Information processing system, program product, inspection device, and information processing method

Abstract

Provided are an information processing system, a program product, an inspection device, and an information processing method, the information processing system including a processor that performs processing of forming an image by discharging liquid droplets from a plurality of nozzles on the basis of image data, when a non-ejection correction for increasing the ejection amount of a nozzle adjacent to a non-ejection nozzle is executed, correction information relating to the non-ejection correction is transmitted to an inspection device that reads an image formed by the image forming device and inspects the image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a program product, an inspection device, 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 discloses a recording device comprising: a recording head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink; and a conveying mechanism for conveying a recording medium, wherein the recording head is used to continuously record a plurality of images in the conveying direction of the recording medium. The recording device is characterized in that it comprises: a recording mechanism for inspection patterns, wherein the recording head is used to record each of a plurality of inspection patterns for detecting poor discharge of the recording head between images; a reading mechanism for reading the plurality of inspection patterns; and a distinguishing mechanism for distinguishing the plurality of images into a state of continuous poor discharge, a state of occasional poor discharge, or a state of normal discharge based on the inspection results of the plurality of inspection patterns read by the reading mechanism.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses an image inspection device, which comprises: a read image acquisition unit that acquires data of a read image obtained by an image reading device reading a bad nozzle detection pattern recorded on a first area of ​​a recording medium using a single-pass inkjet printing device and a printed image recorded on a second area of ​​the recording medium different from the first area using the inkjet printing device; a bad nozzle detection processing unit that analyzes data of the read image of the bad nozzle detection pattern, i.e., the first read image, to detect a bad nozzle in a line inkjet head used in recording the bad nozzle detection pattern; a history information storage unit that stores a history of bad nozzle detection results obtained by the bad nozzle detection processing unit; an image defect detection processing unit that analyzes data of the read image of the printed image, i.e., the second read image, to detect an image defect of the printed image; and a bad nozzle determination processing unit that compares information related to the image defect detected by the image defect detection processing unit with the history information stored in the history information storage unit to determine the bad nozzle that is the cause of the image defect.

[0004] Patent document 3 discloses a control device, which is characterized in that it comprises: a first determination mechanism for determining whether a defect occurs in an image based on print data printed on a sheet by a printing unit, the printing unit having a print head, the print head having a nozzle array arranged in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction of the sheet; a first indication mechanism for instructing a print control mechanism that controls the printing unit to print a test pattern when the first determination mechanism determines that a defect occurs in the image; a second determination mechanism for determining whether a defect occurs in a test pattern printed on a sheet by the printing unit according to an instruction given by the first indication mechanism; and a second indication mechanism for instructing the print control mechanism to stop printing by the printing unit when the second determination mechanism determines that a defect occurs in the test pattern.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-252691

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-51846

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-110294

[0008] One possible inspection device is one that reads and inspects an image formed by liquid droplets ejected from a plurality of nozzles by an image forming device. However, if the image forming device performs non-ejection correction, which increases the ejection volume of nozzles adjacent to non-ejecting nozzles, such an inspection device cannot perform inspections taking into account information related to the non-ejection correction. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to enable an inspection apparatus that reads an image formed by an image forming apparatus to inspect the image while performing inspection in consideration of information related to non-ejection correction.

[0010] The first method includes a processor that performs the following processing: in an image forming device that forms an image by ejecting droplets from multiple nozzles based on image data, when a non-ejection correction is performed to increase the ejection amount of nozzles adjacent to the non-ejecting nozzles, correction information related to the non-ejection correction is sent to an inspection device that reads the image formed by the image forming device and inspects the image.

[0011] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the correction information includes information indicating execution of the non-ejection correction and information indicating a position of the non-ejection nozzle.

[0012] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, the calibration information includes information indicating inspection accuracy set by a user.

[0013] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the processor performs processing for transmitting correction information related to the non-ejection correction to the inspection device when an inspection mode based on the non-ejection correction is set as the inspection mode of the inspection device.

[0014] In a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the processor performs processing such that, when a normal inspection is set as the inspection mode of the inspection device, the correction information is not transmitted to the inspection device.

[0015] In a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the processor performs processing for notifying a user of the set inspection mode via a notification unit.

[0016] The seventh method is a program product that records an information processing program for causing a computer to perform the following processing: in an image forming device that forms an image by ejecting droplets from multiple nozzles based on image data, when a non-ejection correction is performed to increase the ejection amount of nozzles adjacent to the non-ejecting nozzles, correction information related to the non-ejection correction is sent to an inspection device that reads the image formed by the image forming device and inspects the image.

[0017] The eighth method comprises: a reading unit that reads an image formed by an image forming device that forms an image by ejecting liquid droplets from a plurality of nozzles based on image data; and an inspection unit that inspects the image read by the reading unit based on the image data, and in a case where a non-ejection correction is performed in the image forming device to increase the ejection amount of a nozzle adjacent to the non-ejection nozzle, obtains information related to the non-ejection correction and then performs the inspection.

[0018] In a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the inspection unit performs processing for performing inspection with reduced inspection accuracy when the non-ejection correction is executed in the image forming apparatus.

[0019] The tenth method is an information processing method comprising the following steps: in an image forming device that forms an image by ejecting droplets from a plurality of nozzles based on image data, when a non-ejection correction is performed to increase the ejection amount of nozzles adjacent to the non-ejecting nozzles, correction information related to the non-ejection correction is sent to an inspection device that reads the image formed by the image forming device and inspects the image.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the configuration of the first aspect, the inspection apparatus can perform inspection in consideration of information related to non-ejection correction.

[0022] According to the configuration of the second aspect, the inspection apparatus can perform inspection in consideration of the information indicating the execution of the non-ejection correction and the information indicating the position of the non-ejection nozzle.

[0023] According to the configuration of the third aspect, the inspection apparatus can perform inspection in consideration of the information indicating the inspection accuracy set by the user.

[0024] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, when the inspection method based on the non-ejection correction is set, the inspection apparatus can perform the inspection in consideration of the information related to the non-ejection correction.

[0025] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, compared to a case where the processor always executes transmission of correction information to the inspection device, unnecessary transmission of correction information to the inspection device can be suppressed.

[0026] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the user can recognize the set inspection method.

[0027] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, the inspection apparatus can perform inspection in consideration of the information related to the non-ejection correction.

[0028] According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, the inspection apparatus can perform inspection in consideration of information related to non-ejection correction.

[0029] According to the configuration of the ninth aspect, inspection failures can be suppressed compared to a case where inspection is performed with a constant inspection accuracy regardless of whether non-ejection correction is executed in the image forming apparatus.

[0030] According to the configuration of the tenth aspect, the inspection apparatus can perform inspection in consideration of the information related to the non-ejection correction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming system according to the present embodiment;

[0033] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an input screen according to the present embodiment;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control device in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment;

[0036] Figure 5This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the inspection device according to the present embodiment;

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a result display screen according to this embodiment;

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a result display screen according to this embodiment;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control device in the inspection device according to the present embodiment;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a transmission process executed in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an inspection process executed in the inspection device according to the present embodiment.

[0042] Explanation of symbols

[0043] 10-image forming system (an example of an information processing system), 14-image forming device, 21-CPU (an example of a processor), 32A-nozzle, 32B-non-ejecting nozzle, 32C-adjacent nozzle, 35-display unit (an example of a notification unit), 50-inspection device, 72-inspection unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0045] <Image Forming System 10>

[0046] An image forming system 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0047] The image forming system 10 is an example of an information processing system, and is a system for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming system 10 includes an image processing system 12, an image forming device 14, and an inspection device 50. Furthermore, the image includes characters and image portions. The image portion is the portion other than the characters, and includes a region having an area or width greater than a predetermined area (e.g., a solid image).

[0048] like Figure 1As shown, the various components of the image forming system 10 are connected by a communication line 13. Communication line 13 utilizes, for example, at least one of a wired or wireless communication line. Specifically, various networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet can be used as communication line 13. The following describes the various components of the image forming system 10.

[0049] Image processing system 12

[0050] The image processing system 12 performs a conversion process of converting first image data transmitted from a user terminal (not shown) into second image data capable of being formed into an image by the image forming apparatus 14 .

[0051] Specifically, the image processing system 12 performs bitmap processing (eg, rasterization processing) on ​​the PDL data as the first image and performs conversion processing to convert the data into RIP data as the second image data. The RIP data is data expressed as bitmap data.

[0052] PDL data is data described in a page description language (PDL) that can be interpreted by the image processing system 12 and the image forming apparatus 14. The page description language is a computer programming language used to perform image processing and the like in the image processing system 12 and the image forming apparatus 14. There are various formats of page description languages, including PS (PostScript (registered trademark)).

[0053] Then, the image processing system 12 transmits the RIP data generated by the above-mentioned conversion process to the image forming apparatus 14 via the communication line 13 .

[0054] <Image Forming Device 14>

[0055] The image forming device 14 forms an image by ejecting droplets from multiple nozzles based on image data. Specifically, the image forming device 14 is an inkjet recording device that ejects ink droplets from multiple nozzles 32A onto a recording medium P based on RIP data sent from the image processing system 12 to form an image.

[0056] Alternatively, the conversion process of converting the PDL data into the RIP data may be executed in the image forming apparatus 14. In this case, the image forming apparatus 14 forms an image based on the RIP data generated by its own conversion process.

[0057] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the image forming apparatus 14 includes a conveying unit 31, a discharging unit 32, and a control device 20. Figure 2 As shown, the image forming apparatus 14 includes a communication interface 33 , an input unit 34 , and a display unit 35 .

[0058] Paper, film, or other recording media can be used as the recording medium P. Furthermore, continuous paper such as sheet paper (so-called cut paper) or roll paper can be used as the recording medium P. Furthermore, plain paper, thick paper, and other types of paper can be used as the paper.

[0059] The transport unit 31 is a component that transports the recording medium P. Specifically, the transport unit 31 includes a transport member 31A composed of a pair of transport rollers. Alternatively, the transport unit may include a transport member such as a transport belt or a transport drum.

[0060] The discharge unit 32 discharges ink droplets from a plurality of nozzles 32A onto the recording medium P transported by the transport unit 31. The discharge unit 32 includes, for example, discharge heads (not shown) corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and discharges ink droplets of each color from the discharge heads onto the recording medium P. Alternatively, the discharge unit 32 may include a discharge head that discharges a single color of ink (e.g., black).

[0061] The ejection unit 32 ejects ink droplets from the nozzle 32A using a known method such as thermal or piezoelectric methods. Examples of ink used in the ejection unit 32 include water-based ink and oil-based ink.

[0062] If a non-ejection nozzle 32B that does not eject ink droplets is present among the plurality of nozzles 32A, the ejection unit 32 can perform non-ejection correction by increasing the ejection volume of an adjacent nozzle 32C adjacent to the non-ejection nozzle 32B. The adjacent nozzle 32C is a nozzle adjacent to the non-ejection nozzle 32B in the transport direction or width direction (a direction intersecting the transport direction) of the recording medium P.

[0063] The image forming device 14 executes a determination process for identifying the non-ejection nozzles 32B. In the determination process, ink droplets are ejected from the plurality of nozzles 32A to form a test image in advance, and the non-ejection nozzles 32B are determined based on the positions of white spots in the test image. Positional information indicating the positions of the non-ejection nozzles 32B determined by the determination process is stored in, for example, a storage device 24 described later.

[0064] The communication interface 33 is a connection unit for communicating with other devices (eg, the image processing system 12 and the inspection device 50). Specifically, the communication interface 33 communicates with other devices via the communication line 13 using at least one of wired and wireless communication.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The input unit 34 is a component for inputting user instructions and condition settings. In this embodiment, the input unit 34 is composed of a touch panel integrated with the display unit 35. This touch panel is composed of, for example, a resistive film type or a capacitive type touch panel, and user input is performed through contact operations.

[0067] Instructions issued by the user include instructions to execute a job related to a process executable by the image forming apparatus 14. Examples of such processes include image forming processing for forming an image on a recording medium P. A job is a processing unit for an action executed in response to a single instruction issued by the user.

[0068] Furthermore, the user can set various conditions through the input unit 34. For example, the user can set the type of recording medium P on which an image is formed (for example, plain paper, thick paper, etc.).

[0069] In this embodiment, the execution of non-ejection correction in the ejection unit 32 is associated with a specific type of recording medium P (e.g., plain paper). When the type is set, non-ejection correction is executed. Furthermore, the user can set whether or not to execute the non-ejection correction itself through the input unit 34.

[0070] In addition, in this embodiment, an input screen 100 (see FIG. 1 ) is provided for inputting the inspection method and inspection accuracy in the inspection apparatus 50. Figure 3 ) can be displayed on the display unit 35 as the input unit 34.

[0071] Here, the inspection device 50 is a device that inspects images formed by the image forming device 14. It can perform both an inspection method based on non-ejection correction (hereinafter referred to as non-ejection correction inspection) and a normal inspection. The non-ejection correction inspection is an inspection method that takes non-ejection correction into account in the image forming device 14 and is performed with lower inspection accuracy than the normal inspection.

[0072] In the aforementioned input screen 100 (refer to Figure 3), it is possible to set whether or not to execute the non-ejection calibration check in the inspection device 50. For example, by entering an input in the checkbox 102 on the input screen 100, execution of the non-ejection calibration check can be set. By not entering an input in the checkbox 102, a normal inspection is set. Thus, by entering an input in the checkbox 102, whether or not the non-ejection calibration check (normal inspection) is executed is indicated. Therefore, the input screen 100 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user of the set inspection method.

[0073] Furthermore, when the non-ejection calibration check is set, the check accuracy can be set for the characters. As the check accuracy, the tolerance for character bleeding can be set. By setting the tolerance, characters with bleeding within the tolerance are allowed in the image check. Figure 3 In the example shown, the tolerance is set by moving the operating lever 104 left and right. At this time, the characters displayed on the input screen 100 can be displayed in a blurring manner according to the set tolerance. Figure 3 "Example" in ).

[0074] The input unit 34 may be composed of input keys (for example, a keyboard, operation buttons, etc.) operated by a user.

[0075] The control device 20 is a device that controls each part of the image forming device 14. The control device 20 has a function as a computer, such as Figure 2 As shown, the CPU 21 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a ROM 22, a random access memory (RAM), and a storage device 24. The CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, and storage device 24 are connected to each other via a bus 29.

[0076] CPU 21 is a central processing unit that executes various programs, including information processing programs, and controls various components. CPU 21 is an example of a processor. ROM 22 stores various programs, including information processing programs, and various data. RAM 23 serves as a work area for temporarily storing programs and data.

[0077] The storage device 24 is composed of one or more storage media such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory, and stores various programs including an operating system and various data. The storage device 24 may also store information processing programs.

[0078] In the control device 20, the CPU 21 reads various programs including an information processing program from the ROM 22 or the storage device 24, and executes the programs using the RAM 23 as a work area. The CPU 21 realizes various functions by executing the information processing programs.

[0079] In the control device 20, as Figure 4 As shown, the CPU 21 functions as an acquisition unit 41 and a processing unit 42 by executing the information processing program.

[0080] The acquisition unit 41 acquires instructions and condition setting information input by the user via the input unit 34. These instructions include, for example, execution instructions for the image forming device 14 to execute image forming processing. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 41 acquires information related to non-ejection correction (hereinafter referred to as correction information). The correction information includes execution information indicating the execution of non-ejection correction in the image forming device 14, position information indicating the position of the non-ejection nozzle 32B, and accuracy information indicating the inspection accuracy set by the user.

[0081] In this embodiment, the execution of non-discharge correction is determined by setting the type of recording medium P, and the execution information is obtained based on this. As previously described, the position information is stored in the storage device 24 through the determination process and is then retrieved from the storage device 24. This position information can also be referred to as position information indicating the location where non-discharge correction is performed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the accuracy of the inspection is set on the input screen 100, and the accuracy information is obtained based on this setting.

[0082] When non-ejection correction is executed in the image forming apparatus 14, the processing unit 42 executes a process of transmitting the correction information to the inspection apparatus 50. Specifically, the processing unit 42 executes a transmission process described later.

[0083] <Inspection device 50>

[0084] The inspection device 50 is a device for inspecting the image formed by the image forming device 14. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 5 , the inspection device 50 includes a mounting table 51, an image reading unit 52, and a control device 60. Figure 5 As shown, the inspection device 50 includes a communication interface 53 , an input unit 54 , and a display unit 55 .

[0085] The mounting table 51 is a structural part on which the recording medium P on which the image is formed by the image forming device 14 is mounted. Figure 1 The recording medium P is mounted in a state of (upper side in).

[0086] The image reading unit 52 is an example of a reading unit and is a component (e.g., a scanner) that reads an image formed by the image forming device 14. The image reading unit 52 optically reads an image on the recording medium P mounted on the mounting table 51 and converts it into a digital signal, thereby generating image data to be inspected (hereinafter referred to as inspection data). The inspection device 50 inspects the image by comparing this inspection data with the RIP data.

[0087] The communication interface 53 is a connection unit for communicating with other devices (eg, the image processing system 12 and the image forming device 14). Specifically, the communication interface 53 communicates with other devices via the communication line 13 using at least one of wired and wireless communication.

[0088] The display unit 55 is a notification unit that notifies the user of the presentation information by displaying the presentation information to be presented to the user. As an example, the display unit 55 is composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0089] The input unit 54 is a component for inputting user instructions and condition settings. In this embodiment, the input unit 54 is composed of a touch panel integrated with the display unit 55. This touch panel is composed of, for example, a resistive film type or a capacitive type touch panel, and user input is performed through contact operations.

[0090] The instruction from the user includes an execution instruction to execute a process executable by the inspection device 50. Such a process includes, for example, an inspection process to inspect an image formed by the image forming device 14.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, a result display screen 200 (see FIG. 1 ) showing result information indicating the inspection result in the inspection apparatus 50 is displayed. Figure 6 ) can be displayed on the display unit 55 as the input unit 54. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the inspection result is displayed for each job executed by the image forming apparatus 14, for example. Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the result information includes information indicating a job ID, a job name, an inspection accuracy, and an inspection result. The job ID is identification information for identifying a job involved in image forming processing.

[0092] Furthermore, the inspection data and RIP data related to each inspection result can be displayed on the result display screen 200. Figure 6 In the example shown, by pressing the "Reference" button set for each job, the inspection data and RIP data are displayed. Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the parts where the inspection accuracy is reduced can be displayed. Figure 7In the example shown, by pressing the "Next" button, the area where the inspection accuracy has decreased is colored to clearly indicate that the area has decreased. In addition, if the inspection result is poor, information indicating the reason for the poor image may be displayed as the result display screen 200.

[0093] The input unit 54 may be composed of input keys (for example, a keyboard, operation buttons, etc.) operated by a user.

[0094] The control device 60 is a device that controls each part of the inspection device 50. The control device 60 has a function as a computer, such as Figure 5 As shown, the CPU 61 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a storage device 64. The CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, and storage device 64 are connected to each other via a bus 69.

[0095] The CPU 61 is a central processing unit that executes various programs including information processing programs or controls various components. The ROM 62 stores various programs including information processing programs and various data. The RAM 63 serves as a work area to temporarily store programs and data.

[0096] The storage device 64 is composed of one or more storage media such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory, and stores various programs including an operating system and various data. The information processing program may also be stored in the storage device 64 .

[0097] In the control device 60, the CPU 61 reads various programs including an information processing program from the ROM 62 or the storage device 64 and executes the programs using the RAM 63 as a work area. The CPU 61 realizes various functions by executing the information processing program.

[0098] In the control device 60, as Figure 8 As shown, the CPU 61 functions as an acquisition unit 71 and an inspection unit 72 by executing the information processing program.

[0099] The acquisition unit 71 acquires the inspection data and RIP data generated by the image reading unit 52. The RIP data is acquired from the image forming apparatus 14 or the image processing system 12. The acquisition unit 71 also acquires the correction information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 14.

[0100] The inspection unit 72 is a functional unit that inspects the image read by the image reading unit 52 based on the RIP data. Specifically, the inspection unit 72 inspects the image by comparing the inspection data with the RIP data. For example, if the inspection unit 72 finds a discrepancy between the inspection data and the RIP data, it determines that the image is defective (NG).

[0101] Furthermore, when non-ejection correction is executed in the image forming apparatus 14, the inspection unit 72 performs an inspection after the acquisition unit 71 acquires the correction information. Furthermore, when non-ejection correction is executed in the image forming apparatus 14, the inspection unit 72 performs an inspection with reduced inspection accuracy. Specifically, the inspection unit 72 performs the inspection process described below.

[0102] <Transmission Processing According to This Embodiment>

[0103] Next, an example of the transmission process according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the transmission process executed in the image forming apparatus 14 .

[0104] This process is performed by the CPU 21 reading and executing an information processing program from the ROM 22 or the storage device 24. For example, this process is initiated when the CPU 21 receives an instruction to cause the image forming device 14 to execute image formation processing. Alternatively, the CPU 21 may receive information from the inspection device 50 instructing the inspection device 50 to start inspection or an instruction to transmit correction information to the inspection device 50, and execute the transmission process.

[0105] CPU21 Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , when this process is started, it is first determined whether the image forming apparatus 14 is performing non-ejection correction (step S101 ).

[0106] When the CPU 21 determines that the image forming apparatus 14 executes non-ejection correction (step S101 : YES), the process proceeds to step S102 . If the image forming apparatus 14 does not execute non-ejection correction, the CPU 21 ends the process without transmitting correction information to the inspection apparatus 50 .

[0107] In step S102, the CPU 21 determines whether a non-ejection calibration check is set. If the CPU 21 determines in step S102 that a non-ejection calibration check is set (step S102: "Yes"), the process proceeds to step S103. If the CPU 21 determines that a non-ejection calibration check is not set (i.e., a normal check is set) (step S102: "No"), the CPU 21 does not send calibration information to the inspection device 50 and terminates the process. Alternatively, if a normal check is set, the CPU 21 may send information indicating this to the inspection device 50.

[0108] In step S103, the CPU 21 executes a process of transmitting the correction information to the inspection apparatus 50. The CPU 21 obtains various correction information from the storage device 24 and transmits the correction information to the inspection apparatus 50. As described above, the correction information includes execution information indicating execution of non-ejection correction in the image forming apparatus 14, position information indicating the position of the non-ejection nozzle 32B, and accuracy information indicating the inspection accuracy set by the user.

[0109] <Inspection Processing According to This Embodiment>

[0110] Next, an example of the inspection process according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 10 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the inspection process executed in the inspection device 50 .

[0111] This process is performed by the CPU 61 reading and executing an information processing program from the ROM 62 or the storage device 64. For example, this process is initiated when the CPU 61 receives an instruction to execute the inspection process in the inspection device 50. Alternatively, the CPU 61 may execute the inspection process when it receives an instruction to execute the image forming process in the image forming device 14.

[0112] CPU61 Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 2 , when this process is started, it is first determined whether correction information is received from the image forming device 14 (step S201). If the CPU 61 determines that correction information is received (acquired) from the image forming device 14 (step S201: Yes), the process proceeds to step S202. If the CPU 61 determines that correction information is not received from the image forming device 14 (step S201: No), the CPU 61 performs a normality check (step S210) and ends this process.

[0113] In step S202, the CPU 61 determines whether the position involved in the non-ejection correction (i.e., the position of the non-ejection nozzle 32B) is included in the image formed by the image forming device 14. If the CPU 61 determines in step S202 that the position involved in the non-ejection correction is included in the image formed by the image forming device 14 (step S202: "Yes"), the process proceeds to step S203. If the CPU 61 determines that the position involved in the non-ejection correction is not included in the image formed by the image forming device 14 (step S202: "No"), the process performs a normality check (step S210) and ends this process.

[0114] In step S203, the CPU 61 determines whether the image at the position involved in the non-ejection correction is a character. If the CPU 61 determines in step S203 that the image at the position involved in the non-ejection correction is a character (step S203: "Yes"), the process proceeds to step S204. If the CPU 61 determines that the image at the position involved in the non-ejection correction is not a character (i.e., an image portion) (step S203: "No"), the process proceeds to step S220.

[0115] In step S204, the CPU 61 performs a non-ejection correction check based on the user-set tolerance, and terminates this process. In step S220, the CPU 61 performs a non-ejection correction check with reduced inspection accuracy, and terminates this process. Since the image portion does not require high-precision inspection compared to text, in this embodiment, for example, image inspection is performed at a predetermined inspection accuracy lower than that of normal inspection.

[0116] <Operations of this embodiment>

[0117] In this embodiment, when non-ejection correction is executed in the image forming apparatus 14, the CPU 21 executes processing (step S103) to transmit correction information to the inspection apparatus 50. Therefore, the inspection apparatus 50 can perform image inspection in consideration of the correction information.

[0118] In this embodiment, the correction information includes execution information indicating execution of non-ejection correction in the image forming apparatus 14 and position information indicating the position of the non-ejection nozzle 32B. Therefore, image inspection can be performed taking into account the execution information and the position information.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the calibration information includes accuracy information indicating the inspection accuracy set by the user. Therefore, the inspection device 50 can perform image inspection in consideration of this accuracy information.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the non-ejection calibration inspection is set as the inspection mode of the inspection device 50 (step S102: Yes), the CPU 21 transmits calibration information to the inspection device 50 (step S103). Therefore, when the non-ejection calibration inspection is set, the inspection device 50 can perform image inspection in consideration of the calibration information.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when normal inspection is set as the inspection mode of the inspection device 50 (step S102: No), the CPU 21 does not transmit the correction information to the inspection device 50. Therefore, compared to a case where the CPU 21 always transmits the correction information to the inspection device 50, unnecessary transmission of the correction information to the inspection device 50 is suppressed.

[0122] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the CPU 21 notifies the user of the set inspection method via the display unit 35. Therefore, the user can recognize the set inspection method.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the inspection device 50, when non-ejection correction is executed in the image forming device 14, the CPU 61 performs image inspection after acquiring the correction information. Therefore, the inspection device 50 can perform image inspection in consideration of the correction information.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the inspection device 50, when non-ejection correction is executed in the image forming device, the CPU 61 performs image inspection at a lower inspection accuracy. Therefore, compared to a case where inspection is performed with a constant inspection accuracy regardless of whether non-ejection correction is executed in the image forming device 14, inspection failures are suppressed.

[0125] Modifications

[0126] In the present embodiment, the image forming system 10 is an example of an information processing system. However, for example, the image forming apparatus 14 may also be considered as an example of an information processing system.

[0127] Furthermore, the device including the processor that executes the transmission process may be configured as an external device that exists outside the image forming apparatus 14. In this case, the external device or a system including the external device can be regarded as an example of an information processing system.

[0128] Furthermore, the device including the processor that executes the inspection process may be configured as an external device that exists outside the inspection device 50. In this case, the external device or a system including the external device can be understood as an information processing system.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (for example, the aforementioned CPU, etc.), special-purpose processors (for example, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit (image processor), ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit (application-specific integrated circuit), FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array (field programmable gate array), programmable logic devices, etc.).

[0130] Furthermore, the operations of the processors in the above embodiments may be performed not only by a single processor but also by a plurality of processors located in physically separate locations in collaboration. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processors is not limited to that described in the above embodiments and may be modified as appropriate.

[0131] Furthermore, the information processing system in this embodiment is not limited to being composed of multiple devices, but may also be composed of a single device. In other words, the "system" in this embodiment may be composed of multiple devices or a single device.

[0132] 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 in multiple configurations.

[0133] <Note> (1)

[0135] An information processing system comprising a processor,

[0136] The processor performs the following processing:

[0137] In an image forming apparatus that forms an image by discharging liquid droplets from a plurality of nozzles based on image data, when non-discharging correction is performed to increase the discharge amount of nozzles adjacent to a non-discharging nozzle,

[0138] Correction information related to the non-ejection correction is transmitted to an inspection device that reads and inspects an image formed by the image forming device. (2)

[0140] The information processing system according to (1), wherein

[0141] The correction information includes information indicating execution of the non-ejection correction and information indicating the position of the non-ejection nozzle. (3)

[0143] The information processing system according to (2), wherein

[0144] The calibration information includes information indicating the inspection accuracy set by the user. (4)

[0146] The information processing system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0147] The processor performs the following processing:

[0148] When an inspection method based on the non-ejection correction is set as an inspection method of the inspection device, correction information related to the non-ejection correction is transmitted to the inspection device. (5)

[0150] The information processing system according to (4), wherein

[0151] The processor performs the following processing:

[0152] When a normal inspection is set as the inspection mode of the inspection device, the correction information is not transmitted to the inspection device. (6)

[0154] The information processing system according to (5), wherein

[0155] The processor performs the following processing:

[0156] The set inspection mode is notified to the user by the notification unit. (7)

[0158] An information processing program for causing a computer to execute the following processing: in an image forming device that forms an image by ejecting droplets from multiple nozzles based on image data, when a non-ejection correction is performed to increase the ejection amount of nozzles adjacent to the non-ejecting nozzles, correction information related to the non-ejection correction is sent to an inspection device that reads and inspects an image formed by the image forming device. (8)

[0160] An inspection device comprising:

[0161] a reading unit that reads an image formed by an image forming device that forms an image by ejecting liquid droplets from a plurality of nozzles based on image data; and

[0162] The inspection unit inspects the image read by the reading unit based on the image data, and when non-ejection correction is performed in the image forming apparatus to increase the ejection amount of nozzles adjacent to the non-ejection nozzle, acquires information related to the non-ejection correction and performs the inspection. (9)

[0164] The inspection device according to (8), wherein

[0165] The inspection unit performs the following processing:

[0166] When the non-ejection correction is executed in the image forming apparatus, inspection is performed with reduced inspection accuracy.

[0167] According to the configuration of (1), the inspection apparatus can perform inspection in consideration of information related to non-ejection correction.

[0168] According to the configuration of (2), the inspection apparatus can perform inspection in consideration of the information indicating the execution of the non-ejection correction and the information indicating the position of the non-ejection nozzle.

[0169] According to the configuration of (3), the inspection apparatus can perform inspection in consideration of the information indicating the inspection accuracy set by the user.

[0170] According to the configuration of (4), when the inspection method based on the non-ejection correction is set, the inspection apparatus can perform the inspection in consideration of the information related to the non-ejection correction.

[0171] According to the configuration of (5), compared to a case where the processor always executes transmission of correction information to the inspection device, unnecessary transmission of correction information to the inspection device can be suppressed.

[0172] According to the configuration of (6), the user can recognize the set inspection method.

[0173] According to the configuration of (7), the inspection device can perform inspection in consideration of information related to non-ejection correction.

[0174] According to the configuration of (8), the inspection device can perform inspection in consideration of information related to non-ejection correction.

[0175] According to the configuration of (9), inspection failures can be suppressed compared to a case where inspection is performed with constant inspection accuracy regardless of whether non-ejection correction is performed in the image forming apparatus.

[0176] 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 a processor, The processor performs the following processing: In an image forming apparatus that forms an image by discharging liquid droplets from a plurality of nozzles based on image data, when non-discharging correction is performed to increase the discharge amount of nozzles adjacent to a non-discharging nozzle, Correction information related to the non-ejection correction is transmitted to an inspection device that reads and inspects an image formed by the image forming device.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein The correction information includes information indicating execution of the non-ejection correction and information indicating the position of the non-ejection nozzle.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein: The calibration information includes information indicating the inspection accuracy set by the user.

4. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: When an inspection method based on the non-ejection correction is set as an inspection method of the inspection device, correction information related to the non-ejection correction is transmitted to the inspection device.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: When a normal inspection is set as the inspection mode of the inspection device, the correction information is not transmitted to the inspection device. The information processing system according to claim 5 , wherein: The processor performs the following processing: The set inspection mode is notified to the user by the notification unit.

7. A program product having recorded thereon an information processing program for causing a computer to execute the following processing: In an image forming apparatus that forms an image by discharging liquid droplets from a plurality of nozzles based on image data, when non-discharging correction is performed to increase the discharge amount of nozzles adjacent to a non-discharging nozzle, Correction information related to the non-ejection correction is transmitted to an inspection device that reads and inspects an image formed by the image forming device.

8. An inspection device comprising: a reading unit that reads an image formed by an image forming device that forms an image by ejecting liquid droplets from a plurality of nozzles based on image data; and The inspection unit inspects the image read by the reading unit based on the image data, and when non-ejection correction for increasing the ejection amount of nozzles adjacent to the non-ejection nozzle is executed in the image forming apparatus, acquires information related to the non-ejection correction and performs the inspection.

9. The inspection device according to claim 8, wherein: The inspection unit performs the following processing: When the non-ejection correction is executed in the image forming apparatus, inspection is performed with reduced inspection accuracy.

10. An information processing method comprising the following steps: In an image forming apparatus that forms an image by discharging liquid droplets from a plurality of nozzles based on image data, when non-discharging correction is performed to increase the discharge amount of nozzles adjacent to a non-discharging nozzle, Correction information related to the non-ejection correction is transmitted to an inspection device that reads and inspects an image formed by the image forming device.

Images