Image inspection system, information processing apparatus, recording medium, and information processing method

Abstract

An image inspection system, an information processing apparatus, a recording medium, and an information processing method, the image inspection system including a processor and an inspection execution unit that performs image inspection of a printed matter, the processor performing: acquiring first position information that is information relating to a position of the image inspection set in image data; and acquiring second position information, which is information relating to the position of each of the image data, in printing data configured by disposing a plurality of pieces of the image data. The inspection execution unit performs the image inspection of a printed matter on which the printing data is printed, using the first position information and the second position information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image inspection system, an information processing device, a recording medium and an information processing method. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an image inspection device that, when images set for image inspection on a page basis are collected on a sheet of paper and then printed, sets an image inspection area for image inspection in the image formed on the sheet according to the collection method and settings.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-93425 Summary of the invention

[0004] When image inspection is performed on a printed matter having printing data in which image data is arranged on the same page, the burden on the user required for image inspection of the printed matter having the printing data is likely to increase depending on the arrangement of the image data in the printing data.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden on a user required for image inspection of a printed matter having printing data, compared to a case where image inspection of a printed matter having printing data is performed without using information related to the position of an object of image inspection set in image data configured in the printing data.

[0006] The invention described in Scheme 1 is an image inspection system, which includes a processor and an inspection execution unit for performing image inspection of printed materials, wherein the processor performs the following processing: obtaining first position information, which is information related to the position of the image inspection and is set in the image data; and obtaining second position information, which is information related to the position of each image data in the printing data composed of a plurality of the image data, wherein the inspection execution unit uses the first position information and the second position information to perform the image inspection of the printed material printed with the printing data.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the image inspection system described in claim 1, wherein the processor acquires angle information, which is information related to a rotation angle of the image data in the print data, and performs the image inspection of the printed material using the angle information.

[0008] In the invention described in Scheme 3, in the image inspection system described in Scheme 1 or 2, the processor obtains information related to enlargement or reduction of the image data in the printing data, namely, scaling information, and uses the scaling information to perform the image inspection of the printed material.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is the image inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor receives a designation related to a position for the image inspection for each piece of the image data and acquires the first position information.

[0010] In the invention described in Scheme 5, in the image inspection system described in Scheme 4, the processor receives a designation of an area for performing the image inspection or an area for not performing the image inspection for each of the image data as a designation related to the position of the image inspection and obtains the first position information.

[0011] In the invention described in Scheme 6, in the image inspection system described in Scheme 4, the processor receives a selection of an object to be inspected for the image or an object not to be inspected for the image from objects constituting the image data for each of the image data as a designation related to the position of the image inspection, and obtains the first position information.

[0012] The invention described in claim 7 is the image inspection system described in claim 4, wherein the processor acquires information related to a designation related to a position of the image inspection and at least one of a type of the image inspection and an accuracy of the image inspection.

[0013] In the invention described in Scheme 8, in the image inspection system described in any one of Schemes 1 to 7, the processor performs the following processing: setting an inspection area for the image inspection of a printed material printed with the printing data using the first position information and the second position information; and when the inspection area is set in a plurality of the printing data, outputting the inspection area set in one of the plurality of printing data to the inspection execution unit, and after starting the image inspection of the printed material based on the one printing data through the inspection execution unit, setting the inspection area in other printing data different from the one printing data.

[0014] In the invention described in Scheme 9, in the image inspection system described in any one of Schemes 1 to 7, the processor performs the following processing: setting an inspection area for the image inspection of a printed material printed with the printing data using the first position information and the second position information; and when the inspection area is set in a plurality of the printing data, the inspection areas set in the plurality of the printing data are aggregated and output to the inspection execution unit.

[0015] The invention described in Scheme 10 is an image inspection system described in any one of Schemes 1 to 9, which comprises: a display unit that displays information related to the image inspection, and the processor displays a display screen on the display unit that shows both the printing data and the position of the image inspection of the printed material printed with the printing data.

[0016] The invention described in claim 11 is the image inspection system described in claim 10, wherein the processor receives setting of a position for performing the image inspection in the print data via the display screen displayed on the display unit.

[0017] In the invention described in Scheme 12, in the image inspection system described in Scheme 11, when the setting of the position for performing the image inspection in the printing data is received, the processor applies the setting of the position for performing the image inspection to the position of the image inspection set in the image data configured in the printing data.

[0018] The invention described in Scheme 13 is an information processing device, which includes a processor, which performs the following processing: obtaining first position information, which is information related to the position of image inspection set in image data; obtaining second position information, which is information related to the position of each image data in printing data composed of a plurality of the image data; and using the first position information and the second position information to determine the position of the image inspection on the printed matter printed with the printing data.

[0019] The invention described in Scheme 14 is a recording medium, which records a program for enabling a computer to implement the following functions: obtaining first position information, which is information related to the position of an image inspection and is set in image data; obtaining second position information, which is information related to the position of each image data in printing data composed of a plurality of the image data; and using the first position information and the second position information to determine the position for performing the image inspection on a printed matter printed with the printing data.

[0020] The invention described in Scheme 15 is an information processing method, which includes the following steps: obtaining first position information, which is information related to the position of image inspection set in image data; obtaining second position information, which is information related to the position of each image data in printing data composed of a plurality of the image data; and using the first position information and the second position information to determine the position for performing the image inspection on a printed material printed with the printing data.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the first scheme of the present invention, the burden on the user required for image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data can be reduced compared to a case where image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data is performed without using information related to the position of the object of image inspection set in the image data configured in the printing data.

[0023] According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the print data is arranged after the image data is rotated, it is possible to perform an image inspection of a printed material on which the print data is printed.

[0024] According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform image inspection of a printed material on which the print data is printed, in accordance with the enlargement or reduction of the image data in the print data.

[0025] According to the fourth to sixth aspects of the present invention, the burden on the user required for image inspection of a printed material having print data can be further reduced compared to a case where the designation of the image inspection position is not received for each image data.

[0026] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is easier to perform image inspection corresponding to image data, compared with a case where information on the type of image inspection or the accuracy of image inspection is not acquired.

[0027] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the inspection areas set in the plurality of print data are collectively output to the inspection execution unit, the period until the image inspection of the plurality of print data is completed can be shortened.

[0028] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the inspection area set in a plurality of printing data is output for each printing data, the process of outputting the inspection area becomes simpler.

[0029] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the user can confirm the position where the image inspection is performed in the print data set based on the inspection information of the image data.

[0030] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the position where the image check is to be performed can be set after confirming the position where the image check is to be performed in the print data.

[0031] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the user can confirm the change of the position where the image is to be inspected in the print data due to the setting of the position where the image is to be inspected.

[0032] According to the 13th scheme of the present invention, compared with a case where image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data is performed without using information related to the position of the object of image inspection set in the image data configured in the printing data, the burden on the user required for image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data can be reduced.

[0033] According to the 14th scheme of the present invention, compared with the case where image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data is performed without using information related to the position of the object of image inspection set in the image data configured in the printing data, the burden on the user required for image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data can be reduced.

[0034] According to the 15th scheme of the present invention, compared with a case where image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data is performed without using information related to the position of the object of image inspection set in the image data configured in the printing data, the burden on the user required for image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the structure of a printing system to which this embodiment is applicable;

[0037] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of a server device to which this embodiment is applicable;

[0038] Figure 3 A diagram for explaining a pagination method of image data, showing an example of an arrangement order of image data arranged in print data by cutting and stacking;

[0039] Figure 4 It means that when passing Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of pagination information generated by a pagination information generating unit when paginating image data in the manner shown;

[0040] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of a printing device;

[0041] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of check setting information;

[0042] Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 (f) is a diagram for explaining the process of generating inspection information by the inspection information generating unit;

[0043] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of inspection information generated by the inspection information generating unit;

[0044] Fig. 9 A diagram for explaining a method of calculating the coordinates, width, and length of an inspection area in print data by an inspection information generating unit;

[0045] Fig.10 (a)~ Fig.10 (c) is a diagram for explaining a method for calculating the coordinates, width and length of the inspection area in the printing data by the inspection information generating unit;

[0046] Fig.11 (a)~ Fig.11 (b) is a diagram for explaining another example of the process of generating inspection information by the inspection information generating unit;

[0047] Fig.12 (a)~ Fig.12 (b) is a diagram for explaining another example of the process of generating inspection information by the inspection information generating unit;

[0048] Fig.13 (a)~ Fig.13 (b) is a diagram for explaining another example of the process of generating inspection information by the inspection information generating unit;

[0049] Fig.14 is a flowchart showing the steps of processing for setting an inspection area in print data by a server device to which this embodiment is applied;

[0050] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting an inspection target area for each image data arranged in print data, which is one of the UI screens displayed by the display control unit;

[0051] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen for confirming the position of the inspection area set in the print data by the inspection information generating section, which is one of the UI screens displayed by the display control section.

[0052] Explanation of symbols

[0053] 100-printing system, 20, 30-server device, 21-print instruction receiving unit, 22-imposition information generating unit, 23-printing data generating unit, 24-inspection information generating unit, 25-output unit, 26-display control unit, 40-inspection device, 44-inspection unit, 60-setting screen, 70-confirmation screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a printing system 100 to which this embodiment is applied.

[0056] The printing system 100 shown in the figure includes a printing device 10 that prints on paper, which is an example of a recording medium. The printing device 10 is connected to server devices 20 and 30 so as to be communicable with each other. The printing system 100 is an example of an image inspection system.

[0057] The network connecting the printing device 10 and the server devices 20 and 30 uses, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. Of course, the network may be a composite structure of a LAN and the Internet.

[0058] The printing device 10 prints an image on paper according to the acquired printing instruction. The printing instruction here is, for example, JDF (Job Definition Format), which includes information about the image to be printed or information about settings related to printing.

[0059] The printing device 10 is a so-called batch printer used for business printing, for example, and has a function of executing high-quality and high-speed printing processing. In addition, the printing device 10 has a function of verifying the printing result of a paper on which an image is printed, that is, a printed material.

[0060] The printing device 10 may also have a function of executing post-processing according to a print instruction. The post-processing mentioned here includes, for example, stapling a bundle of paper sheets, folding paper sheets, cutting paper sheets, stapling, and the like.

[0061] The printing device 10 is not limited to a batch printer, and can also be applied to a conventional printer (commercial printer, home printer, etc.) Furthermore, the recording medium printed by the printing device 10 can be a film or the like in addition to paper.

[0062] The printing device 10 includes a paper feed unit 11 that feeds paper to be printed, a printing unit 12 that prints on the paper from the paper feed unit 11, a discharge device 13 that discharges the printed paper, and an operation display unit 14 for a user or operator.

[0063] The paper feeding unit 11 includes a plurality of paper feeding trays 11A, 11B, and 11C for feeding paper. Each of the paper feeding trays 11A to 11C can feed paper of different sizes or the same size.

[0064] The printing unit 12 may use an inkjet method for forming an image by ejecting ink onto a recording material, for example, instead of an electrophotographic method for transferring toner attached to a charged and exposed photoreceptor onto a recording material to form an image.

[0065] The printing unit 12 is configured to be able to perform double-sided printing of printing on both sides of a sheet of paper.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the discharge device 13 is configured to include paper discharge trays 13A and 13B for sorting the paper in accordance with the inspection result.

[0067] Furthermore, the discharge device 13 is provided with an inspection device 40 for performing an image inspection for verifying the printing result of the printed matter. The inspection device 40 inspects the printing result of the printed matter by comparing the print data with the scan data of the printed matter printed out according to the print data based on the information related to the image inspection (inspection information described later) acquired from the server device 20. The discharge device 13 may also discharge the printed matter, i.e., paper, to one of the paper discharge trays 13A and 13B based on the inspection result inspected by the inspection device 40. In addition, the inspection device 40 may use one of the scan data of the printed matter printed out according to the print data as a reference, and inspect the printing result of the printed matter by comparing the scan data that becomes the reference with the other scan data.

[0068] The operation display unit 14 is configured to include a display unit that displays various images for operation or various information notified to the user, and an input unit that is provided with various buttons for inputting according to the operation images of the display unit. In addition, the operation display unit 14 may be configured to have a display screen composed of, for example, a touch panel, and the touch panel may have the functions of a display unit and an input unit.

[0069] In addition to printing images on paper, the printing device 10 of this embodiment also has the function of optically reading image patterns such as originals or feeding originals one by one to a reading area. The functions listed for the printing device 10 are just examples and do not prevent it from having other functions.

[0070] The server devices 20 and 30 may be physically one computer or may be implemented by distributed processing by a plurality of computers. In the present embodiment, the server devices 20 and 30 are configured as a so-called shared server providing a cloud service, but may also be a local server.

[0071] For example, when receiving a print instruction from the server device 30, the server device 20 generates print data to be printed on paper by imposing image data included in the print instruction and then rasterizing the image data. The print data is then transmitted to the printer 10. The server device 20 is an example of an information processing device.

[0072] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of the server device 20 to which this embodiment is applied.

[0073] As shown in the figure, the server device 20 includes a print instruction receiving unit 21 , a pagination information generating unit 22 , a print data generating unit 23 , a check information generating unit 24 , an output unit 25 , and a display control unit 26 .

[0074] The print instruction receiving unit 21 receives a print instruction sent from a user, and manages the received print instruction.

[0075] The print instruction received by the print instruction receiving unit 21 is associated with data representing the image to be printed, i.e., one or more image data. As the image data, for example, one page of PDF (Portable Document Format) data can be cited. In addition, in the following description, the unit of image data is sometimes marked as a page. In other words, when a plurality of image data are included in the print instruction, each image data is sometimes marked as the first page, the second page, etc. of the image data. In addition, each image data includes elements constituting the image data, i.e., one or more objects. As the object, there is no particular limitation, and for example, each image, graphic, table, text, etc. constituting the image data can be cited.

[0076] The print instruction received by the print instruction receiving unit 21 includes information for setting the method of printing the image data, i.e., setting information. The setting information includes, for example, settings related to the size of the paper to be printed, settings related to the number of copies to be printed, settings related to the imposition of the image data on the paper, etc. These information are set by, for example, input by the user via the operation display unit 14.

[0077] Hereinafter, among the setting information, setting information related to the imposition of image data on a sheet of paper is sometimes referred to as imposition setting information. That is, the imposition setting information is included in the print instruction received by the print instruction receiving unit 21. Examples of the imposition setting information include information related to the arrangement order of image data arranged on one sheet of paper, information related to the number of pages of image data arranged on one sheet of paper, and the like.

[0078] The print instruction received by the print instruction receiving unit 21 includes information related to the area for image inspection set in each image data, i.e., inspection setting information. In the following description, the area for image inspection set in each image data is referred to as the inspection target area. The inspection setting information is an example of information related to the position of image inspection set in the image data, i.e., the first position information.

[0079] Furthermore, the inspection setting information may include information on the type of image inspection or information on the accuracy of image inspection.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the print instruction receiving unit 21 acquires the checker setting information in response to a user operation on a UI screen displayed on the operation display unit 14 or the like by the display control unit 26 .

[0081] In addition, the checker setting information will be described in detail later.

[0082] The imposition information generating unit 22 generates imposition information, which is information related to the position of image data in the printing data to be printed on the paper, based on the imposition setting information included in the printing instruction received by the printing instruction receiving unit 21. The imposition information is an example of the second position information. Specifically, the imposition information generating unit 22 obtains the position of each image data in the printing data when the image data is imposed based on an example of the imposition setting information, namely, information related to the arrangement order of the image data arranged on one sheet of paper and information related to the number of pages of the image data arranged on one sheet of paper, and generates the imposition information.

[0083] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining the imposition method of image data, showing an example of the arrangement order of image data configured as print data by cutting and stacking. In addition, the details will be described later, but Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the inspection target region set in each image data arranged in the print data is indicated by hatching.

[0084] Figure 4 It means that when passing Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of pagination information generated by the pagination information generating unit 22 when image data is paginated in the manner shown.

[0085] exist Figure 3 The example shown shows the arrangement order of image data based on one of the imposition methods, namely cutting and stacking. Cutting and stacking is an imposition method in which a plurality of image data are arranged to generate printing data, a printed material with the printing data is printed in an overlapping manner, and then the printed material is cut, and the cut results are stacked so that they are arranged in the order of pages of the original image data.

[0086] exist Figure 3 2 shows a case where the image data consisting of 15 pages is arranged vertically and horizontally for printing data to be printed on one sheet of paper, a total of 4 pages are arranged, and then cut and stacked. Figure 3 In the figure, the number is the page number of the image data arranged in the print data.

[0087] exist Figure 3In the example shown, for the first print data, the image data of the first page is arranged at the upper left, the image data of the fifth page is arranged at the upper right, the image data of the ninth page is arranged at the lower left, and the image data of the thirteenth page is arranged at the lower right. Also, for the second print data, the image data of the second page is arranged at the upper left, the image data of the sixth page is arranged at the upper right, the image data of the tenth page is arranged at the lower left, and the image data of the fourteenth page is arranged at the lower right. Also, for the third print data, the image data of the third page is arranged at the upper left, the image data of the seventh page is arranged at the upper right, the image data of the eleventh page is arranged at the lower left, and the image data of the fifteenth page is arranged at the lower right. Furthermore, for the fourth print data, the image data of the fourth page is arranged at the upper left, the image data of the eighth page is arranged at the upper right, and the image data of the twelfth page is arranged at the lower left. In addition, the lower right of the fourth print data becomes a blank portion where no image data is arranged.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, the imposition information includes information related to the page number of the image data arranged in each printing data. Furthermore, the imposition information includes information related to the coordinates representing the position of each image data in each printing data. The coordinates of the imposition information represent the coordinates of the upper left corner of each image data arranged in the printing data when the coordinates of the upper left in each printing data are set to (0, 0). In this example, the coordinates of the image data arranged in the upper left of the printing data are (0, 0), the coordinates of the image data arranged in the upper right of the printing data are (148, 0), the coordinates of the image data arranged in the lower left of the printing data are (0, 210), and the coordinates of the image data arranged in the lower right of the printing data are (148, 210).

[0089] Furthermore, the pagination information includes information related to the rotation angle of each image data in each print data, that is, angle information. Figure 4 The imposition information includes, as angle information, the angle at which the image data is rotated when the image data is arranged in the printing data. In addition, the imposition information includes information related to the enlargement or reduction of each image data in each printing data, that is, scaling information. In other words, Figure 4 The imposition information includes the scaling ratio of the image data in the print data as scaling information.

[0090] The print data generating unit 23 generates print data using the image data included in the print instruction received by the print instruction receiving unit 21 and the imposition information generated by the imposition information generating unit 22. The print data is data representing an image in which one or more image data are arranged on one side of a paper (one page of a recording medium) according to the imposition information. In addition, in the following description, the unit of the print data is sometimes marked as a sheet. In other words, when there are a plurality of print data generated by the print data generating unit 23, each print data is sometimes marked as the first sheet, the second sheet, etc. of the print data.

[0091] The print data generating unit 23 generates print data by, for example, paginating the image data based on the pagination information and then performing rasterization processing.

[0092] The inspection information generating unit 24 generates inspection information related to positions for image inspection of a printed material on which the print data is printed, based on the inspection setting information included in the print instruction received by the print instruction receiving unit 21 and the pagination information generated by the pagination information generating unit 22 .

[0093] In this embodiment, the inspection information generating unit 24 sets the area for image inspection of the printed matter in the printing data according to the inspection setting information and the imposition information, and generates the inspection information. In addition, in the following description, the area for image inspection of the printed matter printed with the printing data is sometimes marked as the inspection area. That is, the inspection area indicates the position for image inspection of the printed matter printed with the printing data.

[0094] When the inspection setting information includes information on the type of image inspection or the accuracy of image inspection, the inspection information generating unit 24 generates inspection information by associating the type of image inspection or the accuracy of image inspection with each inspection area set in the print data.

[0095] The output unit 25 outputs the print data generated by the print data generating unit 23 to the printing device 10 . Furthermore, the output unit 25 outputs the inspection information generated by the inspection information generating unit 24 to the inspection device 40 .

[0096] The display control unit 26 controls the display of the UI screen in the operation display unit 14. The details will be described later, but the display control unit 26 displays a setting screen (described later) for the user to set the inspection target area for each image data arranged in the printing data. Fig.15 The display control unit 26 displays a confirmation screen (described later) for the user to confirm the inspection information generated by the inspection information generating unit 24. Fig.16 The confirmation screen 70) is used as the UI screen.

[0097] Here, each function of the server device 20 is implemented by a CPU 20A as an example of a processor. The CPU 20A reads a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20B, and executes the program using a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20C as a work area. The program executed by the CPU 20A can be provided to the server device 20 in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (a CD, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory, etc. In addition, the program executed by the CPU 20A can be downloaded to the server device 20 using a communication unit such as the Internet.

[0098] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, each function of the server device 20 is implemented by software, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the functions may be implemented by, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific IC).

[0099] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of the printing device 10 .

[0100] As shown in the figure, the printing device 10 includes a print data receiving unit 15 , a print control unit 16 , a printed matter scanning control unit 17 , a scan data transmitting unit 18 , and a paper discharge control unit 19 .

[0101] Furthermore, the discharge device 13 (see Figure 1 ) inspects objects such as characters or images of printed matter based on print instructions. The inspection device 40 is configured to include an inspection information acquisition unit 41, a print data acquisition unit 42, a scan data acquisition unit 43, an inspection unit 44, and an inspection result sending unit 45.

[0102] The print data receiving unit 15 receives the print data generated by the print data generating unit 23 of the server device 20 .

[0103] The print control unit 16 controls the printing unit 12 to perform printing using the print data received by the print data receiving unit 15 .

[0104] The printed matter scanning control unit 17 controls a scanning function for optically reading an image pattern of a printed matter while the printed matter printed by the printing unit 12 is being conveyed to the inspection device 40 .

[0105] The scan data transmission unit 18 transmits the scan data acquired by the scan function to the inspection device 40 .

[0106] The paper discharge control unit 19 distributes and discharges the printed matter to either the paper discharge tray 13A or the paper discharge tray 13B according to the inspection result of the inspection device 40. Specifically, the paper discharge control unit 19 discharges the printed matter that has passed the inspection of the inspection device 40 from the paper discharge tray 13A, and discharges the printed matter that has failed the inspection of the inspection device 40 from the paper discharge tray 13B.

[0107] In addition, the printing system 100 may also display the inspection result of the inspection device 40 on the operation display unit 14 (see Figure 1 ).

[0108] In the inspection device 40, the inspection information acquisition unit 41 acquires the inspection information output from the output unit 25 of the server device 20. The inspection information is generated by the inspection information generation unit 24.

[0109] The print data acquisition unit 42 acquires the print data output from the output unit 25 of the server device 20. The print data is generated by the print data generation unit 23, and is configured with one or more image data.

[0110] The scan data acquisition unit 43 acquires scan data transmitted from the scan data transmission unit 18 of the printing device 10. The scan data is data obtained by scanning a printed material on which print data is printed.

[0111] The inspection unit 44 is an example of an inspection execution unit, and uses the acquired inspection information and print data to perform an image inspection of scanned data obtained by scanning a printed material on which the print data is printed.

[0112] As an example of image inspection, the inspection unit 44 of this embodiment performs an "image defect inspection" for inspecting a printed material having print data printed thereon for print defects. That is, the inspection unit 44 determines the position in the scan data where the image inspection is to be performed based on the inspection information. Then, the area determined based on the inspection information in the scan data is compared with the corresponding area of ​​the print data, and the comparison result is determined. This comparison is performed, for example, by comparing the area of ​​the scan data determined based on the inspection information with the area corresponding to the print data in a pre-set dot unit.

[0113] For example, when the area of ​​the scan data determined according to the inspection information and the area corresponding to the printing data are completely consistent in dot units, the inspection unit 44 determines that the printed matter has passed the inspection. When there are inconsistent points between the area of ​​the scan data determined according to the inspection information and the area corresponding to the printing data, the inspection unit 44 determines that the printed matter has failed the inspection. In addition, when the number of inconsistent points between the area of ​​the scan data determined according to the inspection information and the area corresponding to the printing data is less than a preset number (for example, 2), the inspection unit 44 may determine that the inspection has passed, and when it is more than the preset number, it is determined that the inspection has failed.

[0114] Furthermore, when the inspection information includes information on the accuracy of the image inspection, the inspection unit 44 may change the number of dots used in determining whether the printed material passes or fails the inspection according to the accuracy of the image inspection.

[0115] Consider the case where there is a normal accuracy and a high accuracy higher than normal in the accuracy of the image inspection. When the accuracy of the image inspection is high accuracy, the inspection unit 44 can reduce the number of points used in the determination of whether the printed material is passed or failed in the inspection, compared with the case where the accuracy of the image inspection is normal. For example, when the accuracy of the image inspection is high accuracy and the area of ​​the scanned data determined according to the inspection information is completely consistent with the area corresponding to the printing data in dot units, the inspection unit 44 determines that the printed material is passed in the inspection, and when there are inconsistent points, the printed material is determined to be failed in the inspection. On the other hand, when the accuracy of the image inspection is normal and the number of inconsistent points in the area of ​​the scanned data determined according to the inspection information and the area corresponding to the printing data is less than a preset number (for example, 2), the inspection unit 44 determines that the inspection is passed, and when it is more than the preset number, it is determined to be failed in the inspection.

[0116] Furthermore, when the inspection information includes information related to the accuracy of the image inspection, the inspection unit 44 may change the density of dots for comparing the area of ​​the scan data specified by the inspection information with the corresponding area of ​​the print data according to the accuracy of the image inspection.

[0117] For example, when the image inspection accuracy is high, the inspection unit 44 compares the area of ​​the scanned data with the corresponding area of ​​the printing data at 1200dpi. On the other hand, when the image inspection accuracy is normal, the area of ​​the scanned data with the corresponding area of ​​the printing data is compared at 600dpi.

[0118] Furthermore, the inspection unit 44 may perform image inspection using the color difference of each pixel of the scan data and the print data. In this case, the permissible color difference may be changed depending on whether the image inspection accuracy is high or normal.

[0119] The image inspection performed by the inspection unit 44 is not limited to the above-mentioned image defect inspection as long as the area specified based on the inspection information is inspected on the printed matter on which the print data is printed.

[0120] As another example of the image inspection performed by the inspection unit 44, there can be cited a "matching inspection" for inspecting the degree of matching between information included in the printing data and information included in the printed matter for an area determined based on the inspection information. In other words, in the printing data configured with image data, when an object such as an image of a barcode or text included in the image data is set as an area for image inspection, the inspection unit 44 can determine the degree of matching between information included in the image of the barcode or text in the printing data and information included in the image of the barcode or text in the printed matter through the matching inspection.

[0121] The inspection result transmitting unit 45 transmits information of either inspection pass or inspection fail to the printing device 10 as information indicating the inspection result of the inspection by the inspection unit 44. In addition, as described above, the paper discharge control unit 19 of the printing device 10 discharges the inspected printed matter to either the paper discharge tray 13A or the paper discharge tray 13B according to the information indicating the inspection result.

[0122] Then, the inspection result transmission unit 45 transmits information for specifying the inspected printed matter, such as information indicating which sheet of the printing instruction is which, to the printing device 10. Thus, the printing result of the printed matter can be displayed on the operation display unit 14 (refer to FIG. Figure 1 ). In addition, the inspection result sending unit 45 may also send the inspection result to the server device 30 (refer to Figure 1 ) sends the printing results to notify the user who is far away from the printing device 10 of the printing results.

[0123] In the configuration of the printing system 100 according to the present embodiment, the server device 20 is connected to the upstream side of the printing device 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The printing device 10 may also have the functions of the server device 20 (see Figure 2 ).

[0124] In the printing system 100, when performing an image inspection of a printed material of printing data printed out by the printing device 10, if it is desired to set an area for image inspection (an inspection area described later) in a part of the printing data rather than the entire area of ​​the printing data, it is sometimes difficult to set the inspection area for the printing data depending on the configuration of the image data in the printing data, etc.

[0125] For example, Figure 3 As shown in the figure, when the image data is arranged in the printing data by cutting and stacking, the page number or the position of the image data arranged for each printing data is different. In this case, the area for image inspection is different for each printing data. If it is desired to set the area for image inspection for each printing data, the user's burden for setting the area for image inspection is likely to be heavy.

[0126] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the inspection information generating unit 24 of the server device 20 determines the position for performing image inspection on a printed material printed with respective printing data based on information related to the position of image inspection set in the image data, i.e., inspection setting information, and information related to the respective positions of the image data in the printing data, i.e., imposition information.

[0127] Next, the processing by the inspection information generating unit 24 will be described. First, the inspection setting information used by the inspection information generating unit 24 to generate the inspection information will be described.

[0128] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of checker setting information. Figure 6 As shown in Figure 3 The inspection setting information corresponding to the inspection target area set in the image data is shown. Figure 6 The setting is shown in Figure 3 The inspection setting information corresponding to the inspection target area of ​​the 1st, 5th, 9th, and 13th pages of image data among the 1st to 15th pages of image data is shown.

[0129] The inspection setting information is information indicating the position of the inspection target area in the image data, and is set for each image data. The details will be described later, but the print instruction receiving unit 21 receives the information displayed on the operation display unit 14 (see FIG. 1 ) according to the user's Figure 1 ) UI screen (described later) Fig.15 The inspection setting information is acquired for each image data by inputting the setting screen 60) and the like.

[0130] In this embodiment, the inspection setting information includes information related to the coordinates indicating the position of the inspection object area in each image data. When the upper left coordinates in each image data are set to (0, 0), the coordinates of the inspection object area included in the inspection setting information are the coordinates of the upper left point of the inspection object area set in the image data (for example, in this embodiment, when the inspection object area is a rectangle, it is the upper left corner).

[0131] The inspection setting information includes a horizontal width and a vertical length as information on the range of the inspection target region set in each image data. In addition, hereinafter, the horizontal width and the vertical length of the inspection target region indicating the range of the inspection target region may be simply referred to as width and length.

[0132] The format of the inspection setting information is not limited to coordinates, width, and length as long as the position or range of the inspection target region in each image data can be set.

[0133] In this example, the inspection target area with coordinates (10, 10), width and length (120, 100) is set for the first page of image data. When the width and length (w, l) are expressed, w represents the horizontal width of the inspection target area, and l represents the vertical length of the inspection target area.

[0134] Furthermore, an inspection target region with coordinates (2, 10) and a width and length of (20, 20) and an inspection target region with coordinates (22, 100) and a width and length of (100, 50) are set for the fifth page image data.

[0135] Furthermore, an inspection target region having coordinates (20, 40) and a width and length (100, 30) is set for the ninth page of image data.

[0136] Furthermore, an inspection target region having coordinates (10, 10) and a width and length (128, 100) is set for the 13th page image data.

[0137] Next, according to Figure 6 The checker information shown and Figure 4 The process of generating inspection information by the inspection information generating unit 24 based on the pagination information shown will be described.

[0138] The inspection information generating unit 24 of the present embodiment calculates the coordinates and range (horizontal width and vertical length) of the inspection area in the print data based on the inspection setting information and the pagination information, and generates inspection information.

[0139] Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 (f) is a diagram for explaining the process of generating inspection information by the inspection information generating unit 24. Figure 7 (a) Figure 7 (b) Figure 7 The processes are carried out in the order of (f).

[0140] and, Figure 8 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the inspection information generated by the inspection information generating unit 24. Figure 8 2 shows an example of the inspection information generated for the first print data among a plurality of print data in which image data is arranged.

[0141] The inspection information generating unit 24 first acquires the page number of the image data arranged on the first sheet of the print data from the pagination information, and then acquires the coordinates indicating the position, rotation angle, and scaling ratio of the image data of the acquired page number in the print data from the pagination information.

[0142] In this example, the inspection information generating unit 24 obtains "Page 1" arranged at the upper left in the print data as the page number of the first sheet of image data arranged in the print data from the pagination information. Furthermore, the inspection information generating unit 24 obtains the coordinates (0, 0), the rotation angle (0 degrees), and the scaling ratio (100%) of the first page of image data in the print data from the pagination information.

[0143] Next, the inspection information generating unit 24 acquires the coordinates (10, 10) of the inspection target region set in the first page image data and the width and length (128, 100) indicating the range of the inspection target region from the inspection setting information.

[0144] Then, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates and range of the inspection area in the printing data using the coordinates, rotation angle, and scaling ratio of the first page image data in the printing data obtained from the imposition information and the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection object area set in the first page image data obtained from the inspection setting information.

[0145] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the method of calculating the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in the printing data by the inspection information generating unit 24. Fig. 9 1 shows a calculation method when the rotation angle of the image data arranged in the print data is 0 degrees. In addition, the case where the rotation angle of the image data arranged in the print data is other than 0 degrees will be described later.

[0146] Here, the coordinates of the image data arranged in the print data are (A, B), and the scaling factor is M. Furthermore, the coordinates of the inspection target region set in the image data are (a, b), the horizontal width is w, and the vertical length is l.

[0147] In this case, the inspection information generating unit 24 can calculate the coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the print data based on the following calculation formulas (1) and (2).

[0148] (X, Y)=(A+a×M, B+b×M)……(1)

[0149] (W, L)=(w×M, l×M)……(2)

[0150] In this example, if Figure 7 As shown in (a), the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates (10, 10), width and length (128, 100) of the inspection area in the printing data based on the coordinates (0, 0) of the first page image data in the printing data, the zoom ratio (100%), and the coordinates (10, 10), width and length (128, 100) of the inspection object area set in the first page image data.

[0151] Next, the inspection information generating unit 24 obtains the next page number of the image data arranged on the first sheet of the print data from the pagination information. In this example, "Page 5" arranged on the upper right in the print data is obtained as the page number of the image data arranged on the first sheet of the print data. Furthermore, the inspection information generating unit 24 obtains the coordinates (148, 0), the rotation angle (0 degrees), and the scaling ratio (100%) of the image data on the fifth page in the print data from the pagination information.

[0152] Next, the inspection information generating unit 24 obtains the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target area set in the image data of page 5. Then, in the same manner as in the case of the image data of page 1, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in the print data based on the above calculation formulas (1) and (2).

[0153] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , two inspection target areas are set in the fifth page image data. Therefore, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in the print data for each inspection target area set in the fifth page image data.

[0154] In this example, if Figure 7 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates (150, 10), width and length (20, 20) of the inspection area in the printing data based on the coordinates (148, 0) of the fifth page image data in the printing data, the scaling factor (100%), and the coordinates (2, 10), width and length (20, 20) of the first inspection target area set in the fifth page image data. Similarly, Figure 7As shown in (c), the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates (170, 100), width and length (100, 50) of the inspection area in the printing data based on the coordinates (148, 0) of the 5th page image data in the printing data, the zoom ratio (100%), and the coordinates (22, 100), width and length (100, 50) of the second inspection object area set in the 5th page image data.

[0155] Next, similarly, with respect to the image data of pages 9 and 13 arranged on the first sheet of the printing data, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates and range of the inspection area in the printing data using the coordinates, rotation angle, and scaling ratio of the image data in the printing data obtained from the imposition information and the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection object area set in the image data obtained from the inspection setting information.

[0156] In this example, if Figure 7 As shown in (d) of FIG. 1 , the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates (20, 250), width, and length (100, 30) of the inspection area in the printing data corresponding to the inspection target area set in the 9th page image data arranged in the printing data.

[0157] And, if Figure 7 As shown in (e) of FIG. 1 , the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates (158, 220), width, and length (120, 100) of the inspection area in the printing data corresponding to the inspection target area set in the 13th page image data arranged in the printing data.

[0158] Then, in the server device 20 , the output unit 25 outputs the inspection information including the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area calculated by the inspection information generating unit 24 for the first sheet of print data to the inspection device 40 .

[0159] In the inspection device 40 , based on the acquired inspection information, an image inspection of the printed matter on which the print data is printed is performed on the inspection area set in the print data.

[0160] After generating the inspection information for the first print data, the inspection information generating unit 24 sequentially generates the inspection information for the second, third, and fourth print data in the same manner as the inspection information for the first print data. In other words, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in the print data corresponding to the inspection target area set in each of the image data arranged in the second, third, and fourth print data.

[0161] Then, in the server device 20 , the output unit 25 sequentially outputs the inspection information including the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area calculated by the inspection information generating unit 24 for the second, third, and fourth sheets of print data to the inspection device 40 .

[0162] In the inspection device 40 , based on the acquired inspection information, an image inspection of the printed matter on which the print data is printed is performed on the inspection area set in the print data.

[0163] Next, a method for the inspection information generating unit 24 to calculate the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in the print data when the rotation angle of the image data arranged in the print data in the pagination information is other than 0 degrees will be described.

[0164] Fig.10 (a)~ Fig.10 (c) is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in the printing data by the inspection information generating unit 24 . Fig.10 (a) shows the case where the rotation angle of the image data is 90 degrees. Fig.10 (b) shows the case where the rotation angle of the image data is 180 degrees. Fig.10 (c) shows the case where the rotation angle of the image data is 270 degrees.

[0165] Here, similarly to the above description, the coordinates of the image data arranged in the print data are (A, B), and the scaling factor is M. Furthermore, the coordinates of the inspection target region set in the image data are (a, b), the horizontal width is w, and the vertical length is l.

[0166] like Fig.10 As shown in (a), when the rotation angle of the image data configured in the printing data is 90 degrees, the inspection information generating unit 24 can calculate the coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the printing data according to the following calculation formulas (3) and (4).

[0167] (X, Y)=(Ab×M, B+a×M)……(3)

[0168] (W, L)=(l×M, w×M)……(4)

[0169] And, if Fig.10 As shown in (b), when the rotation angle of the image data configured in the printing data is 180 degrees, the inspection information generating unit 24 can calculate the coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the printing data according to the following calculation formulas (5) and (6).

[0170] (X, Y)=(Aa×M, Bb×M)……(5)

[0171] (W, L)=(w×M, l×M)……(6)

[0172] Moreover, if Fig.10 As shown in (c), when the rotation angle of the image data configured in the printing data is 270 degrees, the inspection information generating unit 24 can calculate the coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the printing data according to the following calculation formulas (7) and (8).

[0173] (X, Y)=(A+b×M, Ba×M)……(7)

[0174] (W, L)=(l×M, w×M)……(8)

[0175] Next, the inspection information generated by the inspection information generating unit 24 when the image data arranged in the print data in the pagination information includes image data having a rotation angle other than 0 degrees will be described.

[0176] Fig.11 (a)~ Fig.13 (b) is a diagram for explaining another example of the process of generating inspection information by the inspection information generating unit 24 .

[0177] Fig.11 (a) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement order of image data arranged in print data, Fig.11 (b) means through Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of pagination information generated by the pagination information generating unit 22 when paginating image data in the manner shown in (a). Fig.11 In (a), the number is the page number of the image data arranged in the print data. And, Fig.11 The direction of the numbers shown in (a) corresponds to the direction in which the image data is arranged in the print data.

[0178] Fig.12 (a) is a diagram showing an inspection target area set in each image data. Fig.12 (b) means Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of inspection setting information corresponding to the inspection target area shown in (a). Fig.12 (a)~ Fig.12 In the example shown in (b), the inspection target area is set at the same position for the image data of pages 1, 4, and 7. Similarly, the inspection target area is set at the same position for the image data of pages 2, 5, and 8, and the inspection target area is set at the same position for the image data of pages 3 and 6.

[0179] and, Fig.13 (a) is a diagram showing the position of the inspection area set in the printing data, Fig.13 (b) is a diagram showing an example of the inspection information generated by the inspection information generating unit 24 .

[0180] exist Fig.11 The example shown in (a) shows the arrangement order of image data based on saddle stitching, which is one of the imposition methods. Saddle stitching is an imposition method in which a plurality of image data are arranged to generate printing data, and a printed material printed with the printing data is cut as needed, overlapped, and then folded in half from the center, and the folded portion is bound to form a printed material.

[0181] exist Fig.11 (a) shows a case where the print data consisting of 8 pages of image data to be printed on the front and back sides of a sheet of paper are arranged in a total of 4 sheets, 2 in the vertical direction and 2 in the horizontal direction, and then saddle-stitched.

[0182] More specifically, in Fig.11 In (a), for the first print data printed on the surface of the paper, the image data of the 4th page is arranged at the upper left, the image data of the 5th page is arranged at the upper right, the image data of the 8th page is arranged at the lower left, and the image data of the 1st page is arranged at the lower right. In addition, the image data of the 5th page and the 4th page are rotated 180 degrees and arranged in the print data. In addition, Fig.11 In (a), for the second print data printed on the back side of the paper, the image data of the third page is arranged at the upper left, the image data of the sixth page is arranged at the upper right, the image data of the second page is arranged at the lower left, and the image data of the seventh page is arranged at the lower right. Furthermore, the image data of the third and sixth pages are rotated 180 degrees and arranged in the print data.

[0183] Then, if Fig.11 As shown in (b), in the pagination information generated by the pagination information generating unit 22, the rotation angle of the image data of pages 5, 4, 3, and 6 arranged in the print data after being rotated 180 degrees is 180 degrees.

[0184] In this example, if Fig.13 As shown in (a), the inspection information generating unit 24 Fig.11 (b) shows the imposition information and Fig.12 The inspection setting information shown in (b) of FIG. 1 sets the inspection area in each printing data and generates Fig.13 The inspection information shown in (b).

[0185] In other words, the inspection information generating unit 24 uses Fig.11The coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the printing data are calculated using the calculation formula corresponding to the rotation angle of the image data included in the imposition information shown in (b). In this example, the inspection information generating unit 24 uses the above calculation formulas (1) and (2) to calculate the coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the printing data corresponding to the inspection target area of ​​the image data of pages 8, 1, 2, and 7 set at a rotation angle of 0 degrees. In addition, the inspection information generating unit 24 uses the above calculation formulas (5) and (6) to calculate the coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the printing data corresponding to the inspection target area of ​​the image data of pages 5, 4, 3, and 6 set at a rotation angle of 180 degrees.

[0186] Here, when the image data arranged in the printing data includes image data whose rotation angle is other than 0 degrees, the orientation of the image data alone becomes different from the orientation of the image data in the state of being arranged in the printing data. In this case, if it is desired to set an inspection area for the printing data in which the image data is arranged, it may be difficult to set the inspection area at the position where the user wants to perform image inspection in the image data. In this case, the burden on the user when performing image inspection on the printed matter printed with the printing data is likely to increase.

[0187] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the inspection target area related to the position of the image inspection set in the image data and the imposition information related to the position of the image data in the printing data are used to set the inspection area in the printing data. Thus, even if the image data arranged in the printing data includes image data with a rotation angle other than 0 degrees, it becomes easy for the user to set the inspection area at the position where the image inspection is desired in the image data. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when performing image inspection on the printed matter on which the printing data is printed.

[0188] Fig.14 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process of setting an inspection area in print data by the server device 20 to which this embodiment is applied.

[0189] When a printing instruction to print an image on a sheet is issued and the inspection target area is set in the image data included in the printing instruction, the server device 20 executes the printing operation according to the instruction. Fig.14 The steps shown set the inspection area in the printing data in which the image data is arranged. Then, in the inspection device 40, the image inspection of the printed matter on which the printing data is printed is performed on the inspection area set in the printing data.

[0190] in addition, Fig.14 The processing shown is mainly performed by the inspection information generating unit 24 of the server device 20 .

[0191] First, the inspection information generating unit 24 acquires the page number of the image data arranged in the Nth sheet (N=1) of print data based on the pagination information generated by the pagination information generating unit 22 (step S101 ).

[0192] Next, the inspection information generating unit 24 acquires the coordinates, rotation angle, and scaling ratio of the target image data in the print data from the pagination information of the first image data (hereinafter referred to as the target image data) in the image data arranged in the Nth print data (step S102 ).

[0193] Next, the inspection information generating unit 24 acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target region set in the target image data from the inspection setting information received by the print instruction receiving unit 21 (step S103 ).

[0194] Next, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in the printing data set corresponding to the inspection object area of ​​the image data of the object based on the coordinates, rotation angle, and scaling ratio of the image data of the object in the printing data obtained in step S102 and the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection object area set in the image data of the object obtained in step S103 (step S104).

[0195] When a plurality of inspection target regions are set in the target image data, the inspection information generating unit 24 repeats the processing of step S103 and step S104 for each inspection target region. Thus, the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection region in the print data are calculated for each inspection target region.

[0196] If the coordinates, width and length of the inspection area in the printing data are calculated for all inspection object areas included in the image data of the object, the inspection information generating unit 24 then determines whether there is other image data in the image data configured in the Nth printing data whose coordinates, width and length of the inspection area are not calculated (step S105).

[0197] When other image data whose coordinates, width and length of the inspection area are not calculated exists in the image data arranged in the Nth printing data ("Yes" in step S105), the inspection information generating unit 24 returns to step S102 and continues to process the other image data as the target image data.

[0198] On the other hand, when there is no other image data in which the coordinates, width and length of the inspection area are not calculated in the image data configured for the Nth printing data ("No" in step S105), the output unit 25 outputs the coordinates, width and length of the inspection area in the Nth printing data calculated in step S104 as the inspection information of the Nth printing data to the inspection device 40 (step S106).

[0199] In the inspection device 40 , based on the inspection information of the N-th print data outputted in step S106 , an image inspection of the printed material on which the print data is printed is performed on the inspection area set in the N-th print data.

[0200] Next, the inspection information generating section 24 determines whether or not the next print data (the (N+1)th print data) exists in the print instruction (step S107).

[0201] If the next print data exists (YES in step S107 ), the inspection information generating unit 24 sets N=N+1 (step S108 ), returns to step S101 , and continues the process related to the next print data.

[0202] On the other hand, when the next print data does not exist (No in step S107 ), the inspection information generating unit 24 ends the series of processing.

[0203] Thus, in the printing system 100 of the present embodiment, when an inspection area is set in a plurality of printing data and an image inspection is performed by the inspection device 40, the server device 20 outputs inspection information related to the inspection area set in one of the plurality of printing data to the inspection device 40, and after the image inspection of the printed matter based on the one printing data is started by the inspection device 40, a process of setting the inspection area in other printing data different from the one printing data is performed.

[0204] Thus, in the printing system 100 of the present embodiment, the image inspection of the printed matter based on one printing data in the inspection device 40 and the process of setting the inspection area in other printing data in the server device 20 can be performed in parallel. As a result, compared with the case where the image inspection of the printed matter in the inspection device 40 is started after the process of setting the inspection area for the plurality of printing data is all completed, the period until the image inspection of the printed matter based on the plurality of printing data is completed can be shortened.

[0205] Although not shown in the figure, in the printing system 100, when inspection areas are set in a plurality of printing data and image inspection is performed by the inspection device 40, the server device 20 may collectively output inspection information related to the inspection areas set in the plurality of printing data to the inspection device 40 after all the processing of setting the inspection areas for the plurality of printing data is completed. In this case, compared with the case where the inspection information related to each printing data is output to the inspection device 40 individually, the number of times the server device 20 performs the processing of outputting the inspection information to the inspection device 40 is reduced, and the processing performed by the server device 20 becomes simple.

[0206] Next, the UI screen displayed by the display control unit 26 will be described. As described above, the display control unit 26 displays the UI screen on which the user operates the operation display unit 14.

[0207] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 60 which is one of the UI screens displayed by the display control unit 26 and is used to set an inspection target area for each image data arranged in the print data.

[0208] Fig.16 1 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen 70 for confirming the position of the inspection area set in the print data by the inspection information generating section 24, which is one of the UI screens displayed by the display control section 26.

[0209] like Fig.15 As shown, the setting screen 60 includes an image data display unit 61 for displaying image data (here, indicated by reference numeral 610). In this example, when there are a plurality of image data, the image data is displayed page by page in the image data display unit 61.

[0210] Then, the print instruction receiving unit 21 receives a designation of a position for image inspection in the image data 610 in response to a user operation on the image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61 , and acquires inspection setting information which is an example of first position information.

[0211] Specifically, the print instruction receiving unit 21 receives a designation regarding the position of the inspection target region in the image data 610 based on the user's operation on the image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61, and acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target region set in the image data 610. Furthermore, the print instruction receiving unit 21 acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target region set in the image data 610 for each image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61 page by page.

[0212] exist Fig.15In the image data display unit 61, the inspection target region set in the image data 610 according to the user's operation is indicated by hatching.

[0213] For example, the user specifies a range for image inspection for the image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61. The print instruction receiving unit 21 acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target region based on the range specified by the user in the image data 610.

[0214] Then, the user selects an object to be image-checked from among the objects included in the image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61. Fig.15 In the example shown, a barcode image is selected as an object included in the image data 610. The print instruction receiving unit 21 sets the object selected by the user in the image data 610 as an inspection target region and acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target region.

[0215] Furthermore, the user may specify an area not to be inspected, i.e., an inspection exclusion range, for the image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61. In this case, the print instruction receiving unit 21 uses the area other than the inspection exclusion range specified by the user in the image data 610 as the inspection target area and acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target area.

[0216] Alternatively, the user may select an object to be image inspected from objects included in the image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61. In this case, the print instruction receiving unit 21 uses objects other than the object selected by the user in the image data 610 as inspection target areas and acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target area.

[0217] The setting screen 60 also includes an inspection target region display unit 62 that displays information related to the inspection target region set in the image data 610 according to an operation for the image data 610 on the image data display unit 61. In this example, the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target region set in the image data 610 are displayed in the inspection target region display unit 62.

[0218] Furthermore, the setting screen 60 includes a type designation unit 63 for designating the type of image inspection to be performed on the inspection target area set in the image data 610. The type designation unit 63 can select, for example, "image defect inspection" for inspecting printing defects of a printed material printed with printing data and "matching degree inspection" for inspecting the degree of matching between information included in the printing data and information included in the printed material as the type of image inspection. In other words, the type designation unit 63 is composed of, for example, a pull-down menu that can select either "image defect inspection" or "matching degree inspection".

[0219] In this example, the type of image inspection can be individually set for each inspection target region set in the image data 610 by the designation by the type designation unit 63 .

[0220] The print instruction receiving unit 21 acquires information on the type of image inspection for the inspection target region of the image data 610 in response to the user's operation on the type specifying unit 63 .

[0221] The setting screen 60 also includes an accuracy designation unit 64 for designating the accuracy of the image inspection in the inspection area set in the print data according to the inspection target area set in the image data 610. The accuracy designation unit 64 is composed of, for example, a pull-down menu that allows selection of either "normal" or "high accuracy" as the accuracy of the image inspection.

[0222] In this example, the accuracy of image inspection can be collectively set for all inspection target areas set in the image data 610 by designation based on the accuracy designation unit 64. Alternatively, the accuracy of image inspection can be individually set for each inspection target area set in the image data 610 by designation based on the accuracy designation unit 64.

[0223] The print instruction receiving unit 21 acquires information on the accuracy of the image inspection for the inspection target region of the image data 610 in accordance with the user's operation on the accuracy designating unit 64 .

[0224] Furthermore, the setting screen 60 includes a switching button 65 for switching the UI screen displayed on the operation display unit 14 from the setting screen 60 to the confirmation screen 70 .

[0225] In this embodiment, the user operates the switching button 65 of the setting screen 60, and the UI screen displayed on the operation display unit 14 changes from Fig.15 The setting screen 60 shown switches to Fig.16 A confirmation screen 70 is shown.

[0226] like Fig.16 As shown, the confirmation screen 70 includes displaying the imposition image data 610 (reference Fig.15 ) (here, indicated by reference numeral 710) is displayed in the print data display section 71. For example, the print data 710 of the image data 610 is displayed one by one in the print data display section 71. Fig.16 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , print data 710 obtained by piecing together four pages of image data 610A, 610B, 610C, and 610D is displayed on the print data display unit 71 .

[0227] As described above, in the print data 710, the inspection information is generated by the inspection information generating unit 24 based on the inspection setting information set in the image data 610. The inspection area set in the print data 710 based on the inspection information generated by the inspection information generating unit 24 is shown in the print data display unit 71. Fig.16 In the print data display section 71, the inspection area set for the print data is indicated by hatching.

[0228] The user can check the area where the image of the printed material with the print data 710 is to be checked by viewing the print data display section 71 of the confirmation screen 70. The confirmation screen 70 is an example of a display screen showing both the print data 710 and the inspection area where the image of the printed material with the print data 710 is to be checked.

[0229] Furthermore, the inspection information generating unit 24 may also set the inspection area of ​​the print data 710 according to the user's operation on the print data 710 displayed on the print data display unit 71. In other words, the inspection information generating unit 24 receives the setting of the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area according to the user's operation on the print data 710 displayed on the print data display unit 71. Then, the inspection information generating unit 24 changes the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area according to the received setting of the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area. When the inspection area is changed, the changed inspection area is displayed on the print data display unit 71 in the confirmation screen 70. Thus, the user can confirm the position of the changed inspection area in the print data 710 by observing the print data display unit 71 on the confirmation screen 70.

[0230] Furthermore, the confirmation screen 70 includes an inspection area display unit 72 for displaying information related to the inspection area set in the print data 710. In this example, the inspection area display unit 72 displays the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area set in the print data 710. Furthermore, the inspection area display unit 72 displays information related to the type of image inspection set for each inspection area.

[0231] The inspection information generating section 24 may set the inspection area for the print data 710 in accordance with the user's operation on the inspection area display section 72 of the confirmation screen 70 .

[0232] Furthermore, the confirmation screen 70 includes an accuracy display unit 73 that displays information related to the accuracy of the image inspection in the inspection area set in the print data 710. In this embodiment, the image inspection accuracy is collectively set for all inspection target areas set in the image data 610, so that the same image inspection accuracy is set in the inspection area of ​​the print data 710. Fig.16In the example shown, the accuracy display unit 73 displays “normal” as the accuracy of the image inspection collectively set in all inspection areas of the print data 710 .

[0233] Furthermore, the confirmation screen 70 includes a switch button 75 for switching the UI screen displayed on the operation display unit 14 from the confirmation screen 70 to the setting screen 60 .

[0234] In the present embodiment, the user operates the switching button 75 of the confirmation screen 70, whereby the UI screen displayed on the operation display unit 14 changes from Fig.16 The confirmation screen 70 shown switches to Fig.15 The setting screen 60 is shown.

[0235] For example, after confirming the inspection area set in the print data 710 on the confirmation screen 70 , the user operates the switch button 75 to display the setting screen 60 , thereby confirming and changing the inspection target area set in the image data 610 arranged in the print data 710 .

[0236] In addition, in the server device 20 of the present embodiment, the inspection information generating unit 24 sets the inspection area for performing the image inspection of the printed matter printed with the printing data in the printing data, but the present invention is not limited to this. The server device 20 only needs to determine the area for performing the image inspection of the printed matter based on the inspection target area set in the image data. For example, the server device 20 may set the inspection area for the printed matter printed with the printing data or the scanned data of the printed matter printed with the printing data.

[0237] The embodiments of the present invention are described above, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. As can be seen from the description of the technical solution, various changes or improvements to the above embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0238] The processor in the above-mentioned embodiment refers to a processor in a broad sense, which includes, in addition to general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU (=Central Processing Unit)), special-purpose processors (e.g., GPU (=Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (=Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (=Field Programmable Gate Array), programmable logic devices, etc.).

[0239] Furthermore, the actions of the processor in the embodiment may be performed by a single processor alone or by multiple processors located in physically separate locations in collaboration. Furthermore, the execution order of each action in the processor is not limited to the order described in the above embodiment and may also be changed independently.

[0240] <Note>

[0241] (1) An image inspection system comprising a processor and an inspection execution unit for performing image inspection of a printed matter, wherein the processor performs the following processing: obtaining first position information which is information related to the position of the image inspection and is set in image data; and obtaining second position information which is information related to the position of each image data in printing data composed of a plurality of the image data, wherein the inspection execution unit uses the first position information and the second position information to perform the image inspection of a printed matter printed with the printing data.

[0242] (2) The image inspection system according to (1), wherein:

[0243] The processor acquires angle information, which is information related to a rotation angle of the image data, from the print data, and performs the image inspection of the printed matter using the angle information.

[0244] (3) The image inspection system according to (1) or (2), wherein:

[0245] The processor acquires scaling information, which is information related to enlargement or reduction of the image data, from the print data, and performs the image inspection of the printed matter using the scaling information.

[0246] (4) The image inspection system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein:

[0247] The processor receives a designation regarding a position of the image inspection for each piece of the image data and acquires the first position information.

[0248] (5) The image inspection system according to (4), wherein:

[0249] The processor receives, for each of the image data, a designation of a region to be inspected for the image or a region not to be inspected for the image as a designation related to a position for the image inspection, and acquires the first position information.

[0250] (6) The image inspection system according to (4), wherein:

[0251] The processor receives, for each of the image data, a selection of an object to be subjected to image inspection or an object not to be subjected to image inspection from among objects constituting the image data, as a designation regarding a position of the image inspection, and acquires the first position information.

[0252] (7) The image inspection system according to (4), wherein:

[0253] The processor acquires information related to the designation of the position of the image inspection and at least one of the type of the image inspection and the accuracy of the image inspection.

[0254] (8) The image inspection system according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein:

[0255] The processor performs the following processing: setting an inspection area for the image inspection of a printed material printed with the printing data using the first position information and the second position information; and when the inspection area is set in a plurality of the printing data, outputting the inspection area set in one of the plurality of printing data to the inspection execution unit, and after starting the image inspection of the printed material based on the one printing data through the inspection execution unit, setting the inspection area in other printing data different from the one printing data.

[0256] (9) The image inspection system according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein:

[0257] The processor performs the following processing: setting an inspection area for the image inspection of a printed material printed with the printing data using the first position information and the second position information; and when the inspection area is set in multiple printing data, the inspection area set in multiple printing data is aggregated and output to the inspection execution unit.

[0258] (10) An image inspection system according to any one of (1) to (9), comprising: a display unit that displays information related to the image inspection, and the processor displays a display screen on the display unit that shows both the printing data and the position where the image inspection of the printed material printed with the printing data is performed.

[0259] (11) The image inspection system according to (10), wherein:

[0260] The processor receives setting of a position at which the image inspection is performed in the print data via the display screen displayed on the display unit.

[0261] (12) The image inspection system according to (11), wherein:

[0262] When receiving the setting of the position for performing the image inspection in the printing data, the processor applies the setting of the position for performing the image inspection to the position for the image inspection set in the image data arranged in the printing data.

[0263] (13) An information processing device comprising a processor, wherein the processor performs the following processing: obtaining first position information which is information related to the position of an image inspection set in image data; obtaining second position information which is information related to the position of each image data in printing data which is composed of a plurality of the image data; and using the first position information and the second position information to determine the position for performing the image inspection on a printed matter printed with the printing data.

[0264] (14) A program for causing a computer to implement the following functions: obtaining first position information which is information related to the position of an image inspection and is set in image data; obtaining second position information which is information related to the position of each image data in printing data which is composed of a plurality of the image data; and using the first position information and the second position information to determine the position for performing the image inspection on a printed matter printed with the printing data.

[0265] According to the image inspection system involved in (1), the burden on the user required to perform image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data can be reduced compared to a case where image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data is performed without using information related to the position of the object of image inspection set in the image data configured in the printing data.

[0266] According to the image inspection system according to (2), when the image data is rotated and then the print data is arranged, it is possible to perform image inspection of a printed material on which the print data is printed.

[0267] According to the image inspection system according to (3), it is possible to perform image inspection of a printed material on which the print data is printed, in accordance with enlargement or reduction of the image data in the print data.

[0268] According to the image inspection system according to (4) to (6), the burden on the user required for image inspection of a printed material having print data can be further reduced compared to a case where the designation of the image inspection position is not received for each image data.

[0269] According to the image inspection system according to (7), it is easier to perform image inspection corresponding to image data than in a case where information on the type of image inspection or the accuracy of image inspection is not acquired.

[0270] According to the image inspection system of (8), compared with a case where inspection areas set in a plurality of print data are collectively output to the inspection execution unit, the period until the image inspection of the plurality of print data is completed can be shortened.

[0271] According to the image inspection system of (9), compared with the case where the inspection area set in a plurality of printing data is output for each printing data, the process of outputting the inspection area becomes simpler.

[0272] According to the image inspection system of (10), the user can confirm the position where the image inspection is performed in the print data set based on the inspection information of the image data.

[0273] According to the image inspection system of (11), it is possible to set the position where the image inspection is to be performed after confirming the position where the image inspection is to be performed in the print data.

[0274] According to the image inspection system of (12), the user can confirm the change of the position where the image inspection is performed in the print data due to the setting of the position where the image inspection is performed.

[0275] According to the information processing device involved in (13), the burden on the user required for image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data can be reduced compared to a case where image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data is performed without using information related to the position of the object of image inspection set in the image data configured in the printing data.

[0276] According to the procedure involved in (14), the burden on the user required for image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data can be reduced compared to a case where image inspection of a printed matter printed with printing data is performed without using information related to the position of the object of image inspection set in the image data configured in the printing data.

[0277] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed methods. Obviously, various modifications and changes are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily understand the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technicians in the art can understand the present invention through various variations optimized for specific uses assumed to be various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An image inspection system comprising a processor and an inspection execution unit for performing image inspection of a printed matter, The processor performs the following processing: acquiring first position information, which is information related to the position of the image inspection and is set in the image data; and acquiring second position information related to the position of each of the image data in the print data formed by arranging a plurality of the image data, The inspection execution unit performs the image inspection of the printed material on which the print data is printed, using the first position information and the second position information.

2. The image inspection system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor acquires angle information, which is information related to a rotation angle of the image data, from the print data, and performs the image inspection of the printed matter using the angle information.

3. The image inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The processor acquires information related to enlargement or reduction of the image data, that is, scaling information, from the print data. The image inspection of the printed matter is performed using the scaling information.

4. The image inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The processor receives a designation regarding a position of the image inspection for each piece of the image data and acquires the first position information.

5. The image inspection system according to claim 4, wherein: The processor receives, for each of the image data, a designation of a region to be subjected to the image inspection or a region not to be subjected to the image inspection as a designation related to a position of the image inspection, and acquires the first position information.

6. The image inspection system according to claim 4, wherein: The processor receives, for each of the image data, a selection of an object to be subjected to the image inspection or an object not to be subjected to the image inspection from among the objects constituting the image data, as a designation regarding a position for the image inspection, and acquires the first position information.

7. The image inspection system according to claim 4, wherein: The processor acquires information related to the designation of the position of the image inspection and at least one of the type of the image inspection and the accuracy of the image inspection.

8. The image inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: setting an inspection area for performing the image inspection of a printed material on which the printing data is printed using the first position information and the second position information; and When the inspection area is set in a plurality of the printing data, the inspection area set in one of the plurality of printing data is output to the inspection execution unit, and after the image inspection of the printed matter based on the one printing data is started by the inspection execution unit, the inspection area is set in other printing data different from the one printing data.

9. The image inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: setting an inspection area for performing the image inspection of a printed material on which the printing data is printed using the first position information and the second position information; and When the inspection area is set in a plurality of the printing data, the inspection areas set in the plurality of the printing data are collectively output to the inspection execution unit.

10. The image inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: A display unit displays information related to the image inspection, The processor causes the display unit to display a display screen that shows both the print data and a position where the image inspection of the printed material on which the print data is printed is performed.

11. The image inspection system according to claim 10, wherein: The processor receives setting of a position at which the image inspection is performed in the print data via the display screen displayed on the display unit.

12. The image inspection system according to claim 11, wherein: When receiving the setting of the position for performing the image inspection in the printing data, the processor applies the setting of the position for performing the image inspection to the position for the image inspection set in the image data arranged in the printing data.

13. An information processing device comprising a processor, The processor performs the following processing: acquiring first position information which is information related to a position of image inspection and is set in the image data; acquiring second position information related to the position of each of the image data in the print data formed by arranging a plurality of the image data; and The position at which the image inspection is performed on the printed matter on which the print data is printed is determined using the first position information and the second position information.

14. A recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to implement the following functions: acquiring first position information which is information related to a position of image inspection and is set in the image data; acquiring second position information related to the position of each of the image data in the print data formed by arranging a plurality of the image data; and The position at which the image inspection is performed on the printed matter on which the print data is printed is determined using the first position information and the second position information.

15. An information processing method comprising the following steps: acquiring first position information which is information related to a position of image inspection and is set in the image data; acquiring second position information related to the position of each of the image data in the print data formed by arranging a plurality of the image data; and The position at which the image inspection is performed on the printed matter on which the print data is printed is determined using the first position information and the second position information.

Images