Printing system, inspection device, method of controlling a printing system, and storage medium

Abstract

A printing system, an inspection device, a method of controlling a printing system, and a storage medium are disclosed. When a user overlaps a region set for a picture inspection and a region set for a data inspection, the user is not notified that print image inspection is not performed on the overlapping region. The printing system reads a print output, generates a scan image, performs a first inspection to inspect the print output based on the scan image and a correct image, and performs a second inspection to inspect data taken from the print output based on data taken from the scan image and correct data, and, in a case where at least a first region to be inspected by the first inspection and a second region to be inspected by the second inspection are set in the correct image and the first region and the second region include the overlapping region, the printing system provides a notification that the first region and the second region overlap.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a printing system, an inspection apparatus, a method of controlling a printing system, and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-67732 discusses a method of generating correct image data for variable printing. Specifically, a user selects a common object region common to all pages as a print image inspection target region, and selects a unique object region whose content differs between different pages as a data inspection object region in one page. Then, a correct image is generated by combining the print image inspection target region and the data inspection target region, and the generated correct image is used to inspect a print output. SUMMARY

[0003] According to an aspect of the present application, a printing system includes: a printing unit configured to print an image on a recording sheet, the image including a variable region in which an image printed on a first page differs from an image printed on a second page and a fixed region in which the image printed on the first page is identical to the image printed on the second page; a generating unit configured to read a print output printed by the printing unit and generate a scan image; a display unit configured to display a correct image including at least the fixed region on the display unit; a first inspection unit configured to inspect the print output based on at least the fixed region of the scan image and the correct image; a second inspection unit configured to inspect data taken from the print output based on data taken from the image printed in the variable region of the scan image and correct data; a setting unit configured to set at least a first region to be inspected by the first inspection unit and a second region to be inspected by the second inspection unit in the correct image displayed on the display unit; and a notification unit configured to provide a notification that the first region and the second region overlap in a case where the first region and the second region include an overlapping region.

[0004] Further features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration including an inspection apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present application.

[0006] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present application.

[0007] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of an inspection apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present application.

[0008] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an entire inspection process according to the example embodiment of the present application.

[0009] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of setting an inspection setting in step S403 according to the first example embodiment.

[0010] Figure 6A and Figure 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of region overlap according to the example embodiment of the present application.

[0011] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) screen for an inspection setting according to the example embodiment of the present application.

[0012] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for an inspection setting in a case where there is region overlap according to the example embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pre-inspection UI screen in a case where there is region overlap according to the example embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of performing an inspection in step S404 according to the example embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of setting an inspection setting in step S403 according to another example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for setting a reference generation mode according to another example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of setting a high-level setting of an inspection method according to another example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Although checking (product inspection) for confirming whether a print output is printed correctly has been performed manually, in recent years, a device that automatically performs checking as post-processing of a printing machine is used. In such a checking device, first, correct image (reference image) data is registered. Next, an image forming device prints input image data on a sheet, and an internal checking sensor of the checking device reads a print output obtained by printing and outputting data on the sheet. Image data read by the checking sensor is compared with the correct image data registered at the start to detect defects in the print output. Checking for detecting defects in a picture portion of the print output will be referred to as "print image checking" (picture checking).

[0019] In addition, along with print image checking, checking of a variable area portion such as a character string or a bar code is also performed in variable printing. Examples are data readability checking that checks whether a character string or a bar code is readable and data comparison checking that compares a result of reading a character string or a bar code with a correct character string or a correct bar code. Data readability checking and data comparison checking will be referred to as "data checking". Variable printing is printing in which an element to be printed on a sheet can be changed based on data.

[0020] Due to the characteristics of the checking method for print image checking and data checking, print image checking cannot be performed on a variable area in variable printing. Specifically, since different character strings or different bar codes are printed in variable areas of different pages in variable printing, performing print image checking on a variable area using a single correct image provides a checking result indicating "failure". This is because it is not possible to determine whether the difference is due to a defect (a stain, a streak) during printing or due to a data difference of a character string or a bar code. In a case where a print image checking target area and a data checking target area overlap, data checking is performed only on the overlapping area.

[0021] Therefore, the present application aims to provide a checking device and a printing system that provide an overlapping area notification in a case where a print image checking target area and a data checking target area overlap.

[0022] Various exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, and not all combinations of features described in the exemplary embodiments are always essential to the technical solution of the present application.

[0023] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration including a checking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0024] An image forming apparatus 100, an inspection apparatus 110, a finisher 120, a client personal computer (client PC) 130, a print server 140, and a network 150 are illustrated.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 100 performs printout based on various types of input data, such as print data transmitted from the client PC 130 and the print server 140.

[0026] The inspection apparatus 110 receives the printout output from the image forming apparatus 100 and inspects whether the received printout includes defects. As used herein, the term "defect" refers to something that causes a quality of the printout to deteriorate. Examples of defects are a stain caused by color material being transferred to an unintended portion during printing and a color omission caused by not successfully transferring sufficient color material to an intended portion.

[0027] In addition, the inspection apparatus 110 inspects a variable area portion such as a character string or a bar code in variable printing. Examples are a data readability inspection that inspects whether a character string or a bar code is readable and a data comparison inspection that compares a result of reading a character string or a bar code with a correct character string or a correct bar code. Specifically, the inspection apparatus 110 performs the print image inspection and the data inspection as described above.

[0028] The finisher 120 receives the output sheet inspected by the inspection apparatus 110, changes a sheet discharge destination based on a result of the inspection by the inspection apparatus 110, performs post-processing such as stapling as needed, and discharges the sheet.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the client PC 130 and the print server 140 via the network 150 and is connected to the inspection apparatus 110 and the finisher 120 via a communication cable. The inspection apparatus 110 is connected to the finisher 120 via a communication cable in addition to the image forming apparatus 100. The inspection apparatus 110 according to the present exemplary embodiment is an online inspection machine that performs a series of image formation, inspection, post-processing, and sheet discharge. According to the present exemplary embodiment, a combination of at least the image forming apparatus 100 and the inspection apparatus 110 is referred to as a "print system".

[0030] [FIG. Illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus]

[0031] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0032] The controller 200 receives images and documents from the network 150 and converts the received images and documents into print data. The printer unit 210 prints the print data onto a recording sheet (paper, sheet). The user interface (UI) unit 220 is used to input a user instruction, such as an instruction to select sheet information, to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0033] The image forming apparatus 100 includes the controller 200, the printer unit 210, and the UI unit 220.

[0034] The controller 200 includes components 201 to 208. The network interface (network I / F) unit 201 is a network I / F unit via which data is transmitted to and received from the network 150. The central processing unit (CPU) 202 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. The random access memory (RAM) 203 is used as a work area during execution of various instructions by the CPU 202. The read only memory (ROM) 204 stores setting data of the controller 200 and program data executed by the CPU 202 during startup. The image processing unit 205 performs raster image processor (RIP) processing to convert image and document data received from the network 150 into print data. In addition, the image processing unit 205 can also perform RIP processing to convert image data and document data received from the network 150 into correct image data. Specifically, the RIP processing for correct image data generates an image whose resolution is changed from 600 dpi to, for example, 300 dpi, whereas the RIP processing for print data generates an image without lowering the resolution. The engine interface (engine I / F) unit 206 is an engine I / F unit via which print data is transmitted to the printer unit 210. The communication interface (communication I / F) unit 207 is a communication I / F unit used for communication with the inspection apparatus 110 and the trimmer 120. The internal configuration also includes an internal bus (system bus) 208.

[0035] Images and documents generated by the client PC 130 or the print server 140 on the network 150 are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 as page description language (PDL) data via a network (e.g., a local area network). The transmitted PDL data is stored in the RAM 203 via the network I / F unit 201. In addition, a print instruction from a user of the UI unit 220 is also stored in the RAM 203 via the internal bus 208. The print instruction from the user is, for example, a sheet type selection.

[0036] The image processing unit 205 acquires the PDL data stored in the RAM 203 and performs image processing to convert the acquired PDL data into print data. The image processing to convert the acquired PDL data into print data includes, for example, rasterizing the PDL data to convert the PDL data into multivalued bitmap data, and performing screen processing to convert the multivalued bitmap data into binary bitmap data. The binary bitmap data obtained by the image processing unit 205 is sent to the printer unit 210 via the engine I / F unit 206.

[0037] The printer unit 210 prints the received binary bitmap data on a recording sheet using color materials. The CPU 202 issues an instruction to the printer unit 210 based on a print instruction from the user stored in the RAM 203. For example, in a case where an instruction to print on a coated sheet is received from the user, the CPU 202 instructs the printer unit 210 to output a coated sheet from a sheet cassette (not shown) that stores the coated sheet in the image forming apparatus 100. Various types of processing from receiving PDL data to printing on a sheet are controlled by the CPU 202, so that a full-color toner image is formed on the sheet.

[0038] [Internal configuration of inspection apparatus 110]

[0039] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the inspection apparatus 110.

[0040] The inspection control unit 300 controls the entire inspection apparatus 110, inspects whether a printout is defective, and inspects a variable area portion such as a character string or a bar code. The term "variable area" herein refers to an area in which different images are printed on different pages, particularly an area in which an image having an element different from that of a correct image is printed. In addition, according to the present exemplary embodiment, an area in which the same image having the same element is printed on each page, particularly an area in which an image having the same element as that of a correct image is printed, is referred to as a "fixed area".

[0041] The image reading unit 310 reads a printout conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100. The UI unit 320 is a UI unit via which a user sets a setting of the inspection apparatus 110 and on which an inspection result is displayed to the user. The setting of the inspection apparatus 110 set by the user is an inspection item indicating a type of defect to be inspected when a printout is inspected. Examples of the inspection item are a round defect (a spot), a linear defect (a streak), and a determination of whether a variable area portion such as a character string or a bar code is correct or incorrect. The inspection apparatus 110 includes the inspection control unit 300, the image reading unit 310, and the UI unit 320. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the UI unit 320 is referred to as a "display unit".

[0042] The inspection control unit 300 includes components 301 to 306. The communication I / F unit 301 is a communication I / F unit for transmitting data with the image forming apparatus 100 and the trimmer 120. The CPU 302 controls the entire inspection apparatus 110. The RAM 303 is used as a work area during the execution of various instructions by the CPU 302. The ROM 304 stores setting data of the inspection control unit 300 and program data executed by the CPU 302 during startup. The inspection processing unit 305 inspects whether the printout has a defect. The internal configuration also includes an internal bus (system bus) 306.

[0043] Next, a summary of the print image inspection performed by the inspection apparatus 110 will be described below.

[0044] The inspection apparatus 110 according to the present exemplary embodiment can perform both the print image inspection and the data inspection.

[0045] The inspection apparatus 110 reads the printout conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 using the image reading unit 310 and acquires the inspection target scan image. The acquired inspection target scan image is stored in the RAM 303.

[0046] Then, the inspection apparatus 110 calculates the difference between the reference image stored in the RAM 303 in advance as a correct image and the inspection target scan image using the inspection processing unit 305.

[0047] Next, the inspection apparatus 110 performs the inspection by comparing the calculated difference with the inspection threshold (contrast and size) of each inspection item for each pixel. The result of the inspection is stored in the RAM 303. Examples are information on whether the printout being inspected includes a defect, the type of the detected defect (spot, streak), and information on the position of the defect when displayed on the UI unit 320.

[0048] Next, a summary of the data inspection performed by the inspection apparatus 110 will be described below.

[0049] The inspection apparatus 110 reads the printout conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 using the image reading unit 310 and acquires the inspection target scan image. The acquired inspection target scan image is stored in the RAM 303.

[0050] Then, the inspection device 110 uses the inspection processing unit 305 to check whether the character string or the bar code is readable based on a preset font for optical character recognition (OCR) or a bar code standard. In addition, the inspection device 110 can also perform a data collation check to collate the result of reading the character string or the bar code with correct data and determine whether the result matches the correct data. The result of the inspection is stored in the RAM 303. Examples are the result of reading the character string or the bar code from the printout, the collation result with the correct data, and information on the position of the read character or the read bar code when displayed on the UI unit 320. The correct data can be pre-stored in the RAM 303 of the inspection device 110, or the correct data can be fetched every time via the network 150 and temporarily stored in the RAM 303.

[0051] Next, the inspection device 110 uses the CPU 302 to instruct the UI unit 320 to display the inspection result stored in the RAM 303. The display of the inspection result on the UI unit 320 enables the user to recognize the inspection result.

[0052] In addition, in the case where a predetermined number of defective printouts are continuously output, the inspection device 110 uses the CPU 302 to transmit information to the image forming device 100 via the communication I / F unit 301.

[0053] The information on the continuous output of the defective printout is received by the controller 200 via the communication I / F unit 207. After the controller 200 receives the information, the CPU 202 instructs the printer unit 210 to stop printing. After instructing the printer unit 210 to stop printing, the image forming device 100 stops the printing operation.

[0054] In addition, the inspection device 110 also uses the CPU 302 to transmit information to the trimmer 120 via the communication I / F unit 301 based on the inspection result stored in the RAM 303. The information transmitted to the trimmer 120 is information on whether the printout is defective. Using the received information, the trimmer 120 discharges each printout that is not defective to a normal discharge tray, and discharges each defective printout to another tray different from the normal discharge tray.

[0055] Next, the entire process from the registration before starting the inspection to the execution of the inspection by the inspection processing unit 305 will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 4

[0056] Figure 4 ​The processing in the checking device 110 is executed based on a user operation from the client PC 130. At this time, the program code stored in the ROM 304 is loaded to the RAM 303, and the checking control unit 300 is controlled by the CPU 302, whereby the processing of the checking device 110 is executed. Data generated during the processing of the checking device 110 is temporarily stored in the RAM 303 or a storage unit (not shown).

[0057] First, in step S401, the checking device 110 registers a character shape by generating a character shape font. The registered character shape is used for data checking. The character shape font is data in which a character shape image of a character used in optical character recognition (OCR) to be executed during data checking is associated with a character code.

[0058] The character shape font is generated by the following processing. First, the checking device 110 waits in a character shape font image reading mode, and receives a print job of character shape font generation from the client PC 130. The checking device 110 receives the character shape font job from the client PC 130 and reads a character shape font image. After execution of the print, the checking device 110 detects the conveyed sheet, scans the sheet using the image reading unit 310, and stores a scanned image in the RAM 303 of the checking device 110. The OCR target characters in the scanned image are cut out one by one, and a user inputs a character code for each cut-out character image, thereby generating the character shape font. Although the character shape font generation method according to the present exemplary embodiment is described above, the method is not limited to the method according to the present exemplary embodiment, and any method of generating data that associates a character code with each character image cut out from a scanned image can be used.

[0059] There can be a case where only a print image check is executed without executing data checking. In this case, step S401 is skipped, and the processing proceeds to step S402.

[0060] Next, in step S402, the checking device 110 registers a reference image to be used as a correct image in checking. The checking device 110 waits in a reference image reading mode, and executes a print job of reference image registration from the client PC 130. After execution of the print, the checking device 110 detects the conveyed sheet, scans the sheet using the image reading unit 310, and stores a scanned image as a reference image in the RAM 303 of the checking device 110.

[0061] Next, in step S403, the checking device 110 sets various checking parameters, such as a checking area and a checking level, based on checking settings set by a user. Details of step S403 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described later.

[0062] Next, in step S404, the inspection device 110 receives a print job for inspection from the client PC 130, detects the conveyed sheet, scans the sheet using the image reading unit 310, and stores the scanned image in the RAM 303 of the inspection device 110. Then, the inspection device 110 inspects the scanned image based on the job for inspection and the reference image registered in step S402 using the inspection parameters set in step S403. Details of step S404 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described later.

[0063] The entire process from the registration before starting inspection to the execution of inspection according to the present exemplary embodiment is as described above.

[0064] Next, the process of setting the inspection settings in step S403 will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5 By executing the process shown in the flowchart, the inspection device 110 sets various inspection parameters, such as the inspection area and the inspection level for the print image inspection and the data inspection, based on the inspection settings set by the user. In addition, examples of the UI for the inspection settings will be described below with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8

[0065] Figure 7 The UI screen 700 in is a UI screen displayed on the UI unit 320 of the inspection device 110 at the time of setting the inspection settings in step S403. The button 701 is a button for changing the reference image and is used to change the reference image. The button 702 is a button for selecting the inspection area and is pressed by the user to change the setting information on the preset area. The page preview 704 is a display screen that displays the reference image read in step S402. The button 703 is a button for rotating the image displayed in the page preview 704. The button 716 is a button for executing the inspection after the setting of the entire inspection settings ends. The button 719 is a button for aborting the setting of the inspection settings. When the user presses the button 719, the information being set is cancelled, and the setting of the inspection settings ends.

[0066] The button 721 is a button pressed by the user to set the print image inspection area. The button 722 is a button pressed by the user to set the data inspection area.

[0067] The UI screen 706 is a UI group for setting the defect detection level when the print image inspection is executed. Details of the UI screen 706 will be described later.

[0068] ​The UI screen 709 is a UI group for setting a data file to be referred to when collating detected data, a type of data inspection, and detailed information about data inspection when performing data inspection. Details of the UI screen 709 will be described later.

[0069] First, in step S501, the inspection device 110 displays the correct image on the UI unit 320. Specifically, the CPU 302 performs control to display the reference image (correct image) registered in step S402 in the page preview 704 of the UI screen 700.

[0070] At this time, the user can issue an instruction to change the displayed reference image. An example of a case where change is required is a case where the reference image registered in step S402 includes a defective picture portion. For example, in a case where the reference image includes a scratch as a defect, although the printout is correctly printed, there is a difference between the printout and the reference image, and thus the inspection cannot be correctly performed. Upon the user pressing the button 701, the inspection device 110 waits in the reference image reading mode, and executes the print job in which the reference image is registered from the client PC 130. After the print is executed, the inspection device 110 detects the conveyed sheet, scans the sheet using the image reading unit 310, and stores the scanned image as the reference image in the RAM 303 of the inspection device 110. Then, the inspection device 110 changes the image displayed in the page preview 704 to the scanned image.

[0071] In steps S502 to S511, the inspection device 110 sets detailed information such as an inspection level, an inspection type, and an inspection area of print image inspection or data inspection based on a user operation. Details thereof will be described below.

[0072] In step S502, the inspection device 110 acquires operation information from the user via the UI screen 700. The operation information according to the present exemplary embodiment is information about one of a setting operation related to print image inspection, a setting operation related to data inspection, and an operation of the button 716 to end the setting of the inspection setting.

[0073] In step S503, the inspection device 110 determines whether the operation information acquired in step S502 indicates the operation of the button 716 to input "OK" (to end the setting of the inspection setting). In a case where the acquired operation information indicates the operation to input "OK" (YES in step S503), the inspection device 110 ends the setting of detailed information such as an inspection level, an inspection type, and an inspection area of print image inspection or data inspection, and the process proceeds to step S515.

[0074] On the other hand, in a case where the acquired operation information does not indicate the input of the "OK" operation (NO in step S503), the process proceeds to step S504.

[0075] In step S504, the inspection device 110 determines whether the operation information acquired in step S502 indicates an operation related to print image inspection. In a case where the acquired operation information indicates an operation related to print image inspection (YES in step S504), the process proceeds to step S506.

[0076] In step S506, the inspection device 110 sets a print image inspection region. The method for setting a print image inspection region according to the present exemplary embodiment is described below. First, the button 721 for setting a print image inspection region is pressed by user operation. Next, the target range of print image inspection in the page preview 704 is specified by user operation, and the inspection device 110 sets the specified range as the print image inspection region 705. The print image inspection region is an inspection region that is a target for detecting defects in a picture portion of a printout.

[0077] Next, in step S507, the inspection device 110 sets, on the UI screen 707, a detection item of a defect to be detected in print image inspection and a detection level of the detection item. Then, the process proceeds to step S512.

[0078] The detection item of print image inspection is an item related to a characteristic of a defect to be detected when inspecting a printout. Examples are a circular defect (a spot) and a linear defect (a streak). The detection level is a hierarchical parameter that defines a defect size at or above which a detected defect is determined to be a defect, for each characteristic of a detected defect. For example, there are five levels from level 1 to level 5, and a defect detected at level 5 is thinner and smaller than a defect detected at level 1.

[0079] In addition, a level can be set for each inspection item, for example, an inspection level 5 for a spot and an inspection level 4 for a streak. The UI screen 707 indicates that the user has selected level 4 as the inspection level of a defect (a spot) and also selected level 4 as the inspection level of a defect (a streak).

[0080] In a case where the acquired operation information does not indicate an operation related to print image inspection (NO in step S504), the process proceeds to step S508.

[0081] In step S508, the inspection device 110 sets a data inspection region. The method for setting a data inspection region according to the present exemplary embodiment is described below.

[0082] First, the button 721 for setting a data inspection region is pressed by user operation. Next, the target range of data inspection in the page preview 704 is specified by user operation, and the inspection device 110 sets the specified range as the data inspection region 705. The data inspection region is an inspection region that is a target for detecting defects in a data portion of a printout.Figure 7 Button 722 in the middle is used to set the data inspection area.

[0083] Next, the user selects the target range for data inspection in page preview 704, and the inspection device 110 sets this selected range as data inspection area 708 for string inspection and data inspection area 717 for barcode inspection. The data inspection area is an area that reads the specified data type (string, barcode) to determine whether the inspection area is correct or incorrect.

[0084] Next, in step S509, the inspection device 110 sets a comparison inspection data file by selecting a file, which is used as correct character information to determine whether each inspection area is correct or incorrect in the data inspection in UI 710.

[0085] According to this exemplary embodiment, the comparison check data is a reference comma-separated value (reference CSV) file used for data checking, which is compared with the data during data checking. The reference CSV file is a file prepared in advance by the user and includes a list of correct strings for string checking and barcode checking. During data checking, the results of reading the string checking areas and barcodes are compared with the correct strings listed in the reference CSV file. Figure 7 UI 710 in the code selects the data named "abc.csv" as the control check data.

[0086] Next, in step S510, the inspection device 110 uses a drop-down method to set the string inspection type or barcode inspection type selected by the user on the UI screen 720 for setting the data inspection type.

[0087] According to this exemplary embodiment, the string type is the glyph font of the glyph registered in step S401. Figure 7 The UI screen 720 indicates that the selected string check shows the selected glyph font is "OCRB 12pt".

[0088] Furthermore, the barcode type according to this exemplary embodiment is a barcode standard supported by data inspection. This includes one-dimensional barcodes such as CODE 39 and Japanese Article Number (JAN) and barcodes such as Quick Response (QR). Any standard supported by data inspection, including QR codes such as data matrix codes, is selectable on UI screen 720. Figure 7 The UI screen 720 indicates that "CODE 39" has been selected for the chosen barcode check.

[0089] According to the present exemplary embodiment, because the data check area 708 is a character string area, the inspection device 110 sets "OCRB 12pt" as the data check type, and because the data check area 717 is a barcode check area, the inspection device 110 sets "CODE 39" as the data check type.

[0090] Next, in step S511, the inspection device 110 sets the direction in which the character string or the barcode is read in the data check by selecting one of the direction setting buttons 712 to 715 of the UI screen 711. Then, the process proceeds to step S512.

[0091] The direction setting buttons 712 to 715 respectively correspond to 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° in a clockwise direction from the sheet conveyance direction in units of 90 degrees. The sheet conveyance direction is the leftward direction of the page preview 704 in Figure 7 Therefore, the angle setting corresponding to the direction setting button 712 is set to 0°. The direction setting buttons 712 to 715 are set in correspondence with the display angle at which the character string or the barcode is displayed in the page preview 704. Although the direction setting buttons 712 to 715 are used to set the direction in which the character string or the barcode is read according to the present exemplary embodiment, the setting method is not limited to the method according to the present exemplary embodiment and can be a UI (e.g., a radio button) for setting the direction.

[0092] Next, in step S512, the inspection device 110 determines whether there is an overlapping area using the print image check area set in step S506 and the data check area set in step S508 by different check methods. The overlapping area determination method will be described below.

[0093] For example, in the case where the settings are set as shown in Figure 7 The print image check area 705, the data check area 708, and the data check area 717 do not include an overlapping area, and therefore the inspection device 110 determines that there is no overlap.

[0094] Next, in step S513, the inspection device 110 confirms the result of the determination in step S512. In the case where the inspection device 110 determines that there is an overlapping area (YES in step S513), the process proceeds to step S514. On the other hand, in the case where the inspection device 110 determines that there is no overlapping area (NO in step S513), the process proceeds to step S502, and the user operation information for setting detailed information such as the check level, the check type, and the check area of the data check is continued to be acquired.

[0095] In step S514, the inspection device 110 displays the overlapped notification on the UI unit 320 of the inspection device 110 to notify the user of the overlap and the priority of data inspection in the overlapping area. After the inspection device 110 completes the notification, the process proceeds to step S502. At this time, the next user operation information is acquired while the notification in step S514 is maintained. For example, in the case where the notification is displayed as shown in Figure 8 In the case where the setting is set as shown in

[0096] Figure 8 The UI screen 800 in FIG. 8A is a UI screen displayed on the UI unit 320 of the inspection device 110 when the print image inspection area and the data inspection area are set to overlap. Figure 8 The items 701 to 722 in FIG. 8A are similar to the items in Figure 7 Therefore, a repeated description thereof is omitted.

[0097] Figure 8 The data inspection area 801 in FIG. 8B is an area set to perform data inspection on the string in the print image inspection area 705. In the case where the setting is set as shown in Figure 8 In the case where the setting is set as shown in

[0098] Although Figure 8 FIG. 8B illustrates an example in which the print image inspection area and the data inspection area include a single overlapping area, the print image inspection area and the data inspection area can include a plurality of overlapping areas as shown in Figure 6B Figure 6A and Figure 6B illustrates a part of the reference image displayed in the page preview 704 of Figure 7 and Figure 8

[0099] In the case where it is determined in step S512 that there is an overlapping area, the text 802 in Figure 8 is displayed. The text 802 is a message notifying the user that there is an overlapping area by different inspection methods and that data inspection is enabled in the overlapping area. The message for notifying the user that there is an overlapping area by different inspection methods and that data inspection is enabled in the overlapping area is not limited to the message according to the present exemplary embodiment, and any method can be used.

[0100] In addition, in order to make the overlapping area clear to the user, the overlapping area can be displayed in a color different from the color of the box indicating the print image inspection area and the data inspection area, or can be flickered. For example, in Figure 6B ​​In the case shown in FIG. 6, the entire data check area 605 that overlaps and the overlapping portion of the data check area 604 can be filled with a color that stands out. This enables the user to easily recognize the overlapping area.

[0101] In the case where the OK button 716 is pressed (YES in step S503), the process proceeds to step S515.

[0102] In step S515, the inspection device 110 determines whether overlapping areas are set by different inspection methods using the print image check area and the data check area set in steps S504 to S511. This determination is similar to the check area overlapping determination in step S512. The method for the check area overlapping determination will be described below with reference to Figure 6A and Figure 6B In step S515, the inspection device 110 determines whether overlapping areas are set by different inspection methods using the print image check area and the data check area set in steps S504 to S511. This determination is similar to the check area overlapping determination in step S512. The method for the check area overlapping determination will be described below with reference to

[0103] Figure 6A The data check areas 601 and 602 in FIG. 5 are strings of variable data that can be changed page by page, and thus the data check areas 601 and 602 are check areas for performing legibility check or data matching check as data check. The print image check area 603 is a check area for performing defect detection in each picture portion of the print output.

[0104] Similarly, Figure 6B The data check areas 604 and 605 in FIG. 6 are check areas for performing legibility check or data matching check as data check. The print image check area 606 is a check area for performing defect detection in each picture portion of the print output. Similarly to the check areas 604 and 606 in FIG. 5, the check areas can be set to partially overlap. Figure 6B

[0105] To determine whether overlapping of check areas exists, first, it is checked whether two check areas include a common area in each of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. Next, in the case where a common area exists in each of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, it is determined that the two check areas overlap, and in the case where a common area does not exist in one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, it is determined that the two check areas do not overlap.

[0106] This determination is performed with respect to all combinations of different inspection methods, and in the case where the check areas overlap in any combination, it is determined in step S515 that the check areas overlap, and in the case where the check areas do not overlap for all combinations, it is determined in step S515 that the check areas do not overlap.

[0107] In the case where the OK button 716 is pressed (YES in step S503), the process proceeds to step S515. Figure 6A ​In the case of data inspection area 601 and printed image inspection area 603, and data inspection area 602 and printed image inspection area 603, a combination is formed, and the determination of overlapping areas is performed twice in total. In the case of data inspection area 601 and printed image inspection area 603, since data inspection area 601 and printed image inspection area 603 include a common area in the horizontal direction but not in the vertical direction, it is determined that data inspection area 601 and printed image inspection area 603 do not overlap. Similarly, in the case of data inspection area 602 and printed image inspection area 603, since data inspection area 602 and printed image inspection area 603 include a common area in both the horizontal and vertical directions, it is determined that data inspection area 602 and printed image inspection area 603 overlap.

[0108] exist Figure 6B In the case of data inspection area 604 and printed image inspection area 606, and data inspection area 605 and printed image inspection area 606 are formed, and the determination of overlapping areas is performed twice in total. In the case of data inspection area 605 and printed image inspection area 606, since data inspection area 605 and printed image inspection area 606 include a common area in the horizontal direction and a common area in the vertical direction, it is determined that data inspection area 605 and printed image inspection area 606 overlap. Similarly, in the case of data inspection area 604 and printed image inspection area 606, since data inspection area 604 and printed image inspection area 606 include a partially common area in the horizontal direction and a partially common area in the vertical direction, it is determined that data inspection area 604 and printed image inspection area 606 overlap. Therefore, it is determined that... Figure 6B It includes two overlapping regions.

[0109] Although the overlapping region determination is performed by the method described above, the method for determining the overlapping region is not limited to the method according to this exemplary embodiment, and any method for determining the overlapping region can be used.

[0110] Next, in step S516, the inspection device 110 confirms the result of the overlapping area determination in step S515. If it is determined that there is no overlapping area ("No" in step S516), the process proceeds to step S517. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an overlapping area in step S516 ("Yes" in step S516), the process proceeds to step S518.

[0111] In step S517, the inspection information set in step S502 is stored, and the process ends.

[0112] In step S518, the inspection device 110 displays a pop-up notice such as the pop-up notice shown in FIG. 8B on the UI unit 320 of the inspection device 110 and notifies the user to press the button 716 in Figure 9 Figure 7 in the case where the inspection regions overlap.

[0113] The display in step S518 and the notification in step S514 are both to notify the user of the overlapping region, but different display methods are used. In step S514, the overlapping region determination is performed each time a region is selected, and a notification such as the text 802 in FIG. 8A is provided. In contrast, in step S518, the overlapping region determination is performed after all of the user settings are completed, and a pop-up display is provided. Figure 8

[0114] Depending on the user settings, the display (step S518) can be performed only at the end of the settings without performing the notification (step S514) during the settings. In contrast, the notification (step S514) can be performed only during the settings without performing the display (step S518) at the end of the settings.

[0115] Figure 9 The UI screen 900 in FIG. 9 is a pop-up UI screen displayed on the UI unit 320 of the inspection device 110 at the timing of ending the setting of the inspection settings in the case where the inspection regions overlap in step S516. The UI screen 900 is a UI that displays an element indicating that data inspection is enabled in the overlapping region in the case where the inspection regions overlap and prompts the user to select whether to continue the inspection or return to the inspection settings without performing the inspection.

[0116] The button 901 is a button for performing the inspection in the case where the overlapping region is set.

[0117] The button 902 is a button for displaying the UI screen 700 as the inspection setting screen to perform the processing again from step S501 to set the inspection settings again. The button 903 is a button for hiding the pop-up screen 900.

[0118] The inspection device 110 continues to display the UI screen 900 until one of the "OK" button 901, the "return to the setting screen" button 902, and the close button 903 is selected based on the user operation.

[0119] Although the UI screen 900 is displayed in a pop-up form overlapping the UI screen 700 in FIG. 7 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the UI screen 900 can be displayed in a pop-up form overlapping the UI screen 700 in FIG. 7. Figure 7 Figure 9 ​​​However, the display is not limited to this form. For example, the screen can be changed from the UI screen 700 to the UI screen 900. In addition, a notification method in which a warning mark is displayed on an icon can be used. In addition, a notification method using a warning sound or voice can be used.

[0120] Next, in step S519, the inspection device 110 determines whether the "OK" button 901 for starting the inspection is selected by the user operation in step S518. In a case where the "OK" button 901 is selected (YES in step S519), the inspection device 110 performs step S517. On the other hand, in a case where the "OK" button 901 is not selected in step S518 (NO in step S519), the process returns to step S502, and the setting of the inspection setting is set again.

[0121] The process for setting the inspection setting according to the present exemplary embodiment is as described above.

[0122] Next, the operation of the inspection device 110 that performs the inspection after the setting of the inspection setting in step S404 will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 10 When the user presses the inspection start button (not shown) displayed on the UI unit 320, the inspection device 110 performs the inspection using the inspection processing unit 305.

[0123] First, in step S1001, the inspection processing unit 305 detects defects (spots) and defects (streaks) included in the sheet as print defects on the basis of the inspection setting set by the user in step S403. The method for detecting the print defects according to the present exemplary embodiment is a method in which a difference between the reference image registered in step S402 and the scan image of the corresponding print job is extracted, and defects (spots) and defects (streaks) are detected on the basis of features of the extracted difference image. The method for detecting the print defects is not limited to the method according to the present exemplary embodiment, and a well-known method can be used.

[0124] Next, in step S1002, the inspection processing unit 305 performs OCR or barcode recognition on the data inspection region based on the inspection setting set by the user in step S403. The OCR according to the present exemplary embodiment is performed by the following processing. First, the characters in the OCR target region are cut one by one. Then, the similarity between the character image registered in the font of the character and each of the cut characters is calculated using the font registered in step S401, and the character code corresponding to the font image with the highest similarity is obtained as the result of the individual character. Then, the results of all the cut characters are combined together to obtain a character string as the OCR result. The OCR method using the font is not limited to the method according to the present exemplary embodiment, and a well-known method can be used.

[0125] Next, in step S1003, the inspection processing unit 305 collates the character recognition result or the barcode recognition result obtained in step S1002 with the correct character string listed in the collation inspection file set in step S509. Then, the result of this determination regarding the correctness / incorrectness is output as the inspection result.

[0126] Next, in step S1004, the inspection processing unit 305 transmits the inspection result obtained in step S1003 to the UI unit 320.

[0127] The UI unit 320 displays the inspection target scan image and the inspection result to the user after receiving the inspection result. In the case of printing out the defective printouts, the UI unit 320 emphasizes the detected defects on the scan image using a dotted line or a colored box, and also displays the type (spot, streak) and position information of the detected defects. On the other hand, in the case of printing out the non-defective printouts, a character string indicating that no defects are contained is displayed. The inspection result display method of the UI unit 320 is not limited to the above-described methods, and any method that clearly displays the detection result to the user can be used.

[0128] In addition, the inspection processing unit 305 also transmits the inspection result obtained in step S1003 to the image forming apparatus 100 and the trimmer 120.

[0129] The information transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 is information indicating that a predetermined number of defective printouts are continuously output, and the information transmitted to the trimmer 120 is information regarding whether the printouts are defective or not.

[0130] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 stops the printing operation after receiving the information. In addition, the trimmer 120 uses the received information to discharge each of the non-defective printouts to the normal paper discharge tray, and each of the defective printouts to another tray different from the normal paper discharge tray.

[0131] The operation of the inspection device 110 to perform the inspection in step S404 is as described above.

[0132] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the user overlaps the region set for the print image inspection with the region set for the data inspection, the user is notified of the overlap in two types of methods, by displaying a message indicating the overlap in the UI during the setting or by displaying a pop-up notification after the setting. Thus, the notification indicating that the print image inspection and the data inspection have an exclusive processing relationship is displayed on the UI, and this notifies the user of the exclusive relationship.

[0133] In the method according to the above-described exemplary embodiment, the reference image for the print image inspection is registered in advance, and the common reference image is used when inspecting a plurality of print outs. The operation in a case where an individual reference image for inspecting a plurality of print outs is generated for each of the plurality of print outs and a mode for performing the inspection is selected according to another exemplary embodiment will be described below.

[0134] The difference between this another exemplary embodiment and the above-described exemplary embodiment will be described below. The portions not described in detail are similar to the portions according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0135] According to this another exemplary embodiment, two modes for changing the method to generate the reference image and perform the inspection are included. The first mode is a page common mode. In the page common mode, a common reference image is generated even in a case where a plurality of print outs are to be inspected, and the print image inspection is performed using the common reference image. For example, in a case where the entire page layout is the same and only the destination part is different for each page, an image generated by printing only the part common to all pages without printing the destination part is used as the reference image. The page common mode is similar to the page common mode according to the first exemplary embodiment, and thus a repeated description thereof is omitted.

[0136] The second mode is the page individual mode. In the page individual mode, in a case where a plurality of printouts is to be checked, a reference image is generated individually for each of the plurality of printouts, and the print image check is performed using the reference image generated individually. For example, in a case where an image whose entire page layout is changed by a user is to be printed, a common reference image cannot be generated. Therefore, an image having a different layout for different users is used as the reference image. There are two methods of generating a reference image in the page individual mode. In the first method, as in the first exemplary embodiment, a reference image is generated by performing a print job and scanning a printout using the image reading unit 310. In the second method, instead of using a scanned image, image data after a RIP process of analyzing a print job and generating image data is used as a reference image. In the page individual mode, since a reference image is generated individually, even in a case where the print image check region and the data check region overlap, the print image check region and the data check region can be checked simultaneously. Specifically, since a reference image corresponding to a variable region in variable printing is generated, only an image defect can be detected in the print image check.

[0137] The UI screen 1200 in Figure 12 An example of a UI for switching between the page individual mode and the page common mode will be described below.

[0138] Figure 12 The UI screen 1200 in

[0139] The radio button 1201 is a button for setting one of the page individual mode and the page common mode. In Figure 12 In the example, the page individual mode is selected. The button 1202 is a button for ending the mode setting and storing the setting of the radio button 1201 selected by the user. The button 1203 is a button for stopping the mode setting and is a button for canceling the selection information and ending the setting.

[0140] Next, the processing of setting the check setting in step S403 according to another exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 11 By executing the processing shown in the flowchart, the check device 110 sets various check parameters such as the check region and the check level for the print image check and the data check based on the check setting set by the user. In addition, the processing of setting the check setting in step S403 according to another exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 7An example of a UI related to inspection setting is described. Step S1101 is similar to step S501 according to the first example embodiment, and thus repeated description thereof is omitted. The process of setting the high-level setting of the inspection method in step S1102 is as shown in Figure 13 Step S1103 is similar to step S515 according to the first example embodiment, and thus repeated description thereof is omitted.

[0141] Next, in step S1104, the inspection device 110 performs determination using the reference image generation mode setting on the UI screen 1200. In a case where the inspection device 110 determines that the page individual mode is set (YES in step S1104), in step S1108, the inspection device 110 stores the inspection information set in step S1302, and the setting of the inspection setting ends.

[0142] On the other hand, in a case where the inspection device 110 determines that the page individual mode is not set (NO in step S1104), in step S1105, the inspection device 110 checks the result of the overlapping region determination performed in step S1105. In a case where the inspection device 110 determines that there is no overlapping region (NO in step S1105), in step S1108, the inspection device 110 stores the inspection information set in step S1102, and the setting of the inspection setting ends in step S403.

[0143] On the other hand, in a case where the inspection device 110 determines that there is an overlapping region (YES in step S1105), in step S1106, the inspection device 110 displays the UI screen 900 in the form of a pop-up using the UI unit 320 of the inspection device 110 as in the first example embodiment.

[0144] Next, step S1107 is similar to step S519, and thus repeated description thereof is omitted.

[0145] The process of setting the inspection setting in step S403 according to the present example embodiment is as described above.

[0146] Next, the following will be described with reference to Figure 13The processing of setting detailed information such as the inspection level, the inspection type, and the inspection area for the print image inspection or the data inspection in step S1102 is described by the flowchart shown in FIG. 11. Step S1301 is subsequent to step S1101, and in a case where the inspection device 110 determines that the setting is to be ended (YES in step S1302), the processing proceeds to step S1103. By executing the processing shown in the flowchart, the inspection device 110 sets various inspection parameters such as the inspection area and the inspection level for the print image inspection or the data inspection. Steps S1301 to S1310 are similar to steps S502 to S512 according to the first exemplary embodiment, and thus a repeated description thereof is omitted.

[0147] Next, in step S1311, the inspection device 110 inspects the reference image generation mode setting on the UI screen 1200, and in a case where the inspection device 110 determines that the page individual mode is set (YES in step S1311), the processing proceeds to step S1301. On the other hand, in a case where the inspection device 110 determines that the page common mode is set (NO in step S1311), in step S1312, the inspection device 110 inspects the result of the overlapping area determination in step S1310. In a case where there is no overlapping area (NO in step S1312), the processing proceeds to step S1301. On the other hand, in a case where there is an overlapping area (YES in step S1312), in step S1313, the inspection device 110 displays a notification of the overlapping on the UI unit 320 of the inspection device 110 to notify the user of the overlapping and the priority of the data inspection in the overlapping area. The method of notifying using the UI is similar to that according to the first exemplary embodiment, and thus a repeated description thereof is omitted.

[0148] The processing for setting the high-level setting such as the inspection level, the inspection type, and the inspection area for the print image inspection or the data inspection in step S1102 according to the present exemplary embodiment is as described above.

[0149] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the page common mode is set and the user overlaps the areas set for the print image inspection and the data inspection, the user is notified of the overlapping. In a case where the page individual mode is set, even in a case where the print image inspection area and the data inspection area overlap, the print image inspection area and the data inspection area can be inspected simultaneously, and thus the notification to the user becomes unnecessary. Therefore, only in a state where the page common mode is set, a notification indicating that the print image inspection and the data inspection have an exclusive processing relationship is displayed on the UI, and this notifies the user of the exclusive relationship.

[0150] (Other Exemplary Embodiments)

[0151] While various examples and implementations of the example embodiments have been described above, the spirit and scope of the example embodiments are not limited to any specific description in this specification.

[0152] The example embodiments can also be implemented by a method as follows. Specifically, a program for realizing one or more functions of the above-described implementations is supplied to a system or an apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors of a computer of the system or the apparatus read the program and execute the read program.

[0153] The example embodiments can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that realizes one or more functions.

[0154] Other embodiments

[0155] The embodiment(s) of the present application can also be implemented by a computer of a system or an apparatus, which reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on storage medium (which can also be referred to more fully as a 'non-transitory computer-readable storage medium') to perform the functions of the example embodiment(s) and / or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of the example embodiment(s), and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of the example embodiment(s) and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of the example embodiment(s). The computer can comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs), micro processing units (MPUs)) and can include independent computers or a network of independent processors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions can be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium can include, for example, one or both of a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)®), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like. TM

[0156] Other embodiments

[0157] The embodiment(s) of the present application can also be implemented by a method as follows. Specifically, a program for realizing one or more functions of the above-described implementations is supplied to a system or an apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors of a computer of the system or the apparatus read the program and execute the read program.

[0158] ​While the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed example embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A printing system, comprising: The printing unit is configured to print an image on a recording sheet, the image including a variable area in which the image printed on a first page is different from the image printed on a second page, and a fixed area in which the image printed on the first page is the same as the image printed on the second page; The generation unit is configured to read the printout from the printing unit and generate a scanned image; The display control unit is configured to display a correct image, including at least a fixed area, on the display unit; The first inspection unit is configured to inspect the printed output based on at least a fixed area of ​​the scanned image and the correct image; The second inspection unit is configured to inspect the data obtained from the printout based on the data obtained from the image printed in a variable area of ​​the scanned image and the correct data; The setting unit is configured to set at least a first region to be checked by the first inspection unit and a second region to be checked by the second inspection unit in the correct image displayed on the display unit; as well as The notification unit is configured to provide a notification that the first region and the second region overlap when the first region and the second region include an overlapping area, wherein the second region is inspected by a second inspection unit on the overlapping area.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, The overlapping area of ​​the first region and the second region is checked by the second inspection unit, instead of by the first inspection unit.

3. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the first and second regions overlap during the setting of the first and second regions, the notification provides notification of the overlapping region via a user interface (UI) screen that performs the setting.

4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, When the setting ends and the first and second regions include one or more overlapping regions, the notification provides a pop-up notification of the overlapping regions.

5. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, The second inspection unit is performed based on correct data and data read from strings or barcodes printed in the variable area.

6. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, The first inspection unit checks the printed output based on a comparison between the generated scanned image and the correct image corresponding to the scanned image.

7. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, The correct image includes the generated scanned image.

8. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, A correct image includes image data that has undergone RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing.

9. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, The printing system includes: a printing device configured to perform printing, and a checking device configured to perform generation, display control, setting, first check, second check, and notification.

10. A printing system, comprising: The printing unit is configured to print an image on a recording sheet, the image including a variable area in which the image printed on a first page is different from the image printed on a second page, and a fixed area in which the image printed on the first page is the same as the image printed on the second page; The generation unit is configured to read the printout from the printing unit and generate a scanned image; The selection unit is configured to select a common page mode in which a correct image including at least a fixed region is registered, and a page individual mode in which a correct image for a first page and a correct image for a second page are registered. The display control unit is configured to display the correct image on the display unit; The first inspection unit is configured to inspect the printed output based on the scanned image and the correct image; The second inspection unit is configured to inspect the data obtained from the printout based on the data obtained from the scanned image and the correct data. The setting unit is configured to set at least a first region to be checked by the first inspection unit and a second region to be checked by the second inspection unit in the correct image; as well as The notification unit is configured to provide notifications for the overlapping of the first and second regions. In cases where the first and second regions include overlapping areas and the page common mode is selected by the selection unit, the notification unit provides a notification that the first and second regions overlap, and the second inspection unit inspects the second region on the overlapping area.

11. The printing system according to claim 10, wherein, If the first and second regions include overlapping areas and the individual page mode is selected by the selection unit, the notification unit will not provide a notification that the first and second regions overlap.

12. An inspection device, comprising: The generation unit is configured to read the printout on the recording sheet and generate a scanned image. The printout includes a printed image, which includes a variable region in which elements of the image printed on the first page are different from elements of the image printed on the second page, and a fixed region in which elements of the image printed on the first page are the same as elements of the image printed on the second page. The display control unit is configured to display a correct image, including at least a fixed area, on the display unit; The first inspection unit is configured to inspect the printed output based on at least a fixed area of ​​the scanned image and the correct image; The second inspection unit is configured to inspect the data written on the printed output based on the data read from the image printed in a variable area of ​​the scanned image and the correct data; The setting unit is configured to set at least a first region to be checked by the first inspection unit and a second region to be checked by the second inspection unit in the correct image displayed on the display unit; as well as The notification unit is configured to provide a notification that the first region and the second region overlap when the first region and the second region include an overlapping area, wherein the second region is inspected by a second inspection unit on the overlapping area.

13. A method for controlling a printing system, the method comprising: Printing an image on a recording sheet, the image including a variable region in which the image printed on a first page is different from the image printed on a second page and a fixed region in which the image printed on the first page is the same as the image printed on the second page; Read the printout generated by the above printing process and generate a scanned image; Display the correct image, including at least a fixed area, on the display unit; As a first check, the printed output is checked based on at least a fixed area of ​​the scanned image and the correct image. As a second check, the data obtained from the printed output is checked based on the data obtained from the image printed in the variable area of ​​the scanned image and the correct data; In the correct image displayed on the display unit, at least a first region to be checked by the first check and a second region to be checked by the second check are defined; as well as In cases where the first and second regions include overlapping areas, a notification is provided that the first and second regions overlap, and the second region is inspected through a second check on the overlapping area.

14. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform the method according to claim 13.

Images