Image inspection device, image inspection method, and computer-readable recording medium storing image inspection program

Abstract

Provided are an image inspection device, an image inspection method, and a computer-readable recording medium in which an image inspection program is stored, with which it is possible to grasp the generation status of a reference image before image inspection while shortening the time required for processing from generation of the reference image to image inspection. An image inspection device (300) is provided with an image forming unit (330), a reference image generating unit (380), an image inspection unit (350), and a determination unit (310). The image forming unit (330) forms an image on a recording medium on the basis of image data. A reference image generation unit (380) generates a reference image for inspecting an image formed on a recording medium on the basis of image data. The image inspection unit (350) inspects the image formed on the recording medium on the basis of the reference image. The determination unit (310) determines whether or not a generation state in which the reference image is generated by the reference image generation unit (380) satisfies a predetermined state before the image is inspected by the image inspection unit (350).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image inspection device, an image inspection method, and a computer-readable recording medium storing an image inspection program. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, methods for inspecting the quality of printed materials by comparing a read image obtained by scanning a printed sheet (printed material) having an inspection image printed thereon with a reference image are known (for example, Patent Document 1 below). In Patent Document 1, a user inspects a product from several printed materials having inspection images printed thereon, and uses the read images of printed materials determined to be normal as reference images.

[0003] There is also known a method for inspecting the quality of printed matter by using a document image as a reference image and comparing the document image with a read image obtained by reading the printed matter (for example, Patent Document 2 listed below).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-146514

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-53561 Summary of the Invention

[0008] However, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, in order to generate the reference image for printing, the user needs to perform product inspection. In addition, the printing needs to be performed after preparing the reference image before starting the printing. In addition, in the printed matter inspection apparatus of Patent Document 2, it is necessary to perform the inspection image before starting the printing. Figure 6 The generation of the reference image is completed before step S117 in Figure 6 Therefore, there is a process of generating a reference image ( Figure 6 Steps S101 to S115) to image inspection ( Figure 6 The problem is that the processing of steps S117 to S119 in the above still requires considerable time.

[0009] In contrast, no technology has previously been proposed for simultaneously and concurrently performing the generation of a reference image and the inspection of a test image. To shorten the time required from generating a reference image to inspecting an image, the inventors have developed a technology that simultaneously and concurrently performs the generation of a reference image and the inspection of an image, using the generated reference image to perform image inspections sequentially. However, due to the time required to generate a reference image, it is possible that the reference image may not have been generated during the inspection. This failure to generate a reference image during inspection can be a major factor in preventing the inspection from proceeding normally.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and has as its object to provide an image inspection apparatus, an image inspection method, and a computer-readable recording medium storing an image inspection program that can shorten the time required for processing from the generation of a reference image to image inspection and at the same time as providing information on the generation status of a reference image before image inspection.

[0011] The above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

[0012] (1) An image inspection device comprising: an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; a reference image generating unit for generating a reference image for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; an image inspection unit for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and a determination unit for determining whether a generation condition of the reference image generated by the reference image generating unit satisfies a predetermined condition before inspecting the image by the image inspection unit.

[0013] (2) In the image inspection device described in (1) above, the determination unit determines whether the reference image generation unit has completed generation of the reference image before the image inspection unit inspects the image.

[0014] (3) In the image inspection device described in (1) above, the determination unit determines whether the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit has been completed to a predetermined stage before the image is inspected by the image inspection unit.

[0015] (4) In the image inspection device described in (1) above, the image inspection unit performs the inspection on each page of the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit.

[0016] The determination unit performs the determination for each of the pages.

[0017] (5) In the image inspection apparatus described in (1) or (4) above, the determination unit performs the determination at a predetermined timing before the image inspection unit performs the inspection of the image and after the image forming unit starts an image forming process.

[0018] (6) In the image inspection apparatus described in (5) above, the predetermined timing is a timing at which the image forming unit starts forming the image on the recording medium.

[0019] (7) In the image inspection apparatus described in (5) above, the predetermined timing is a timing when the image forming unit is forming the image on the recording medium.

[0020] (8) In the image inspection apparatus described in (5) above, the predetermined timing is a timing at which the image forming unit completes forming the image on the recording medium.

[0021] (9) In the image inspection apparatus described in (1) or (4) above, the determination unit performs the determination at a timing when the inspection of the image is started by the image inspection unit.

[0022] (10) The image inspection device according to (1) or (4) further comprises a reading unit for reading the image formed on the recording medium.

[0023] The determination unit performs the determination at a predetermined timing in a reading process performed by the reading unit.

[0024] (11) In the image inspection device described in (10) above, the predetermined timing is any one of a timing at which the reading section starts reading the recording medium on which the image is formed, a timing at which reading is in progress, and a timing at which reading is completed.

[0025] (12) The image inspection apparatus described in (1) or (4) above further includes a control unit configured to control the image inspection unit based on a determination result obtained by the determination unit.

[0026] (13) In the image inspection device described in (12), the control unit suspends inspection by the image inspection unit when the determination unit determines that a generation condition of the reference image by the reference image generation unit does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0027] (14) In the image inspection apparatus described in (12), the control unit forms an image again by the image forming unit when the determination unit determines that a generation condition of the reference image by the reference image generating unit does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0028] (15) The image inspection device according to (1) or (4) further comprises a control unit for controlling the image inspection unit when the determination unit determines that a generation condition of the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0029] The control unit interrupts the inspection by the image inspection unit.

[0030] (16) The image inspection apparatus according to (1) or (4) further comprises a control unit for controlling formation of the image by the image forming unit when the determination unit determines that a generation condition of the reference image by the reference image generating unit does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0031] The control unit stops formation of the image by the image forming unit.

[0032] (17) In the image inspection device described in (13) above, the control unit notifies the image inspection unit to suspend inspection when the determination unit determines that a generation condition of the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0033] (18) In the image inspection device described in (1) or (4) above, there is also a control unit that executes a reference image generation process and an inspection process in parallel, wherein the reference image generation process includes generating a reference image using the reference image generation unit, and the inspection process includes forming the image on a recording medium using the image forming unit, and inspecting the read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image is formed using the image inspection unit.

[0034] (19) An image inspection method, comprising: step a, forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; step b, generating a reference image for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; step c, inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and step d, determining whether the generation condition of the reference image in step b satisfies a predetermined condition before inspecting the image in step c.

[0035] (20) In the image inspection method described in (19) above, in the determination step d, before inspecting the image in the inspection step c, it is determined whether the generation of the reference image in the generation step b is completed.

[0036] (21) In the image inspection method described in (19) above, in the determination step d, before inspecting the image in the inspection step c, it is determined whether the reference image generated in the generation step b of the reference image has been completed to a predetermined stage.

[0037] (22) In the image inspection method described in (19) above, in step c of inspecting the image, the inspection is performed on each page of the recording medium on which the image is formed by step a of forming the image, and in step d of determining, the determination is performed on each of the pages.

[0038] (23) In the image inspection method described in (19) or (22) above, in the step d of the determination, the determination is performed at a predetermined timing before the inspection of the image is performed by the step c of inspecting the image and after the image forming process is started by the step a of forming the image.

[0039] (24) In the image inspection method described in (23) above, the predetermined timing is the timing of starting to form the image on the recording medium in the step a of forming the image.

[0040] (25) In the image inspection method described in (23) above, the predetermined timing is a timing when the image is being formed on the recording medium in the step a of forming the image.

[0041] (26) In the image inspection method described in (23) above, the predetermined timing is a timing at which the image is formed on the recording medium in the step a of forming the image.

[0042] (27) In the image inspection method described in (19) or (22) above, in the determination step d, the determination is performed at the timing when the inspection of the image is started in the inspection step c.

[0043] (28) In the image inspection method described in (19) or (22) above, there is also a step e of reading the image formed on the recording medium, and in the step d of judging, the judgment is performed at a predetermined timing in the reading process performed by the step e of reading the image.

[0044] (29) In the image inspection method described in (28) above, the predetermined timing is any one of the timing of starting to read the recording medium on which the image is formed by the step e of reading the image, the timing of reading in progress, and the timing of completing reading.

[0045] (30) The image inspection method described in (19) or (22) above further comprises a step f of controlling the step c of inspecting the image based on the determination result obtained in the step d of determining.

[0046] (31) In the image inspection method described in (30) above, in the control step f, when it is determined by the determination step d that the generation condition of the reference image generated by the step b of generating the reference image does not meet the predetermined condition, the inspection performed by the step c of inspecting the image is terminated.

[0047] (32) In the image inspection method described in (30) above, in the control step f, when it is determined by the determination step d that the generation condition of the reference image generated by the step b of generating the reference image does not meet the predetermined condition, the image formation performed by the step a of forming the image is performed again.

[0048] (33) In the image inspection method described in (19) or (22) above, there is also a step f of controlling step c of inspecting the image when it is determined by step d of determining that the generation condition of the reference image generated by step b of generating the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined condition, and in step f of controlling, the inspection performed by step c of inspecting the image is interrupted.

[0049] (34) In the image inspection method described in (19) or (22) above, there is also a step f of controlling the formation of the image performed by the step a of forming the image when it is determined by the step d of determining that the generation condition of the reference image generated by the step b of generating the reference image does not meet the predetermined condition, and in the step f of controlling, the formation of the image performed by the step a of forming the image is terminated.

[0050] (35) In the image inspection method described in (31) above, in the control step f, when it is determined by the determination step d that the generation condition of the reference image generated by the step b of generating the reference image does not meet the predetermined condition, it is reported that the inspection performed by the step c of inspecting the image is terminated.

[0051] (36) In the image inspection method described in (19) or (22) above, there is also a step f of executing a reference image generation process and an inspection process in parallel, wherein the reference image generation process includes generating a reference image through step b of generating the reference image, and the inspection process includes forming the image on a recording medium through step a of forming the image, and inspecting the read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image is formed through step c of inspecting the image.

[0052] (37) A computer-readable recording medium storing an image inspection program for causing a computer to execute processing, wherein the processing includes: a process a for forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; a process b for generating a reference image for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; a process c for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and a process d for determining whether a generation condition of the reference image in the process b satisfies a predetermined condition before inspecting the image in the process c.

[0053] (38) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (37) above, in the determination process d, before inspecting the image through step c of inspecting the image, it is determined whether the generation of the reference image through step b of generating the reference image has been completed.

[0054] (39) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (37) above, in the determination process d, before inspecting the image through the process c of inspecting the image, it is determined whether the reference image generated through the process b of generating the reference image has been completed to a predetermined stage.

[0055] (40) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (37) above, in the process c of inspecting the image, the inspection is performed on each page of the recording medium on which the image is formed by the process a of forming the image, and in the process d of determining, the determination is performed on each of the pages.

[0056] (41) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (37) or (40) above, in the judgment process d, the judgment is performed at a predetermined timing before the inspection of the image is performed through the process c of inspecting the image and after the image forming process is started through the process a of forming the image.

[0057] (42) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to (41) above, the predetermined timing is the timing of starting to form the image on the recording medium through the process a of forming the image.

[0058] (43) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to (41) above, the predetermined timing is a timing at which the image is being formed on the recording medium by the process a of forming the image.

[0059] (44) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (41) above, the predetermined timing is the timing at which the image is formed on the recording medium through the process a of forming the image.

[0060] (45) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (37) or (40) above, in the determination process d, the determination is performed at the timing of starting the inspection of the image by the process c of inspecting the image.

[0061] (46) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (37) or (40) above, there is also a process e for reading the image formed on the recording medium, and in the judgment process d, the judgment is performed at a predetermined timing in the reading process executed by the process e for reading the image.

[0062] (47) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (42) above, the predetermined timing is any one of the timing of starting to read the recording medium on which the image is formed by the process e of reading the image, the timing of reading in progress, and the timing of completing reading.

[0063] (48) The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (37) or (40) above further includes a process f for controlling the process c of inspecting the image based on the determination result obtained by the determination process d.

[0064] (49) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (48) above, in the control process f, if the judgment process d determines that the generation condition of the reference image generated by the process b of generating the reference image does not meet the predetermined condition, the inspection performed by the process c of inspecting the image is terminated.

[0065] (50) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (48) above, in the control process f, when it is determined by the judgment process d that the generation condition of the reference image generated by the process b of generating the reference image does not meet the predetermined condition, the image formation performed by the process a of forming the image is performed again.

[0066] (51) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (37) or (40) above, there is also a process f for controlling the process c for inspecting the image when it is determined by the determination process d that the generation condition of the reference image generated by the process b for generating the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined condition, and in the control process f, the inspection performed by the process c for inspecting the image is interrupted.

[0067] (52) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (37) or (40) above, there is also a process f for controlling the formation of the image performed by the process a for forming the image when it is determined by the determination process d that the generation condition of the reference image generated by the process b for generating the reference image does not meet the predetermined condition, and in the control process f, the formation of the image by the process a for forming the image is terminated.

[0068] (53) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (49) above, in the control process f, when the judgment process d determines that the generation condition of the reference image generated by the process b of generating the reference image does not meet the predetermined condition, the inspection performed by the process c of inspecting the image is reported to be terminated.

[0069] (54) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (37) or (40) above, there is also a process f for executing a reference image generation process and an inspection process in parallel, wherein the reference image generation process includes generating a reference image by a process b for generating the reference image, and the inspection process includes forming the image onto a recording medium by a process a for forming the image, and inspecting the read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image is formed by a process c for inspecting the image.

[0070] According to the present invention, before checking the inspection image, it is determined whether the generation status of the reference image meets the predetermined conditions, so that the generation status of the reference image can be grasped before the image inspection while shortening the time required for the processing from the generation of the reference image to the image inspection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of a printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 2 This is an example Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of the structure of the image forming system shown.

[0073] Figure 3 Is used to illustrate Figure 2 A block diagram showing an overview of the control operations of the control unit and the print controller unit shown.

[0074] Figure 4 This is an example of using Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a processing procedure of an image inspection method of an image forming system shown in FIG.

[0075] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the respective processes of acquiring a document image, generating a reference image, forming a test image, and inspecting the test image in a time series.

[0076] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the timing for determining the generation status of a reference image.

[0077] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method in which a generation status of a reference image corresponding to an inspection image is determined after an inspection image is formed and before the inspection image is read.

[0078] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method in which a generation status of a reference image corresponding to an inspection image is determined before forming the inspection image.

[0079] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method performed by the image forming system in the second embodiment.

[0080] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the respective processes of acquiring a document image, generating a reference image, forming a check image, and checking the check image in a time series when recovery printing is performed.

[0081] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method performed by the image forming system in the third embodiment.

[0082] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method performed by the image forming system in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, identical elements are denoted by identical reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustration and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0084] (First embodiment)

[0085] <Structure of Printing System>

[0086] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an example Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of the structure of the image forming system shown.

[0087] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing system 100 includes a client terminal 200 and an image forming system 300. The client terminal 200 and the image forming system 300 are connected via a communication line 400 so as to be communicable with each other.

[0088] The client terminal 200 may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. A printer driver for converting document data into a print job is installed in the client terminal 200. The printer driver generates a print controller unit 320 (see Figure 2 ) and transmits the print job to the image forming system 300 via the communication line 400. In addition, the client terminal 200 includes a display that can display the product inspection results (good / defective products) of printed materials, images of defective printed materials, etc.

[0089] A print job includes, for example, print data in PDL (Page Description Language) format and job information. The print data, for example, includes print data for pages 1 through n. The job information includes, for example, print settings such as the number of pages, number of copies, paper (recording medium) type, size, basis weight, single-sided / double-sided printing, and product check settings (on / off). By enabling the product check setting, the user can output image check instructions to the image forming system 300.

[0090] Communication line 400 may include a LAN (Local Area Network) that connects computers and network devices to each other using a predetermined standard, or a WAN (Wide Area Network) that connects LANs to each other using dedicated lines. Examples of the predetermined standard include Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity).

[0091] Furthermore, the number of the above components connected to the communication line 400 is not limited to Figure 1 Example situation.

[0092] <Structure of Image Forming System 300>

[0093] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, image forming system 300 includes a control unit 310, a print controller unit 320, an image forming unit 330, an image reading unit 340, an image inspection unit 350, an operation display unit 360, a paper feed unit 370, a reference image generation unit 380, and a storage device 390. Image forming system 300 functions as an image inspection apparatus.

[0094] <Configuration of Control Unit 310>

[0095] The control unit 310 includes an image control CPU (Central Processing Unit) 311 , a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control IC 312 , a memory 313 , an image memory (DRAM) 314 , a compression / decompression IC 315 , a read processing unit 316 , a write processing unit 317 , a storage unit 318 , and the like.

[0096] The image control CPU 311 develops various programs stored in the storage unit 318 in the memory 313 , and comprehensively controls the operation of the entire image forming system 300 in cooperation with the developed programs.

[0097] The reading processing unit 316 performs various processing operations, such as analog processing, A / D conversion, and shading, on the analog image signals output from the scanner 341 of the image reading unit 340 to generate digital image (read image) data. The generated digital image data is then output by the DRAM control IC 312 to the compression / decompression IC 315. Under the control of the DRAM control IC 312, the compression / decompression IC 315 compresses the digital image data and decompresses the compressed digital image data. Furthermore, the DRAM control IC 312 controls the input and output of the compressed / decompressed digital image data to and from the image memory (DRAM) 314.

[0098] The image memory 314 is formed of a DRAM and includes compression memory and page memory areas therein, and temporarily stores compressed image data, decompressed image data, and the like.

[0099] The writing processing unit 317 outputs the decompressed digital image data to the exposure unit 332 of the image forming unit 330 .

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 310 functions as a reference image determination unit (hereinafter referred to as the "determination unit"). Before the image inspection unit 350 inspects an image, the reference image determination unit receives information regarding the progress of reference image generation from the reference image generation unit 380 and determines, for each page, whether the reference image generation status satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the predetermined condition may be whether the reference image generation unit 380 has completed generation of the reference image corresponding to the inspection image (reference image generation completed) or whether the reference image has been completed to a predetermined stage. For example, the reference image determination unit may be configured to determine whether at least X% of the reference image has been completed. X may be, for example, 90.

[0101] <Structure of Print Controller Section 320>

[0102] The print controller 320 analyzes the print job received from the client terminal 200 via the communication line 400, performs color conversion, filtering, and rasterization, and generates a document image in bitmap format. The generated document image is sent to the control unit 310. The print controller 320 functions as a document image acquisition unit.

[0103] The print controller unit 320 includes a controller control unit 321, a reference image generation control unit 322, a DRAM control IC 323, an image memory (DRAM) 324, a communication control unit 325, and a communication I / F 326. The controller control unit 321 generally controls the operation of each component of the print controller unit 320. Furthermore, the controller control unit 321 receives print jobs from the client terminal 200 and the like via the communication I / F 326. The communication control unit 325 controls the communication I / F 326.

[0104] The received print job includes print data (mainly in PDL format) that serves as the source of the original image, and job information describing print settings such as the type of paper to be used. The print controller unit 320 performs rasterization (RIP) processing to convert the print data into page-based bitmap data according to the print settings. The rasterized RIP image is temporarily stored in the image memory 324. The RIP image in the image memory 324 is temporarily stored in the compressed memory area within the image memory 314 via the compression / decompression IC 315 under the control of the DRAM control IC 323 of the print controller unit 320 and the DRAM control IC 312 of the control unit 310. During normal printing, the RIP image stored in the compressed memory area is decompressed by the compression / decompression IC 315 and sent to the image forming unit 330 as the original image (image data) via the write processing unit 317 for printing.

[0105] At a predetermined generation timing, the reference image generation control unit 322 outputs a reference image generation instruction to the reference image generation unit 380, described later, to generate a reference image based on the document image. For example, the predetermined generation timing may be when the product inspection setting is turned on and the document image acquisition unit acquires the document image. The reference image generation unit 380 generates the reference image in accordance with the reference image generation instruction.

[0106] Ideally, it is assumed that the read image generated by reading the inspection image formed on the paper is consistent with the original image in terms of content. However, when the inspection image formed on the paper is read by a scanner, the read image may produce errors relative to the original image due to various reasons such as the deviation of the paper's transport path, the offset of the scanner's reading position, the color reproducibility, and the difference in paper types. In addition, due to the resolution of the scanner's reading, errors may also occur relative to the original image. Therefore, there is a high possibility of errors when simply comparing the read image and the original image, and it is not realistic to inspect the inspection image by simply comparing the read image and the original image. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is configured to generate a reference image by performing various processing on the original image with respect to position, resolution, color, etc. in a manner that can be compared with the read image, and compare the reference image and the read image. As a result, the comparison with the read image is appropriately performed, so that product inspection of printed materials can be performed with good accuracy. The details of the reference image generation process will be described later. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the reference image generation control unit 322 is provided in the print controller unit 320 . However, the reference image generation control unit 322 may be provided in the control unit 310 .

[0107] <Structure of Image Forming Unit 330>

[0108] The image forming unit 330 forms (prints) an image on paper using an electrophotographic process that includes charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing, in accordance with instructions from the control unit 310. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 330 forms the inspection image inspected by the image inspection unit 350 on paper using image formation conditions set according to the print settings. The image forming unit 330 includes a printer control unit 331 and an exposure unit 332. The printer control unit 331 is connected to the image control CPU 311 via serial communication and is controlled by the image control CPU 311. The printer control unit 331 drives the laser diode (LD) of the exposure unit 332 in response to signals from the write processing unit 317, forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original document image on a photoreceptor (not shown). The toner image formed on the photoreceptor is developed in a development process and transferred to paper supplied from the paper feed unit 370. The unfixed toner image on the paper is then fixed by heat and pressure. The paper on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed to the image reading section 340 .

[0109] The image forming unit 330 also includes a printed sheet discharge device that discharges (eliminates) paper sheets (waste paper) having inspection images detected as abnormal by the image inspection unit 350 and paper sheets having normal inspection images.

[0110] <Structure of Image Reading Unit 340>

[0111] The image reading unit 340 includes a scanner 341 and a scanner control unit 342. The scanner 341 uses, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor to read paper (printed material) conveyed along the conveyor path. The scanner control unit 342 controls the scanner in accordance with a reading instruction from the control unit 310 so as to read the inspection image formed on the paper conveyed from the image forming unit 330. The scanner control unit 342 outputs the read image of the inspection image formed on the paper to the control unit 310.

[0112] <Structure of Image Inspection Unit 350>

[0113] The image inspection unit 350 performs an image inspection based on the reference image. More specifically, the image inspection unit 350 acquires the reference image and the read image, and compares the reference image and the read image for each page, thereby inspecting the inspection image formed on the paper.

[0114] The image inspection unit 350 includes an image inspection control unit 351. The image inspection control unit 351 includes the image control CPU 311, or a CPU (not shown), RAM, ROM, and auxiliary storage device. The CPU executes an image inspection program to implement the image inspection function. The image inspection control unit 351 calculates the difference (error) between the pixel values of the reference image and the read image for each page, and determines whether the inspected image is good or not based on the magnitude of the difference. The difference is calculated for each page, for each target, or for each region. For example, when calculating the difference for each page, if the total value of the pixel differences within a page is less than a specified value, a "good" inspection result is output; if the total value of the differences is greater than the specified value, a "poor" inspection result is output. Alternatively, when calculating the difference for each target or each region, a "good" or "poor" inspection result can be output based on the total value of the pixel differences within the selected target or region.

[0115] The control unit 310 determines that the printed matter is a good product when the inspection result of the inspection image is “good”, and determines that the printed matter is a defective product when the inspection result of the inspection image is “bad”.

[0116] Furthermore, as described above, the reference image determination unit can be configured to determine whether or not X% or more of the reference image has been completed as a condition for starting inspection of the inspection image. In this case, the image inspection unit 350 begins inspection of the inspection image when X% of the reference image has been generated. The reference image generation unit 380 generates an ungenerated reference image (the second half) while the image inspection unit 350 is inspecting the inspection image corresponding to the generated reference image (the first half). After completing inspection of the inspection image corresponding to the first half, the image inspection unit 350 proceeds to inspect the inspection image corresponding to the second half.

[0117] <Configuration of Operation Display Unit 360>

[0118] The operation display unit 360 includes a touch panel display 361, an operation control unit 362, a numeric keypad as hard keys, a start button, a stop button, and the like. The touch panel display includes, for example, a touch sensor and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) located behind the touch sensor. The operation control unit 362 receives input from the touch sensor and the hard keys and transmits the input data to the control unit 310. Furthermore, the operation control unit 362 receives output data from the control unit 310 and displays it on the LCD. The operation display unit 360 is used by the user to input various settings (e.g., turning product inspection settings on / off) and instructions (e.g., an instruction to start printing). Furthermore, the operation display unit 360 is used to output (display) information such as the status of the image forming system 300, the product inspection results (good / bad) of printed materials, and images of defective printed materials.

[0119] <Structure of Paper Feed Unit 370>

[0120] The paper feeding unit 370 includes at least one large-capacity paper tray and feeds paper sheets to the image forming unit 330 one by one.

[0121] <Configuration of Reference Image Generator 380>

[0122] Reference image generating unit 380 generates a reference image based on the document image acquired by the document image acquiring unit and outputs it to control unit 310. Reference image generating unit 380 transmits information on the progress of reference image generation to control unit 310 periodically or in response to a request from control unit 310.

[0123] The reference image generator 380 can be implemented by executing an image inspection program on a CPU (not shown) separate from the image control CPU 311. This allows the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of the inspection image to be performed in parallel. Alternatively, if the image control CPU 311 is a multi-core CPU, the reference image generator 380 can be assigned to a core separate from the cores responsible for forming and inspecting the inspection image, allowing the two cores to execute the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of the inspection image in parallel.

[0124] Furthermore, in conventional configurations, the same CPU executes both reference image generation and check image formation and inspection. Consequently, the CPU executes check image formation and inspection for each page after completing reference image generation, preventing the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of the check image from being executed in parallel. In this embodiment, different CPUs execute the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of the check image, enabling the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of the check image to be executed in parallel.

[0125] Furthermore, if the document image is complex, the computational load for generating the reference image may significantly increase. However, by having a CPU separate from the image control CPU 311 handle the generation of the reference image, the computational load on the image control CPU 311 can be reduced.

[0126] <Structure of Storage Device 390>

[0127] Storage device 390 stores the reference image generated by reference image generation unit 380. Storage device 390 may be, for example, a storage device such as RAM, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). When reprinting a document image, control unit 310 uses the reference image stored in storage device 390, eliminating the need to generate the reference image again. This reduces the time required to generate the reference image.

[0128] <Overview of Control Operations of the Control Unit 310 and the Print Controller Unit 320>

[0129] Figure 3 Is used to illustrate Figure 2 The control unit 310 and the print controller unit 320 are schematic block diagrams of control operations shown in FIG.

[0130] First, the control unit 310 receives a document image and job information from the document image acquisition unit (print controller unit 320 ) ((1) Image Input). The document image is a RIP image obtained by rasterizing print data.

[0131] Upon receiving a reference image generation instruction from the reference image generation control unit 322 ((2)-1 reference image generation instruction), the reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image based on the document image acquired by the document image acquisition unit and outputs the generated reference image to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 stores the reference image in the page memory 1.

[0132] As described above, the reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image by performing various processing on the document image regarding position, resolution, color, and other factors. For example, the reference image generation unit 380 can extract the positional information of the content portion from the document image so that the content portion can be compared between the reference image and the read image, and then append or embed the positional information into the reference image. Specifically, the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380 includes alignment information used to align the reference image with the read image during image inspection. This alignment information also includes image outline and edge information. Furthermore, the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380 includes area information regarding the inspection area and inspection exclusion area used during image inspection based on the reference image. Furthermore, the reference image generation unit 380 can adjust the resolution of the document image to match the resolution of the scanner used by the image reader 340 to generate the reference image. Furthermore, the reference image generation unit 380 can convert the color space of the document image to match the color space (e.g., RGB) used by the scanner used by the image reader 340 to generate the reference image.

[0133] Furthermore, upon receiving a document image from the document image acquisition unit, control unit 310 outputs an image formation instruction to image forming unit 330, thereby outputting the document image stored in page memory 1 to image forming unit 330 ((2)-2 Image Output). In this embodiment, image forming unit 330 forms a check image on a sheet of paper based on the document image. Generation of the reference image by reference image generating unit 380 and formation of the check image by image forming unit 330 are performed in parallel.

[0134] After completing the generation of the reference image, the reference image generation unit 380 notifies the control unit 310 and the reference image generation control unit 322 of the completion of the reference image generation ((3)-1 Reference image generation completed). Furthermore, if the generation of the reference image is not yet complete, the reference image generation unit 380 notifies the control unit 310 of the progress of the reference image generation. Furthermore, if the image formation unit 330 completes the image formation on the paper, it notifies the control unit 310 of the completion of the output ((3)-2 Output completed). The storage device 390 stores the generated reference image ((4)-1 Reference image storage).

[0135] Furthermore, upon receiving the notification of output completion, the control unit 310 immediately outputs an image reading instruction ((4)-2 Image reading instruction) to the image reading unit 340. The image reading unit 340 reads the paper on which the inspection image is formed and outputs the read image of the paper to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 stores the read image in the page memory 2. After completing the reading of the paper, the image reading unit 340 notifies the image reading unit 340 of the completion of image reading ((5)-2 Image reading completion).

[0136] Upon receiving the notification that image reading has been completed, control unit 310 outputs an image inspection instruction ((6)-2 Image Inspection Instruction) to image inspection unit 350. Image inspection unit 350 obtains a reference image and a read image from page memory 1 and page memory 2, respectively, and compares the reference image and the read image to thereby inspect the inspection image. Image inspection unit 350 then outputs an inspection result of the inspection image to control unit 310 ((7)-2 Image Inspection Result).

[0137] The control unit 310 controls the display of the operation display unit 360 or the client terminal 200 to display the product inspection results (good / defective products) of the printed matter based on the inspection results of the inspection image in accordance with the user's instruction.

[0138] <Image Inspection Method Using Image Forming System 300>

[0139] Figure 4 This is an example of using Figure 1 The image forming system shown in FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a processing process of an image inspection method performed by the image forming system shown in FIG. Figure 4 In addition, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the respective processes of acquiring a document image, generating a reference image, forming a test image, and inspecting the test image in a time series.

[0140] like Figure 4 As shown, first, the control unit 310 obtains the document image (step S101). The control unit 310 receives the document image (RIP image) from the document image obtaining unit page by page, from the first page to the final nth page. For example, Figure 5 , a case where document images are sequentially received from the first page to the eighth page is illustrated.

[0141] Next, the control unit 310 stores the document image (step S102 ). After the print job starts, the control unit 310 stores the document image acquired from the document image acquisition unit in the page memory 1 page by page.

[0142] Next, the control unit 310 controls the generation of a reference image used in inspecting the inspection image. The reference image generation unit 380 generates the reference image in accordance with the control unit 310's instructions (step S103). For example, when the control unit 310 obtains the first page of the document image and stores it in the page memory 1, the control unit 310 controls the reference image generation unit 380 to generate a reference image based on the first page of the document image. The reference image generation unit 380 generates the reference image based on the first page of the document image. The reference image is generated similarly for the second page of the document image.

[0143] Next, the storage device 390 stores the reference image generated by the reference image generating unit 380 (step S104). For example, the storage device 390 stores the first page and the second page of the document image. Figure 4 As shown, in parallel with the processing of steps S103 and S104, control unit 310 controls image forming unit 330 based on the document image and job information received from the document image acquisition unit to form a check image on the paper. For example, control unit 310 performs print preparation and controls image forming unit 330 to form a check image on the paper for the document image of page 1. Following the instruction from control unit 310, image forming unit 330 forms a check image on the paper for the first page of the document image (step S105). After the check image for the first page of the document image is formed, a check image is similarly formed on the paper for the second page of the document image.

[0144] Next, the image reading unit 340 reads the inspection image formed on the paper (step S106 ).

[0145] Next, the reference image determination unit determines whether the generation status of the reference image for each page of the acquired document image satisfies predetermined conditions (step S107). Specifically, the reference image determination unit reads the image formed on the paper based on the inspection image and then determines the generation status of the reference image corresponding to the inspection image. For example, if the generation status indicates that the reference image has been generated (step S107: "Yes"), the image inspection unit 350 compares the reference image with the read image to inspect the inspection image (step S108).

[0146] Then, the control unit 310 repeats the processing of steps S101 to S108 for all pages (from the first page to the final n-th page) until the inspection of the inspection image is completed (step S109 ).

[0147] On the other hand, if a reference image has not been generated (step S107: No), the image inspection unit 350 waits until a reference image is generated. For example, if a reference image has not been generated for the same document image (page 1) as the document image (page 1) that served as the source of the inspection image inspected in step S108, the image inspection unit 350 waits until a reference image for that document image (page 1) is generated.

[0148] like Figure 5 As shown, the generation of the reference image by the reference image generating unit 380 and the formation and inspection of the inspection image by the image forming unit 330 are performed in parallel. As a result, the image forming system 300 can further shorten the processing time from the generation of the reference image to the inspection of the image compared to the conventional technology.

[0149] [Generation of a Reference Image and Formation of a Test Image on a Paper in Parallel]

[0150] For example, in Figure 5 In the example shown, the generation of the reference image and printing preparation for the first page (1P) and the second page (2P) are performed in parallel, and the generation of the reference image for the third page (3P) and the formation of the inspection image for the first page (1P) are performed in parallel. Furthermore, the generation of the reference image for the fourth page (4P) and the formation of the inspection image for the first page (1P) are then performed in parallel. In addition, in this figure, the generation of the reference image for the third page (3P) and the formation of the inspection image for the first page (1P) are shown to start simultaneously, but this is not limited to this. The formation of the inspection image for the first page (1P) can be started at an appropriate timing after the printing preparation is completed, and the generation of the reference image for the third page (3P) can be started at an appropriate timing after the generation of the reference image for the second page (2P). The same timing applies to the start of the generation of the reference image and the generation of the inspection image for subsequent pages.

[0151] [Generation of Reference Image, Formation of Inspection Image on Paper, and Inspection of Inspection Image Performed in Parallel]

[0152] Furthermore, thereafter, generation of the reference image of the fifth page (5P), formation of the inspection image of the second page (2P), and inspection of the inspection image of the first page are performed in parallel.

[0153] Thus, in this embodiment, a reference image is generated based on the receipt of a manuscript image (with receipt of the manuscript image as the starting point), and a check image is formed on the paper when printing preparation is complete to perform a check image inspection. In this embodiment, the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of the check image are performed in parallel, thereby shortening the processing time from reference image generation to image inspection. As a result, the productivity of printed materials is improved.

[0154] <Printing Task>

[0155] As described above, when image forming system 300 receives a print job and, if the product inspection setting in the job information is on, generates a reference image and a check image in parallel. Control unit 310 and print controller unit 320 control the system so that reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image and image forming unit 330 forms a check image in parallel for a single (identical) print job.

[0156] On the other hand, the image forming system 300 can also achieve the generation of a reference image and the formation and inspection of a check image through each print task. The control unit 310 and the print controller unit 320 control the system so that the reference image generation process (reference image generation task) and the inspection process (inspection task) are executed in parallel. Here, the reference image generation process includes the generation of a reference image by the reference image generation unit 380. The inspection process includes the formation of an inspection image on a sheet of paper by the image forming unit 330 and the image inspection of the read image generated by reading the sheet of paper with the inspection image formed thereon by the image inspection unit 350. For example, the reference image generation process can be executed by a CPU different from the image control CPU 311, and the inspection process can be executed by the image control CPU 311. Alternatively, if the control unit 310 has a multi-core CPU, the reference image generation process and the inspection process can be assigned to different cores, and these cores can execute the reference image generation process and the inspection process in parallel.

[0157] <Timing for Determining the Generation Status of a Reference Image>

[0158] In the above example, the reference image determination unit determines the generation status of the reference image corresponding to the inspection image after reading the image formed on the paper based on the inspection image. The following describes a case where the generation status of the reference image corresponding to the inspection image is determined at another determination timing before the inspection image is inspected.

[0159] Figure 6 : is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the timing for determining the generation status of the reference image. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method in which the generation status of a reference image corresponding to the inspection image is determined after the inspection image is formed and before the inspection image is read. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of an image inspection method in which the generation status of a reference image corresponding to the inspection image is determined before the inspection image is formed. Figure 7 、 Figure 8 The processing shown.

[0160] like Figure 6As shown, the reference image determination unit can be configured to determine the generation status of the reference image corresponding to the inspection image at any of the determination timings during the inspection image reading process, from the start to the completion of the inspection image reading, as another determination timing before the inspection of the inspection image. More specifically, the determination status of the generation status of the reference image corresponding to the inspection image formed on the paper can be determined at the start, during, or completion of the inspection image reading. For example, the reference image determination unit can determine the generation status of reference image 1 corresponding to inspection image 1 at the start, during, or completion of the inspection image reading.

[0161] Reference Figure 7 For example, the following describes the situation in which the generation status of the reference image is determined at the timing of the start of reading. In this figure, the processing of steps S201 to S204, steps S208, and S209 is the same as that described above. Figure 4 The processes of steps S101 to S104, steps S108, and S209 are the same, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0162] After forming the inspection image in step S205, the reference image determination unit determines whether the generation of the reference image satisfies predetermined conditions (step S206). If the generation of the reference image satisfies the predetermined conditions (step S206: "Yes"), the control unit 310 controls the image reading unit 340 to read the inspection image formed on the paper (step S207). On the other hand, if the generation of the reference image does not meet the predetermined conditions (step S206: "No"), the control unit 310 waits until the generation of the reference image meets the predetermined conditions.

[0163] Furthermore, the reference image determination unit may be configured to determine the generation status of the reference image at any one of the image formation steps, from the start of image formation to the completion of image formation, as another determination timing prior to inspection of the inspection image. More specifically, the reference image generation status may be determined at the start of image formation, during image formation, or at the completion of image formation.

[0164] Reference Figure 8 For example, the following describes a case where the generation status of the reference image is determined at the timing of the start of image formation. In this figure, each of the processes of steps S301 to S304, S308, and S309 is the same as that described above. Figure 4 The processes of steps S101 to S104, S108, and S209 are the same, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0165] After saving the document image in step S302, the reference image determination unit determines whether the generation of the reference image meets predetermined conditions (step S305). If the generation of the reference image meets the predetermined conditions (step S305: "Yes"), the control unit 310 controls the image forming unit 330 to form a test image on the paper (step S306) and controls the image reading unit 340 to read the test image formed on the paper (step S307). The control unit 310 then controls the image inspection unit 350 to inspect the test image (step S308). On the other hand, if the generation of the reference image does not meet the predetermined conditions (step S305: "No"), the control unit 310 waits until the generation of the reference image meets the predetermined conditions.

[0166] Furthermore, the above-mentioned determination timings may be combined in multiple times. By combining multiple determination timings, image formation or image inspection can be suspended until a reference image is generated, thereby avoiding a situation where a reference image is not formed during inspection of an inspection image.

[0167] According to the information processing device, the image inspection method, and the image inspection program of the first embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved.

[0168] Before inspection of the inspection image, the generation status of the reference image is determined to determine whether it meets predetermined conditions. This shortens the processing time from reference image generation to image inspection, and allows the generation status of the reference image to be understood before image inspection. Furthermore, control can be performed in accordance with the generation status of the reference image, preventing or suppressing a decrease in productivity.

[0169] (Second embodiment)

[0170] In the second embodiment, a case will be described where the execution of the inspection process is controlled based on the result of determination as to whether or not the generation status of the reference image corresponding to the inspection image satisfies a predetermined status. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the image inspection method performed by the image forming system in the second embodiment. The processing shown in this figure is achieved by the image control CPU 311 executing the image inspection program. In addition, to avoid duplication of description, the description of the same structure as the first embodiment is omitted.

[0171] exist Figure 9 The processing of steps S401 to S406 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Figure 4 The processing of steps S101 to S106 is the same, so detailed description is omitted.

[0172] In step S407, the reference image determination unit determines whether the generation status of the reference image meets predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions may include, for example, whether the reference image has been generated or whether X% of the reference image has been completed. If the generation status of the reference image meets the predetermined conditions (step S407: "Yes"), the image inspection unit 350 inspects the inspection image (step S408).

[0173] The control unit 310 repeats the processing of steps S401 to S408 for all pages (from the first page to the final n-th page) until the inspection of the inspection image is completed (step S409 ).

[0174] On the other hand, if the generation status of the reference image does not meet the predetermined conditions (step S407: No), the control unit 310 skips the inspection of the inspection image and suspends the inspection (step S410). Specifically, the control unit 310 suspends the print job (inspection job). This halts the formation of inspection images for the next page and thereafter on the paper and the inspection of these inspection images.

[0175] Next, the control unit 310 notifies the inspection suspension (step S411 ) and ends the process (termination). For example, the control unit 310 notifies the inspection suspension by displaying a warning on the display of the operation display unit 360 , flashing or lighting a warning light, or sending an email.

[0176] In this way, the control unit 310 controls the execution of the inspection process based on the determination result of whether the generation status of the reference image corresponding to the inspection image satisfies the predetermined status.

[0177] According to the information processing device, the image inspection method, and the image inspection program of the second embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.

[0178] The execution of the inspection process is controlled based on the result of determining whether the generation status of the reference image satisfies a predetermined condition. Therefore, when the generation time of the reference image exceeds the user's expectation, an increase in the waiting time of the inspection process can be suppressed.

[0179] (Third embodiment)

[0180] In the third embodiment, a case where a check image is formed again (recovery printing) when a reference image has not yet been generated will be described. Figure 10 The schematic diagram shows the respective processes of acquiring a document image, generating a reference image, forming a check image, and checking the check image in a time series when recovery printing is performed.

[0181] The control unit 310 and the image forming unit 330 function as a recovery printing unit. For example, generally, the more complex the original image is, the more time it takes to generate the reference image by the reference image generating unit 380. Figure 10 In the example, the second page of the original image is complicated, so it takes time to generate the second page of the reference image. The recovery printing unit performs recovery printing when the generation of the reference image is not completed before the inspection of the corresponding inspection image. Figure 10 In the example shown, since the generation of the second page of the reference image has not yet been completed after the generation of the second page of the inspection image, the recovery printing unit waits until the generation of the reference image is complete before performing recovery printing of the second page of the original image (forming the second page of the inspection image). The control unit 310 removes the paper containing the printed second page of the inspection image. This prevents the mixing of paper with uninspected inspection images and paper with normal inspection images.

[0182] Furthermore, when resuming printing, the image inspection unit 350 can perform image inspection using the reference image stored in the storage device 390. This eliminates the need for the reference image generation unit 380 to generate a reference image again, thus saving time required for generating a reference image.

[0183] <Image Inspection Method Using Image Forming System in Third Embodiment>

[0184] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the image inspection method using the image forming system in the third embodiment. The processing shown in the figure is realized by the image control CPU 311 executing the image inspection program. In addition, the processing of steps S501 to S505 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Figure 4 The processing of steps S101 to S105 is the same, so detailed description is omitted.

[0185] In step S506, the reference image determination unit determines whether the generation status of the reference image meets predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions may include, for example, whether the reference image has been generated or whether X% of the reference image is complete. If the generation status of the reference image meets the predetermined conditions (step S506: "Yes"), the image inspection unit 350 reads the inspection image (step S507) and inspects the inspection image (step S508).

[0186] The control unit 310 repeats the processing of steps S501 to S508 for all pages (from the first page to the final n-th page) (step S509 ) until the inspection of the inspection image is completed.

[0187] On the other hand, when the generation status of the reference image does not satisfy the predetermined status (step S506 : No), the image forming unit 330 proceeds to step S505 and reprints the inspection image.

[0188] Furthermore, when executing recovery printing, the document image stored in the page memory 1 in step S502 of the same figure can be saved in the storage device 390. By using the document image stored in the storage device 390, steps S501 and S502 are unnecessary, except for the generation and storage of the reference image (steps S503 and S504). Therefore, the control unit 310 and the print controller unit 320 control the print job so that only the generation and inspection of the inspection image are executed. This shortens the time from the start of the print job to the completion of product inspection of the printed material. As a result, the productivity of the printed material is improved.

[0189] (Fourth embodiment)

[0190] In the fourth embodiment, a case will be described in which the interruption / resumption of the inspection process is controlled based on the result of determination as to whether or not a reference image corresponding to the inspection image has been generated. Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of an image inspection method performed by an image forming system in a fourth embodiment. The processing shown in this figure is achieved by executing an image inspection program by image control CPU 311. To avoid duplication of description, descriptions of the same structures as in the first embodiment are omitted.

[0191] exist Figure 12 The processing of steps S601 to S606 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Figure 4 The processing of steps S101 to S106 is the same, so detailed description is omitted.

[0192] In step S607, the reference image determination unit determines whether the generation status of the reference image meets predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions may include, for example, whether the reference image has been generated or whether X% of the reference image is complete. If the generation status of the reference image meets the predetermined conditions (step S607: "Yes"), the image inspection unit 350 inspects the inspection image (step S610).

[0193] On the other hand, when the generation status of the reference image does not satisfy the predetermined status (step S607 : No), the image forming unit 330 interrupts the formation of the inspection image (step S608 ).

[0194] Next, the control unit 310 determines whether to resume image formation (step S609 ). The control unit 310 waits until receiving an instruction from the user to resume image formation, and resumes formation of the inspection image if the instruction is received.

[0195] Next, the image inspection unit 350 performs inspection of the inspection image (step S610 ). The control unit 310 then repeats steps S601 through S610 for all pages (from the first page to the final nth page) until inspection of the inspection image is complete (step S611 ).

[0196] Alternatively, the control unit 310 may be configured to stop the machine after the image forming unit 330 forms an image and immediately before the image reading unit 340 reads the image formed on the paper, and perform inspection after the reference image is generated.

[0197] The information processing device, the image inspection method, and the image inspection program according to the fourth embodiment described above provide the following effects in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.

[0198] Based on the result of determining whether the reference image generation status meets a predetermined condition, the interruption / resumption of the test image formation is controlled. Therefore, if the reference image generation time exceeds the user's expectation, the test image formation can be prevented from proceeding too far.

[0199] As described above, the image inspection apparatus, image inspection method, and image inspection program have been described in the embodiments, but it is obvious that those skilled in the art can appropriately add, modify, and omit the present invention within the scope of its technical concept.

[0200] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the original image is generated according to the print job is described, but the present invention is not limited to such a case. The image forming unit 330 may also be configured to include an image reading device 333 (see Figure 1 ), generates a document image based on an image generated by reading a document using the image reading device 333. The image reading device 333 reads a document conveyed to a predetermined reading position by an automatic document feeder using, for example, a scanner, and generates image data.

[0201] Furthermore, the image inspection program can be provided via a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory stick, floppy disk, or CD-ROM, or it can be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is typically transferred to a memory device, storage device, or the like for storage. Furthermore, the inspection program can be provided as a standalone application / software, or as a function of a server embedded in each device.

[0202] Furthermore, part or all of the processing executed by the inspection program in the embodiments may be replaced with hardware such as a circuit.

[0203] (Explanation of symbols)

[0204] 100: Printing system; 200: Client terminal; 300: Image forming system; 310: Control unit; 311: Image control CPU; 312: DRAM control IC; 313: Memory; 314: Image memory (DRAM); 315: Compression / decompression IC; 316: Read processing unit; 317: Write processing unit; 318: Storage unit; 320: Print controller unit; 321: Controller control unit; 322: Reference image generation control unit; 323: DRAM control IC; 324: Image memory (DRAM) RAM); 325: Communication control unit; 326: Communication I / F; 330: Image forming unit; 331: Printer control unit; 332: Exposure unit; 333: Image reading device; 340: Image reading unit; 341: Scanner; 342: Scanner control unit; 350: Image inspection unit; 351: Image inspection control unit; 360: Operation display unit; 361: LCD / touch sensor; 362: Operation control unit; 370: Paper supply unit; 380: Reference image generation unit; 390: Storage device; 400: Communication line.

Claims

1. An image inspection device comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data; a reference image generating unit for generating a reference image for checking the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; an image inspection unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; as well as The determination unit determines whether a generation condition of the reference image generated by the reference image generating unit satisfies a predetermined condition before the image is inspected by the image inspecting unit.

2. The image inspection device according to claim 1, wherein The determination unit determines whether the reference image generation unit has completed generation of the reference image before the image inspection unit inspects the image.

3. The image inspection device according to claim 1, wherein The determination unit determines whether the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit has been completed to a predetermined stage before the image is inspected by the image inspection unit.

4. The image inspection device according to claim 1, wherein The image inspection section performs the inspection on each page of the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming section. The determination unit performs the determination for each of the pages.

5. The image inspection device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein: The determination section performs the determination at a predetermined timing before the image inspection section performs the inspection of the image and after the image forming section starts an image forming process.

6. The image inspection device according to claim 5, wherein: The predetermined timing is the timing at which the image forming unit starts forming the image on the recording medium.

7. The image inspection device according to claim 5, wherein: The predetermined timing is a timing when the image forming unit is forming the image on the recording medium.

8. The image inspection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The predetermined timing is the timing at which the image forming unit completes forming the image on the recording medium.

9. The image inspection device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein: The determination unit performs the determination at a timing when the inspection of the image is started by the image inspection unit.

10. The image inspection device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein: further comprising a reading unit for reading the image formed on the recording medium, The determination unit performs the determination at a predetermined timing in a reading process performed by the reading unit.

11. The image inspection device according to claim 10, wherein: The predetermined timing is any one of a timing at which the reading section starts reading the recording medium on which the image is formed, a timing at which reading is in progress, and a timing at which reading is completed.

12. The image inspection device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein: The apparatus further includes a control unit configured to control the image inspection unit based on a determination result obtained by the determination unit.

13. The image inspection apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The control unit stops the inspection by the image inspection unit when the determination unit determines that a generation status of the reference image by the reference image generation unit does not satisfy a predetermined status.

14. The image inspection apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The control unit causes the image forming unit to form an image again when the determination unit determines that a generation condition of the reference image generated by the reference image generating unit does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

15. The image inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 4, wherein: further comprising a control unit configured to control the image inspection unit when the determination unit determines that a generation condition of the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit does not satisfy a predetermined condition, The control unit interrupts the inspection by the image inspection unit.

16. The image inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 4, wherein: further comprising a control unit configured to control formation of the image by the image forming unit when the determination unit determines that a generation condition of the reference image by the reference image generating unit does not satisfy a predetermined condition, The control unit stops formation of the image by the image forming unit.

17. The image inspection apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: The control unit notifies the image inspecting unit to suspend inspection when the determination unit determines that the generation status of the reference image by the reference image generating unit does not satisfy a predetermined status.

18. The image inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 4, wherein: It also has a control unit that executes a reference image generation process and an inspection process in parallel. The reference image generation process includes generating a reference image using the reference image generation unit, and the inspection process includes forming the image on a recording medium using the image forming unit, and inspecting a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image is formed using the image inspection unit.

19. An image inspection method, comprising: Step a, forming an image on a recording medium according to image data; Step b, generating a reference image for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; Step c, checking the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; as well as Step d: Before checking the image in step c, determining whether the generation condition of the reference image in step b satisfies a predetermined condition.

20. The image inspection method according to claim 19, wherein: In the determining step (d), before checking the image in the checking step (c), it is determined whether the generation of the reference image in the generating step (b) is completed.

21. The image inspection method according to claim 19, wherein: In the determining step (d), before the image is checked in the checking step (c), it is determined whether the reference image generated in the generating step (b) is completed to a predetermined stage.

22. The image inspection method according to claim 19, wherein: In the step c of inspecting the image, the inspection is performed for each page of the recording medium on which the image is formed in the step a of forming the image. In the determination step d, the determination is performed for each of the pages.

23. The image inspection method according to claim 19 or 22, wherein: In the step d of determining, the determination is performed at a predetermined timing before the inspection of the image is performed in the step c of inspecting the image and after the image forming process is started in the step a of forming the image.

24. The image inspection method according to claim 23, wherein: The predetermined timing is the timing of starting to form the image on the recording medium through the step a of forming the image.

25. The image inspection method according to claim 23, wherein: The predetermined timing is the timing at which the image is being formed on the recording medium in the step a of forming the image.

26. The image inspection method according to claim 23, wherein: The predetermined timing is the timing at which the formation of the image on the recording medium by the step a of forming the image is completed.

27. The image inspection method according to claim 19 or 22, wherein: In the step d of determining, the determination is performed at the timing when the inspection of the image is started in the step c of inspecting the image.

28. The image inspection method according to claim 19 or 22, wherein: The method further comprises the step e of reading the image formed on the recording medium, In the step d of determining, the determination is performed at a predetermined timing in the reading process performed in the step e of reading the image.

29. The image inspection method according to claim 28, wherein: The predetermined timing is any one of the timing at which reading of the recording medium on which the image is formed is started in the step e of reading the image, the timing at which reading is in progress, and the timing at which reading is completed.

30. The image inspection method according to claim 19 or 22, wherein: The method further includes step f of controlling step c of inspecting the image according to a determination result obtained in step d of determining.

31. The image inspection method according to claim 30, wherein: In the control step f, if the determining step d determines that the generation condition of the reference image in the generating step b does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the inspection in the inspecting step c is stopped.

32. The image inspection method according to claim 30, wherein: In the control step f, if the determining step d determines that the generation condition of the reference image in the generating step b does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the image formation performed in the forming step a is performed again.

33. The image inspection method according to claim 19 or 22, wherein: The method further comprises a step f of controlling the step c of checking the image when it is determined in the step d of determining that the generation condition of the reference image in the step b of generating the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined condition, In step f of the controlling, the inspection performed by step c of inspecting the image is interrupted.

34. The image inspection method according to claim 19 or 22, wherein: The method further comprises the step f of controlling formation of the image performed in the step a of forming the image, when it is determined in the step d of determining that a generation condition of the reference image generated in the step b of generating the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined condition. In the step f of controlling, the formation of the image performed by the step a of forming the image is suspended.

35. The image inspection method according to claim 31, wherein: In the control step f, if the determining step d determines that the generation condition of the reference image in the generating step b does not satisfy a predetermined condition, a notification is issued that the inspection in the inspecting step c is stopped.

36. The image inspection method according to claim 19 or 22, wherein: There is also a step f of executing a reference image generation process and an inspection process in parallel, wherein the reference image generation process includes generating a reference image through step b of generating the reference image, and the inspection process includes forming the image on a recording medium through step a of forming the image, and inspecting the read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image is formed through step c of inspecting the image.

37. A computer-readable recording medium storing an image inspection program for causing a computer to execute a process, wherein: This processing includes: Process a, forming an image on a recording medium according to image data; Step b: generating a reference image for checking the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; Step c: checking the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and Step d: Before checking the image in step c, determining whether a generation condition of the reference image in step b satisfies a predetermined condition.

38. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 37, wherein: In the determination process d, before checking the image in the step c of checking the image, it is determined whether the generation of the reference image in the step b of generating the reference image is completed.

39. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 37, wherein: In the determination process d, before the image is checked in the process c of checking the image, it is determined whether the reference image generated in the process b of generating the reference image has been completed to a predetermined stage.

40. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 37, wherein: In the process c of inspecting the image, the inspection is performed for each page of the recording medium on which the image is formed by the process a of forming the image. In the determination process d, the determination is performed for each of the pages.

41. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 37 or 40, wherein: In the determination step d, the determination is performed at a predetermined timing before the inspection of the image is performed in the inspection step c and after the image forming process is started in the image forming step a.

42. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 41, wherein: The predetermined timing is the timing of starting to form the image on the recording medium through the process a of forming the image.

43. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 41, wherein: The predetermined timing is the timing at which the image is being formed on the recording medium by the process a of forming the image.

44. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 41, wherein: The predetermined timing is the timing at which the formation of the image on the recording medium by the process a of forming the image is completed.

45. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 37 or 40, wherein: In the process d of the determination, the determination is performed at the timing when the inspection of the image is started by the process c of inspecting the image.

46. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 37 or 40, wherein: There is also a process e of reading the image formed on the recording medium, In the determination step d, the determination is performed at a predetermined timing in the reading process performed in the image reading step e.

47. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 42, wherein: The predetermined timing is any one of the timing at which reading of the recording medium on which the image is formed by the process e of reading the image starts, the timing at which reading is in progress, and the timing at which reading is completed.

48. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 37 or 40, wherein: There is also a process f of controlling the process c of inspecting the image according to the determination result obtained in the determination process d.

49. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 48, wherein: In the control process f, if the determination process d determines that the generation condition of the reference image in the process b of generating the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the inspection in the image inspection process c is stopped.

50. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 48, wherein: In the control process f, if the determination process d determines that the generation condition of the reference image in the process b of generating the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined condition, image formation in the image formation process a is performed again.

51. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 37 or 40, wherein: The method further comprises a step f of controlling the step c of checking the image when it is determined in the step d of determining that the generation condition of the reference image in the step b of generating the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined condition. In the process f of the control, the inspection performed by the process c of inspecting the image is interrupted.

52. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 37 or 40, wherein: The method further includes a step f of controlling formation of the image by the process a of forming the image, when it is determined by the determining step d that a generation condition of the reference image by the process b of generating the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined condition. In the process f of the control, the formation of the image through the process a of forming the image is suspended.

53. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 49, wherein: In the control process f, if the determination process d determines that the generation condition of the reference image in the process b of generating the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the inspection in the image inspection process c is terminated.

54. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 37 or 40, wherein: There is also a process f for executing a reference image generation process and an inspection process in parallel, wherein the reference image generation process includes generating a reference image through a process b for generating the reference image, the inspection process includes forming the image onto a recording medium through a process a for forming the image, and inspecting a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image is formed through a process c for inspecting the image.

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