Inspection system, program product, and inspection processing method

Abstract

Provided are an inspection system, a program product, and an inspection processing method, the inspection system including a processor that converts processed data on which a predetermined process has been performed into image data on which an image can be formed by an image forming apparatus, when the processing is performed on pre-processing data prior to performing the processing to generate processed data, the processor checks the processed data on the basis of the pre-processing data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection system, a program product, and an inspection processing method. The present invention can also be applied to a program and a program product. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a printing control device comprising: a receiving mechanism for receiving printing data including stream printing data from a main device; a storage mechanism for storing the stream printing data received by the receiving mechanism; and a notification mechanism for notifying the main device of the completion of printing when the storage of the stream printing data is completed by the storage mechanism.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses an image forming system consisting of a server installed with an image forming device application, an input device for inputting image data, an image forming device for forming an output image based on the input data, and a host computer. The image forming system is characterized in that the image forming device application has: a page description language conversion processing unit that converts an object into a page description language; a variable printing data creation processing unit that creates variable printing data based on the name / image size / position information of the object and saves the file when receiving a notification of the end of data processing up to the object reuse range; a compressed archive creation unit that receives a notification from the variable printing data creation processing unit and aggregates the variable printing data file and the object data file into a compressed archive; a print data accumulation unit that saves the data of the object that has been converted into the page description language in the form of a file; a GUI; an object processing unit that notifies the end of data processing up to the object reuse range; an object management unit that registers the name / image size / position information of the object; and a coordinate conversion unit that converts the position information and registers it in the object list.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-77140

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-235664

[0006] There is known a structure for converting processed data (for example, PDL data) that has been subjected to predetermined processing (for example, PDL processing) into image data that can be formed by an image forming apparatus.

[0007] In this configuration, when the processing is performed on pre-processed data before the processing is performed to generate processed data, a system is required that can confirm whether the processed data is good or bad. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an inspection system that, in a structure in which processed data that has undergone predetermined processing is converted into image data that can be formed by an image forming device, performs the processing to generate processed data, and can confirm whether the processed data is good or bad.

[0009] The first method is an inspection system comprising a processor that converts processed data that has undergone predetermined processing into image data that can be formed into an image by an image forming device, and when the processing is performed on pre-processed data before the processing is performed to generate processed data, the processor inspects the processed data based on the pre-processed data.

[0010] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, when the inspection result of the processed data is good, the processor performs a conversion process of converting the processed data into image data.

[0011] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, when the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the processor stops the conversion process of the processed data into image data.

[0012] In a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, when the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the processor executes the processing on the pre-processed data again.

[0013] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, when the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the processor notifies a user of the defect.

[0014] In a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, when the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the processor notifies a user of defect information indicating a portion in the processed data where a defect has occurred.

[0015] In a seventh aspect, in the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect, when an instruction to re-execute the process on the pre-processed data is acquired from a user, the processor re-executes the process on the pre-processed data.

[0016] The eighth method is a program product that records an inspection processing program for causing a computer that performs a process of converting processed data that has undergone a predetermined process into image data that can be used for image formation by an image forming device to perform the following inspection process: when the processed data is generated by performing the processing on pre-processed data before the processing is performed, the processed data is inspected based on the pre-processed data.

[0017] The ninth method is an inspection and processing method for converting processed data that has undergone a predetermined process into image data that can be used for image formation by an image forming device. The inspection and processing method includes the following steps: when the processed data is generated by performing the processing on pre-processed data before the processing, the processed data is inspected based on the pre-processed data.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the configuration of the first aspect, in a configuration that converts processed data subjected to predetermined processing into image data formable by an image forming apparatus, when the processing is performed to generate processed data, the quality of the processed data can be confirmed.

[0020] According to the configuration of the second aspect, it is possible to generate image data of high quality.

[0021] According to the configuration of the third aspect, compared to the case where the conversion process of converting the processed data into image data is performed even when the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the generation of image data of poor quality can be suppressed.

[0022] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, processed data can be regenerated.

[0023] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the user can confirm whether the generated processed data is good or bad.

[0024] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the user can confirm defective portions of the generated processed data.

[0025] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, it is possible to regenerate processed data in response to a user's request. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a printing system according to the present embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the inspection system according to the present embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the inspection system according to the present embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the inspection process according to this embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the inspection process according to this embodiment;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of inspection processing according to a modification;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of inspection processing according to another modification.

[0034] Explanation of symbols

[0035] 10-Printing system, 12-Printing device, 13-Communication line, 14-Providing device, 16-Workflow system, 20-Image processing system (an example of an inspection system), 21-CPU (an example of a processor), 22-ROM, 23-RAM, 24-Memory, 29-Bus, 33-Communication unit, 34-Input unit, 35-Display unit, 41-Acquisition unit, 42-Conversion unit, 43-Storage unit, 44-Generation unit, 45-Inspection unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] Printing system 10

[0038] The printing system 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the printing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0039] The printing system 10 is a system for printing on recording media. Figure 1 As shown, the printing system 10 includes a printing device 12 , a providing device 14 , a workflow system 16 , and an image processing system 20 .

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the various components of the printing system 10 are connected via a communication line 13. Communication line 13 utilizes, for example, at least one of a wired or wireless communication line. Examples of wireless communication lines include lines utilizing the Internet and an intranet. The following describes the various components of the printing system 10.

[0041] <Printing device 12>

[0042] The printer 12 is an example of an image forming device and is a device that performs printing processing on recording media such as paper. The printer 12 performs printing processing on recording media such as paper based on print data sent from the image processing system 20. As a result, printed materials are output from the printer 12. Printing is an example of image formation.

[0043] <Providing device 14>

[0044] The providing device 14 provides information on printed matter (hereinafter referred to as printed matter information) to the image processing system 20. The printed matter information includes information on images, text, number of copies, number of pages, and cover of the printed matter.

[0045] Specifically, in the providing device 14 , for example, PDL processing is performed according to a user operation to generate PDL data, and the PDL data is transmitted to the image processing system 20 through the communication line 13 .

[0046] PDL data is data containing printed material information and is described in a page description language (PDL). PDL data is an example of processed data. PDL processing, which converts a print object containing printed material information into this PDL data, is an example of predefined processing. PDL is a computer programming language used to perform image processing and other functions in the image processing system 20. PDL formats include various formats, such as the PS (PostScript (registered trademark)) format.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the providing device 14 transmits pre-processed data before PDL processing to the image processing system 20 via the communication line 13. The pre-processed data is data including printed matter information, and is in a stream format, for example.

[0048] Furthermore, as the providing device 14 , a general-purpose computer device such as a personal computer (PC) can be used, for example.

[0049] Workflow System 16

[0050] As described above, the workflow system 16 is a system that can communicate with the image processing system 20, manages the processing steps (workflows) of each component of the printing system 10, and displays the progress status (status) of each component of the printing system 10. For example, the workflow system 16 is implemented by a cloud server or the like.

[0051] Image processing system 20

[0052] The image processing system 20 is an example of an inspection system and is a system for processing various image data. Specifically, the image processing system 20 has the function of a computer, such as Figure 2As shown, the image processing system 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a memory 24, a communication unit 33, an input unit 34, and a display unit 35. The CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, memory 24, the communication unit 33, the input unit 34, and the display unit 35 are interconnected via a bus 29. As an example, the image processing system 20 is configured as a single server device.

[0053] The communication unit 33 is a communication interface and is a component for communicating with other devices such as the printing device 12, providing device 14, and workflow system 16. Specifically, the communication unit 33 communicates with other devices via the communication line 13 using at least one of wired and wireless communication.

[0054] The input unit 34 is a component for inputting user instructions. Specifically, the input unit 34 is composed of, for example, input keys (such as a keyboard and operation buttons) and a touch panel for the user to perform input operations.

[0055] The display unit 35 is an example of a notification unit, and notifies the user of the presentation information by displaying the presentation information to be presented to the user. As an example, the display unit 35 is composed of a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0056] The display unit 35 may also function as the input unit 34. In this case, the input unit is constituted by a touch panel such as a resistive film type or an electrostatic capacitance type, for example, and inputs a user's instruction through a contact operation by the user.

[0057] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit (CPU), which executes various programs, including information processing programs such as inspection processing programs, and controls various components. The ROM 22 stores various programs, including information processing programs, and various data. The RAM 23 serves as a work area for temporary storage of programs and data. The memory 24, comprised of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory, stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. Information processing programs may also be stored in the memory 24.

[0058] In the image processing system 20, the CPU 21 reads various programs, including the information processing program, from the ROM 22 or the memory 24 and executes the programs using the RAM 23 as a work area. The CPU 21 implements various functions by executing the information processing programs. The following describes the functional structure achieved through the cooperation between the CPU 21 as a hardware resource and the information processing program as a software resource. Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image processing system 20 according to the present embodiment.

[0059] In the image processing system 20, as Figure 3 As shown, the CPU 21 functions as an acquisition unit 41 , a conversion unit 42 , a storage unit 43 , a generation unit 44 , and a check unit 45 by executing the information processing program.

[0060] The acquisition unit 41 acquires a user instruction inputted via the input unit 34. The acquisition unit 41 acquires various data transmitted from the providing device 14. The acquisition unit 41 acquires various data stored in the memory 24.

[0061] The conversion unit 42 converts the PDL data sent from the providing device 14 into print data. Print data is data that can be printed by the printing device 12 and is an example of image data. Specifically, the conversion unit 42 rasterizes the PDL data to generate print data. As an example, this print data is represented as bitmap data.

[0062] When pre-processed data before PDL processing is transmitted from the providing device 14 , the storage unit 43 stores the pre-processed data in the memory 24 , thereby storing the pre-processed data.

[0063] The generating unit 44 performs PDL processing on the pre-processed data before the PDL processing is performed to generate PDL data. Specifically, the generating unit 44 performs PDL processing on the pre-processed data in a stream format to generate PDL data.

[0064] PDL data is data described in a page description language (PDL). PDL processing converts pre-processed data into this PDL data. PDL is a computer programming language used to perform image processing and other tasks in the image processing system 20. PDL formats include various formats, such as PS (PostScript (registered trademark)).

[0065] The inspection unit 45 performs an inspection process for inspecting the PDL data with reference to the pre-processed data. Specifically, the inspection unit 45 compares the pre-processed data stored in the memory 24 with the PDL data to obtain a difference and inspects the processed data.

[0066] In this embodiment, the checking unit 45 analyzes the PDL data generated by the generating unit 44 , extracts objects and coordinates used in each page, and checks whether there are any differences from the objects and coordinates used in each page in the pre-processing data.

[0067] If the inspection result of the PDL data is good, the inspection unit 45 causes the conversion unit 42 to execute the conversion process of converting the PDL data into image data. If the inspection result of the processed data is bad, the inspection unit 45 suspends the conversion process of converting the processed data into image data. In other words, the inspection unit 45 does not cause the conversion unit 42 to execute the conversion process.

[0068] <Inspection Processing According to This Embodiment>

[0069] Next, an example of the inspection process according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of inspection processing executed by the image processing system 20 .

[0070] This process is performed by the CPU 21 reading and executing an information processing program from the ROM 22 or the memory 24. For example, the CPU 21 starts executing this process when it acquires data containing printed matter information from the providing device 14. Furthermore, it is assumed that this data is either PDL data generated by performing PDL processing on the providing device 14 or pre-processed data before the PDL processing is performed.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, when the CPU 21 starts this process, it first determines whether the acquired data acquired from the providing device 14 is pre-processed data. If it is determined that the acquired data is pre-processed data (step S101: Yes), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S102. If it is determined that the acquired data is not pre-processed data (step S101: No), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S105. In other words, if it is determined that the acquired data is PDL data, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S105.

[0072] In step S102 , the CPU 21 executes PDL processing on the pre-processed data to generate PDL data (step S102 ).

[0073] Next, the CPU 21 executes a check process on the PDL data generated in step S102 .

[0074] During the inspection process, Figure 5As shown, the CPU 21 extracts objects and coordinates used in each page by analyzing the PDL data, and checks whether there are any differences between the objects and coordinates used in each page in the pre-processing data.

[0075] Next, the CPU 21 determines whether the inspection result of the inspection process is good (step S104). Specifically, if there is no difference in the inspection process, the CPU 21 determines that the inspection result is good.

[0076] If the inspection result of the inspection process is determined to be good (step S104: YES), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S105. If the inspection result of the inspection process is determined to be bad (step S104: NO), the CPU 21 ends this process.

[0077] In step S105 , the CPU 21 performs a conversion process to convert the PDL data into print data. Specifically, the CPU 21 performs a rasterization process on the PDL data to generate print data. As an example, the print data is represented as bitmap data.

[0078] Next, the CPU 21 transmits the print data generated in step S105 to the printing device 12 and ends this process.

[0079] Alternatively, the CPU 21 may execute the PDL processing in predetermined units (eg, predetermined number of pages or predetermined number of copies) of the pre-processed data in step S102. In this case, the CPU 21 may execute the checking processing in predetermined units.

[0080] Furthermore, during the checking process, the workflow system 16 may notify the user of the progress status (state) of each unit of the printing system 10 via the display unit 35 .

[0081] <Function of this embodiment>

[0082] In this embodiment, when PDL processing is performed on pre-processed data to generate PDL data, CPU 21 checks the PDL data with reference to the pre-processed data (see step S103 ), thereby confirming whether the PDL data is good or bad.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the inspection result of the PDL data is good (step S104 : YES), the CPU 21 executes a conversion process to convert the PDL data into print data (step S105 ), thereby generating print data of good quality.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the inspection result of the PDL data is defective (step S104 : NO), the CPU 21 stops the conversion process of the PDL data into print data. This can suppress the generation of print data of poor quality.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the modifications described in this specification can be appropriately combined into a plurality of configurations.

[0086] Modifications

[0087] In this embodiment, when the inspection result of the PDL data is judged to be bad (step S104: No), the CPU 21 stops the conversion process of converting the PDL data into the print data, but the present invention is not limited to this. Figure 6 As shown, when the inspection result of the PDL data is determined to be defective (step S104: No), the CPU 21 may return to step S102 and execute the PDL processing on the pre-processed data again. With this configuration, the PDL data can be regenerated.

[0088] In the present modification, for example, when the inspection result of the PDL data is defective, the CPU 21 ends the processing.

[0089] Moreover, if Figure 7 As shown, when the inspection result of the PDL data is determined to be defective (step S104: No), the CPU 21 may notify the user of the defect (step S110). With this configuration, the user can confirm whether the generated PDL data is good or bad.

[0090] In this configuration, if the PDL data inspection result determines that the data is defective (step S104: No), the CPU 21 may notify the user of defect information (e.g., page number) indicating the defective portion of the PDL data. This configuration allows the user to confirm the defective portion of the generated PDL data. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, via the display unit 35.

[0091] Furthermore, in this configuration, if a user instruction to re-execute PDL processing of the pre-processed data is received (step S112: Yes), CPU 21 may re-execute PDL processing of the pre-processed data. This configuration enables regeneration of PDL data in response to user requests. If no user instruction is received (step S112: No), this processing terminates.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (for example, the aforementioned CPU, etc.) or a special-purpose processor (for example, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit (graphics processor), ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit (application-specific integrated circuit), FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array (field programmable gate array), programmable logic device, etc.).

[0093] Furthermore, the processor operations described in the above embodiment can be performed not only by a single processor but also by the collaboration of multiple processors located in physically separate locations. Furthermore, the order in which the processor operations are performed is not limited to that described in the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate. Thus, for example, the conversion process of converting PDL data into print data, the generation process of generating PDL data by performing PDL processing on pre-processed data, and the inspection process of inspecting the PDL data using the pre-processed data as a reference can be performed by different processors.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image processing system 20 is described as being comprised of a single device, but it may also be comprised of multiple devices. For example, the CPU 21 and the memory 24 that stores various data, such as pre-processed data, may be provided in separate devices. Thus, the "system" in this embodiment may be comprised of multiple devices or a single device.

[0095] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the above-described modified examples can be appropriately combined to form a plurality of structures.

[0096] <Note> (1)

[0098] An inspection system includes a processor that converts processed data that has been subjected to predetermined processing into image data that can be formed into an image by an image forming device.

[0099] When the processing is performed on pre-processed data before the processing is performed to generate processed data, the processor checks the processed data based on the pre-processed data. (2)

[0101] The inspection system according to (1), wherein

[0102] When the inspection result of the processed data is good, the processor performs a conversion process of converting the processed data into image data. (3)

[0104] The inspection system according to (2), wherein

[0105] If the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the processor stops the conversion process of the processed data into image data. (4)

[0107] The inspection system according to (3), wherein

[0108] If the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the processor executes the processing on the pre-processed data again. (5)

[0110] The inspection system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein:

[0111] If the inspection result of the processed data is bad, the processor notifies a user of the bad condition. (6)

[0113] The inspection system according to (5), wherein

[0114] When the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the processor notifies a user of defect information indicating a defective portion of the processed data. (7)

[0116] The inspection system according to (5) or (6), wherein:

[0117] The processor executes the processing on the pre-processed data again when an instruction to execute the processing on the pre-processed data again is acquired from the user. (8)

[0119] A check processing program for causing a computer that executes a process of converting processed data that has undergone a predetermined process into image data that can be formed by an image forming apparatus to execute the following check processing:

[0120] When the processing is performed on pre-processed data before the processing is performed to generate processed data, the processed data is checked with reference to the pre-processed data.

[0121] According to the configuration of (1), in a configuration in which processed data subjected to predetermined processing is converted into image data capable of being formed by an image forming apparatus, when the processing is performed to generate processed data, the quality or defect of the processed data can be confirmed.

[0122] According to the configuration of (2), it is possible to generate image data of good quality.

[0123] According to the configuration of (3), compared to the case where the conversion process of converting the processed data into image data is performed even when the inspection result of the processed data is poor, the generation of poor-quality image data can be suppressed.

[0124] According to the structure of (4), the processed data can be regenerated.

[0125] According to the configuration of (5), the user can confirm whether the generated processed data is good or bad.

[0126] According to the configuration of (6), the user can confirm defective portions of the generated processed data.

[0127] According to the configuration of (7), it is possible to regenerate processed data in response to a user's request.

[0128] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and explanation. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. It is obvious that various modifications and variations are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily explain the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technical personnel in this field can understand the present invention through various modifications optimized for specific uses of the assumed various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An inspection system comprising a processor that converts processed data that has been subjected to predetermined processing into image data that can be formed into an image by an image forming device, When the process is performed on pre-processed data before the process is performed to generate processed data, the processor checks the processed data based on the pre-processed data.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor performs a conversion process of converting the processed data into image data when the inspection result of the processed data is good.

3. The inspection system according to claim 2, wherein: If the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the processor stops a conversion process of converting the processed data into image data.

4. The inspection system according to claim 3, wherein: If the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the processor executes the processing on the pre-processed data again.

5. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: If the inspection result of the processed data is bad, the processor notifies a user of the bad condition.

6. The inspection system according to claim 5, wherein: When the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the processor notifies a user of defect information indicating a defective portion of the processed data.

7. The inspection system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The processor executes the processing on the pre-processed data again when an instruction to execute the processing on the pre-processed data again is acquired from the user.

8. A program product having recorded thereon an inspection processing program for causing a computer that performs processing for converting processed data that has undergone predetermined processing into image data that can be formed by an image forming apparatus to execute the following inspection processing: When the processing is performed on pre-processed data before the processing is performed to generate processed data, the processed data is checked with reference to the pre-processed data.

9. A method for performing an inspection process for converting processed data that has undergone a predetermined process into image data that can be formed into an image by an image forming apparatus, the method comprising the following steps: When the processing is performed on pre-processed data before the processing is performed to generate processed data, the processed data is checked with reference to the pre-processed data.

Images