensor 20, reads the image formed object output in step S123, and outputs the read image data. Furthermore, when there are multiple image formed objects, multiple read image data are output.

[0118] In step S125, the CPU 11 applies a contour extraction filter to the original image data or the read image data. At this time, the applied contour extraction filter is used to establish a correspondence between the contour portion of the read image data designated as correct image data and the contour portion of the read image data of the object to be inspected. Furthermore, in this example, there is no particular limitation on the read image data of the object to be inspected, but when the correct image data of the second inspection is set as the first read image data, subsequent read image data are set as the object to be inspected.

[0119] In step S126, CPU11 determines the area of ​​the object to be inspected from which image data is read.

[0120] In step S127, CPU11 determines whether the region identified in step S126 is a contour portion. If the region is identified as a contour portion (in the case of a positive determination), the process proceeds to step S128. If the region is identified as not a contour portion, i.e., a portion other than a contour portion (in the case of a negative determination), the process proceeds to step S129.

[0121] In step S128, CPU11, for example, sets the first image data to be read as the correct image data and performs a second check on the contour portion determined in step S127.

[0122] In step S129, CPU11 sets the original image data as correct image data and performs a first check on the parts other than the contour parts determined in step S127.

[0123] In step S130, CPU11 outputs the final inspection result of the read image data relative to the inspection object based on the inspection result of the second inspection performed in step S128 and the inspection result of the first inspection performed in step S129, and ends the series of processes executed by this inspection program 15A.

[0124] Thus, according to this embodiment, a second inspection is performed on the contour portion of the image data of the object to be inspected, and a first inspection is performed on the portion other than the contour portion. Therefore, the two inspections do not repeat for each region, and compared with the first embodiment described above, the inspection processing time can be shortened.

[0125] In addition, in the above embodiments, processor refers to processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and special-purpose processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic devices, etc.).

[0126] Furthermore, the actions of the processor in the above embodiments can be executed by only one processor, or multiple processors located in physically separate locations can be executed collaboratively. Also, the order of the processor's actions is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified.

[0127] The inspection apparatus and image forming apparatus according to the embodiments have been illustrated and described above. The embodiments may also be in the form of programs for causing a computer to execute the functions of each part of the inspection apparatus. The embodiments may also be in the form of a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing these programs.

[0128] Furthermore, the structure of the inspection device described in the above embodiments is an example, and it can be modified according to the circumstances without departing from the main idea.

[0129] Furthermore, the processing flow of the procedure described in the above embodiments is also an example. Without departing from the main idea, unnecessary steps can be deleted, new steps can be added, or the processing order can be changed.

[0130] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe the implementation of the processes involved in the embodiments using a computer and a software structure by executing a program, the implementation is not limited to this. Embodiments may also be implemented using a hardware structure or a combination of hardware and software structures.

[0131] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not encompass the entirety of the invention, nor do they limit the invention to the disclosed methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will be readily understood. These embodiments were chosen and described to most readily explain the principles and applications of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art can understand the invention through various modifications that optimize the determination of the various assumed embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An inspection device comprising a processor, The processor performs the following processing: In the case of setting the original image data as correct image data and using the correct image data to perform a first inspection on the read image data obtained by reading an image formed from the original image data on a recording medium, and determining its quality, a second inspection is performed on the contour portion contained in the read image data set as the inspection object, using the read image data based on the original image data as correct image data. The processor performs both the first check and the second check on the entire read image data designated as the inspection object. The quality of the contour portion is determined using the inspection result of the second inspection, and the quality of the portions other than the contour portion is determined using the inspection result of the first inspection.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor performs the second inspection on the contour portion of the read image data designated as the inspection object, and performs the first inspection on the portion of the read image data designated as the inspection object excluding the contour portion. The quality of the contour portion is determined using the inspection result of the second inspection, and the quality of the portions other than the contour portion is determined using the inspection result of the first inspection.

3. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein, When the judgment result of the good or bad of the outline portion is different from the judgment result of the good or bad of the portion other than the outline portion, the processor displays the different judgment results as the inspection results of the read image data of the inspection object, and controls the display of a screen for receiving user permission.

4. The inspection device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The processor extracts the contour portion by applying a contour extraction filter to the original image data or the read image data.

5. The inspection device according to claim 4, wherein, In the second inspection, the processor uses the contour extraction filter to establish a corresponding association between the contour portion of the read image data that is set as the correct image data and the contour portion of the read image data of the inspected object.

6. An image forming apparatus comprising: The forming section forms the original image data onto the recording medium; The reading unit reads the image formed by the forming unit; and The inspection apparatus includes a processor that, when performing a first inspection using the original image data as correct image data and the read image data obtained by the reading unit as the inspection object and determining its quality, performs a second inspection on the contour portion included in the read image data set as the inspection object, using the read image data based on the original image data as correct image data. The processor performs both the first check and the second check on the entire read image data designated as the inspection object. The quality of the contour portion is determined using the inspection result of the second inspection, and the quality of the portions other than the contour portion is determined using the inspection result of the first inspection.

7. A storage medium storing a checking program for causing a computer to perform the following functions: In the case of setting the original image data as correct image data and using the correct image data to perform a first inspection on the read image data obtained by reading an image formed from the original image data on a recording medium, and determining its quality, a second inspection is performed on the contour portion contained in the read image data set as the inspection object, using the read image data based on the original image data as correct image data. The computer performs both the first check and the second check on the entire read image data designated as the object of inspection. The quality of the contour portion is determined using the inspection result of the second inspection, and the quality of the portions other than the contour portion is determined using the inspection result of the first inspection.

8. An image forming method, comprising the following steps: In the case of setting the original image data as correct image data and using the correct image data to perform a first inspection on the read image data obtained by reading an image formed from the original image data on a recording medium, and determining its quality, a second inspection is performed on the contour portion contained in the read image data set as the inspection object, using the read image data based on the original image data as correct image data. This includes: Both the first check and the second check are performed on the entire read image data designated as the inspection object. The quality of the contour portion is determined using the inspection result of the second inspection, and the quality of the portions other than the contour portion is determined using the inspection result of the first inspection.

9. A computer program product comprising a checking program, the checking program being configured to cause a computer to perform the following functions: In the case of setting the original image data as correct image data and using the correct image data to perform a first inspection on the read image data obtained by reading an image formed from the original image data on a recording medium, and determining its quality, a second inspection is performed on the contour portion contained in the read image data set as the inspection object, using the read image data based on the original image data as correct image data. The computer performs both the first check and the second check on the entire read image data designated as the object of inspection. The quality of the contour portion is determined using the inspection result of the second inspection, and the quality of the portions other than the contour portion is determined using the inspection result of the first inspection.

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