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

Abstract

Provided are an image inspection device, an image inspection method, and a computer-readable recording medium having an image inspection program stored therein, with which it is possible to detect image defects not only in a non-variable region but also in the case where there is an image defect in a variable region. An image inspection device (300) is provided with an image forming unit (330), a reference image generating unit (380), and an image inspection unit (350). The image forming section forms an image on a recording medium based on image data. The reference image generation unit generates, from the image data, a reference image to be used in inspection of an image formed on a recording medium. The image inspection unit inspects an image formed on a recording medium on the basis of a reference image. The reference image generation unit generates a reference image for comparison with a read image inspected by the image inspection unit with respect to an image of a page including a non-variable region in which the same image is formed to a plurality of pages by the image forming unit and a variable region in which a different image is formed for each page.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an image inspection apparatus, an image inspection method, and a computer-readable recording medium storing an image inspection program. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a variable printing is known in which a manuscript image including a variable region and a non-variable region is printed in a case where a direct mail in which the same content is sent to many mail destinations, or the like. The variable region is a region in the manuscript image in which the mail destination or the like changes (is different) for each page, and the non-variable region is a region in the manuscript image in which the content or the like is the same in all pages.

[0003] However, in the case of the direct mail or the like in which the same content is sent to many mail destinations, it is necessary to inspect the quality of a large number of printed sheets (printed matters) printed in advance of the sending. At the time of the inspection, it is necessary to register a reference image in advance, but in order to inspect the variable region in which the image is different for each page, it takes effort to register the reference image of all pages in advance. For example, it is disclosed in Patent Literature 1 below that a user performs an inspection from a number of printed matters on which an inspection image is printed, and registers a read image of a printed matter judged to be normal as a reference image. In the case of the direct mail in which only one printed matter of the same content is produced, it is not realistic to register the reference image of all pages in advance. Conventionally, in order to shorten the time taken for the inspection, the non-variable region is set as an inspection region, and the variable region is set as an inspection exemption region, and only the non-variable region in the printed matter is inspected, and the inspection is omitted with respect to the variable region of the printed matter.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-146514 SUMMARY

[0006] However, in the case where the inspection is omitted with respect to the variable region of the printed matter, there is a problem that an image defect cannot be detected in the case where there is an image defect such as a stain in the variable region.

[0007] The present application has been achieved in view of the above-described circumstances. An object of the present application is to provide an image inspection apparatus, an image inspection method, and a computer-readable recording medium storing an image inspection program, which can detect an image defect not only in a non-variable region but also in the case where there is an image defect in a variable region.

[0008] The above-described object of the present application is achieved by the following means.

[0009] (1) An image inspection apparatus having: an image forming section that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data; a reference image generating section that generates a reference image used in inspection of the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; and an image inspection section that performs inspection of the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, the reference image generating section generating a reference image for comparison with a read image for inspection by the image inspection section with respect to an image of a page including a non-variable area on which the same image is formed by the image forming section for a plurality of pages and a variable area on which a different image is formed for each page.

[0010] (2) In the image inspection apparatus described in (1) above, the reference image generating section generates the reference image for each page.

[0011] (3) In the image inspection apparatus described in (1) or (2) above, the image inspection section performs the same kind of inspection with respect to the variable area and the non-variable area included in the image.

[0012] (4) In the image inspection apparatus described in (1) or (2) above, further comprising a control section that controls execution of a first inspection mode in which inspection by the image inspection section is performed and a second inspection mode in which inspection by the image inspection section is not performed with respect to the variable area, the reference image generating section generating the reference image with respect to the image of the non-variable area, the reference image generating section generating the reference image with respect to the image of the variable area in a case where the first inspection mode is executed, and the reference image generating section not generating the reference image with respect to the image of the variable area in a case where the second inspection mode is executed.

[0013] (5) In the image inspection apparatus described in (1) or (2) above, further comprising a comparison section that compares information of the formed image with information obtained from a read image with respect to the variable area, inspection by the image inspection section and comparison by the comparison section being performed with respect to the variable area.

[0014] (6) In the image inspection apparatus described in (5) above, the inspection process by the image inspection section and the comparison process by the comparison section are performed in parallel with respect to the variable area.

[0015] (7) The image inspection apparatus according to any one of (1) to (2) further includes a control section that concurrently executes: a reference image generation process including generation of a reference image by the reference image generation section; and an inspection process including formation of the image on the recording medium by the image formation section and inspection of a read image generated by the image inspection section by reading the recording medium on which the image is formed.

[0016] (8) An image inspection method including: a step a of forming an image on a recording medium from image data; a step b of generating a reference image used in inspection of the image formed on the recording medium from the image data; and a step c of inspecting the image formed on the recording medium from the reference image, in the step b, a reference image for comparison with a read image inspected by the step c is generated with respect to an image of a page including a non-variable area on which the same image is formed on a plurality of pages and a variable area on which a different image is formed for each page.

[0017] (9) The image inspection method according to (8) wherein, in the step b, the reference image is generated for each page.

[0018] (10) The image inspection method according to any one of (8) to (9) wherein, in the step c, the same kind of inspection is performed with respect to the variable area and the non-variable area included in the image.

[0019] (11) The image inspection method according to any one of (8) to (9) further including a step d of controlling execution of a first inspection mode in which inspection by the step c is performed and a second inspection mode in which inspection by the step c is not performed with respect to the variable area, in the step d, the reference image is generated with respect to the image of the non-variable area in the step b, in a case where the first inspection mode is executed, the reference image is generated with respect to the image of the variable area in the step b, and in a case where the second inspection mode is executed, the reference image is not generated with respect to the image of the variable area in the step b.

[0020] (12) The image inspection method according to any one of (8) to (9) further including a step e of comparing information of a formed image with information obtained from a read image with respect to the variable area, in the step c, inspection is performed with respect to the variable area and comparison by the step e is performed with respect to the variable area.

[0021] (13) In the image inspection device described in (12) above, the inspection process performed by the step c and the comparison process performed by the step e are performed in parallel in the variable area.

[0022] (14) In the image inspection method described in (8) or (9) above, there is also a step f, in which the following are performed in parallel: a reference image generation process, including the generation of the reference image implemented by the step b; and an inspection process, including the formation of the image on the recording medium implemented by the step a, and the inspection of the read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image is formed implemented by the step c.

[0023] (15) A computer-readable recording medium storing an image inspection program, wherein the image inspection program is used to cause a computer to execute processing, the processing including: a process a for forming an image on a recording medium based on image data; a process b for generating a reference image for use in inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; and a process c for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, wherein in the process b, a reference image for comparison with a read image inspected by the process c is generated for an image of a page including a non-variable area for forming the same image on a plurality of pages by the process a and a variable area for forming a different image for each page.

[0024] (16) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to (15) above, in the process b, the reference image is generated for each page.

[0025] (17) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (15) or (16) above, in the process c, the same type of inspection is performed on the variable area and the non-variable area included in the image.

[0026] (18) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program described in (15) or (16) above, the processing further includes a process d, in which, with respect to the variable area, the execution of the first inspection mode of performing the inspection implemented by the process c and the execution of the second inspection mode of not performing the inspection implemented by the process c are controlled. In the process d, the reference image is generated with respect to the image of the non-variable area in the process b, and when the first inspection mode is executed, the reference image is generated with respect to the image of the variable area in the process b, and when the second inspection mode is executed, the reference image is not generated with respect to the image of the variable area in the process b.

[0027] (19) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to (15) or (16) described above, the process further has a process e in which, with respect to the variable region, the information formed into the image is compared with the information obtained from the read image, and with respect to the variable region, the inspection in the process c and the comparison performed by the process e are performed.

[0028] (20) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to (19) described above, in the variable region, the inspection process performed by the process c and the comparison process performed by the process e are performed in parallel.

[0029] (21) In the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to (15) or (16) described above, the process further has a process f in which, in parallel, a reference image generation process including the generation of the reference image performed by the process b and an inspection process including the formation of the image to the recording medium performed by the process a and the inspection performed by the process c on the read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image is formed are performed.

[0030] According to the present application, with respect to the image of the page including the variable region and the non-variable region, the reference image for comparison with the read image on which the inspection is performed is generated, so the inspection can be performed not only on the non-variable region but also on the variable region. Therefore, not only in the non-variable region but also in the case where the image defect is present in the variable region, the image defect can be detected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a structure of an image forming system. Figure 1

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic view illustrating a document image including a variable region and a non-variable region.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic view illustrating a read image including a bar code image in a variable region.

[0035] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a summary of a control action of a control section and a print controller section. Figure 2

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic view illustrating a document image including a variable region and a non-variable region. Figure 1 ​​A flowchart of a processing procedure of an image inspection method of the image forming system shown.

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic view showing each process of acquisition of a document image, generation of a reference image, formation of an inspection image, inspection of the inspection image, and comparison of the inspection image in a time series manner.

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic view showing printing of document images of a plurality of copies in a time series manner.

[0039] Figure 9 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating details of a processing procedure of generation of a reference image (S103) in the flowchart shown. Figure 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same symbol is added to the same element in the explanation of the drawings, and the repeated explanation is omitted. In addition, the dimensional proportions of the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and sometimes differ from the actual proportions.

[0041] (Embodiment)

[0042] <Structure of printing system>

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a printing system to which the first embodiment of the present application relates, Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating Figure 1 the structure of the image forming system shown.

[0044] As Figure 1 shown, the printing system 100 has a client terminal 200 and an image forming system 300. The client terminal 200 and the image forming system 300 are communicably connected to each other via a communication line 400.

[0045] The client terminal 200 can be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. A printer driver for transforming a document data into a print job is installed in the client terminal 200. The printer driver generates a print job in a form that a print controller section 320 (refer to Figure 2 ) of the image forming system 300 can cope with, and transmits the print job to the image forming system 300 via the communication line 400. In addition, the client terminal 200 is provided with a display, and can display an inspection result (a good product / a defective product) of a printed matter, an image of a defective printed matter, or the like.

[0046] ​The print job includes, for example, print data in the form of a PDL (Page Description Language) and job information. In the present embodiment, the print job can include a variable print job for performing variable printing. Variable printing refers to printing in which the contents of one sheet of paper are partially replaced as needed. The print data includes, for example, data of one or more copies composed of a first page to an nth page. The job information includes, for example, the number of pages, the number of copies, the kind, size, basis weight, single-sided printing / double-sided printing, variable printing information, a check mode, a verification setting (ON / OFF), a comparison setting (ON / OFF), information on a check exemption area, and the like. The variable printing information includes information on the presence or absence of variable printing, the position of a variable area, and a non-variable area, and the like. The user can output an instruction to the image forming system 300 to perform image checking by turning the verification setting ON. In addition, the user can output an instruction to the image forming system 300 to perform comparison by turning the comparison setting ON. The information on the check exemption area is information on the designation of a check area that is checked by the image checking section 350 and / or the designation of a check exemption area that is not checked.

[0047] The communication line 400 can have a LAN (Local Area Network) in which computers and network devices are connected to each other in accordance with a predetermined standard, or a WAN (Wide Area Network) in which LANs are connected to each other by a dedicated line, or the like. The predetermined standard is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), or the like.

[0048] Furthermore, the number of each of the above-described components connected to the communication line 400 is not limited to Figure 1 the illustrated case.

[0049] <Check Mode>

[0050] The image forming system 300 of this embodiment has an inspection mode including a first inspection mode and a second inspection mode. In the first inspection mode, by generating reference images of the variable area and the non-variable area, an inspection is performed on the variable area in addition to the non-variable area. More specifically, in the case of printing multiple copies, a reference image is generated for all pages in all copies, so that both the variable area and the non-variable area can be inspected. In the second inspection mode, by having the user set the non-variable area as the inspection area and the variable area as the inspection exemption area, an inspection is performed on the non-variable area, but no inspection is performed on the variable area. In this embodiment, the original image includes images of multiple pages, and each page may include a variable area and a non-variable area. The variable area is, for example, an area whose image changes (is different) for each page, such as the destination of the direct mail, and the non-variable area is an area whose image is the same on all pages, such as the content in the original image.

[0051] In this embodiment, the inspection mode can be set to the first inspection mode by default. The user can change the inspection mode as needed. The first inspection mode is suitable for print jobs that include variable printing. When the first inspection mode is executed, a reference image is generated for the image in the variable area. On the other hand, when the second inspection mode is executed, a reference image is not generated for the image in the variable area. Regardless of the inspection mode, a reference image is generated for the non-variable area. Information related to the inspection mode is stored in the control unit 310 of the image forming system 300 described below.

[0052] <Structure of Image Forming System 300>

[0053] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, image forming system 300 includes a control unit 310, a print controller unit 320, an image forming unit 330, an image reading unit 340, an image inspection unit 350, a comparison unit 355, an operation display unit 360, a paper feed unit 370, a reference image generation unit 380, and a storage device 390. Image forming system 300 functions as an image inspection apparatus.

[0054] <Configuration of Control Unit 310>

[0055] The control unit 310 includes an image control CPU (Centra Processing Unit) 311, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control IC 312, a memory 313, an image memory (DRAM) 314, a compression / decompression IC 315, a read processing unit 316, a write processing unit 317, a storage unit 318, and the like.

[0056] The image control CPU 311 expands various programs saved in the storage section 318 into the memory 313, and controls the operation of the image forming system 300 as a whole by cooperating with the expanded programs.

[0057] The reading processing section 316 performs various processes such as analog processing, A / D conversion processing, and shading processing on the analog image signal output from the scanner 341 of the image reading section 340, and generates digital image (read image) data. In addition, the generated digital image data is output to the compression / decompression IC 315 through the DRAM control IC 312. The compression / decompression IC 315 performs compression processing on the digital image data and decompression processing on the digital image data after the compression processing in accordance with the control of the DRAM control IC 312. In addition, the DRAM control IC 312 performs input / output control of the image memory (DRAM) 314 on the digital image data after the compression / decompression processing.

[0058] The image memory 314 is constituted by a DRAM, and has regions of a compression memory and a page memory inside, and temporarily saves compressed image data, decompressed image data, and the like.

[0059] The writing processing section 317 outputs the digital image data after the decompression processing to the exposure section 332 of the image forming section 330.

[0060] <Structure of the print controller section 320>

[0061] The print controller section 320 analyzes the print job received from the client terminal 200 via the communication line 400, and performs processes such as color conversion, screening, and rasterization, and generates a manuscript image in a bit map form. The generated manuscript image is sent to the control section 310. The print controller section 320 functions as a manuscript image acquisition section.

[0062] Figure 3: This is a schematic diagram illustrating an original image including a variable area and a non-variable area. The original image in this figure includes, for example, multiple copies (3 copies) of images (DI1 to DI3) consisting of one page, and each page of each copy includes a variable area (VA1 to VA3) and a non-variable area (NV1 to NV3). The images ("A", "B" and "C") in the variable area of ​​the original image are different for each copy. On the other hand, the images of the areas other than the variable area of ​​the original image, that is, the non-variable areas (NV1 to NV3), are the same (common) in each copy of the original image. For example, when a 10-page original is printed in 3 copies, the image of the non-variable area of ​​page 1 is common in the 3 copies. On the other hand, for pages 1 to 10, in most cases, the non-variable areas are different images from each other. That is, for the original image, between the same pages (for example, 1 page) of each copy, the non-variable area is the same image, and the variable area is composed of different images for each copy.

[0063] Furthermore, when each copy consists of multiple pages, the variable area may be included on all pages or only on some pages. For example, only the first page (cover) of each copy may include the variable area, while pages 2 and above may not include the variable area but only the non-variable area.

[0064] The print controller unit 320 includes a controller control unit 321, a reference image generation control unit 322, a DRAM control IC 323, an image memory (DRAM) 324, a communication control unit 325, and a communication I / F 326. The controller control unit 321 generally controls the operation of each unit of the print controller unit 320. Furthermore, the controller control unit 321 receives print jobs from the client terminal 200, etc., via the communication I / F 326. The communication control unit 325 controls the communication I / F 326.

[0065] The received print job includes print data (mainly in PDL format) that serves as the source of the original image, and job information that describes print settings such as the type of paper used. The print controller unit 320 performs rasterization (RIP) processing to convert the print data into page-based bitmap data according to the print settings. The rasterized RIP image is temporarily stored in the image memory 324. The RIP image in the image memory 324 is temporarily stored in the compressed memory area within the image memory 314 via the compression / decompression IC 315 under the control of the DRAM control IC 323 of the print controller unit 320 and the DRAM control IC 312 of the control unit 310. During normal printing, the RIP image stored in the compressed memory area is decompressed by the compression / decompression IC 315 and sent to the image forming unit 330 as the original image (image data) via the write processing unit 317 for printing.

[0066] The reference image generation control section 322 outputs a reference image generation instruction to the reference image generation section 380 described later at a predetermined generation timing to cause the reference image generation section 380 to generate a reference image from the original image. The predetermined generation timing can be, for example, when the test is set to be on and the original image is acquired by the original image acquisition section. The reference image generation section 380 generates a reference image based on the reference image generation instruction.

[0067] Ideally, it is considered that a read image generated by reading an inspection image formed on a sheet is identical to the content of the original image. However, when the inspection image formed on the sheet is read by the scanner, an error can occur in the read image with respect to the original image due to various factors such as a deviation of a conveyance path of the sheet, a shift of a read position of the scanner, color reproducibility, a difference in sheet type, and the like. In addition, an error can also occur with respect to the original image due to the resolution of the read of the scanner. Therefore, when the read image and the original image are simply compared, there is a high possibility of an error, and it is not realistic to inspect the inspection image by simply comparing the read image and the original image. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is configured as follows: with respect to the original image, a reference image is generated by implementing various processes with respect to position, resolution, color, and the like in a manner that enables comparison with the read image, and the reference image and the read image are compared. Thereby, comparison with the read image is appropriately performed, so that the test of the printed matter can be performed with high accuracy. Details of the generation process of the reference image are described later. In the present embodiment, the reference image is generated by the reference image generation section 380. However, the reference image can be generated by the control section 310. Figure 2 The case where the reference image generation control section 322 is provided to the print controller section 320 is exemplified in the present embodiment, but the reference image generation control section 322 can be provided to the control section 310.

[0068] <Structure of the image forming section 330>

[0069] The image forming section 330 forms (prints) an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method including processes of charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixation in accordance with an instruction of the control section 310. In the present embodiment, the image forming section 330 forms an inspection image that is inspected by the inspection image forming section 350 in accordance with an image forming condition set based on a print setting. In a case where the inspection image is formed by variable printing, the image formed on the sheet can include a non-variable area in which the same image is formed on a plurality of pages, and a variable area in which a different image is formed for each page.

[0070] The image forming section 330 has a printer control section 331 and an exposure section 332, and the like. The printer control section 331 is connected to the image control CPU 311 through serial communication, and accepts control by the image control CPU 311. The printer control section 331 drives an LD (Laser Diode) of the exposure section 332 according to a signal from the write processing section 317, and forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original image on a photoreceptor (not shown). A toner image formed on the photoreceptor is developed through a developing process, and is transferred onto a paper sheet supplied from the paper feeding section 370. Also, an unfixed toner image on the paper sheet is fixed by heating and pressure. The paper sheet on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed to the image reading section 340.

[0071] In addition, the image forming section 330 is provided with a printed sheet paper ejection device that ejects (erases) a paper sheet on which an inspection image in which an image defect is detected by the image inspection section 350 is formed, and a paper sheet on which a qualified inspection image is formed, separately.

[0072] <Structure of the image reading section 340>

[0073] The image reading section 340 has a scanner 341 and a scanner control section 342. The scanner 341 reads a paper sheet (printed matter) conveyed on a conveyance path, for example, using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The scanner control section 342 controls the scanner so as to read an inspection image formed on a paper sheet conveyed out from the image forming section 330, in accordance with a reading instruction from the control section 310. The scanner control section 342 outputs a read image obtained by reading the inspection image formed on the paper sheet to the control section 310.

[0074] <Structure of the image inspection section 350>

[0075] The image inspection section 350 performs image inspection based on a reference image. The image inspection section 350 has an image inspection control section 351. The image inspection control section 351 has a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and an auxiliary storage device, which are not shown. A function of inspecting an inspection image is realized by executing an image inspection program by the CPU.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the image inspection control section 351 acquires information on the inspection mode from the control section 310, and inspects the inspection image according to the inspection mode. The image inspection control section 351 generates a reference image including all pages of the variable region in the case where the inspection mode is the first inspection mode, so the user does not need to set the variable region as an inspection exemption region with respect to the variable region whose content differs for each page. Therefore, the variable region and the non-variable region are set as the inspection region, and inspection of the inspection image is performed with respect to all regions including the variable region within the page. On the other hand, the image inspection control section 351 sets the non-variable region as the inspection region and the variable region as the inspection exemption region by the user in the case where the inspection mode is the second inspection mode. Thus, inspection of the inspection image is not performed with respect to the variable region within the page. The image inspection control section 351 performs inspection of the inspection image with respect to the region within the page that does not include the variable region, that is, the non-variable region, regardless of the inspection mode of the first and second inspection modes.

[0077] The image inspection section 350 compares the reference image and the read image with respect to each page for the variable region and the non-variable region respectively by acquiring the reference image, the read image, and the variable print information, and thereby inspects the inspection image formed on the paper. In the first inspection mode of the present embodiment, the same kind of inspection as performed on the non-variable region is also performed on the variable region. As an image defect detected by the inspection, for example, there are a line-shaped defect (a streak), a point-shaped defect (a white spot), and the like. The streak is, for example, a defect generated due to damage, a stain of a component such as a drum, a roller, and the like of an image forming apparatus, a read surface of a scanner, and the like, and can appear as a difference in gray scale of a pixel value not included in the original image, unevenness in density. As the streak, for example, there are a white streak that is lighter than the original image, a black streak that is darker than the original image, and the like. The white spot is a point-shaped image defect that is not in the original image data, and is particularly easily noticed by the user's visual inspection in a printed matter of a halftone image.

[0078] In the image inspection control section 351, as a comparatively simple method for detecting image defects, for example, the difference (error) in pixel values of the reference image and the read image is calculated for each page, and it is determined whether the inspection image is acceptable or not based on the size of the difference. The calculation of the difference can be performed for each page, for each object, or for each region. For example, in the case where the difference is calculated for each page, an inspection result of "acceptable" is outputted in the case where the total value of the differences of the pixels within 1 page is less than a prescribed value, and an inspection result of "unacceptable" is outputted in the case where the total value of the differences is the prescribed value or more. In addition, it can be configured that in the case where the difference is calculated for each object or for each region, an inspection result of "acceptable" or "unacceptable" is outputted based on the total value of the differences of the pixel values within the selected object or region.

[0079] The control section 310 determines that the printed matter is an acceptable product in the case where the inspection result of the inspection image is "acceptable", and determines that the printed matter is an unacceptable product in the case where the inspection result of the inspection image is "unacceptable".

[0080] <Structure of the comparison section 355>

[0081] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a read image in which a bar code image is included in a variable region. The comparison section 355 performs comparison of the inspection image based on the information included in the variable region of the read image. That is, the comparison section 355 performs correct / incorrect determination of the inspection image by determining whether the information included in the variable region of the read image coincides with the information registered in advance. The information included in the variable region is information on which an image is formed in the variable region by the image forming section 330. The information on which an image is formed is, for example, an identifier such as a bar code, a QR code (Japanese registered trademark), and the like, and can be different for each page. For example, as shown in Figure 4 , in the variable regions (VA4 to VA6) of pages 1 to 3 of the read image, bar codes different from each other are included as the information on which an image is formed. For example, a result obtained by coding original information (referred to as first text information) registered in advance using a bar code, a QR code, or the like is printed to the variable region. Then, the comparison section 355 compares and compares the information (second text information) obtained by decoding the read image of the variable region with the first text information, and performs comparison. Further, in the comparison process, the text information obtained by OCR processing can also be compared without decoding. For example, as in the example shown in Figure 3 , with respect to the text information (first text information of English letters of A, B, C, or the like) printed to the variable region, the second text information obtained by OCR processing of the read image thereof is compared.

[0082] The comparison section 355 has a comparison control section 356. The comparison control section 356 has a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and an auxiliary storage device, not shown. The function of comparing the inspection images is realized by the CPU executing an image inspection program. The comparison control section 356 acquires the read images from the image reading section 340 according to the instruction from the control section 310, and, with respect to each page (SI1 to SI3) of the read images, decodes the image in the variable region to convert it into numerical data. The comparison section 355 compares the converted numerical data with respect to each page with information (registration information) registered in advance with respect to each page, and transmits the comparison result to the control section 310. The registration information is stored in advance in the storage section 318 of the control section 310 or a storage section included in the comparison section 355 in association with the original image.

[0083] <Structure of the operation display section 360>

[0084] The operation display section 360 includes a touch panel 361, an operation control section 362, a numeric keypad as a hard key, a start button, a stop button, and the like. The touch panel includes, for example, a touch sensor and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) disposed on the back of the touch sensor. The operation control section 362 receives input from the touch sensor and the hard key, and transmits the input data to the control section 310. In addition, the operation control section 362 receives output data from the control section 310 and displays it on the LCD. The operation display section 360 is used when inputting various settings (for example, on / off of the inspection setting, change of the inspection mode, on / off of the comparison setting) and instructions (for example, instruction of start of printing) by the user. In addition, the operation display section 360 is used when outputting (displaying) the state of the image forming system 300, the inspection result (pass / fail) of the printed matter, the comparison result (correct / incorrect), the image of the failed printed matter, and the like.

[0085] <Structure of the paper feeding section 370>

[0086] The paper feeding section 370 includes at least one large-capacity paper tray, and feeds the paper to the image forming section 330 one sheet at a time.

[0087] <Structure of the reference image generating section 380>

[0088] The reference image generation section 380 generates a reference image from the document image acquired by the document image acquisition section and outputs the reference image to the control section 310. More specifically, the reference image generation section 380 generates a reference image for comparison with a read image for checking by the image checking section 350 with respect to an image of a page including a variable region and a non-variable region. The reference image generation section 380 acquires information about a checking mode from the control section 310. The reference image generation section 380 generates a reference image for each page based on the document image according to the checking mode.

[0089] More specifically, the reference image generation section 380 generates a reference image for each page with respect to both the variable region and the non-variable region of the document image in a case where the first checking mode is executed as the checking mode. On the other hand, the reference image generation section 380 generates a reference image only with respect to the non-variable region set as a checking target region of the document image in a case where the second checking mode is executed. In this case, a reference image is not generated with respect to the variable region set as a checking exemption region. In the second checking mode, a reference image is not generated with respect to all pages of all copies, so checking cannot be accurately performed with respect to the variable region. Therefore, checking is not performed with respect to the variable region set as the checking exemption region (see FIG. 6). Figure 9 ) In addition, in the second checking mode, a reference image can also be generated with respect to the image of the variable region, and masking processing can be performed with respect to the variable region in a later checking mode, so as to be set as the checking exemption region.

[0090] The reference image generation section 380 can be realized by executing an image checking program by a CPU (not shown) different from the image control CPU 311. By this, the generation of a reference image and the formation and checking of a checking image are configured to be performed in parallel. Alternatively, in a case where the image control CPU 311 is a multi-core CPU, the reference image generation section 380 and the processing of the formation and checking of a checking image can be allocated to different cores, and the generation of a reference image and the formation and checking of a checking image can be performed in parallel by the different cores.

[0091] In addition, in the past, the generation of a reference image and the formation and checking of a checking image were configured to be performed by the same CPU. Therefore, the CPU performs the formation and checking of a checking image after the generation of a reference image is completed for each page, so the generation of a reference image and the formation and checking of a checking image cannot be performed in parallel. In the present embodiment, the generation of a reference image and the formation and checking of a checking image are configured to be performed by different CPUs, so the generation of a reference image and the formation and checking of a checking image can be performed in parallel.

[0092] Furthermore, if the document image is complex, the computational load for generating the reference image may significantly increase. However, by having a CPU separate from the image control CPU 311 handle the generation of the reference image, the computational load on the image control CPU 311 can be reduced.

[0093] <Structure of Storage Device 390>

[0094] Storage device 390 stores the reference image generated by reference image generation unit 380. When reprinting (re-printing) the document image, control unit 310 uses the reference image stored in storage device 390, eliminating the need to generate the reference image again. This reduces the time required to generate the reference image.

[0095] <Overview of Control Operations of the Control Unit 310 and the Print Controller Unit 320>

[0096] Figure 5 Is used to illustrate Figure 2 The control unit 310 and the print controller unit 320 are schematic block diagrams of control operations shown in FIG.

[0097] First, the control unit 310 receives a document image and job information from the document image acquisition unit (print controller unit 320) ((1) Image Input). The document image is a RIP image obtained by rasterizing print data.

[0098] Upon receiving a reference image generation instruction from the reference image generation control unit 322 ((2)-1 reference image generation instruction), the reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image based on the document image acquired by the document image acquisition unit and outputs the generated reference image to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 stores the reference image in the page memory 1. As described above, when the inspection mode is the first inspection mode, the reference image generation unit 380 generates reference images for both the variable area and the non-variable area based on the document image. When the inspection mode is the second inspection mode, the variable area is not inspected, so the reference image generation unit 380 does not generate a reference image for the variable area, but instead generates a reference image consisting only of the non-variable area.

[0099] The reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image by performing various processing on the document image, including position, resolution, and color. For example, the reference image generation unit 380 can extract positional information of the content portion from the document image, allowing comparison between the reference image and the read image, and append or embed this positional information into the reference image. Specifically, the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380 includes alignment information for aligning the reference image with the read image during image inspection. This alignment information also includes image outline and edge information. Furthermore, the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380 includes area information related to the inspection area and inspection exemption area used during image inspection. Furthermore, the reference image generation unit 380 can adjust the resolution of the document image to match the resolution of the scanner of the image reading unit 340 to generate the reference image. Furthermore, the reference image generation unit 380 can convert the color space of the document image to match the color space (e.g., RGB) used by the scanner of the image reading unit 340 to generate the reference image.

[0100] Furthermore, upon receiving a document image from the document image acquisition unit, the control unit 310 outputs an instruction to form an image and the document image stored in the page memory 1 to the image forming unit 330 ((2)-2 Image Output). In this embodiment, the image forming unit 330 forms a check image on the paper based on the document image. When the inspection mode is the first inspection mode, the generation of the reference image by the reference image generating unit 380 and the formation of the check image by the image forming unit 330 are performed in parallel.

[0101] Upon completion of base image generation, base image generation unit 380 notifies control unit 310 and base image generation control unit 322 of the completion of base image generation ((3)-1 Base image generation completed). Furthermore, upon completion of image formation on paper, image forming unit 330 notifies control unit 310 of the completion of output ((3)-2 Output completed). Storage device 390 stores the generated base image ((4)-1 Base image storage).

[0102] Furthermore, upon receiving the notification of output completion, the control unit 310 immediately outputs an image reading instruction ((4)-2 Image reading instruction) to the image reading unit 340. The image reading unit 340 reads the paper on which the inspection image is formed and outputs the read image of the paper to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 stores the read image in the page memory 2. When the image reading unit 340 completes reading the paper, it notifies the image reading unit 340 of the completion of image reading ((5)-2 Image reading completion).

[0103] When the inspection setting is on, the control unit 310 receives a notification that image reading is complete and outputs an image inspection instruction ((6)-2 Image Inspection Instruction) to the image inspection unit 350. The image inspection unit 350 inspects the inspection image by obtaining a reference image and a read image from the page memory 1 and the page memory 2, respectively, and comparing the reference image and the read image. Furthermore, the image inspection unit 350 outputs the inspection result of the inspection image to the control unit 310 ((7)-2 Image Inspection Result).

[0104] In addition, when the comparison setting is turned on, the control unit 310 receives a notification of image reading completion and outputs a comparison instruction ((8)-2 comparison instruction) to the comparison unit 355. The comparison unit 355 obtains the read image from the page memory 2 and compares the information of the image formed in the variable area of ​​the read image (for example, Figure 4 The barcode image in the image is decoded and converted into numerical data. The comparison unit 355 then compares the converted numerical data with the registered information on each page to check the image. The comparison unit 355 then outputs the comparison result of the imaged information to the control unit 310 ((9)-2 Comparison result).

[0105] In response to user instructions, the control unit 310 controls the display of the inspection results (conforming / rejected) of the printed matter on the operation display unit 360 or the display of the client terminal 200 based on the inspection results of the inspection images. Furthermore, in response to user instructions, the control unit 310 controls the display of the operation display unit 360 or the display of the client terminal 200 to display the comparison results of the inspection images.

[0106] <Image Inspection Method of Image Forming System 300>

[0107] Figure 6 This is an example Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a processing procedure of an image inspection method of an image forming system shown in FIG. Figure 6 Each of the processes shown is realized by executing the image inspection program by the image control CPU 311. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the various processes of obtaining a document image, generating a reference image, forming a test image, inspecting the test image, and comparing the test images in a time series manner. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the printing of a plurality of copies of document images in a time series manner.

[0108] like Figure 6As shown, first, the control section 310 acquires the original image (step S101). The original image is composed of one or a plurality of parts, and each part can include one page or a plurality of pages. The control section 310, in the case where the original image is composed of a plurality of parts, for example, from the first part to the final Nth part, with respect to each part, sequentially receives the first page to the final mth page of the original image (RIP image) from the original image acquisition section page by page. For example, in Figure 7 the case where the original image is composed of a plurality of parts and the first page to the eighth page of the nth part are sequentially received is exemplified. Further, in Figure 7 "1P" indicates the first page ("2P" and the like are the same). In addition, in "print preparation" in the formation of the check image, initial setting, preparation (for example, preheating of the fixing section), and the like of each part corresponding to the image formation conditions in the image formation section 330 are included.

[0109] Next, the control section 310 saves the original image (step S102). The control section 310, after the start of the print job, saves the original image acquired from the original image acquisition section to the page memory 1 page by page.

[0110] Next, the reference image generation control section 322, in the case where the check mode is the first check mode, controls the reference image generation section 380 so as to generate a reference image used in the checking of the check image. The reference image generation section 380 generates a reference image in accordance with the instruction of the reference image generation control section 322 (step S103). For example, the reference image generation control section 322, in the case where the first page of the original image is acquired and saved to the page memory 1, controls the reference image generation section 380 so as to generate a reference image from the first page of the original image. The reference image generation section 380 generates a reference image from the first page of the original image. With respect to the second page of the original image, a reference image is also generated in the same manner.

[0111] In the present embodiment, the control section 310, in the case where the check mode is the first check mode, in parallel with the process of the generation and saving of the reference image (steps S103, S104), controls the image formation section 330 so as to form a check image on paper from the original image received from the original image acquisition section and the job information. In addition, in the case where the check mode is the second check mode, the generation and saving of the reference image and the formation of the check image and the like can be performed without being performed in parallel, but the reference image is generated in advance, and the formation of the check image and the like is performed. Details of the process procedure of the generation of the reference image are described later.

[0112] Next, the storage 390 stores the reference image generated by the reference image generation section 380 (step S104). For example, the storage 390 stores the reference images of the 1st page and the 2nd page of the original image. For example, the control section 310 performs print preparation in the case where the check mode is the 1st check mode, and controls the image forming section 330 to form a check image to the paper with respect to the 1st page of the original image. The image forming section 330 forms a check image to the paper with respect to the 1st page of the original image in accordance with the instruction of the control section 310 (step S105). After the check image formation of the 1st page of the original image, a check image is also similarly formed to the paper with respect to the 2nd page of the original image. In the case where the check image is formed by variable printing, the image formed to the paper can include a non-variable area in which the same image is formed to a plurality of pages, and a variable area in which a different image is formed for each page. For example, a plurality of pages of the same page (for example, the 1st page) that involve a number of copies can include a non-variable area in which the same image is formed, and a variable area in which a different image is formed between the copies.

[0113] Next, the image reading section 340 reads the check image formed to the paper (step S106).

[0114] Next, the reference image determination section determines whether or not a reference image has been generated with respect to each page of the acquired original image (step S107). That is, the reference image determination section determines whether or not a reference image corresponding to the check image has been generated after reading the image formed to the paper based on the check image. The control section 310 controls the image checking section 350 to compare the reference image and the read image to check the check image in the case where a reference image has been generated (step S107: "Yes"). The image checking section 350 performs the checking of the check image in accordance with the instruction of the control section 310 (step S108). In addition, the control section 310 controls the collation section 355 in a manner of collating the check image in parallel with the checking of the check image in the case where a reference image has been generated (step S107: "Yes"). The collation section 355 collates the check image in accordance with the instruction of the control section 310 (step S109). The collation section 355 collates the information of the formed image and the information obtained from the read image with respect to the variable area. The process of collating the check image is also referred to as a collation process. Furthermore, the collation of the check image can also be performed after or before the checking of the check image ends.

[0115] Furthermore, the control section 310 repeats the processes of steps S101 to S109 with respect to all pages (the 1st page to the final nth page) until the checking of the check image is completed (step S110).

[0116] Furthermore, the control section 310 repeats the printing to the number of prints set in the job information (step S111). For example, the control section 310 controls the image forming section 330 to form a check image to the paper with respect to the 3rd page of the original image. The image forming section 330 forms a check image to the paper with respect to the 3rd page of the original image in accordance with the instruction of the control section 310 (step S112). After the check image formation of the 3rd page of the original image, a check image is also similarly formed to the paper with respect to the 4th page of the original image. In the case where the check image is formed by variable printing, the image formed to the paper can include a non-variable area in which the same image is formed to a plurality of pages, and a variable area in which a different image is formed for each page. For example, a plurality of pages of the same page (for example, the 1st page) that involve a number of copies can include a non-variable area in which the same image is formed, and a variable area in which a different image is formed between the copies. Figure 8As shown, in the present embodiment, the reference image generation section 380 generates the reference image N times until the printing is completed, for example, in a case where the number of print copies is set to N. That is, in the reference image generation section 380, the process of generating the reference image is performed for each copy even if the same page, and thereby the reference image used in the inspection of the inspection image formed by the image forming section 330 to each sheet of the multiple copies is generated for each copy.

[0117] As described above, in the present embodiment, the control section 310 can control so that the generation of the reference image and the formation of the inspection image are performed in parallel. The control section 310 can control so that the generation of the reference image and the formation of the image to the sheet are performed in parallel with respect to each copy in a case where the number of print copies is multiple. For example, the control section 310 controls so that the generation of the reference image and the formation of the inspection image are performed in parallel with respect to the 1st copy among the multiple copies.

[0118] In addition, the process of generating the reference image is set to a reference image generation process, and the process including the formation of the inspection image to the sheet and the inspection of the read image generated by reading the sheet on which the inspection image is formed is set to an inspection process. The control section 310 can control so that the reference image generation process and the inspection process are performed in parallel with respect to the n-th copy among the multiple copies. For example, the control section 310 controls so that the reference image generation process and the inspection process are performed in parallel with respect to the 1st copy among the multiple copies.

[0119] Further, the control section 310 can control so that the generation of the reference image of the (n+1)th copy is performed in parallel with the inspection of the sheet of the n-th copy among the multiple copies. For example, the control section 310 controls so that the generation of the reference image of the 2nd copy is performed in parallel with the inspection of the sheet of the 1st copy among the multiple copies.

[0120] On the other hand, the image inspection section 350 waits until the reference image is generated in a case where the reference image is not already generated (step S107: "No"). For example, if the reference image of the original image (page 1) which is the same as the original image (page 1) that is the source of the inspection image inspected in step S108 has not been generated, the image inspection section 350 waits until the reference image of the original image (page 1) is generated.

[0121] As shown, the generation of the reference image performed by the reference image generation section 380, and the formation of the inspection image, the inspection of the inspection image, and the comparison of the inspection image are performed in parallel. Thereby, the image forming system 300 can further shorten the time taken for the process from the generation of the reference image to the inspection and comparison of the inspection image compared to the related art. Figure 7 [Generation of reference image and formation of inspection image to sheet in parallel]

[0122]

[0123] ​For example, in Figure 7 In the example shown, the generation of the reference images of page 1 (1P) and page 2 (2P) and the printing preparation are performed in parallel, and the generation of the reference images of page 3 (3P) and page 4 (4P) and the formation of the inspection image of page 1 (1P) (the first half) are performed in parallel. In addition, the figure shows that the generation of the reference image of page 3 (3P) and the formation of the inspection image of page 1 (1P) are started at the same time, but this is not limited to this. The formation of the inspection image of page 1 (1P) can be started at an appropriate timing after the printing preparation is completed, and the generation of the reference image of page 3 (3P) can be started at an appropriate timing after the generation of the reference image of page 2 (2P). The same applies to the subsequent pages regarding the start timing of the generation of the reference images and the generation of the inspection images.

[0124] [Generation of a reference image, formation of a test image on a sheet, and inspection and comparison of the test image performed in parallel]

[0125] Furthermore, thereafter, generation of the reference image of the fifth page (5P), formation of the inspection image of the second page (2P), and inspection and comparison of the inspection image of the first page are performed in parallel.

[0126] Thus, in this embodiment, a reference image is generated based on the receipt of the original image (with receipt of the original image as the starting point), and a check image is formed on the paper when printing preparation is complete, and the check image is checked and compared. In this embodiment, the generation of the reference image and the formation, checking, and comparison of the check image are performed in parallel, thereby shortening the processing time from the generation of the reference image to the checking and comparison of the check image. As a result, the productivity of printed materials is improved.

[0127] <Printing Job>

[0128] As described above, image forming system 300 receives a print job and, when the job information verification setting is on, executes the generation of a reference image and the formation of a check image in parallel. Control unit 310 and print controller unit 320 control the generation of a reference image by reference image generator 380 and the formation of a check image by image forming unit 330 in parallel, based on a single (identical) print job.

[0129] On the other hand, the image forming system 300 can also realize the generation of the reference image, and the formation and checking and comparison of the check image by different print jobs. The control section 310 and the print controller section 320 control the reference image generation process (reference image generation job) and the checking process (checking job) to be executed in parallel. Here, the reference image generation process includes the generation of the reference image by the reference image generation section 380. The checking process includes the formation of the check image to the paper by the image forming section 330, and the image checking by the use of the image checking section 350 of the read image generated by reading the paper on which the check image is formed, and the comparison by the use of the comparison section 355. For example, the reference image generation process can be executed by a CPU different from the image control CPU 311, and the checking process can be executed by the image control CPU 311. Alternatively, in the case where the control section 310 has a multi-core CPU, it can also be configured so that the reference image generation process and the checking process are assigned to different cores, and the reference image generation process and the checking process are executed in parallel by these cores.

[0130] <Process of the generation of the reference image (step S103)>

[0131] Figure 9 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating details of the process procedure of the generation of the reference image (S103) in the flowchart shown in Figure 6

[0132] First, the reference image generation section 380 determines whether the checking mode is the 1st checking mode (step S201). The reference image generation section 380 generates the reference image of the variable region and the non-variable region in the case where the checking mode is the 1st checking mode (step S201: "Yes"). The reference image generation section 380 ends the process (returns) after generating the reference image.

[0133] On the other hand, the reference image generation section 380 determines whether the checking mode is the 2nd checking mode in the case where the checking mode is not the 1st checking mode (step S201: "No"). The reference image generation section 380 generates the reference image of the non-variable region in the case where the checking mode is the 2nd checking mode (step S203: "Yes"). More specifically, the reference image generation section 380 generates the reference image corresponding to the non-variable region, that is, the region outside the variable region. The reference image generation section 380 ends the generation process of the reference image (returns) after generating the reference image of the non-variable region.

[0134] On the other hand, the reference image generation section 380 ends the generation process of the reference image (image checking) (end) in the case where the checking mode is not the 2nd checking mode (step S203: "No"). ​

[0135] Thus, in Figure 6 the processing of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 12 and the subroutine flowchart illustrated in Fig. 13, the reference image generation section 380 generates the reference image with respect to the variable region and the non-variable region of each page of each copy, i.e., all regions of the printed page, and performs the inspection of the inspection image in the case where the inspection mode is the first inspection mode. In addition, the reference image generation section 380 generates the reference image with respect to the non-variable region of each page of each copy and performs the inspection of the inspection image with respect to the non-variable region in the case where the inspection mode is the second inspection mode. Figure 9

[0136] The image inspection apparatus, the image inspection method, and the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to the above-described embodiments have the following effects.

[0137] With respect to the image of the page including the variable region and the non-variable region, the reference image for comparison with the inspection image is generated, so the inspection can be performed not only with respect to the non-variable region but also with respect to the variable region. Thus, the image defect can be detected not only in the non-variable region but also in the variable region in the case where the image defect is present in the variable region.

[0138] In addition, the image of the non-variable region is common in all copies of the original image, so with respect to the non-variable region, one reference image common in all copies is sufficient. On the other hand, the image of the variable region is different for each copy, so a different reference image needs to be generated for each copy.

[0139] As described above, the image inspection apparatus, the image inspection method, and the computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to the above-described embodiments have been described. However, it is obvious for those skilled in the art that the present application can be appropriately added, modified, and omitted within the scope of the technical idea thereof.

[0140] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the case where the original image is generated based on the print job has been described, but the present application is not limited to such a case. The image formation section 330 can also be configured to have an image reading device 333 (refer to Fig. 14) that reads an original prepared by a user, and generate the original image based on the image generated by the image reading device 333 reading the original. The image reading device 333 reads the original conveyed to a predetermined reading position by an automatic original conveyance device, for example, using a scanner, and generates image data. Figure 1

[0141] ​​In addition, the image inspection program can be provided through a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, or the like, or can be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded in the computer-readable recording medium is generally transferred to a memory, a storage device, or the like and stored. In addition, the inspection program can be provided as a separate application software or can be incorporated into the software of each device as a function of a server, for example.

[0142] In addition, a part or all of the processing performed by the inspection program in the embodiments can be executed by hardware such as a circuit.

[0143] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0144] 100: printing system; 200: client terminal; 300: image forming system; 310: control section; 311: image control CPU; 312: DRAM control IC; 313: memory; 314: image memory (DRAM); 315: compression / decompression IC; 316: reading processing section; 317: writing processing section; 318: storage section; 320: print controller section; 321: controller control section; 322: reference image generation control section; 323: DRAM control IC; 324: image memory (DRAM); 325: communication control section; 326: communication I / F; 330: image forming section; 331: printer control section; 332: exposure section; 333: image reading device; 340: image reading section; 341: scanner; 342: scanner control section; 350: image inspection section; 351: image inspection control section; 355: comparison section; 356: comparison control section; 360: operation display section; 361: LCD / touch sensor; 362: operation control section; 370: paper feeding section; 380: reference image generation section; 390: storage device; 400: communication line.

Claims

1. An image inspection device comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data; a reference image generating unit that generates, based on the image data, a reference image used in inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; as well as an image inspection unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; The reference image generating unit generates a reference image for comparison with the read image inspected by the image inspecting unit, based on an image of a page including a non-variable area where the image forming unit forms the same image on a plurality of pages and a variable area where a different image is formed for each page.

2. The image inspection device according to claim 1, wherein The reference image generating unit generates the reference image for each page.

3. The image inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The image inspection unit performs the same type of inspection on the variable region and the non-variable region included in the image.

4. The image inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The image inspection apparatus further includes a control unit that controls, with respect to the variable area, execution of a first inspection mode in which inspection is performed by the image inspection unit and execution of a second inspection mode in which inspection is not performed by the image inspection unit. The control unit causes the reference image generation unit to generate the reference image with respect to the image of the non-variable region. When the first inspection mode is executed, the control unit causes the reference image generator to generate the reference image with respect to the image of the variable region. When the second inspection mode is executed, the control unit causes the reference image generator not to generate the reference image with respect to the image of the variable region.

5. The image inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The image inspection device further includes a comparison unit that compares information on the image formed with information obtained from the read image with respect to the variable region. The variable region is inspected by the image inspecting section and compared by the comparing section.

6. The image inspection device according to claim 5, wherein: In the variable area, the inspection process performed by the image inspection section and the comparison process performed by the comparison section are performed in parallel.

7. The image inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The image inspection device further includes a control unit that executes in parallel: A reference image generating step includes generating a reference image by the reference image generating unit; and The inspection step includes forming the image on a recording medium by the image forming section, and inspecting a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image inspection section.

8. An image inspection method comprising: Step a, forming an image on a recording medium according to image data; Step b, generating a reference image for use in inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; as well as Step c, checking the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, In step b, a reference image for comparison with the read image checked in step c is generated for an image of a page including a non-variable area in which the same image is formed on multiple pages in step a and a variable area in which a different image is formed for each page.

9. The image inspection method according to claim 8, wherein: In the step b, the reference image is generated for each page.

10. The image inspection method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: In the step c, the same type of inspection is performed on the variable area and the non-variable area included in the image.

11. The image inspection method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The image inspection method further comprises a step d, in which, with respect to the variable area, execution of a first inspection mode in which the inspection performed in the step c is performed and execution of a second inspection mode in which the inspection performed in the step c is not performed are controlled. In said step d, In step b, the reference image is generated based on the image of the non-variable area. When the first inspection mode is executed, the reference image is generated in step b with respect to the image of the variable region. When the second inspection mode is executed, the reference image is not generated for the image of the variable region in step b.

12. The image inspection method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The image inspection method further comprises a step e of comparing the information of the image formed on the variable region with the information obtained by reading the image. Regarding the variable region, the inspection in step c and the alignment performed in step e are performed.

13. The image inspection apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: In the variable region, the inspection process performed in step c and the comparison process performed in step e are performed in parallel.

14. The image inspection method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The image inspection method further comprises a step f, in which the following are performed in parallel: A reference image generation process, comprising generating a reference image in step b; and The inspection step includes forming the image on a recording medium in step a, and inspecting a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image is formed in step c.

15. A computer-readable recording medium storing an image inspection program, the image inspection program being configured to cause a computer to execute a process comprising: Process a, forming an image on a recording medium according to image data; Step b: generating a reference image for use in inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the image data; as well as Step c: checking the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image. In the process b, a reference image for comparison with the read image checked in the process c is generated for the image of the page including the non-variable area in which the same image is formed on multiple pages in the process a and the variable area in which a different image is formed for each page.

16. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 15, wherein: In the process b, the reference image is generated for each page.

17. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: In the process c, the same type of inspection is performed on the variable area and the non-variable area included in the image.

18. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The processing further includes a step d in which, with respect to the variable region, execution of a first inspection mode in which the inspection performed by the step c is performed and execution of a second inspection mode in which the inspection performed by the step c is not performed are controlled. In the process d, generating the reference image with respect to the image of the non-variable region in the process b; When the first inspection mode is executed, the reference image is generated based on the image of the variable area in the process b. When the second inspection mode is executed, the reference image is not generated for the image of the variable region in the process b.

19. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The processing further includes a step e in which, regarding the variable region, information on the image is compared with information obtained from the read image. Regarding the variable region, the inspection in the process c and the alignment performed by the process e were performed.

20. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 19, wherein: In the variable region, the inspection process performed in the process c and the comparison process performed in the process e are performed in parallel.

21. The computer-readable recording medium storing the image inspection program according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The process further comprises a process f in which the following are carried out in parallel: A reference image generation step, comprising generating a reference image by the process b); as well as The inspection step includes forming the image on a recording medium in the process a and inspecting a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image is formed in the process c.

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