Inspection device and inspection system

Abstract

The invention relates to an inspection apparatus and an inspection system. The inspection apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives a first image; a registration unit that, in a case where the received first image satisfies a predetermined condition, generates a second image including a plurality of first images arranged consecutively based on the first image to register the second image as a sample image; the reader is used for reading the read image; and an inspection unit that inspects the printed product based on the sample image and the read image read by the reader from the printed product generated by forming an image on a sheet by an image forming unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection device and an inspection system. Background Art

[0002] Digital printers (called on-demand printing) using electrophotographic technology, inkjet technology, etc. are often used as production equipment to replace offset printing in the printing industry. Digital printers need to inherit the high quality of offset printing machines to efficiently produce prints. In order to balance print quality and productivity, inspection devices that inspect the image quality of prints during printing have been proposed in recent years.

[0003] In the inspection apparatus, an image generated in advance by scanning a printed product or a raster image processor (RIP) image during printing is generated as a sample image, and an image generated by scanning a printed product during printing is generated as an inspection image.

[0004] During the inspection process, a sample image of a generated page is compared with an inspection image of the same page. If there are any differences between the sample image and the inspection image, the differences are notified to the user interface, the printed page including any defects is excluded as a waste sheet, and the defects are marked.

[0005] In the inspection apparatus, the rejection device is often set on the conveying path about 1,000 mm behind the portion scanning the inspection image. Therefore, it is necessary to shorten the inspection time of the inspection apparatus to perform real-time inspection in which any defects detected by the inspection apparatus are notified before the printed product passes through the rejection device.

[0006] In the case of roll label printing using continuous paper, a method is used in which a detection mark called an eyemark is added to an image corresponding to one page, and the detection mark is used as a trigger signal to separate the pattern to perform defect inspection for each eyemark (refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-158421).

[0007] During the inspection process, multiple copies need to be printed to inspect all the copies. The inspection device needs to compare images of all the multiple prints through a defect inspection program and determine whether any defects are detected for each page. Therefore, resources for real-time inspection (e.g., memory or a graphics processing unit (GPU)) are required to complete the inspection of the previous page before starting the inspection of the next page. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present disclosure provides an inspection device, which includes: a receiving unit that receives a first image; a registering unit that generates a second image in which a plurality of first images are continuously arranged based on the first image when the received first image satisfies a predetermined condition, so as to register the second image as a sample image; a reader that reads a read image; and an inspection unit that inspects a print product based on the sample image and the read image read by the reader from the print product generated by forming an image on a sheet by an image forming unit.

[0009] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is an example of a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration for describing the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 is an example of a schematic diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of each device for describing the embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C is an example of a diagram illustrating each procedure for describing the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 is an example of a sequence diagram for describing registration of a print sample image in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 is an example of a flowchart for describing step S1005 in the first embodiment.

[0015] 6A to 6F is an example of an operation window and an inspection result window for describing the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 is an example of a flowchart for describing step S1008 in the first embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8J is an example of a schematic diagram for describing a print sample diagram in the embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 9 is an example of a sequence diagram for describing the inspection process in the first embodiment.

[0019] Fig.10 is an example of a schematic diagram for describing the scanned image in step S5003.

[0020] Fig.11 is an example of a flowchart for describing step S1005 in the second embodiment.

[0021] Fig.12 is an example of a flowchart for describing step S1005 in the third embodiment.

[0022] Fig.13 is an example of a flowchart for describing step S1008 in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Herein, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an image inspection system (print inspection system) for describing the embodiment. In the following description, the printing apparatus 100 may be referred to as an image forming apparatus, a printer, a multifunction apparatus, or a multifunction peripheral.

[0025] A personal computer (PC) 300 is connected to the printing apparatus 100 via a local area network (LAN) 400. In addition, the inspection apparatus 200 is connected to the LAN 400. The printing apparatus 100 is connected to the inspection apparatus 200 so that a medium can be directly conveyed from the printing apparatus 100 to the inspection apparatus 200. The printing apparatus 100 and the inspection apparatus 200 may be collectively referred to as a printing inspection apparatus.

[0026] The printing apparatus 100 is connected to a paper feeding unit 101 and is controlled by a control unit 104 which controls the entire printing apparatus 100 .

[0027] The control unit 104 has a function of connecting the printing apparatus 100 to the LAN 400 , and the printing apparatus 100 can be connected to the LAN 400 .

[0028] Roll paper can be loaded in the paper feeding unit 101 . Roll paper is wound on the roll paper winding unit 112 .

[0029] Roll paper is one of the recording media in the present disclosure, and is applicable to various shapes of media such as continuous form and cut paper. In addition, roll paper is also applicable to various printable materials such as cloth, plastic material and metal material.

[0030] The recording medium fed from the paper feeding unit 101 is conveyed in the direction of arrow A. During the conveyance, images are formed on the image forming station (cyan) 105, the image forming station (magenta) 106, the image forming station (yellow) 107, and the image forming station (black) 108, and ink or toner is transferred onto the recording medium. The method of forming the image on the recording medium is not limited in the embodiment, and, for example, an electrophotographic method, an offset printing method, or an inkjet method may be employed.

[0031] The fixing system 109 fixes a color material such as toner or ink onto a recording medium. The fixing method varies depending on the image forming method. For example, a thermal compression bonding method or a drying method may be used.

[0032] The reading sensor 201 of the inspection device 200 is arranged downstream of the fixing system 109 .

[0033] The reading sensor 201 is a device that reads an image formed on a recording medium as image data. For example, using a device such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a charge coupled device (CCD), the image is converted into image data by an image reading sensor. A line sensor (linesensor) of a size in the main scanning direction of the recording medium can be used as the reading sensor 201, and an area sensor (area sensor) can also be used as the reading sensor 201. The reading sensor 201 needs to have a configuration that converts the entire recording medium to be conveyed into high-resolution (for example, 300dpi) image data. A marking unit 202 and a recording paper winding unit 203 are arranged in the inspection device 200. The marking unit 202 is capable of adding a mark to an arbitrary position of the recording paper. The marking unit 202 is used to add a mark to a portion determined as inappropriate by the inspection device.

[0034] The PC 300 is connected to the printing apparatus 100 via the LAN 400. The PC 300 is used to perform printing in the printing apparatus 100.

[0035] Although the description is made using the PC 300 in the embodiment, it is not limited to the use of the PC 300. Other devices or programs for realizing the processing are also applicable.

[0036] Figure 2 The circuit configuration of each device is illustrated.

[0037] The printing apparatus 100 is connected to the LAN 400 via the network controller 120. The processing performed by the printing apparatus 100 is realized by a central processing unit (CPU) 122 reading out programs stored in a storage device 121 into a memory 123 and executing the programs.

[0038] The printing apparatus 100 includes an operation unit 124, and can display on the screen of the operation unit 124 to accept input operations from the outside. The image processor 125 converts electronic image data (e.g., CIE-sRGB multi-value image data) into electronic image data for printing (e.g., CMYK halftone image). In addition, the electronic image data for printing is transferred to the print processor 126, and then transferred to the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit 101 using the image forming stations 105 to 108 for printing.

[0039] The inspection device 200 is connected to the local area network 400 via a network controller 221. The processing performed by the inspection device 200 is realized by the CPU 223 reading out the programs stored in the storage device 222 into the memory 224 and executing these programs. In addition, the data on the recording paper is converted into electronic image data (e.g., RGB multi-value image data) using a reader 225 connected to the reading sensor 201. The operation unit 226 serves as a display unit, which displays the inspection setting window described below and accepts user input. The window displayed on the display unit is controlled by the CPU 223, and in an embodiment, the CPU 223 can be referred to as a display control unit. The inspection device 200 also includes a GPU 227. Improving the inspection speed can make the inspection time per page shorter than the printing time.

[0040] The PC 300 is connected to the LAN 400 via the network controller 301, and is used to issue a print instruction to the printing apparatus 100. The processing performed by the PC 300 is realized by the CPU 303 reading out the programs stored in the storage device 302 into the memory 304 and executing these programs. The operation unit 305 is connected to a display (not shown) and can display a window. In addition, the operation unit 305 is connected to a mouse and / or a keyboard and can manipulate the program.

[0041] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The programs stored in the storage device 121 , the storage device 222 , and the storage device 302 are illustrated. Figure 3A The program stored in the storage device 121 in the printing apparatus 100 is illustrated. Figure 3B The program stored in the storage device 222 in the inspection apparatus 200 is illustrated. Figure 3C The program stored in the storage device 302 in the PC 300 is illustrated. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Each of the procedures shown in will be described in detail below.

[0042] The printing apparatus 100, the checking apparatus 200, and the PC 300 respectively include an operation unit 124, an operation unit 226, and an operation unit 305. The CPU 122, the CPU 223, and the CPU 303 have a function of generating HyperTerminal Markup Language (HTML) to display on each window using a program.

[0043] Therefore, each operation unit can be displayed and operated using the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). In the present disclosure, the device and display that accept the display and operation are not limited.

[0044] First embodiment

[0045] Registration of print samples

[0046] Now, we will use Figure 4 The method of registering print samples for inspection is described using the sequence diagram in FIG.

[0047] Reference Figure 4 In step S1001, upon receiving a print instruction from the operation unit 305, the CPU 303 in the PC 300 executes the print data generation program 310 to generate print data. The print data generation program 310 displays the print data in the operation unit 305 of the PC 300. Fig. 6A An example window is shown in . Fig. 6A In the exemplary window of FIG. 600 , the width 605 and feed direction size 604 of the image to be printed, the number of pages 603, the number of copies 608, the page spacing 607, and the automatic check switch 606 are set. The print instruction is included in Fig. 6A In the first embodiment, the automatic check switch 606 is described as being continuously turned on.

[0048] The print data generated here is composed of an image in Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) or Tagged Image File Format (TIFF), text data, font information for the text data, drawing data, and the like.

[0049] In step S1002 , the CPU 303 in the PC 300 transmits the print data generated in step S1001 to the printing apparatus 100 via the LAN 400 .

[0050] In step S1003 , the CPU 122 in the printing apparatus 100 executes the RIP processing program 130 to perform RIP processing on the received print data, thereby generating image data.

[0051] RIP processing is raster image processor processing and means processing for generating image data according to received print data. Specifically, a page description language (PDL) as text-image data is interpreted and converted into a raster image. The image data generated here is image data composed of color information such as CMYK. In the case of multi-page print data, image data of all pages are generated.

[0052] In step S1004, the CPU 122 in the printing apparatus 100 transmits the image data generated in step S1003 to the checking apparatus 200 via the LAN 400. In the first embodiment, the image transmitted in step S1004 is referred to as a first image.

[0053] In step S1005, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 performs the inspection group determination process 238. In the present disclosure, the small-sized documents are combined into groups in order to reduce the inspection amount for the number of printed pages. By reducing the inspection amount in response to the number of printed pages in each group output by the inspection group determination process 238, the number of initial settings and the like performed for each inspection can be reduced.

[0054] In the inspection group determination process 238, the number of pages or the number of printed copies to be inspected in one inspection process (hereinafter referred to as a group) of the image generated by the RIP process 130 is determined. In addition, the group in which the number of pages to be inspected is set includes two groups: a non-final group and a final group, and these two groups vary depending on the number of pages to be printed and the number of printed copies. The inspection group determination process will be described in detail below. Here, the number of pages inspected by the group of the non-final group is represented by M and the number of pages inspected by the group of the final group is represented by N.

[0055] In step S1006, the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 performs the sample image generation process 236. Specifically, a print sample image for image inspection is generated based on the image data received in step S1004, and the generated print sample image is displayed in the operation unit 226. For example, when the image data is a CMYK image, the image data is converted into RGB image data by a color conversion process using an International Color Consortium (ICC) profile pre-stored in the storage device 222 to generate a print sample image. Figure 6B 6 is an example of an approval window for print sample image generation displayed in the operation unit 226. When the OK button 609 is detected to be pressed using the operation unit 226, the CPU 223 proceeds to step S1007. Conversely, when the cancel button 610 is detected to be pressed using the operation unit 226, the CPU 223 stops the processing and terminates the print sample image generation. Figure 6B The window in has an image display portion 611 that enables the user to visually confirm image data, and the user can visually confirm the image data to be confirmed in the image display portion 611. In the case of multiple pages of image data, all pages are displayed in the image display portion 611 using the page feed operation portion 612.

[0056] In step S1007 , the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 performs the inspection registration process 237 . Figure 6C 610 is an example of an inspection registration window. In the inspection registration window, while an image is displayed in the image display portion 615, settings for inspection area setting 616 and inspection level 617 are accepted. Although the image to be displayed here is described as the image generated in step S1006, the image to be displayed here is not limited to this.

[0057] Inspection settings can be made for the sample group images generated by image combination in step S1008 described below. Since a higher inspection level is adopted, more subtle faults (dust or damage) can be inspected. After accepting the pressing of the OK button 613, the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 stores the position indicated by the inspection area setting 616 and the setting value of the inspection level 617 in the storage device 222, and then proceeds to step S1008.

[0058] In step S1008, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 performs the sample group image generation process 239. Specifically, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 generates sample images of a size corresponding to the number of pages M of the non-final group determined in step S1005 and sample images of a size corresponding to the number of pages N of the final group determined in step S1005.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the sample group image is referred to as a second image, and is an image generated by performing image combination based on the image received in step S1004 so as to continuously arrange a plurality of first images. The sample group image generation process 239 will be described in detail below.

[0060] In step S1009 , the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 generates the print sample images and inspection setting files of the non-final set and the print sample images and inspection setting files of the final set through the above steps, and stores the print sample images and inspection setting files in the storage device 222 .

[0061] Determination of the inspection team

[0062] Now, refer to Figure 5 The flowchart in FIG. 1004 describes the inspection group determination process 238 performed by the CPU 223 in step S1005. Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C The schematic diagram of the sample images is supplemented in the figure. Fig. 8A This is the RIP image generated in step S1003. Figure 8B This is a print sample image of a non-final page. Figure 8C This is a sample image of the final page print.

[0063] Reference Figure 5 In step S2001, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 acquires the feed direction size (sub-scanning size) of each page. The sub-scanning size is obtained by adding the sub-scanning size of the image acquired in step S1004 to the page spacing during printing. Fig. 8AReference numeral 501 in FIG. 1 is a RIP image and the vertical dimension of the RIP image is its sub-scanning dimension. The page pitch is the distance between pages in the feed direction of the image printed on the recording paper during printing and is accepted as input in step S1001. Fig. 6A The value of the page spacing 607 set in the print setting window in . When a detection mark called an eye mark is added to an image corresponding to one page during printing, the value between the eye marks can be set as the page spacing. Here, the eye mark is a mark used as a trigger signal when separating a pattern in defect inspection.

[0064] In step S2002, the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 acquires the minimum inspectable size as a known value from the storage device 222. The minimum inspectable size is a specific value of the inspection apparatus and is determined by the CPU 223 and GPU 227 used in the inspection process and the printing speed of the printing apparatus 100. For example, when the printing speed is close to the speed of a general printer (400 mm / sec), the minimum inspectable size is usually set to 150 mm.

[0065] In step S2003, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 compares the feed direction size acquired in step S2001 with the minimum size acquired in step S2002. If the feed direction size is smaller than the minimum size ("Yes" in step S2003), the CPU 223 determines that a plurality of pages need to be uniformly inspected and proceeds to step S2004. If the feed direction size is greater than or equal to the minimum size ("No" in step S2003), the CPU 223 determines that a plurality of pages need not be uniformly inspected and proceeds to step S2006. In the first embodiment, whether the size of the image to be inspected is smaller than the minimum inspectable size acquired in step S2002 is defined as a predetermined condition.

[0066] In step S2004, the CPU 223 in the checking apparatus 200 calculates the number of pages of a group checked collectively (the number of pages checked for a group other than the final group). Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram when the number of pages checked by the group is 2. The specific calculation expression is as follows:

[0067] Formula 1

[0068] M=roundup(Hmin÷H)

[0069] roundup: function symbol for rounding decimal points

[0070] Hmin: Minimum dimension in the feed direction that can be checked

[0071] H: The feed direction dimension of a page

[0072] M: Number of pages for group checks of non-final groups

[0073] In step S2005 , the CPU 223 in the checking apparatus 200 calculates the number of pages of the final group checked collectively (the number of group checked pages of the final group). Figure 8C This is a schematic diagram when the number of pages checked by the final group is 3. The specific calculation expression is as follows:

[0074] Formula 2

[0075] N=M+(P×Q)%M

[0076] M: Number of pages per group

[0077] P: Number of pages per print (equal to the number of RIP images)

[0078] Q: Number of copies to be printed

[0079] %: division operator

[0080] N: Number of pages for the final group's group check

[0081] If the CPU 223 in the checking device 200 determines that a plurality of pages do not need to be uniformly checked (No in step S2003), then in step S2006, the CPU 223 in the checking device 200 sets the number of pages for group checking of the non-final group to 1. In step S2007, the CPU 223 in the checking device 200 sets the number of pages for group checking of the final group to 1.

[0082] In the above-described manner, the number of pages M of group inspection of the non-final group and the number of pages N of group inspection of the final group are determined in step S1005 .

[0083] Generation of sample set images

[0084] Now refer to Figure 7 The sample group image generation process 239 performed by the CPU 223 in step S1008 is described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8H The schematic diagram of the sample images is supplemented in the figure.

[0085] Reference Figure 7 In step S3001, the CPU 223 in the checking apparatus 200 acquires the number of pages M of the group check of the non-final group and the number of pages N of the group check of the final group determined in step S1005.

[0086] In step S3002, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 acquires the page pitch. The page pitch is the distance between pages in the feed direction of the image printed on the recording paper during printing, and is the page pitch accepted as input in step S1001. Fig. 6A The value of the page spacing 607 set in the print setting window in. In the first embodiment, the page spacing can be referred to as the size of the image to be checked.

[0087] In step S3003, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 generates a sample group image of a non-final group. A method of copying variable M image data in the sub-scanning direction on the memory is adopted. During the copying process, the page gap is sandwiched between the pages. Fig. 8A It is a RIP image. Figure 8B is the sample group image generated in step S3003. Figure 8B In , M is set to 2 (M=2) and two RIP images are used to generate a sample group image.

[0088] Fig.8D is an example of a RIP image corresponding to three pages. Fig. 8E , Figure 8F and Figure 8G is the sample group image generated in step S3003. When you want to check RIP images corresponding to multiple pages, you need to generate multiple sample group images for combination. In addition, you need to use Fig. 8E , Figure 8F and Figure 8G As sample group images.

[0089] In step S3004, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 generates a sample group image of the final group. A method of copying variable N image data in the sub-scanning direction on the memory is adopted. During the copying process, the page gap is sandwiched between the pages. Fig. 8A It is a RIP image. Figure 8C is the sample group image generated in step S3004. Figure 8C In , N is set to 3 (N=3) and three RIP images are used to generate a sample group image. Fig.8D It is the RIP image corresponding to the three pages. Figure 8H is the sample group image generated in step S3004. Figure 8H In , N is set to 3 (N=3) and three RIP images are used to generate a sample group image.

[0090] In the above-described manner, a sample group image is generated in step S1008 .

[0091] examine

[0092] Now, refer to Fig. 9 Describe the inspection process.

[0093] When the processing of step S1009 is terminated and the inspection preparation is completed, the Fig. 9 In step S5001, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 determines whether the group to be printed is the final group. If the group to be printed is a non-final group, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 sets M to the number of pages of the group, and if the group to be printed is the final group, sets N to the number of pages of the group. Variables M and N are the values ​​determined in step S1005.

[0094] In step S5002 , the CPU 122 in the printing apparatus 100 performs the print process 131 .

[0095] In the print process 131, the RIP image generated in the storage area in step S1003 is read out to perform the print process 131 for the read RIP image. During the print process 131, after halftone processing or the like is performed on the four-color RIP image (CMYK) using the image processor 125, an image is formed in each image forming station 105 to 108 according to the signal value. In addition, the recording paper is conveyed to the right below each station for transfer.

[0096] After the image is transferred onto the recording paper, the toner or ink is fixed onto the recording paper using the fixing system 109. Then, the recording paper is conveyed to just below the reading sensor (image sensor) 201 in the inspection device 200.

[0097] In step S5003 , the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 performs the reading process 232 to read the image printed on the recording paper in step S5002 , having a size corresponding to one page in the feeding direction, using the reading sensor 201 .

[0098] In the first embodiment, although the image corresponding to one page in the feeding direction is read repeatedly the number of times corresponding to the number of pages of the group in step S5003, step S5003 is not limited to this. For example, the roll paper can be scanned continuously regardless of the sheet size, or can be read in size units corresponding to the number of pages of the group.

[0099] Since a plurality of pages are checked once in the present disclosure, a group to be checked is determined in step S1005. Therefore, the printing process (step S5002) and the reading process (step S5003) are repeated for a group to continuously accumulate images of a plurality of pages in the memory 224. Fig.10 It illustrates how to read the image in step S5003. Fig.10The read image accumulated in the memory 224 while the reading sensor 201 is reading is shown. Fig.10 , reference numerals 401 and 402 are read images corresponding to the size of the image of the non-final group. When M=2, two pages of images in the feeding direction (sub-scanning direction) are cut out along the dotted line to obtain an image. Reference numeral 403 is a read image corresponding to the size of the image of the final group. When N=3, images of three pages are accumulated in the memory 224 while reading. Images 401 to 403 are used as inspection images for inspection.

[0100] In step S5004, the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 performs initial settings. In the initial settings, processing resources for inspection (arithmetic threads in the GPU 227, transfer of image data, memory, etc.) are acquired. The initial settings are processes that require a certain amount of time when switching images to be inspected regardless of the image size.

[0101] In step S5005 , the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 performs the defect inspection 233 .

[0102] During the defect inspection process, the sample set images acquired in step S1008 are compared with the inspection images such as images 401 to 403 acquired in step S5003 to identify defects. Figure 8B The sample group images in are similar to those in Fig.10 The inspection image is compared with the scanned image in the sample set to determine that a defect is found if there is a difference between the sample set image and the inspection image.

[0103] In step S5006 , the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 displays the inspection result of the inspection image being inspected in the operation unit 226 . Fig.6D This is a window that displays the inspection results. Fig.6D , reference numeral 619 illustrates the inspection image group being inspected. The defective portion 620 found in step S5005 is superimposed on the inspection image group being inspected to draw attention. Upon receiving the pressing of the stop button 618, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 transmits an emergency stop command to the CPU 122 in the printing device 100. The CPU 122 in the printing device 100 can issue an instruction to the print processor 126 to stop printing when receiving the emergency stop command.

[0104] In step S5007, the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 notifies the printing apparatus 100 of a set of inspection results. For example, if a predetermined number or more of defective portions are found, any failure may have occurred in the image forming stations 105 to 108. In order to make such determinations, it is necessary to constantly share the inspection results between the inspection apparatus 200 and the printing apparatus 100.

[0105] In step S5008, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 performs the discharge process. At this time, the marking unit 202 may be installed, which adds a mark to the part determined to have any defect in the defect inspection in step S5005, for example, Fig.6D The position of the defective portion 620 in FIG.

[0106] The CPU 223 in the checking apparatus 200 repeats steps S5001 to S5008 a number of times corresponding to the number of print copies.

[0107] In step S5009 , the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 displays the final inspection result in the operation unit 226 . Fig. 6E An exemplary window of the final detection result is shown in FIG. Fig. 6E The number of defects in all printed pages 621, a defect list 622, and an image 623 of the inspection image including defects are displayed in a window. The inspection image is processed so that the group image is not displayed but a page image including defects is displayed. The inspection image may also be processed so that the group image is displayed.

[0108] Since the initial setting of the defect inspection program (acquisition of storage area, transmission of image data, acquisition of parallel arithmetic threads, etc.) is not reduced even if the image size is small during the inspection process, the inspection time is longer than the delivery time. In addition, the initial setting needs to be performed for each inspection, and the delay in the inspection process is accumulated. Under the configuration of the first embodiment in which the inspection image is uniformly inspected, the inspection time is shorter than the print delivery time even when inspecting a small-sized print, thereby enabling real-time inspection.

[0109] Second embodiment

[0110] In the second embodiment, the number of kinds of multi-page printing sample images is reduced in the inspection group determination process 238 described in the first embodiment. The description of the same steps as those in the first embodiment is appropriately omitted here.

[0111] Now, refer to Fig.11 The second embodiment is described by referring to the flowchart in FIG. Fig.11 Steps S6001 to S6004 in Figure 5Steps S2001 to S2004 are the same as in , so the detailed description of steps S6001 to S6004 is omitted here.

[0112] Reference Fig.11 In step S6005, the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 uses the number of pages in a group and the number of RIP images calculated in step S6004 to recalculate so that the number of pages in a group is a multiple of the number of RIP images. Fig.8D In the example of , when the result of step S6004 is 2, the number of pages in a group is modified to 3, which is a multiple of the number of RIP images. Fig. 8E , Figure 8F and Figure 8G Different, no need to prepare three print sample images, prepare Figure 8H It is sufficient to print a sample image in one of the following ways. The general calculation expression is as follows:

[0113] Formula 3

[0114] M'=roundup(M÷P)×Proundup:Function symbol for rounding off decimal points

[0115] P: Number of RIP images

[0116] M: Number of group inspection pages for non-final groups (refer to Formula 1 in the first embodiment)

[0117] M': Number of group check pages for non-final groups, adjusted to a multiple of the number of RIP images

[0118] Since steps S6006 to S6008 are Figure 5 Steps S2005 to S2007 are the same as in the above description, so detailed descriptions of steps S6006 to S6008 are omitted here.

[0119] Through the above processing, for example, when printing Fig.8D When the RIP images corresponding to the three pages shown in FIG. 1 are generated using the result calculated according to Formula 1 in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to generate the RIP images corresponding to the three pages shown in FIG. 1 . Fig. 8E , Figure 8F and Figure 8G In other words, generate Figure 8H One sample image is sufficient, which helps save memory and processing resources.

[0120] As described above, by the processing in the second embodiment, the number of kinds of sample images can be reduced so that the inspection time can be made shorter than the print conveyance time even in multi-page printing, thereby enabling real-time inspection.

[0121] Third embodiment

[0122] In the third embodiment, a case will be described where the RIP image generated in step S1003 is small in the main scanning direction in terms of sheet size and a plurality of RIP images are arranged in the main scanning direction for printing. Descriptions of the same steps as in the first embodiment are appropriately omitted here.

[0123] Registration of sample images

[0124] Since the registration order of the sample images in the third embodiment is different from that used in the description of the first embodiment, Figure 4 The order of registering sample images in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, so the description of the registration order of the sample images in the third embodiment is omitted here. However, the window examples in the third embodiment are the same as those described above with reference to the first embodiment. Fig. 6A The window examples described are different.

[0125] Fig. 6F An exemplary window displayed in the operation unit 305 of the PC 300 described in step S1001 of the first embodiment in the third embodiment is illustrated. Fig. 6F In the example window in , the number of print images (main scan) 625, the number of print copies (sub scan) 626, the image pitch (main scan) 627, the image pitch (sub scan) 628, and the automatic check switch 629 can be set.

[0126] Determination of the inspection team

[0127] Now refer to Fig.12 The inspection group determination process 238 in step S1005 is described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0128] See also Fig.12 In step S7001, the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 acquires the feeding direction size (sub-scanning size) of each image. Figure 8I Reference numeral 510 in FIG. 1 denotes a RIP image, wherein the vertical dimension of the RIP image is its sub-scanning dimension.

[0129] In step S7002, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 calculates the number of images of a group (the number of images of the group inspection other than the final group) for one inspection. The specific calculation expression is shown in Formula 4. In Formula 4, the number of inspection images of the inspection group is calculated so that the inspection group is a multiple of the number of images in the main scanning direction. For example, Figure 8J In the example of , when the number of inspection images in the main scanning direction is 3 and the result in step S7002 is 4, the number of inspection images of one group is 6 (M=6).

[0130] Formula 4

[0131] M = roundup (Hmin ÷ H) × Droundup: Function symbol for rounding off decimal points

[0132] Hmin: Minimum dimension in the feed direction that can be checked

[0133] H: The feed direction dimension of a page

[0134] M: The number of images examined by the group that is not the final group

[0135] D: Number of printed images in the main scanning direction ( Fig. 6F 625 of 625)

[0136] In step S7003, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 calculates the number of images of the final group to be printed simultaneously (the number of images of the final group to be inspected). The specific calculation expression is as follows:

[0137] Formula 5

[0138] N=M+(D×Q)%M

[0139] M: The number of images examined by the group that is not the final group

[0140] D: Number of images printed in the main scanning direction ( Fig. 6F 625 of 625)

[0141] Q: Number of copies in the secondary scanning direction ( Fig. 6F 626 of 626)

[0142] %: division operator

[0143] N: number of images examined by the group for the final set

[0144] In the above-described manner, the number M of images for group inspection of the non-final group and the number N of images for group inspection of the final group are determined in step S1005 .

[0145] Generation of sample set images

[0146] Now refer to Fig.13 The method of generating the sample group image in step S1008 is described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0147] Reference Fig.13 , in step S8001, the CPU 223 in the inspection device 200 acquires the variables M and N acquired in step S1005 in the third embodiment.

[0148] In step S8002 , the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 acquires the image pitch (main scanning) 627 and the image pitch (sub scanning) 628 .

[0149] In step S8003 , the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 copies M images in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction at the image pitch acquired in step S8002 as sample images of the non-final group. Figure 8I The RIP image is shown. In step S8003, Figure 8J As shown in , sample images arranged along the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction are generated.

[0150] In step S8004, the CPU 223 in the inspection apparatus 200 copies N images in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction at the image pitch acquired in step S8002 as sample images of the final set.

[0151] As described above, by the processing in the third embodiment, even when a plurality of images are arranged in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction for printing, the inspection time can be made shorter than the print conveyance time, thereby enabling real-time inspection.

[0152] Other embodiments

[0153] Although various examples and embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific descriptions in the specification.

[0154] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0155] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The following claims are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An inspection device, comprising: a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit is configured to receive a first image; a registering unit configured to, when the received first image satisfies a predetermined condition, generate a second image in which a plurality of first images are continuously arranged based on the first image, so as to register the second image as a sample image; a reader configured to read a read image; as well as An inspection unit configured to inspect the printed product based on the sample image and the read image read by the reader from the printed product generated by forming an image on a sheet by the image forming unit.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1, in, The second image is an image generated by performing image combination based on the first image so that the plurality of first images are continuously arranged.

3. The inspection device according to claim 1, in, The sheet material is a roll of paper, and The reader reads the roll paper being conveyed in a size of the second image.

4. The inspection device according to claim 1, in, The predetermined condition is that the size of the first image is smaller than the minimum size that can be inspected by the inspection unit in the inspection device.

5. The inspection device according to claim 1, in, In a case where the received first image does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the registration unit registers the first image as the sample image.

6. The inspection device according to claim 1, in, The registering unit generates, based on the first image, a third image including the plurality of first images and different from the second image, to register the second image and the third image as the sample image if the received first image satisfies the predetermined condition, and The inspection unit inspects the printed product based on the read image, the second image, and the third image.

7. The inspection device according to claim 6, in, The third image is registered as the sample image of a final page of the printed product.

8. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a display control unit configured to display a window on a display, The display control unit displays the first image on an inspection registration window used when the inspection unit inspects the print product.

9. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a display control unit configured to display a window on a display, The display control unit displays the read image read in the size of the second image on the window displaying the image being checked.

10. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a display control unit configured to display a window on a display, The display control unit displays the read image including the defects found by the inspection unit in a size of the first image on a window displaying the inspection result of the inspection unit.

11. An inspection system, comprising: a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit is configured to receive a first image; a registering unit configured to, when the received first image satisfies a predetermined condition, generate a second image in which a plurality of first images are continuously arranged based on the first image, so as to register the second image as a sample image; a reader configured to read a read image; as well as An inspection unit configured to inspect the printed product based on the sample image and the read image read by the reader from the printed product generated by the image forming unit forming an image on a sheet.

12. The inspection system according to claim 11, in, The second image is an image generated by performing image combination based on the first image so that the plurality of first images are continuously arranged.

13. The inspection system according to claim 11, in, The sheet material is a roll of paper, and The reader reads the roll paper being conveyed in a size of the second image.

14. The inspection system according to claim 11, in, The predetermined condition is that the size of the first image is smaller than the minimum size that can be inspected by the inspection unit.

15. The inspection system according to claim 11, in, In a case where the received first image does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the registration unit registers the first image as the sample image.

16. The inspection system according to claim 11, in, The registering unit generates, based on the first image, a third image including the plurality of first images and different from the second image, to register the second image and the third image as the sample image if the received first image satisfies the predetermined condition, and The inspection unit inspects the printed product based on the read image, the second image, and the third image.

17. The inspection system according to claim 16, in, The third image is registered as the sample image of a final page of the printed product.

18. The inspection system according to any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising: a display control unit configured to display a window on a display, The display control unit displays the first image on an inspection registration window used when the inspection unit inspects the print product.

19. The inspection system according to any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising: a display control unit configured to display a window on a display, The display control unit displays the read image read in the size of the second image on the window displaying the image being checked.

20. The inspection system according to any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising: a display control unit configured to display a window on a display, The display control unit displays the read image including the defects found by the inspection unit in a size of the first image on a window displaying the inspection result of the inspection unit.

Images