Information processing system, program product, and information processing method

Abstract

An information processing system, a program product, and an information processing method are provided, the information processing system including at least one processor that performs a process in which an image forming material constituting a printed image is placed on an upper side of a color paper or a pre-printed recording medium for printing, and the image forming material is printed on the upper side of the color paper or the pre-printed recording medium. A reference information obtaining unit that obtains reference information for a usage amount of the image forming material for each pixel; when checking a read image obtained by reading a printed matter obtained by printing the printed image on the recording medium, comparing the color density of the read image with the color density of the printed image for each of the pixels in a case where the value of the reference information is relatively large; and when the value of the reference information is relatively small, comparing the color density of the read image with the color density of a recording medium read image obtained by reading the information of the recording medium prior to execution of the printing process for each of the pixels.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent document 1 listed below discloses an image inspection device comprising: an irradiation component for irradiating a sheet of paper on which an image based on original image data is formed with light in an infrared wavelength region; an acquisition component for acquiring the original image data serving as a basis for the image formed on the sheet of paper; a generation component for receiving reflected light in the infrared wavelength region reflected on the sheet of paper from the light irradiated by the irradiation component, and generating read image data having a grayscale corresponding to the amount of light received at the sheet of paper at a predetermined grayscale number; a subtraction component for reducing the grayscale number of the read image data generated by the generation component; and an inspection component for comparing the read image data whose grayscale number has been reduced by the subtraction component with the original image data, and outputting data representing the comparison result.

[0003] The following patent document 2 discloses an image forming device comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a transfer medium according to a job; and a control unit that controls the image forming unit, the control unit having an abnormality detection function that obtains an image reading result obtained by reading an image of the transfer medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, compares the image in the image reading result with an image of printing image data based on the job, and detects whether there is any abnormality in the transfer medium based on the comparison result. When the abnormality detection is performed, if an image of a specified size or larger exists as a difference in an image non-configuration area on the transfer medium where the image formed by the printing image data does not exist, it is determined that the image as the difference is different from the abnormal image.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-149539

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6743661 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, a program product and an information processing method that can suppress the narrowing of the inspection object area compared to the case where the colored part or the pre-printed part is regarded as outside the inspection object when inspecting the printing result obtained by printing a printed image on colored paper or a pre-printed recording medium.

[0007] The information processing system described in the first embodiment includes at least one processor, which performs the following processing: when performing a printing process in which an image forming material constituting a printed image is placed on the upper side of colored paper or a pre-printed recording medium for printing, obtaining reference information on the usage amount of the image forming material for each pixel; when checking a read image obtained by reading a printed material obtained by printing the printed image on the recording medium, when the value of the reference information is relatively large, comparing the color density of the read image with the color density of the printed image for each pixel; and when the value of the reference information is relatively small, comparing the color density of the read image with the color density of a read image of the recording medium obtained by reading the information of the recording medium before performing the printing process for each pixel.

[0008] In the information processing system described in the first embodiment, a relatively large value of the reference information corresponds to a relatively large amount of the image forming material used, and a relatively small value of the reference information corresponds to a relatively small amount of the image forming material used.

[0009] In the information processing system described in the third embodiment, in the information processing system described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the processor performs the following processing: when the color density of the read image is compared with the color density of the printed image through the inspection, if the difference is less than the error of the allowable color density, it is judged to be normal; if the difference is greater than the error of the allowable color density, it is judged to be inconsistent.

[0010] The information processing system described in the fourth embodiment is an information processing system described in any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the processor performs the following processing: when the color density of the read image is compared with the color density of the image read from the recording medium through the inspection, if the difference is greater than the error for determining the color density, it is determined to be normal; if the difference is less than the error for determining the color density, it is determined to be inconsistent.

[0011] The information processing system according to a fifth aspect is the information processing system according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect, wherein the processor performs processing for outputting the normal or inconsistent determination result to a display unit.

[0012] In the information processing system described in the 6th mode, in the information processing system described in any one of the 1st to 5th modes, the processor performs the following processing: another read image obtained by reading the printed material obtained by printing white paper data on the recording medium is used as the recording medium read image, and pixel position information of the base object is obtained based on the information of the white paper data and the recording medium read image.

[0013] The information processing system described in the 7th mode is an information processing system described in any one of the 1st to 6th modes, wherein the processor performs the following processing: when the grayscale value of each of the pixels corresponding to the black printed image as the image forming material is not 0, the value of the reference information is relatively large.

[0014] In the information processing system described in the 7th embodiment, the processor performs the following processing: when the value obtained by summing the grayscale value of each pixel corresponding to the printed image of each color other than transparent as the image forming material is 0, the value of the reference information is relatively small.

[0015] In the information processing system described in the 9th embodiment, in the information processing system described in the 8th embodiment, the processor performs the following processing: when the value obtained as the grayscale value of each pixel corresponding to the printed image of each color other than transparent as the sum of the image forming material is greater than the determined value, the value of the reference information is relatively large.

[0016] In the information processing system described in the 9th embodiment, the processor performs the following processing: when the value obtained by summing the grayscale value of each pixel corresponding to the printed image of each color other than transparent as the image forming material is less than a determined value, the value of the reference information is relatively small.

[0017] In the information processing system described in the 11th embodiment, in the information processing system described in the 6th embodiment, the processor performs the following processing: based on the pixel position information of the base object and the pixel position information of the printed image, at the pixel having only the base object but not the printed image, the color density of the read image and the color density of the read image of the recording medium are compared during the inspection.

[0018] The program product described in the 12th method records an information processing program that causes a computer to execute the following processing: when performing a printing process in which an image forming material constituting a printed image is placed on the upper side of colored paper or a pre-printed recording medium for printing, calculating reference information on the usage amount of the image forming material for each pixel; when checking a read image obtained by reading a printed material obtained by printing the printed image on the recording medium, when the value of the reference information is relatively large, comparing the color density of the read image with the color density of the printed image for each pixel; and when the value of the reference information is relatively small, comparing the color density of the read image with the color density of the recorded medium read image obtained by reading the information of the recording medium before performing the printing process for each pixel.

[0019] The information processing method described in the 13th embodiment includes the following steps: when performing a printing process in which an image forming material constituting a printed image is placed on the upper side of colored paper or a pre-printed recording medium for printing, calculating reference information of the usage amount of the image forming material for each pixel; when checking a read image obtained by reading a printed material obtained by printing the printed image on the recording medium, when the value of the reference information is relatively large, comparing the color density of the read image and the color density of the printed image for each pixel; and when the value of the reference information is relatively small, comparing the color density of the read image and the color density of a read image of the recording medium obtained by reading the information of the recording medium before performing the printing process for each pixel.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the information processing system described in the first embodiment, when inspecting the print results obtained by printing a printed image on colored paper or pre-printed recording media, the inspection object area can be suppressed from being narrowed compared to the case where the colored part or the pre-printed part is regarded as outside the inspection object.

[0022] According to the information processing system described in the second embodiment, when the amount of image forming material used is relatively large, the color density of the read image can be compared with the color density of the printed image; when the value of the reference information is relatively small, the color density of the read image can be compared with the color density of the image read from the recording medium.

[0023] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, when the value of the reference information is relatively large and the influence of the printed image is large, the color density of the read image approaches the color density of the printed image, resulting in good image quality.

[0024] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, when the value of the reference information is relatively small and the influence of the printed image is small, the color density of the read image differs from the color density of the image read from the recording medium, resulting in good image quality.

[0025] According to the information processing system according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to notify the user of the normal or inconsistent determination result.

[0026] According to the information processing system described in the sixth aspect, by acquiring the pixel position information of the base object, it is easy to perform inspection of the read image.

[0027] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, when the black image forming material has a significant influence on the printed image, the color density of the read image and the color density of the printed image can be compared.

[0028] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, when the image forming materials of each color have little influence on the printed image, the color density of the read image and the color density of the read image on the recording medium can be compared.

[0029] According to the information processing system of the ninth aspect, when the image forming materials of each color significantly affect the printed image, the color density of the read image and the color density of the printed image can be compared.

[0030] According to the information processing system of the tenth aspect, when the image forming materials of each color have little influence on the printed image, the color density of the read image and the color density of the read image on the recording medium can be compared.

[0031] According to the information processing system of the eleventh aspect, at pixels where only the base object exists but no printed image exists, color determination can be performed based on the difference between the color density of the read image and the color density of the read image on the recording medium.

[0032] According to the program product described in the 12th method, when inspecting the printing results obtained by printing a printed image on colored paper or pre-printed recording media, the inspection object area can be suppressed from being narrowed compared to the case where the colored part or the pre-printed part is regarded as outside the inspection object.

[0033] According to the information processing method described in Mode 13, when inspecting the print results obtained by printing a printed image on colored paper or a pre-printed recording medium, the inspection object area can be suppressed from being narrowed compared to the case where the colored part or the pre-printed part is regarded as outside the inspection object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment;

[0036] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional structure of an information processing system;

[0037] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation of extracting a pixel position set as a base object;

[0038] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of printing for inspection;

[0039] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of obtaining reference information on the amount of toner or ink used;

[0040] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of obtaining reference information on the amount of toner or ink used;

[0041] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing selection information of a determination method;

[0042] Figure 8 A graph showing the relationship between reference information on the amount of toner or ink used and the influence of the toner or ink;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a conceptual diagram showing the switching of inspection methods;

[0044] Figure 10 A diagram showing the relationship between determination method selection information, comparison objects, and determination contents;

[0045] Figure 11 1 is a diagram showing an object to be compared with an inspection object and the content of the determination in determination method D;

[0046] Figure 12 This figure shows a determination method when the recording medium is colored paper;

[0047] Figure 13 This is a flowchart showing the flow of a reference information generation process of the information processing system according to the first embodiment;

[0048] Figure 14 This is a flowchart showing the flow of determination processing for each pixel in the information processing system according to the first embodiment;

[0049] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation of extracting positions of pixels outside an inspection target in an information processing system of a comparative example;

[0050] Figure 16 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of printing for performing inspection in the information processing system of the comparative example.

[0051] Explanation of symbols

[0052] 10-information processing system, 11-CPU (an example of a processor), 16-display unit, 17-communication interface, 18-printing unit, 19-scanning unit, 20-inspection unit, 71-blank paper data, 72-printed material, 73-expected image (an example of information on blank paper data), 74-second scanned image (an example of an image read from a recording medium), 81-printed image, 82-printed material, 84-first scanned image (an example of a read image), 94-base object pixel position information (an example of pixel position information of a base object), 96-reference information, 102-expected image (an example of a printed image), 112-second scanned image (an example of an image read from a recording medium), 114-first scanned image (an example of a read image), P1-paper (an example of a recording medium). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, for ease of description, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may be exaggerated and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0054] [First embodiment]

[0055] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0056] (Hardware Structure of Information Processing System)

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage device 14, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, a communication interface 17, a printer 18, a scanner 19, and an inspection unit 20. Each of these components is interconnected via a bus 29 so as to be communicable. As an example, the information processing system 10 is configured as an image forming system including the printer 18. The term "system" in the present invention includes both systems composed of multiple devices and systems composed of a single device.

[0058] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, the input unit 15, the display unit 16, the communication interface 17, the printer unit 18, and the scanner unit 19 are not limited to being directly connected to the bus 29. For example, one or more of the input unit 15, the display unit 16, the printer unit 18, and the scanner unit 19 may be connected as external devices via an input / output interface connected to the bus 29.

[0059] The CPU 11 is a central processing unit (CPU) that executes various programs and controls various components. The CPU 11 is an example of a processor. The CPU 11 reads programs from the ROM 12 or storage device 14 and executes them using the RAM 13 as its workspace. The CPU 11 controls the various components described above and performs various calculations based on the programs read from the ROM 12 or storage device 14.

[0060] The ROM 12 stores various programs and data. The RAM 13 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. The storage device 14 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0061] The user performs input operations on the input unit 15. The user operates the printing unit 18, the inspection unit 20, and the like by performing input operations on the input unit 15.

[0062] The display unit 16 displays various information. As an example, the display unit 16 is composed of a liquid crystal display. For example, the display unit 16 displays a print image as print data for printing by the printing unit 18 or an inspection result inspected by the inspection unit 20.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the input unit 15 and the display unit 16 are separated. However, a display operation unit that integrates the functions of a display unit for displaying various information and an input unit for user input operations may be employed instead. For example, an operation panel may be provided as the display operation unit. For example, the operation panel may be a touch panel UI (user interface), which is a touch screen display in which a touch panel is superimposed on a liquid crystal display.

[0064] Communication interface 17 is an interface for communicating with a network, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Examples of networks include the Internet, a wired network, or a wireless network. For example, information processing system 10 is connected to a server (not shown) via communication interface 17, enabling information communication with the server.

[0065] The printing unit 18 prints the print image such as the print data onto paper. Paper is an example of a recording medium. For example, the print image is sometimes received from the outside via a network through the communication interface 17 or obtained by reading the original document by an image reading device (omitted from the figure). Although the figure is omitted, Figure 1 The information processing system 10 shown may also be configured to include an image reading device that optically reads image data from a document.

[0066] The printing unit 18 performs processes such as conveying multiple sheets of paper one by one to the printing position of the printing unit 18, printing on the sheets, and ejecting the printed sheets. The printing unit 18 may be configured with an electrophotographic printing mechanism that prints images on the sheets using toner, or an ink ejection printing mechanism that ejects ink onto the sheets to form images. Toner or ink is an example of an image forming material. The printing unit 18 performs a printing process in which the image forming material constituting the printed image is placed on the upper side of the sheets for printing. Upon input of print data and various operation commands from the CPU 11, the printing unit 18 prints on one or both sides of the sheets and ejects the printed sheets to the ejection unit.

[0067] When inspecting a printed material, which is a printed image printed on paper, the scanner unit 19 optically reads print data from the printed material. The scanner unit 19 is positioned downstream of the printer unit 18 in the paper transport direction. When an inspection command to inspect a printed material is input from the CPU 11, the scanner unit 19 reads the printed material and acquires a scanned image of the inspection target. Furthermore, the scanner unit 19 reads printed material, which is a printed image printed on colored paper or preprinted paper, and acquires a scanned image as paper information.

[0068] The inspection unit 20 inspects the image quality of a printed material obtained by printing an image by the printing unit 18. The inspection unit 20 inspects the image quality of the printed material based on, for example, an inspection instruction inputted by the input unit 15. The inspection unit 20 inspects the image quality using a scanned image obtained by scanning the printed material by the scanning unit 19. Image quality inspection by the inspection unit 20 will be described later.

[0069] (Functional Structure of Information Processing System)

[0070] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 .

[0071] like Figure 2As shown, the information processing system 10 includes, as a functional structure, an inspection object scan image acquisition unit 51, a paper scan image acquisition unit 52, a base object pixel position extraction unit 53, a printed image information acquisition unit 54, a reference information generation unit 55, a determination method selection unit 56, a color density comparison unit 57, a color determination unit 58, a storage unit 59, and an output unit 60. Each functional structure is implemented by the CPU 11 reading an information processing program stored in the ROM 12 or the storage device 14, expanding it in the RAM 13, and executing it.

[0072] The inspection target scanned image acquisition unit 51 acquires a scanned image of the inspection target by reading a printed material in which a printed image is printed on paper.

[0073] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the inspection object scan image acquisition unit 51 acquires a first scan image 84 (see FIG. 1 ) obtained by reading a printed material 82 in which a CMYK printed image 81 is printed on a sheet of paper P1 as an example of a print object. Figure 4 The first scanned image 84 is obtained by scanning the printed matter 82 by the scanning unit 19. As described above, the first scanned image 84 is the inspection target of the inspection unit 20. The CMYK printed image 81 is the image data. Figure 4 The Lab scanned image N) in FIG is an example of a read image.

[0074] Here, the CMYK system is a color representation system used in printed materials, representing Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Keyplate (similar to black). Furthermore, the Lab system refers to the L*a*b* color space, a colorimetric system for representing the color of objects. L* represents lightness, and a* and b* represent chromaticity, which indicates hue and saturation. The first scanned image 84 is stored in, for example, the storage unit 59.

[0075] The paper scan image acquisition unit 52 acquires a paper scan image obtained by scanning information of color paper or pre-printed paper before executing a print process.

[0076] For example, Figure 3 As shown, the paper scan image acquisition unit 52 acquires a second scan image 74 (see FIG. 1 ) obtained by reading a printed material 72 obtained by printing CMYK blank paper data 71 on paper P1 as an example of a print target. Figure 3The second scanned image 74 is obtained by scanning the printed material 72 with the scanning unit 19. The second scanned image 74 is an example of an image read from a recording medium and an example of another image read. The second scanned image 74 is stored, for example, in the storage unit 59. In the first embodiment, the second scanned image 74 is obtained by scanning the printed material 72 obtained by printing CMYK white paper data 71 on paper P1. However, this is not limiting. For example, the second scanned image may be obtained by scanning the paper P1 itself.

[0077] The base object pixel position extraction unit 53 extracts pixel positions of the base object from information of a paper, which is an example of a print object. For example, the base object pixel position extraction unit 53 extracts pixel positions of the base object corresponding to the colored paper or the preprinted portion of the paper from the printed paper.

[0078] For example, Figure 3 As shown, the base object pixel position extraction unit 53 obtains a Lab-based expected image 73 corresponding to the CMYK-based white paper data 71. The expected image 73 is an example of information about the white paper data. The base object pixel position extraction unit 53 then compares the Lab-based expected image 73 with the second scanned image 74 and identifies any discrepancies as "pixel positions set as the base object." Thus, the base object pixel position extraction unit 53 obtains base object pixel position information 94 including pixel position 94A set as the base object. The base object pixel position information 94 is stored, for example, in the storage unit 59.

[0079] The print image information acquisition unit 54 acquires print image information for printing on a sheet of paper as an example of a print object. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, a CMYK printing image 81 for printing on a paper P1 as an example of a printing object is obtained. Furthermore, the printing image information acquisition unit 54 acquires a Lab expected image 102 corresponding to the CMYK printing image 81. The Lab expected image 102 is an example of a printing image. Figure 4 , the image displayed in the expected image 102 is omitted. And, for example, Figure 5 As shown, the print image information acquisition unit 54 acquires print object pixel position information 92 including a print object pixel position 92A from the information of the CMYK print image 81. Here, the print object refers to an element constituting print data for printing on paper.

[0080] The reference information generating unit 55 obtains reference information on the usage amount of image forming materials (for example, toner or ink) for each pixel.

[0081] For example, Figure 6As shown, in the case where the paper state is easily affected by the amount of image forming material (e.g., toner or ink) used (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and white plates), the reference information generating unit 55 preferably increases the value of the reference information. Furthermore, in the case where the paper state is not easily affected by the amount of image forming material (e.g., toner or ink) used (transparent plate as a transparent color), the reference information generating unit 55 preferably decreases the value of the reference information. Figure 6 The reference information of the usage amount of the image forming material (for example, toner or ink) shown is an example of a case where the reference information is in two bits.

[0082] As an example, Figure 7 As shown, the reference information generation unit 55 determines the reference information of the amount of image forming material (e.g., toner or ink) used based on the grayscale value of black or the total grayscale value of each color. For example, if the amount of image forming material (e.g., toner or ink) used is relatively large, the reference information generation unit 55 may increase the value of the reference information of the amount of image forming material (e.g., toner or ink) used. If the amount of image forming material (e.g., toner or ink) used is relatively small, the reference information generation unit 55 may decrease the value of the reference information of the amount of image forming material (e.g., toner or ink) used. Figure 7 The reference information of the usage amount of the image forming material (for example, toner or ink) shown is an example of a case where the reference information is in two bits.

[0083] As an example, Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, when the grayscale value of the K plate (black plate) is not 0, the influence of the image forming material (e.g., toner or ink) is relatively large, so the reference information generation unit 55 relatively increases the value of the reference information (e.g., 2b'11). Here, the grayscale value of 0 is a case where no image forming material of the corresponding color is placed on the paper. As the grayscale value increases, the amount of image forming material of the corresponding color placed on the paper increases. As an example, when the total grayscale value of each color is 0, the influence of the image forming material (e.g., toner or ink) is relatively small, so the reference information generation unit 55 relatively decreases the value of the reference information (e.g., 2b'00). As an example, when the total grayscale value of each color is less than a specified value as an example of a determined value, the influence of the image forming material (e.g., toner or ink) is relatively small, so the reference information generation unit 55 relatively decreases the value of the reference information (e.g., 2b'01). For example, when the total grayscale value of each color is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the reference information generating unit 55 relatively increases the value of the reference information (eg, 2b'10) because the image forming material (eg, toner or ink) has a significant effect.

[0084] like Figure 5 As shown, the reference information generating unit 55 obtains reference information 96 of the amount of image forming material (e.g., toner or ink) used for each pixel and inputs the value of the reference information 96 for each pixel. The reference information 96 of the amount of image forming material used for each pixel is stored in the storage unit 59, for example.

[0085] For example, the reference information generating unit 55 generates determination pixel information (eg, 2 bits) based on the print target pixel position information 92 and the base target pixel position information 94 (see Figure 7 ).

[0086] The determination method selection unit 56 selects the determination method for the inspection performed by the inspection unit 20. Figure 5 As shown, the determination method selection unit 56 generates determination method selection information 98 that combines the reference information 96 regarding the amount of image forming material used per pixel, the target base pixel position information 94, and the target print pixel position information 92. For example, the determination method selection unit 56 selects a determination method for inspection based on the determination method selection information 98.

[0087] For example, Figure 9 As shown, at the pixel position 94A (reference Figure 5 ) and the pixel position 92A of the print object (reference Figure 5 ), determination method A is applied. When the pixel position 92A that corresponds to the printing target does not correspond to pixel position 94A set as the base target, determination method B is applied. When the pixel position 92A that corresponds to the printing target does not correspond to pixel position 92A, but only to pixel position 94A set as the base target, determination method C is applied. When the pixel position 92A that corresponds to the printing target and the pixel position 94A set as the base target overlap, determination method D is applied. The details of determination methods A to D will be described later.

[0088] The color density comparison unit 57 compares the color density of the inspection object with the color density of the comparison object according to the determination methods A to D. The inspection object is, for example, the first scanned image 84 (refer to Figure 4 The comparison object varies depending on the determination methods A to D. The comparison object will be described later.

[0089] The color determination unit 58 determines the color of the inspection object based on the comparison result obtained by comparing the color density of the inspection object with the color density of the comparison object. Figure 10 The color of the inspection object is judged according to the judgment contents shown.

[0090] Figure 10This is the information on how to select the judgment method (refer to Figure 5 The judgment method selection information 98 shown in FIG) is an example of the relationship between the inspection object, the comparison object and the judgment content. For example, Figure 10 The relationship among the determination method selection information, the inspection object, the comparison object, and the determination content is stored in the storage unit 59 in the form of a table associated with the determination method.

[0091] like Figure 10 As shown, for example, in the determination method selection information (reference Figure 5 In the judgment method selection information 98 shown in FIG. 1 , the judgment method A is applied to the region of the judgment pixel information "2b'00". The inspection object is the first scanned image 84 ( Figure 10 The comparison target is the portion "2b'00" in the determination method selection information 98. If the inspection target's color density is not a blank sheet of paper, a mismatch is determined. In other words, if the inspection target is a blank sheet of paper, a match is determined.

[0092] For example, in the determination method selection information, the determination method B is applied to the region of the determination pixel information "2b'01". The inspection object is the Lab system first scan image 84 ( Figure 10 The comparison target is the portion of "2b'01" in the expected image 102. That is, the first Lab scan image 84 ( Figure 10 The color density of the scanned image N in the image is compared with the color density of the Lab system expected image 102. When the color density of the inspection object is compared with the color density of the expected image 102, if there is a difference greater than the allowable color density error, it is determined that the color density does not match. In other words, when the color density of the inspection object is compared with the color density of the expected image 102, if the difference is less than the allowable color density error, it is determined that the color density matches.

[0093] For example, in the determination method selection information, the determination method C is applied to the area of ​​the determination pixel information "2b'10". The inspection object is the Lab system first scan image 84 ( Figure 10 The comparison object is the second scanned image 74 ( Figure 10 That is, the first scanned image 84 ( Figure 10 The color density of the scanned image N) in the Lab system is the same as that of the second scanned image 74 ( Figure 10 When the color density of the inspection object is compared with the color density of the second scanned image 74 ( Figure 10When comparing the color density of the scanned image A in FIG, if there is a difference greater than the allowable color density error, it is determined to be inconsistent. That is, when the color density of the inspection object is compared with the second scanned image 74 ( Figure 10 When comparing the color density of the scanned image A) in the image, if the difference is less than the allowable color density error, it is determined to be consistent.

[0094] For example, in the determination method selection information, the determination method D is applied to the area of ​​the determination pixel information "2b'11". The inspection object is the Lab system first scan image 84 ( Figure 10 In determination method D, the comparison target is switched to the Lab system expected image and the second scanned image (scanned image A) according to the conditions described later.

[0095] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the inspection object, the comparison object, and the judgment content when the judgment method D is applied. Figure 11 In the example, the paper is colored paper. Figure 11 The relationship between the inspection object, the comparison object and the determination content shown is stored in the storage unit 59 in the form of a table related to the determination method D. Figure 11 As shown, the inspection object is the first scan image 114 (reference Figure 11 The first scanned image 114 is a Lab-based scanned image obtained by reading a printed material obtained by printing a printed image on color paper.

[0096] Since the image forming material (toner or ink) that constitutes the print object is placed on the upper side of the paper, for example, in cases where the print object has a significant impact, the comparison object is the Lab system expected image 102. A case where the print object has a significant impact is when the value of the reference information for the amount of image forming material (e.g., toner or ink) used is relatively large. A case where the print object has a significant impact corresponds to a case where the amount of image forming material (toner or ink) used is relatively large. In this case, for example, since it is desirable to have the color density be as close as possible, the color density of the inspection object is compared with the color density of the expected image 102.

[0097] When the color density of the inspection object is compared with the color density of the expected image 102, for example, when the difference is less than the allowable color density error, the color density is judged to be normal, and when the difference is greater than the allowable color density error, the color density is judged to be inconsistent.

[0098] And, as Figure 11 As shown, for example, when the printing object has little influence, the comparison object is the second scanned image 112 ( Figure 11 Scanned image A in Figure 11In the example shown, the paper is colored paper, so second scanned image 112 is scanned image A obtained by scanning a printed material obtained by printing white paper data onto colored paper. In other words, second scanned image 112 is an example of a recorded medium scanned image obtained by scanning paper information before printing. The paper information is scannable image information including color information.

[0099] The case where the influence of the printing object is small is when the value of the reference information of the amount of image forming material used is relatively small. The case where the influence of the printing object is small corresponds to the case where the amount of image forming material (toner or ink) used is relatively small. In this case, for example, it is preferable to have different color densities, so the color density of the inspection object is compared with the second scanned image 112 ( Figure 11 The color density of the scanned image A) is compared.

[0100] When the color density of the inspection object is compared with the second scanned image 112 ( Figure 11 When comparing the color density of the scanned image A) in the image, for example, when the difference is greater than the judgment color density error, the color density is judged to be normal; when the difference is less than the judgment color density error, the color density is judged to be inconsistent.

[0101] like Figure 12 As shown, when the paper is colored paper, the first scanned image 114 obtained by reading the printed material obtained by printing the printed image on the paper is applicable to the judgment method D at the pixel position 114A of the base object only, the pixel position 114B of the printed object only, and the pixel position 114C where the base object and the printed object overlap.

[0102] The storage unit 59 stores information related to the inspection. As described above, the storage unit 59 stores, for example, a first scanned image 84 obtained by reading a printed matter 82 obtained by printing a CMYK printed image 81 on a sheet of paper P1. Furthermore, the storage unit 59 stores, for example, a second scanned image 74 and base object pixel position information 94. Furthermore, the storage unit 59 stores, for example, reference information 96 of the amount of image forming material (for example, toner or ink) used for each pixel. Furthermore, the storage unit 59 stores, for example, a table related to the judgment method (refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 ).

[0103] The output unit 60 outputs information related to the inspection result. For example, the output unit 60 outputs the normal or inconsistent determination result related to the color determination to the display unit 16 as the inspection result.

[0104] (Inspection method of comparative example)

[0105] Here, inspection of the image quality of printed matter by an information processing system according to a comparative example will be described.

[0106] Figure 15 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for extracting pixel positions outside the inspection object by an information processing system of a comparative example. Figure 15 As shown, in the information processing system of the comparative example, a printed product 502 is created by printing white paper data 501 (CMYK printed image) onto paper P1, an example of a print target. A second Lab scanned image 504 is acquired by scanning the printed product 502 with a scanner. In the information processing system of the comparative example, a Lab expected image 503 corresponding to the CMYK white paper data 501 and the second Lab scanned image 504 are compared, and any discrepancies are identified as pixel positions 506A designated as non-inspection targets. Consequently, non-inspection target pixel position information 506, including the non-inspection target pixel positions 506A, is acquired.

[0107] Figure 16 1 is an explanatory diagram showing printing performed by an information processing system of a comparative example. Figure 16 As shown, in the information processing system of the comparative example, a printed material 512 is formed by printing a CMYK printed image 511 on paper P1 as an example of a printing object, and a Lab first scanned image 514 is obtained by scanning the printed material 512 by a scanner.

[0108] In the information processing system of the comparative example, a Lab system expected image 513 corresponding to a CMYK system printed image 511 is acquired. Figure 16 In the example, the image shown in the expected image 513 is omitted. The inspection is performed by comparing the Lab first scan image 514 with the Lab expected image 513. At this time, pixel position 506A, which is designated as an out-of-inspection target, is not inspected. Therefore, although not shown, if the paper, an example of a print target, is colored paper, the entire image will be out-of-inspection.

[0109] (Function of the First Embodiment)

[0110] Next, the operation of the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0111] Figure 13 This is a flowchart showing the flow of reference information generation processing performed by the information processing system 10 of the first embodiment. In the information processing system 10, information processing is performed by CPU 11 reading an information processing program for generating reference information from ROM 12 or storage device 14, expanding it in RAM 13, and executing it.

[0112] The CPU 11 determines whether the grayscale value of the K plate (black plate) is 0 (step S201 ). If the grayscale value of the K plate (black plate) is 0, no black image forming material (toner or ink) is placed on the paper.

[0113] If the grayscale value of the K plate (black plate) is not 0 (step S201: No), the CPU 11 sets the reference information to 2b'11 (step S202). In this case, the black image forming material (toner or ink) has a greater influence, and the value of the reference information of the image forming material usage is relatively large (refer to Figure 8 ). Thus, the processing based on the program of the reference information generation processing that the information processing system 10 is responsible for ends.

[0114] When the grayscale value of the K plate (black plate) is 0 (step S201: Yes), the CPU 11 sums the grayscale values ​​of the plates other than the transparent plate (step S203). In the following flowchart, the grayscale value obtained by summing the grayscale values ​​of the plates other than the transparent plate is referred to as the "summed grayscale value". Examples of plates other than the transparent plate include cyan plates, magenta plates, yellow plates, and white plates (WT plates) (see Figure 6 ).

[0115] The CPU 11 determines whether the total grayscale value is 0 (step S204 ). The total grayscale value is not 0 when one or more colors of plates other than the transparent plate are placed on the paper.

[0116] If the total grayscale value is 0 (step S204: Yes), the CPU 11 sets the reference information to "2b'00" (step S205). In this case, the influence of the image forming material (toner or ink) is small, and the value of the reference information of the image forming material usage is relatively small (refer to Figure 8 ). Thus, the processing based on the program of the reference information generation processing that the information processing system 10 is responsible for ends.

[0117] If the total grayscale value is not 0 (step S204 : No), the CPU 11 determines whether the total grayscale value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S206 ). The predetermined value is a predetermined value.

[0118] If the total grayscale value is greater than the specified value (step S206: Yes), the CPU 11 sets the reference information to 2b'10 (step S207). In this case, the image forming material (toner or ink) has a greater influence, and the value of the reference information of the image forming material usage is relatively large (refer to Figure 8 ). Thus, the processing based on the program of the reference information generation processing that the information processing system 10 is responsible for ends.

[0119] If the total grayscale value is less than the specified value (step S206: No), the CPU 11 sets the reference information to 2b'01 (step S208). In this case, the influence of the image forming material (toner or ink) is small, and the value of the reference information of the image forming material usage is relatively small (refer to Figure 8 ). Thus, the processing based on the program of the reference information generation processing that the information processing system 10 is responsible for ends.

[0120] Figure 14 This is a flowchart showing the flow of the per-pixel determination process performed by the information processing system 10 of the first embodiment. In the information processing system 10, information processing is performed by CPU 11 reading an information processing program for per-pixel determination from ROM 12 or storage device 14, expanding it in RAM 13, and executing it.

[0121] CPU 11 determines whether the reference information for the usage amount of the image forming material (toner or ink) is 2b'11 or 2b'10 (step S251). If the reference information is 2b'11 or 2b'10, the value of the reference information is relatively large, and the influence of the print object composed of the image forming material (toner or ink) is large. If the reference information is not 2b'11 or 2b'10 (that is, the reference information is neither 2b'11 nor 2b'10), the reference information is 2b'01 or 2b'00. If the reference information is 2b'01 or 2b'00, the value of the reference information is relatively small, and the influence of the print object composed of the image forming material (toner or ink) is small.

[0122] If the reference information of the usage amount of the image forming material (toner or ink) is either 2b'11 or 2b'10 (step S251: Yes), the CPU 11 determines whether the error between the scanned image N and the expected image is less than the allowable color density error (step S252). Specifically, if Figure 11 As shown, CPU 11 compares the color density of first scanned image 114 (scanned image N) to be inspected with the color density of expected image 102 to be compared. CPU 11 determines whether the difference between the color density of first scanned image 114 (scanned image N) and the color density of expected image 102 is less than the permissible color density difference.

[0123] If the reference information of the usage amount of the image forming material (toner or ink) is neither 2b'11 nor 2b'10 (step S251: No), the CPU 11 determines whether the error between the scanned image N and the scanned image A is greater than the determination color density error (step S253). Specifically, if Figure 11As shown, CPU 11 compares the color density of first scanned image 114 (scanned image N) to be inspected with the color density of second scanned image 112 (scanned image A) to be compared. CPU 11 determines whether the difference between the color density of first scanned image 114 (scanned image N) and the color density of second scanned image 112 (scanned image A) is greater than the determination color density difference.

[0124] In step S252, if the error between the scanned image N and the expected image is less than the allowable color density error (step S252: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the color density of the inspection object is normal (step S254). The case where the error is less than the allowable color density error is the same as the case where the error is less than the allowable color density error.

[0125] When the error between the scanned image N and the expected image is equal to or greater than the permissible color density error (step S252 : No), the CPU 11 performs a determination process to determine whether the inspection target color density does not match (step S255 ).

[0126] If, in step S253, the difference between scanned image N and scanned image A is greater than the determination color density difference (step S253: YES), CPU 11 proceeds to step S254. Specifically, CPU 11 determines whether the color density of the inspection object is normal (step S254).

[0127] If the difference between scanned image N and scanned image A is less than the determined color density difference (step S252: No), CPU 11 proceeds to step S255. Specifically, CPU 11 determines whether the color density of the inspection object is inconsistent (step S255). This determination is performed for each pixel. This concludes the information processing program for each pixel determined by information processing system 10.

[0128] In the above-mentioned information processing system 10, when performing a printing process in which an image forming material constituting a printed image is placed on the upper side of a color paper or a pre-printed paper for printing, the CPU 11 obtains reference information on the amount of image forming material used for each pixel. Furthermore, the CPU 11 checks and reads a scanned image N (for example, Figure 11 When the first scanned image 114 is shown, if the value of the reference information is relatively large, the color density of the scanned image N is compared with the color density of the expected image 102 for each pixel (refer to Figure 11 ). Furthermore, when the value of the reference information is relatively small, the CPU 11 scans the image N for each pixel (for example, Figure 11The color density of the first scanned image 114 shown in FIG. 1 and the scanned image A obtained by reading the information of the paper before executing the printing process (for example, Figure 11 Comparison of the color density of the second scanned image 112 shown.

[0129] Therefore, in the information processing system 10, when inspecting a print result obtained by printing a printed image on colored paper or pre-printed paper, it is possible to suppress the narrowing of the inspection target area compared to the case where the colored portion or pre-printed portion is deemed as an exception to the inspection target. Figure 16 In the information processing system of the comparative example shown, the pre-printed portion is excluded from inspection at pixel position 506A. In contrast, in the information processing system 10, the inspection target area can be prevented from being narrowed compared to the case where the pre-printed portion is excluded from inspection.

[0130] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10, a relatively large value of the reference information corresponds to a relatively large amount of image forming material used, and a relatively small value of the reference information corresponds to a relatively small amount of image forming material used. Therefore, in the information processing system 10, when the amount of image forming material used is relatively large, the image N can be scanned (for example, Figure 11 Comparison of the color density of the first scanned image 114 shown in FIG. 1 and the color density of the expected image 102 (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 11 ). Also, when the value of the reference information is relatively small, it is possible to scan the image N (for example, Figure 11 The color density of the first scanned image 114 shown in FIG. 1 and the color density of the scanned image A (eg, Figure 11 Comparison of the color density of the second scanned image 112 shown.

[0131] Then, the CPU 11 checks the scanned image N (for example, Figure 11 When the color density of the first scanned image 114 shown in FIG. 1 is compared with the color density of the expected image 102, if the difference is less than the allowable color density error, it is determined to be normal, and if the difference is greater than the allowable color density error, it is determined to be inconsistent. Therefore, in the information processing system 10, when the value of the reference information is relatively large and the influence of the printed image is large, the scanned image N (for example, Figure 11 The color density of the first scanned image 114 shown is close to the color density of the expected image 102, and the image quality is good.

[0132] Then, the CPU 11 checks the scanned image N (for example, Figure 11 The color density of the first scanned image 114 shown in FIG. 1 is the same as that of the scanned image A (eg, Figure 11When comparing the color density of the second scanned image 112 shown in FIG. 1 ), if the difference is greater than the error for determining the color density, it is determined to be normal, and if the difference is less than the error for determining the color density, it is determined to be inconsistent. Therefore, in the information processing system 10, when the value of the reference information is relatively small and the influence of the printed image is small, the scanned image N (for example, Figure 11 The color density of the first scanned image 114 shown in FIG. 1 is the same as that of the scanned image A (eg, Figure 11 The second scanned image 112 shown has a different color density and has good image quality.

[0133] Then, the CPU 11 outputs the normal or inconsistent determination result to the display unit 16. Therefore, in the information processing system 10, the user can be informed of the normal or inconsistent determination result.

[0134] Then, the CPU 11 reads an image obtained by printing the blank paper data on paper as a scanned image A (for example, Figure 11 Furthermore, the CPU 11 generates a second scanned image 112 according to the expected image 73 as information of the white paper data and the scanned image A (for example, Figure 11 The second scanned image 112 shown in FIG. 1 is used to obtain the base object pixel position information 94 including the pixel position 94A of the base object. Therefore, in the information processing system 10, by obtaining the base object pixel position information 94, it is easy to perform the scanning image N of the printed matter (for example, Figure 11 Inspection of the first scanned image 114 shown.

[0135] Furthermore, the CPU 11 processes the reference information so that the value is relatively large when the grayscale value of each pixel corresponding to the printed image of the image forming material being black (i.e., black) is not 0. Therefore, in the information processing system 10, when the black image forming material has a significant effect on the printed image, the scanned image N of the printed material (e.g., Figure 11 Comparison of the color density of the first scanned image 114 shown and the color density of the expected image 102.

[0136] Furthermore, the CPU 11 processes the reference information to be relatively small when the value obtained by summing the grayscale values ​​of each pixel corresponding to the printed image of each color other than transparent as the image forming material is 0. Therefore, in the information processing system 10, when the influence of each color of the image forming material on the printed image is small, the scanned image N of the printed material (for example, Figure 11 The color density of the first scanned image 114 shown in FIG. 1 and the color density of the scanned image A corresponding to the paper (for example, Figure 11 Comparison of the color density of the second scanned image 112 shown.

[0137] Furthermore, when the value obtained by summing the grayscale values ​​of each pixel corresponding to the printed image of each color other than transparent as the image forming material is greater than a predetermined value, the CPU 11 performs processing such that the value of the reference information is relatively large. Therefore, in the information processing system 10, when the image forming material of each color has a significant influence on the printed image, the scanned image N of the printed material (for example, Figure 11 Comparison of the color density of the first scanned image 114 shown and the color density of the expected image 102.

[0138] Furthermore, when the value obtained by summing the grayscale values ​​of each pixel corresponding to the printed image of each color other than transparent by the image forming material is less than a predetermined value, the CPU 11 performs processing such that the value of the reference information is relatively small. Therefore, in the information processing system 10, when the influence of the image forming material of each color on the printed image is small, the scanned image N of the printed material (for example, Figure 11 The color density of the first scanned image 114 shown in FIG. 1 and the color density of the scanned image A corresponding to the paper (for example, Figure 11 Comparison of the color density of the second scanned image 112 shown.

[0139] Then, the CPU 11 checks the scanned image N of the printed matter (for example, Figure 10 The color density of the first scanned image 84 shown in FIG. 8 and the color density of the scanned image A corresponding to the paper (for example, Figure 10 Therefore, in the information processing system 10, at the pixel where only the base object exists but no printed image exists, the color density of the second scanned image 74 shown in FIG. Figure 10 The color density of the first scanned image 84 shown is the same as that of the scanned image A (for example, Figure 10 Color determination is performed based on the color density error of the second scanned image 74 shown.

[0140] 〔other〕

[0141] The information processing system of the present invention is not limited to the information processing system 10 described in the first embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0142] The processing of the information processing system 10 may also be implemented by a dedicated hardware circuit. In this case, the processing may be performed by a single hardware or by multiple hardwares.

[0143] Furthermore, the program that operates the information processing system 10 may be provided via a computer-readable storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory device, a floppy disk, or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable storage medium is typically transferred to and stored in a memory or storage device. Furthermore, the program may be provided as, for example, standalone application software, or incorporated into the software of each device of the information processing system 10 as a function thereof.

[0144] Furthermore, although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and it is apparent that various other embodiments can be adopted within the scope of the present invention by those skilled in the art.

[0145] [Note]

[0146] Regarding the above embodiment, the following supplementary notes are further disclosed.

[0147] (1) An information processing system comprising at least one processor,

[0148] The processor performs the following processing:

[0149] When performing a printing process in which an image forming material constituting a printed image is placed on top of color paper or a pre-printed recording medium for printing, obtaining reference information on the amount of the image forming material used for each pixel;

[0150] When checking a read image obtained by reading a printed matter obtained by printing the printed image on the recording medium, if the value of the reference information is relatively large, comparing the color density of the read image with the color density of the printed image for each pixel; and

[0151] When the value of the reference information is relatively small, the color density of the read image is compared with the color density of a recording medium read image obtained by reading information from the recording medium before executing the printing process for each pixel.

[0152] (2) The information processing system according to (1), wherein

[0153] A case where the value of the reference information is relatively large corresponds to a case where the amount of image forming material used is relatively large.

[0154] A case where the value of the reference information is relatively small corresponds to a case where the usage amount of the image forming material is relatively small.

[0155] (3) The information processing system according to (1) or (2), wherein:

[0156] The processor performs the following processing:

[0157] When the color density of the read image is compared with the color density of the printed image through the inspection, if the difference is less than the allowable color density error, it is judged as normal; if the difference is greater than the allowable color density error, it is judged as inconsistent.

[0158] (4) The information processing system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0159] The processor performs the following processing:

[0160] When the color density of the read image is compared with the color density of the image read from the recording medium through the inspection, if the difference is greater than the error of the determined color density, it is judged to be normal; if the difference is less than the error of the determined color density, it is judged to be inconsistent.

[0161] (5) The information processing system according to (3) or (4), wherein

[0162] The processor performs the following processing:

[0163] The normal or inconsistent determination result is output to a display unit.

[0164] (6) The information processing system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein

[0165] The processor performs the following processing:

[0166] Another read image obtained by reading a printed material obtained by printing blank paper data on the recording medium is used as the recording medium read image, and pixel position information of the base object is acquired based on information of the blank paper data and the recording medium read image.

[0167] (7) The information processing system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

[0168] The processor performs the following processing:

[0169] When the grayscale value of each of the pixels corresponding to the black printed image as the image forming material is not 0, processing is performed such that the value of the reference information is relatively large.

[0170] (8) The information processing system according to (7), wherein

[0171] The processor performs the following processing:

[0172] When the value obtained by summing the grayscale values ​​of each pixel corresponding to the printed images of each color other than transparent by the image forming material is 0, processing is performed such that the value of the reference information is relatively small.

[0173] (9) The information processing system according to (8), wherein

[0174] The processor performs the following processing:

[0175] When a value obtained by summing the grayscale values ​​of each pixel corresponding to the printed images of each color other than transparent by the image forming material is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, processing is performed such that the value of the reference information is relatively large.

[0176] (10) The information processing system according to (9), wherein

[0177] The processor performs the following processing:

[0178] When a value obtained by summing the grayscale values ​​of each pixel corresponding to the printed image of each color other than transparent by the image forming material is smaller than a determined value, processing is performed such that the value of the reference information is relatively small.

[0179] (11) The information processing system according to (6), wherein

[0180] The processor performs the following processing:

[0181] Based on the pixel position information of the base object and the pixel position information of the printed image, at the pixel having only the base object but not the printed image, the color density of the read image and the color density of the read image of the recording medium are compared in the inspection.

[0182] (12) An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the following processing:

[0183] When performing a printing process in which an image forming material constituting a printed image is placed on an upper side of color paper or a pre-printed recording medium for printing, calculating reference information on the usage amount of the image forming material for each pixel;

[0184] When checking a read image obtained by reading a printed matter obtained by printing the printed image on the recording medium, if the value of the reference information is relatively large, comparing the color density of the read image with the color density of the printed image for each pixel; and

[0185] When the value of the reference information is relatively small, the color density of the read image is compared with the color density of a recording medium read image obtained by reading information from the recording medium before executing the printing process for each pixel.

[0186] According to the information processing system described in (1), when inspecting the print results obtained by printing a printed image on colored paper or pre-printed recording media, it is possible to suppress the narrowing of the inspection object area compared to the case where the colored part or the pre-printed part is regarded as outside the inspection object.

[0187] According to the information processing system described in (2), when the amount of image forming material used is relatively large, the color density of the read image can be compared with the color density of the printed image; when the value of the reference information is relatively small, the color density of the read image can be compared with the color density of the image read from the recording medium.

[0188] According to the information processing system described in (3), when the value of the reference information is relatively large and the influence of the printed image is large, the color density of the read image approaches the color density of the printed image, resulting in good image quality.

[0189] According to the information processing system described in (4), when the value of the reference information is relatively small and the influence of the printed image is small, the color density of the read image is different from the color density of the image read from the recording medium, resulting in good image quality.

[0190] According to the information processing system described in (5), it is possible to notify the user of the normal or inconsistent determination result.

[0191] According to the information processing system described in (6), by acquiring the pixel position information of the base object, it is easy to check the read image.

[0192] According to the information processing system described in (7), when the black image forming material has a significant influence on the printed image, the color density of the read image and the color density of the printed image can be compared.

[0193] According to the information processing system described in (8), when the influence of the image forming materials of each color on the printed image is small, the color density of the read image and the color density of the read image on the recording medium can be compared.

[0194] According to the information processing system described in (9), when the image forming materials of each color have a significant influence on the printed image, the color density of the read image and the color density of the printed image can be compared.

[0195] According to the information processing system described in (10), when the influence of the image forming materials of each color on the printed image is small, the color density of the read image and the color density of the read image on the recording medium can be compared.

[0196] According to the information processing system described in (11), at pixels where only the base object exists but no printed image exists, color determination can be performed based on the difference between the color density of the read image and the color density of the read image on the recording medium.

[0197] According to the information processing program described in (12), when inspecting the print results obtained by printing a printed image on colored paper or pre-printed recording media, the inspection object area can be suppressed from being narrowed compared to the case where the colored part or the pre-printed part is regarded as outside the inspection object.

[0198] 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 information processing system comprising at least one processor, The processor performs the following processing: When performing a printing process in which an image forming material constituting a printed image is placed on top of color paper or a pre-printed recording medium for printing, obtaining reference information on the amount of the image forming material used for each pixel; When inspecting a read image obtained by reading a printed matter obtained by printing the printed image on the recording medium, if the value of the reference information is relatively large, comparing the color density of the read image with the color density of the printed image for each pixel; and When the value of the reference information is relatively small, the color density of the read image is compared with the color density of a recording medium read image obtained by reading information from the recording medium before executing the printing process for each pixel.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein A case where the value of the reference information is relatively large corresponds to a case where the amount of image forming material used is relatively large. A case where the value of the reference information is relatively small corresponds to a case where the usage amount of the image forming material is relatively small.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: When the color density of the read image is compared with the color density of the printed image through the inspection, if the difference is less than the allowable color density error, it is judged as normal; if the difference is greater than the allowable color density error, it is judged as inconsistent.

4. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: When the color density of the read image is compared with the color density of the image read from the recording medium through the inspection, if the difference is greater than the error of the determined color density, it is judged to be normal; if the difference is less than the error of the determined color density, it is judged to be inconsistent.

5. The information processing system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: The normal or inconsistent determination result is output to a display unit.

6. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: Another read image obtained by reading a printed material obtained by printing blank paper data on the recording medium is used as the recording medium read image, and pixel position information of the base object is acquired based on information of the blank paper data and the recording medium read image.

7. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: When the grayscale value of each of the pixels corresponding to the black printed image as the image forming material is not 0, processing is performed such that the value of the reference information is relatively large.

8. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: When the value obtained by summing the grayscale values ​​of each pixel corresponding to the printed images of each color other than transparent by the image forming material is 0, processing is performed such that the value of the reference information is relatively small.

9. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: When a value obtained by summing the grayscale values ​​of each pixel corresponding to the printed images of each color other than transparent by the image forming material is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, processing is performed such that the value of the reference information is relatively large.

10. The information processing system according to claim 9, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: When a value obtained by summing the grayscale values ​​of each pixel corresponding to the printed image of each color other than transparent by the image forming material is smaller than a determined value, processing is performed such that the value of the reference information is relatively small.

11. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: Based on the pixel position information of the base object and the pixel position information of the printed image, at the pixel having only the base object but not the printed image, the color density of the read image and the color density of the read image of the recording medium are compared in the inspection.

12. A program product having recorded thereon an information processing program for causing a computer to execute the following processing: When performing a printing process in which an image forming material constituting a printed image is placed on an upper side of color paper or a pre-printed recording medium for printing, calculating reference information on the usage amount of the image forming material for each pixel; When inspecting a read image obtained by reading a printed matter obtained by printing the printed image on the recording medium, if the value of the reference information is relatively large, comparing the color density of the read image with the color density of the printed image for each pixel; and When the value of the reference information is relatively small, the color density of the read image is compared with the color density of a recording medium read image obtained by reading information from the recording medium before executing the printing process for each pixel.

13. An information processing method comprising the following steps: When performing a printing process in which an image forming material constituting a printed image is placed on an upper side of color paper or a pre-printed recording medium for printing, calculating reference information on the usage amount of the image forming material for each pixel; When inspecting a read image obtained by reading a printed matter obtained by printing the printed image on the recording medium, if the value of the reference information is relatively large, comparing the color density of the read image with the color density of the printed image for each pixel; and When the value of the reference information is relatively small, the color density of the read image is compared with the color density of a recording medium read image obtained by reading information from the recording medium before executing the printing process for each pixel.

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