Image formation apparatus, inspection apparatus, inspection system and inspection method

Abstract

To solve such a problem that the size of a generated correct answer image and the size of a scan image of a printed matter in which print data is printed on a printing region do not necessarily match with each other because the scan image includes a non-printing region, and the inspection is not acceptable due to size mismatch.SOLUTION: An inspection apparatus which inspects a printed matter printed on a recording sheet with an image formation apparatus comprises: acquisition means which acquires information on a non-printing region being a region of the recording sheet in which an image is not printed with the image formation apparatus; reception means which receives the image; processing means which processes the image on the basis of the information of the non-printing region; registration means which registers the image processed by the processing means as a correct answer image; and inspection means which performs an inspection on the basis of the correct answer image when acquiring the scan image obtained by scanning the printed matter in which the image is printed on the recording sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an inspection apparatus, an inspection system, and an inspection method. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, print inspection has been done manually, but in recent years, devices that perform inspection automatically have been used as post-processing for printing machines. In such inspection devices, first, the correct image data is registered. Next, the input image data is printed out on paper by an image forming device, and the data printed out on the paper is read by an image reading device configured inside the inspection device. Using an inspection PC capable of real-time processing, the scanned image data read by the image reading device is compared with the correct image data initially registered to detect abnormal images in the print, thereby automatically inspecting the print.

[0003] In the cited document 1, there is a method in which image data obtained by converting print data through RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing in an inspection system is regarded as correct image data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-134401 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the method of Cited Document 1, the size of the generated correct image and the size of the scanned image of the printed matter with the print data printed in the printing area do not necessarily match because the scanned image includes non-printed areas, and there is a problem that the size mismatch will result in the inspection failing.

[0006] For example, the image obtained by RIP processing of print data is image data generated corresponding to the area to be printed within the size of the printing paper. On the other hand, the printed matter produced by printing image data with a printer includes not only the area to be printed but also the margins, which are the areas not printed by the printer. The image of the inspection object obtained by scanning the printed matter is the image data of the entire paper including the margins. Thus, there is a problem that the size of the image data of the inspection object read does not match the size of the image data obtained by RIP processing.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least some of the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to enable print image inspection by matching the size of image data obtained by RIP processing with that of image data acquired by scanning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inspection device inspects a printed matter printed on a recording sheet by an image forming device, and is characterized by having an acquisition means for acquiring information about non-printed areas, which are areas of the recording sheet on which an image is not printed by the image forming device, a receiving means for receiving an image, a processing means for processing the image based on the information about the non-printed areas, a registration means for registering the image processed by the processing means as a correct image, and an inspection means for performing an inspection based on the correct image when a scanned image of the printed matter on which an image is printed on the recording sheet is acquired. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, print image inspection is made possible by carrying out processing for matching the size of image data obtained by RIP processing with that of image data acquired by scanning. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 is an internal configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] (a) is a sequence diagram of the correct image registration process in this embodiment; (b) is a flow diagram of the correct image registration process in this embodiment; [Figure 4] A sequence diagram of an inspection process according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] Example of UI screen regarding inspection settings in this embodiment [Figure 6] Example of a UI screen for print settings in the first embodiment [Figure 7] Example of a correspondence table between paper sizes and scanned image sizes in this embodiment [Figure 8] Example of a UI screen for print settings in the second embodiment [Figure 9] Example of weighting coefficient table for placement setting in this embodiment [Figure 10] 1 is an example of a UI screen for setting RIP files according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] An example of a process overview related to size matching processing in this embodiment [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an inspection system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] (a) is a sequence diagram of a process for registering a correct image in the third embodiment; (b) is a flow diagram of a process for registering a correct image in the third embodiment; [Figure 14] Example of process overview related to size matching process in embodiment 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0012] First embodiment 1 is a diagram showing an overall system configuration including an inspection function according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system is composed of an image forming apparatus 100, an inspection PC (inspection apparatus) 110, a client PC 120, a printer server (image processing apparatus) 140, a network 150, and a communication cable 160.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 performs print output based on various input data, for example, print data sent from a client PC 120 or a printer server 140. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image processing unit 101, an inspection unit 102, and a finisher 103, and is connected to the image processing unit 101, the inspection unit 102, and the finisher 103 via a communication cable, which is an internal bus.

[0014] The image processing unit 101 performs image processing on various input data in accordance with print settings, and outputs the processed images as printouts.

[0015] The inspection unit 102 receives the printed matter output from the image processing unit 101 and acquires image data by reading the printed matter. The acquired image data is transferred to an inspection PC 110 (described later) via a communication cable 160, and the inspection PC 110 inspects whether or not there is an abnormal image in the printed matter. The inspection unit 102 then acquires the inspection result from the inspection PC 110.

[0016] The finisher 103 receives the output paper inspected by the inspection unit 102, and switches the paper discharge destination based on the inspection result of the inspection PC 110, and performs post-processing (bookbinding, etc.) as necessary.

[0017] Image forming apparatus 100 is connected to inspection PC 110, client PC 120, and printer server 140 via network 150. Then, image forming apparatus 100 is connected to inspection PC 110 via communication cable 160, and communicates image data and inspection results during inspection. In this embodiment, inspection is performed by inspection PC 110, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and an in-line inspection machine that performs image formation, inspection, post-processing, and paper discharge in an integrated manner may also be used. The detailed configuration of image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0018] The inspection PC 110 is a PC for inspecting images read from printed matter using the inspection unit 102. The inspection PC inspects printed matter by determining whether the image data received from the inspection unit is an abnormal image. Here, an abnormal image is one that reduces the quality of printed matter. For example, this refers to a round abnormal image (dot) that occurs when color material adheres to unintended places during printing, or a color loss or linear abnormal image (streak) that occurs when not enough color material adheres to intended places.

[0019] The inspection PC 110 includes a device control unit 111 and a user interface 118 (hereinafter referred to as a UI unit). Furthermore, the device control unit 111 is configured from a controller board, and a CPU 112, a RAM 113, a ROM 114, a communication I / F unit 115, a storage unit 116, an inspection processing unit 117, and an image processing unit 119 are implemented on the device control unit. In this embodiment, it is assumed that communication between the modules is performed via an internal system bus (not shown).

[0020] The CPU 112 reads out a main program from the storage unit 116 according to an initial program in the storage unit 116 and stores it in the RAM 113. The RAM 113 is used as a main memory for storing programs and for working. The ROM 114 is used to temporarily store data created during program processing. The communication I / F unit 115 is used when communicating via the network 150 or the communication cable 160. The storage unit 116 is used to store large amounts of data such as program data and image data. The inspection processing unit 117 calculates a difference value between a correct image stored in the RAM 113 as a correct image and a scanned image to be inspected in order to inspect whether or not there is an abnormal image such as a stain or a color loss in the image data acquired by the inspection unit 102. Next, the inspection processing unit 117 performs inspection by comparing the calculated difference value with the inspection threshold value (contrast and size) of each inspection item for each pixel. The results of the inspection are stored in the RAM 113, and include, for example, information on whether or not there is an abnormal image in the printout, and position information of the abnormal image when the type of detected abnormal image (such as a dot or a streak) is displayed on the UI section 118. The inspection results are then transmitted to the inspection unit 102 via the communication cable 160. The image processing section 119 performs processing required for inspecting the image on the image data stored in the RAM 113. For example, this includes a trimming process for cutting out the image to adjust the image size, and a process for adding white pixels to increase the image size.

[0021] The UI unit 118 is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and other input / output devices, and is a device that allows various setting values ​​or designated values ​​to be input.

[0022] The client PC 120 is connected to the inspection PC 110 and the printer server 140 via a network 150, and includes a device control unit 121 and a UI unit 128. The client PC 120 is a client PC for operating the inspection PC 110 and the printer server 140. The device control unit 121 is further configured from a controller board, and a CPU 122, a RAM 123, a ROM 124, a communication I / F unit 125, and a storage unit 126 are implemented on the device control unit. The roles of the devices inside the client PC 120 are the same as those of the inspection PC 110, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] Printer server 140 is a server that not only performs RIP processing for printing print data and document data, but also controls printing by image forming device 110 and manages print jobs, and includes device control unit 141 and user interface 148. Furthermore, device control unit 141 is configured from a controller board, and CPU 142, RAM 143, ROM 144, communication I / F unit 145, storage unit 146, and image processing unit 147 are implemented on the device control unit. Note that the role of each device inside printer server 140 is similar to that of inspection PC 110 except for image processing unit 137, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] The image processing unit 147 performs RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing on print data and document data sent from the client PC 120 in order to print them according to the print settings, and converts them into bitmapped image data. Here, in this embodiment, the image data generated by the RIP processing is referred to as a RIP image or RIP data. Specifically, the RIP processing for printing refers to processing for trimming the image data and adding white pixels in accordance with the print paper size set in the print settings, and processing for generating an image without lowering the resolution of 600 dpi. In addition, the image processing unit 147 also performs RIP processing to generate an inspection-correct image to be registered in the inspection PC.

[0025] The above is a description of the overall system configuration including the inspection device in the embodiment of the present invention. Note that the image forming device 100, the inspection PC 110, the client PC 120, and the printer server 140 can communicate with each other via the network 150. This is not limited to the present embodiment, and may be realized in a form in which each device is connected to another device via a network.

[0026] [Image forming device configuration] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image processing unit 101, an inspection unit 102, and a finisher 103. The image processing unit 101 further includes an apparatus control unit 200, a printer unit 210, a scanner unit 220, a user interface unit (UI unit) 230, and a paper feed unit 250.

[0028] The device control unit 200 receives images and documents from the network 150 and converts them into print data. The device control unit 200 is equipped with a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a storage unit 203, a communication I / F unit 204, a ROM 205, and an image processing unit 206. The role of each device is the same as that of the printer server 140, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] The image processing unit 206 acquires the PDL data stored in the RAM 202 and performs image processing to convert it into print data. The image processing to convert it into print data means, for example, converting the PDL data into multi-value bitmap data by performing RIP processing on the PDL data, and then converting it into binary bitmap data by performing pseudo-halftone processing such as screen processing. The binary bitmap data acquired by the image processing unit 206 is transmitted to the printer unit 210 via the communication I / F unit 204.

[0030] The printer unit 210 conveys paper from the paper feed unit 250, receives binary bitmap data generated by the device control unit 200, and prints on the paper using color materials. At this time, an instruction is issued to the printer unit 210 based on the print settings specified by the user. For example, in the case of a print setting using coated paper, the CPU 211 issues an instruction to print using a paper cassette (not shown) in the paper feed unit 250 in which coated paper is stored. Various processes from the reception of the above-mentioned PDL data to printing on the paper are controlled by the device control unit 200 and the printer unit 210, and a full-color toner image is formed on the paper. The printer unit 210 is equipped with a CPU 211, a RAM 212, a communication I / F unit 214, and a ROM 215. The role of each device is the same as that of the device control unit 200, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0031] The scanner unit 220 is a device for illuminating an original image with a light source (not shown), reading the original reflected image through a lens and obtaining a read signal from a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or the like as multi-value image data of red, green, and blue.

[0032] The UI unit 230 is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and other input / output devices, and is a device that can input various setting values ​​or designated values.

[0033] The paper feed unit 250 has one or more cassettes for setting paper to be printed, and is a device for feeding paper from a cassette corresponding to the paper size specified in the print settings and transporting the paper to the printer unit 210.

[0034] The inspection unit 102 includes a device control unit 260 and an image reading unit 270 .

[0035] The image reading unit 270 is an image reading unit that reads a printed matter conveyed from the image processing unit 101. It is a device for illuminating a printed matter, i.e., an original, with a light source (not shown), and obtaining read information obtained from a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a reflected image of the original through a 1:1 combination lens as multi-value image data of red, green, and blue. The image reading unit 270 in this embodiment is not limited to a CIS sensor, and may obtain image data using a CCD sensor.

[0036] The device control unit 260 controls the transfer of image data acquired by the image reading unit 270 to the inspection PC 110 (described later) via the communication cable 160. The transferred image data is then inspected on the inspection PC 110 to determine whether or not there is an abnormal image in the printed matter, and the inspection results are acquired from the inspection PC and transmitted to the finisher 103. The device control unit 260 is equipped with a CPU 261, a RAM 262, a communication I / F unit 264, and a ROM 265. The role of each device is the same as that of the device control unit 200, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0037] The finisher 103 includes a device control unit 280 and a paper discharge unit 290 .

[0038] The device control unit 280 takes into consideration the print settings and the inspection results and determines the paper discharge control to be performed by the paper discharge unit 290. The device control unit 280 is equipped with a CPU 281, a RAM 282, a communication I / F unit 284, and a ROM 285. The role of each device is the same as that of the device control unit 200, so the description will be omitted.

[0039] The paper discharge section 290 is a device for switching the discharge destination of the printed matter conveyed from the inspection unit 102 based on the post-processing (e.g., bookbinding) and inspection results according to the print settings. For example, when switching the discharge destination depending on whether or not the printed matter contains an abnormal image, the finisher 103 discharges printed matter that does not contain an abnormal image to a normal discharge tray using the inspection results received from the inspection unit 102. Also, it discharges printed matter that contains an abnormal image to a tray other than the normal discharge tray.

[0040] The above is a description of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and is not limited to the configuration as long as it is possible to print print data and read an image for inspecting whether or not there is an abnormal image in the printed matter.

[0041] [Inspection system overview] Here, an overview of the inspection system in this embodiment will be described.

[0042] First, when a user configures print settings for a job to be inspected from client PC 120, a correct image is registered in inspection PC 110. The correct image here is an image that has undergone RIP processing on a server specialized in image processing, and is an image that serves as a reference for inspection. Once registration of the correct image is complete, inspection settings are made for the correct image on the inspection PC. In the inspection settings, the area to be inspected and the level of dirt to be detected are set. This is a simple flow of the correct image registration process.

[0043] After the registration of the correct image is completed, the inspection is performed. When a print command is received from the client PC, the manuscript data is RIP-processed on a server specialized in image processing, and is printed on a recording sheet by the image processing unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100. The printed matter is transported from the image processing unit 101 to the finisher via the inspection unit 102. During transport, the print is scanned by the inspection unit 102 and becomes a scanned image, which is sent from the image forming apparatus 100 to the inspection PC. The inspection PC compares the scanned image with the correct image registered in advance and judges whether the inspection is OK or not. The judgment result is made before the print is transported to the finisher, and prints that are NG are discharged separately from prints that are OK.

[0044] Here, the image processing device that performs the RIP process when registering the correct image and the image processing device that performs the RIP process when printing may be the same or different image processing devices. The case where they are the same will be described in embodiment 1, and the case where they are different will be described in embodiment 3.

[0045] [Inspection system correct image processing flow] 3(a) is a diagram showing a process flow for a user to register a correct image before inspection in the inspection system. In this flow, image data is generated by RIP processing the print data in the printer server 140, and the generated image data is arranged in the printing order for inspection. By executing these flows, the registration work of the correct image and inspection settings performed before inspecting the printed matter is completed.

[0046] 3A, the client PC 120, the printer server 140, the inspection PC 110, and the image forming apparatus 100 execute the processes described below upon receiving an instruction from the user 301. The client PC 120 executes this process upon receiving an instruction from the user to start registering a correct image.

[0047] At this time, the processing of the inspection PC 110 is executed by loading the program code stored in the storage unit 116 into the RAM 113 and controlling the device control unit 111 by the CPU 112. The processing of the client PC 120 is executed by loading the program code stored in the storage unit 126 into the RAM 123 and controlling the device control unit 121 by the CPU 122. The processing of the image forming apparatus 100 is executed by loading the program code stored in the storage unit 203 into the RAM 202 and controlling the device control unit 200 by the CPU 201.

[0048] First, in SQ311, the client PC 120 accepts print setting instructions from the user according to the screen shown in Fig. 6. The print setting information acquired here is used not only for registering the correct image described in this flow, but also for the print processing that is the target of the actual inspection processing.

[0049] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a UI for setting print information. A UI 600 in FIG. 6 is used to input print settings related to the inspection process, and is a UI screen displayed on the UI unit 128 of the client PC 120.

[0050] A list box 601 is a list box selected by the user when setting the paper size to be used for printing and inspection. In this embodiment, the paper that can be selected includes standard size paper within the range of paper sizes printable by the image forming apparatus 100, and non-standard size paper that can be specified by the user. When a non-standard size paper is selected, the vertical and horizontal sizes are input separately.

[0051] A radio button 602 is pressed by the user to select either double-sided or single-sided printing.

[0052] A text box 603 is a text box where the user can input the total number of pages of the manuscript data. The number set in the text box 603 is used as the number of pages to be printed, and the processing from SQ327 to SQ328 described below is repeated. Note that the text box 603 may be configured to be automatically input.

[0053] A button 604 is pressed by the user when saving the set setting values. A button 605 is pressed by the user when canceling the print setting. When the user presses the button 605, the information being set is discarded.

[0054] This concludes the description of the UI for print settings.

[0055] Next, in SQ312, the client PC 120 notifies the inspection PC 110 of the paper size set in SQ311.

[0056] In SQ313, the inspection PC 110 inquires of the image forming device 100 about the size of the scanned image data corresponding to the set paper size. Here, the size of the scanned image refers to the size of the scanned image generated by reading the printed matter with the image forming device when the later inspection is performed.

[0057] Next, in SQ314, image forming apparatus 100 obtains a paper size correspondence table for obtaining the size of the scanned image data.

[0058] FIG. 7 is an example of a correspondence table between paper size and scan image size in this embodiment. The paper size correspondence table is a table obtained from the storage unit 203 by the device control unit 200 when size information of scan image data is received in SQ313. The paper size correspondence table is stored in at least one of the storage unit 203 of the image forming device 100 and the storage unit 116 of the inspection PC 110. FIG. 7 is a Look Up Table (hereinafter, LUT) that indicates the relationship between the number of pixels in the main scanning direction and the number of pixels in the sub-scanning direction of the scan image size corresponding to the input, with the input being the set paper size. Note that the scan image size is the size from the top to the bottom of the paper read by the image reading unit 270. For example, the scan image data of the print setting paper size A5 is used to convert into scan image data with 4961 pix in the main scanning direction and 3496 pix in the sub-scanning direction.

[0059] Next, in SQ315, image forming apparatus 100 uses the image size correspondence table acquired in SQ314 to determine the size of the printout, that is, the scanned image size, from the paper size designated by the user.

[0060] Here, if the paper size set in SQ311 is non-standard, a predetermined number of pixels to be added to the number of pixels in the main scanning direction and the number of pixels in the sub-scanning direction is stored in advance, and the number of pixels added to the number of pixels is calculated as the scanned image size. This is not limited to this embodiment, and any method can be used as long as it can calculate the scanned image size from the set paper size. Note that the size of the printed matter in this embodiment is based on the size when the resolution is 600 dpi, but if the resolution is other than 600 dpi or the resolution in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction are different, the number of pixels corresponding to the resolution is used, so this is not limited to this embodiment.

[0061] Next, in SQ316, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires information on the non-printed area that is not printed in the paper area during printing. It is assumed that the length and number of pixels in the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction of the non-printed area of ​​the image forming apparatus 100 are preset, and the settings are stored in the storage unit 203. It is assumed that the resolution of the number of pixels outside the paper area in this embodiment is the number of pixels at 600 dpi, but if the resolution is other than 600 dpi or if the resolution in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction are different, the number of pixels is equivalent to the resolution. In this embodiment, the length of the non-printed area is set to a uniform length regardless of the paper size or print settings, but it is assumed that the length of the non-printed area may be set according to the paper size or print settings.

[0062] Next, in SQ317, the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the inspection PC 110 of the scanned image size calculated in SQ315 and the information on the non-printing area acquired in SQ316.

[0063] Next, in SQ318, the inspection PC 110 stores the paper size of the printed matter notified in SQ317 as the scanned image size, and also stores the non-printed area information. Here, the stored scanned image size and non-printed area information are used for size comparison and size adjustment processing in SQ329 and SQ330 described later. Here, in this embodiment, it is described that the scanned image size and non-printed area information are obtained from the image forming apparatus 100 every time a correct image is registered, but this is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the inspection PC 110 to register in advance a correspondence table equivalent to FIG. 7 and information on the non-printed area specific to the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the steps of SQ313 to SQ317 are not taken, and in SQ318, the scanned image size and non-printed area information corresponding to the paper size information notified in SQ312 are obtained.

[0064] Next, in SQ319, the inspection PC 110 notifies the client PC 120 that the acquisition and setting of the scanned image size is complete.

[0065] Next, in SQ320, client PC 120 commands printer server 140 to execute a process for registering a correct image. Specifically, the command is to create RIP data from the manuscript data and transfer the data to inspection PC 110. In this embodiment, the manuscript data that is the source data for creating the RIP data is transmitted from client PC 120 to printer server 140 at this time.

[0066] Next, in SQ321, the printer server 140 sets the file to be generated in the RIP process.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI for setting information related to a page of document data to be RIP-processed, and is a UI screen displayed on the UI unit 138 of the printer server 140. As shown in FIG.

[0068] A text box 1001 is a text box for setting the path of a folder that is the output destination of the generated RIP data. In this embodiment, it is assumed that data is directly input into the text box 1001 using a keyboard or the like, but a method in which a dialog box is displayed and the output destination folder is selected may also be used. Also, as in this embodiment, an external folder other than the inspection RIP server, such as the inspection PC 110, may be set as the output destination.

[0069] Button 1002 is a button that indicates that settings related to the output of RIP data files have been completed. When the user presses button 1002, the setting values ​​set on screen 1000 are saved. Button 1003 is a button that is pressed by the user when the user wishes to interrupt settings related to the file output of RIP data. When the user presses button 1003, the information being set is discarded and the process ends.

[0070] The above is a description of the UI for setting information related to the file generated in the RIP process in this embodiment.

[0071] Next, in SQ322, the printer server 140 commands the inspection PC 110 to execute preparations for accepting RIP data transferred from the client PC. At that time, the printer server 140 transmits to the inspection PC 110 the setting of the order rule for files generated by the RIP process set in SQ321.

[0072] Next, in SQ323, the inspection PC 110 activates the hot folder that is to be monitored for the RIP file output destination setting set in SQ321. In this embodiment, the setting in the text box 1001 is the RIP file output destination setting. The inspection PC 110 checks whether a file transfer event has occurred for the hot folder that is to be monitored, and executes the process of SQ329, which will be described later, as soon as the RIP data transfer is completed.

[0073] Next, in SQ326, the inspection PC 110 notifies the printer server 140 that the series of operations for accepting the RIP data has been completed.

[0074] Next, in SQ327, printer server 140 performs RIP processing on each page according to the document data received from client PC 120 in SQ320 and the information related to the print settings set in SQ311, and generates RIP data. The RIP processing performed here is the same as the RIP processing performed in SQ411, which will be described later.

[0075] Next, in SQ328, the printer server 140 transfers the RIP data generated in SQ327 one page at a time as soon as it is generated to the hot folder to be monitored by the inspection PC 110. Then, SQ327 and SQ328 are processed repeatedly for the number of print pages of the manuscript data.

[0076] In this embodiment, if different RIP data is transferred during repeated processing, it is used for subsequent processing of the last received RIP data, but any of the duplicated files may be used. Also, if RIP data is received that has a different vertical and horizontal size of image data or a different file name compared to the initially received RIP data, that data is not accepted. If the vertical and horizontal sizes of image data or file names are different, there is a possibility that different original data have been mixed and RIP processed. By not processing RIP data of different formats, it is possible to prevent different original data from being mixed and inspected.

[0077] Next, in SQ329, the inspection PC 110 performs size comparison in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction using the size of the RIP data transferred up to SQ328, the scan size for the paper size acquired in SQ317, and the number of pixels of the non-printing area. Specifically, in the main scanning direction, the difference value of the total number of pixels of the non-printing area is calculated from the size of the scanned image in the main scanning direction, and the size of the area printed in the scanned image in the main scanning direction is obtained. Next, the calculated size of the area printed in the scanned image is compared with the number of pixels in the main scanning direction of the RIP data. Similarly, in the sub-scanning direction, the difference value of the total number of pixels of the non-printing area is calculated from the size of the scanned image in the sub-scanning direction, and the size of the area printed in the scanned image in the sub-scanning direction is obtained. Next, the calculated size of the area printed in the scanned image is compared with the number of pixels in the sub-scanning direction of the RIP data.

[0078] Next, in SQ331, the image processing unit 119 of the inspection PC 110 performs imposition processing on the RIP data that has been sized in SQ330. The imposition processing in this embodiment refers to switching the print order of the RIP data and performing rotation processing according to the printing finishing method.

[0079] Next, in SQ332, the image processing unit 119 of the inspection PC 110 generates a correct image by adding white pixels to the RIP data imposed in SQ331 based on the non-printing area information acquired in SQ316.

[0080] 11C is a diagram showing an example in which white pixels are added in the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction to generate correct image data 1105 from RIP data 1106 after imposition processing. Based on the non-printing area information acquired in SQ316, h5, h6, w5, and w6 are set, and white pixels are added in the top, bottom, left, and right directions.

[0081] As a result, the correct image data generated by SQ332 will be the same size as the scanned image data.

[0082] Next, in SQ333, the inspection PC 110 generates a correct image from the RIP data up to SQ332, and notifies the printer server 140 that registration is complete. Next, in SQ334, the printer server 140 receives the notification of SQ333, generates a correct image, and notifies the client PC 120 that registration is complete.

[0083] Next, in SQ340, the client PC 120 instructs the inspection PC 110 to set up inspection for carrying out inspection.

[0084] Next, in SQ341, the inspection PC 110 sets various inspection parameters such as the inspection area, inspection level, etc., in accordance with the user's inspection settings. Note that a detailed UI for setting the inspection in SQ341 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0085] Next, in SQ342, the inspection PC 110 ends the inspection settings made in SQ341, saves various inspection parameters such as the inspection area and inspection level, and prepares for inspection.

[0086] Next, in SQ343, the inspection PC 110 notifies the client PC 120 that the inspection settings have been completed. This notifies the user that the series of operations of registering the correct image and the inspection settings has been completed.

[0087] The above is an explanation of the process flow for registering a correct image and inspection settings before inspection in this embodiment.

[0088] Next, an example of a UI for test settings in SQ341 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0089] UI500 in Fig. 5 is a UI screen displayed on the UI unit 118 of the inspection PC 110 at the timing of inspection setting in SQ344. Button 502 is an inspection area selection button that is pressed by the user when wanting to change setting information for an area that has already been set. Button 503 is a button for rotating the image displayed in page preview 508. Page preview 508 is a display screen that displays the correct image imposed in SQ332.

[0090] Button 504 is a button that is pressed by the user when setting the area for print image inspection. The method for setting the area for print image inspection in this embodiment is as follows: First, the user operates button 504 to press the area setting for print image inspection. Next, the user operates to specify the area in page preview 508 where the print image inspection is to be performed, and inspection PC 110 sets the corresponding specified area as print image inspection area 509. The print image inspection area is an inspection area for detecting abnormal images in printed matter.

[0091] UI505 is a group of UIs for setting the level of abnormal images to be detected when performing print image inspection, and sets the detection items and their detection levels for detecting abnormal images in print image inspection. The detection items in print image inspection are items related to the features of abnormal images to be detected when inspecting printed matter, such as round-shaped abnormal images (dots) and linear abnormal images (streaks). The detection level is a parameter set in stages for determining the size of each feature of the detected abnormal image to be an abnormal image. For example, there are five levels from level 1 to level 5, and level 5 can detect thinner and smaller abnormal images than level 1. In addition, a level can be set for each inspection item, such as inspection level 5 for dots and inspection level 4 for streaks. UI505 shows that the user has selected level 4 for the inspection level setting of abnormal images (dots) and level 4 for the inspection level setting of abnormal images (streaks).

[0092] Button 506 is a button for saving the test settings of SQ342 when all test settings are completed. Button 507 is a button for interrupting the test settings, and when the user presses button 507, the information being set is discarded and the test settings are terminated.

[0093] This concludes the description of the UI for the test settings in SQ341 in this embodiment. Note that even after the test settings in Fig. 5 are completed, the user can call up the UI to make adjustments again.

[0094] [Inspection PC correct image registration process flow] FIG. 3B is a flowchart of a registration process of a correct image focusing on the inspection PC 110 in the registration flow of a correct image of the inspection system in FIG.

[0095] At this time, the processing of the inspection PC 110 is executed by the program code stored in the storage unit 116 being loaded into the RAM 113 and controlled by the device control unit 111 under the control of the CPU 112 .

[0096] First, in step S3001, the inspection PC 110 acquires information on the scan image size and non-print area. The information may be received from the image forming apparatus 100, or may be acquired from the paper size information based on the correspondence table shown in FIG.

[0097] Next, in step S3002, the inspection PC 110 receives the RIP data. The RIP data is an original that has been RIP-processed by the inspection RIP server 130 or the printer server 140.

[0098] Next, in step S3003, the inspection PC 110 compares the size in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction using the size of the RIP data received in step S3002 and the scan size and non-printing area information acquired in step S3001.

[0099] Next, in step S3004, the inspection PC 110 compares the size of the RIP data in the main scanning direction compared in step S3003 with the size of the scanned image data in the main scanning direction. If it is determined that the RIP data is larger, the process proceeds to step S3005, where the image processing unit 119 of the inspection PC 110 performs a trimming process on the RIP data in the main scanning direction. Details of the trimming are the same as those described in SQ329, so they will not be described here. If it is determined in step S3004 that the RIP data is smaller, the process proceeds to step S3006, where the image processing unit 119 of the inspection PC 110 performs a white pixel addition process on the RIP data in the main scanning direction. Details of the white pixel addition process are the same as those described in SQ329, so they will not be described here.

[0100] Next, in step S307, the inspection PC 110 compares the size of the RIP data in the sub-scanning direction compared in step S3003 with the size of the scanned image data in the sub-scanning direction. If it is determined that the RIP data is larger, the process proceeds to step S3008, where the image processing unit 119 of the inspection PC 110 performs a trimming process on the RIP data in the sub-scanning direction. Details of the trimming are the same as those described in SQ329, so they will not be described here. If it is determined that the RIP data is smaller, the process proceeds to step S3009, where the image processing unit 119 of the inspection PC 110 performs a white pixel addition process on the RIP data in the sub-scanning direction. Details of the white pixel addition process are the same as those described in SQ329, so they will not be described here.

[0101] Next, in step S3010, the image processing unit 119 of the inspection PC 110 generates a correct image by adding white pixels to the RIP data based on the non-printing area information acquired in step S3001. Note that imposition processing is performed before and after adding white pixels to the RIP data in S3010.

[0102] Next, in step S3011, the inspection PC 110 stores the trimmed and white pixel added RIP data in the storage unit 116 as a correct image.

[0103] The above is the registration process of the correct image performed by the inspection PC 110 in this embodiment.

[0104] [Inspection system inspection execution flow] Fig. 4 shows a process flow for executing an inspection in the inspection system. The process for executing the inspection is performed when the registration process of the correct image explained in Fig. 3 is completed. This flow is a process flow for the inspection PC 110 to inspect whether or not there are defects such as scratches or stains on the printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus 100. In this explanation, a scanned image with defects is referred to as an abnormal image.

[0105] 4, the client PC 120, the printer server 140, the inspection PC 110, and the image forming apparatus 100 execute the processes described below in response to commands from the user. The client PC 120 executes the processes in response to commands from the user to execute printing and inspection.

[0106] At this time, the processing of the inspection PC 110 is executed by loading the program code stored in the storage unit 116 into the RAM 113 and controlling the device control unit 111 by the CPU 112. The processing of the client PC 120 is executed by loading the program code stored in the storage unit 126 into the RAM 123 and controlling the device control unit 121 by the CPU 122. The processing of the printer server 140 is executed by loading the program code stored in the storage unit 146 into the RAM 143 and controlling the device control unit 141 by the CPU 142. The processing of the image forming apparatus 100 is executed by loading the program code stored in the storage unit 203 into the RAM 202 and controlling the device control unit 200 by the CPU 201.

[0107] First, in SQ401, the client PC 120 issues an inspection preparation command to the inspection PC 110. Note that the inspection settings used for the inspection are those set in SQ341.

[0108] Next, in SQ402, the client PC 120 acquires the correct image imposed in SQ329 and the inspection settings set in SQ341.

[0109] Next, in SQ403, the client PC 120 commands the image forming apparatus 100 to notify whether the device is in a state where printing and inspection are possible.

[0110] Next, in SQ404, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires the status of the image processing unit 101, the inspection device, and the finisher 103 to determine whether they are in a usable state and whether printing and inspection are possible.

[0111] Next, in SQ405, the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the inspection PC 110 as to whether the image forming apparatus 100 is in a state where printing and inspection are possible, as determined in SQ405.

[0112] Next, in SQ406, the inspection PC 110 notifies the client PC 120 that the preparation for executing the inspection is complete, based on the printing and inspection possible state notified in SQ405.

[0113] Next, in SQ410, client PC 120 commands printer server 140 to print using the document data and print settings designated by the user.

[0114] Next, in SQ411, the printer server 140 executes RIP processing using the document data transmitted in SQ410 and the print settings specified by the user. At this time, size adjustment processing such as trimming or adding white pixels is performed to adjust the size of the document data to the paper size specified by the user. Note that in this embodiment, the RIP processing of the document data is performed before the processing from SQ412 onwards.

[0115] Here, the RIP process performed in SQ411 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 shows an example of a process overview for adjusting document data to a paper size based on print settings implemented in the RIP process of the image processing unit 147 of the printer server 140 in this embodiment.

[0116] 11A is a diagram showing an outline of the process of performing trimming processing to fit a paper size 1102 when the size 1101 of the original data is larger than the paper size 1102. Trimming in the main scanning direction is performed by pixels of w1 and w2, and the trimming is performed evenly so that w1=w2, and similarly, trimming in the sub-scanning direction is performed by pixels of h1 and h2, and the trimming is performed evenly so that h1=h2. For example, the data to be trimmed may be set to A4 paper size, and the original size may have 7100 pixels in the main scanning direction and 5000 pixels in the sub-scanning direction.

[0117] 11B is a diagram showing an outline of the process of adding white pixels to fit the paper size 1102 when the document data size 1103 is smaller than the paper size 1102. White pixels are added in the main scanning direction by pixels w3 and w4, and white pixels are added evenly so that w3=w4, and similarly, white pixels are added in the sub-scanning direction by pixels h3 and h4, and white pixels are added evenly so that h3=h4.

[0118] For example, when the paper size is set to A4 and the document size is 7000 pixels in the main scanning direction and 4900 pixels in the sub-scanning direction, the data is subject to processing for adding white pixels.

[0119] In this embodiment, when trimming and adding white pixels are required for an odd number of pixels, adjustment is made to add one pixel in a predetermined direction.

[0120] The above is an overview of the size adjustment process performed by image processing unit 147 of printer server 140.

[0121] Next, in SQ412, the printer server 140 commands the image forming apparatus 100 to print using the RIP data generated in SQ411 and the print settings specified by the user.

[0122] Next, in SQ413, the printer unit 210 in the image forming apparatus 100 prints one page at a time according to the RIP data received in SQ412 and the print settings specified by the user.

[0123] Next, in SQ414, device control section 260 in image forming device 100 uses image reading section 270 to obtain scanned image data obtained by reading the printed matter printed in SQ413.

[0124] Next, in SQ415, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the scanned image data read in SQ414 to the inspection PC 110 via the communication cable 160.

[0125] Next, in SQ416, the inspection PC 110 uses the scanned image data received in SQ415, the imposed correct image read in SQ402, and the inspection settings to inspect whether or not there is an abnormal image in the scanned image data. At this time, not only information on whether or not there is an abnormal image in the printed matter, but also the type of abnormal image detected (poking or streaking) and the scanned image of the area near the area detected as abnormal or the entire page shall be saved.

[0126] Next, in SQ417, the inspection PC 110 notifies the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication cable 160 of the inspection result of SQ416.

[0127] Next, in SQ418, the image forming apparatus 100 switches the discharge destination of the finisher 103 based on the inspection results received in SQ417. For example, printed matter in which no abnormal image was detected is output to a tray of the finisher specified by the user, and printed matter in which an abnormal image was detected is output to a tray for abnormal images. Also, not limited to this embodiment, when an abnormal image is detected, reprinting may be performed automatically to recover from the abnormal image. By performing reprinting every time an abnormal image is detected, a set of printed matter output to the tray of the finisher that is free of abnormal images is completed.

[0128] If printing of all pages of the manuscript data has not been completed, the printing and inspection steps SQ413 to SQ418 are repeated until all pages have been printed.

[0129] Next, in SQ419, the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the printer server 140 that printing and inspection of all pages of the document data has been completed.

[0130] Next, in SQ420, the printer server 140 notifies the client PC 120 that printing and inspection of all pages of the manuscript data has been completed, thereby notifying the user that printing and inspection has been completed.

[0131] The above is an explanation of the processing flow for printing with the image forming apparatus 100 via the printer server 140 and inspecting the printed matter for abnormal images with the inspection PC 110 according to the inspection settings set in FIG.

[0132] In this embodiment, the size of the RIP data and the size of the scanned image are compared in SQ329. If the difference between the sizes is large, the process may be interrupted as a failure to create a correct image. For example, if the paper size set in SQ311 is A4, and the size of the transferred RIP data is equivalent to A3, there will be a difference of about 1.4 times in each direction. In this case, it is considered that the cause is an incorrect paper setting or the RIP resolution is different from the desired setting, and therefore the inspection cannot be performed properly. If the compared sizes are significantly different in this way, a warning message may be displayed to confirm whether to interrupt or continue the registration process.

[0133] As described above, according to the present invention, print image inspection is possible by matching the size of image data obtained by RIP processing with that of image data acquired by scanning. Also, by registering a correct answer image with a margin that is a non-printing area, it is possible to set the inspection area for the margin part in the inspection setting performed on the correct answer image described in FIG. 5.

[0134] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, a method of trimming or adding white pixels at an equal distance using the center of the page as the reference for size adjustment in RIP processing has been described. In this embodiment, a size adjustment method will be described in which the reference reference for size adjustment in RIP processing by the printer server 140 can be switched by user settings.

[0135] The following describes this embodiment in terms of the differences from the above-described first embodiment.

[0136] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a UI for setting information related to print settings in the second embodiment.

[0137] A UI 800 in FIG. 8 is used to input print settings related to the inspection process, and is a UI screen displayed on the UI unit 128 of the client PC 120.

[0138] First, a list box 801 is similar to the list box 601 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0139] Next, a radio button 802 is similar to the radio button 602 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0140] Next, list box 803 is a UI for setting the reference arrangement when performing size adjustment processing in RIP processing of printer server 140. In the case of "center", as in the first embodiment, it is a setting for trimming or adding white pixels at equal distances in the vertical and horizontal directions. Other setting values ​​include "top left", "top center", "top right", "right center", "bottom right", "bottom center", "bottom left", and "left center". A detailed method for determining the number of pixels for trimming or adding white pixels for each setting value will be described later.

[0141] Next, a text box 804 is similar to the text box 603 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0142] Buttons 805 and 806 are similar to buttons 604 and 605 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0143] The above is a description of the UI for configuring print settings related to the inspection process in this embodiment.

[0144] FIG. 9 is a diagram for calculating weightings for determining the number of pixels to be trimmed or to be added with white pixels when each setting value relating to the arrangement of the list box 803 is changed.

[0145] It is an LUT that represents the weighting relationship in each direction (upper, lower, right, left) when trimming or adding white pixels corresponding to the input is performed with the layout of list box 803 set with input values ​​as shown in Fig. 9. The printer server 140 holds this LUT in advance.

[0146] For example, when the setting value is "center," the setting is to trim or add white pixels at equal distances in the vertical and horizontal directions, so the weighting for each direction is all "1." In this embodiment, the total weighting for the horizontal and vertical directions is 2, and when it is "1," it is half the number of pixels to be trimmed or to which white pixels are added. In the case of (c) of Fig. 11, when the weighting is 1, h5 = h6 and w5 = w6.

[0147] When the setting value is "Left", the left side is the reference image, so only the right side needs to be trimmed or have white pixels added. Therefore, the weighting is set to 0 for the left side and 2 for the right side. In the case of (c) of Figure 11, when the weighting is 1, the number of pixels to be trimmed or have white pixels added is w5=0, and w6 is the number of pixels to be trimmed or have white pixels added.

[0148] Similarly, when the setting value is "upper", the upper side is used as the reference for the image, so trimming or adding white pixels is required only for the lower side. For other settings, the weighting is determined in a similar way, and the number of pixels to be trimmed or to be added with white pixels can be calculated.

[0149] In the paper size adjustment method notified in SQ325 in FIG. 3, the weighting setting is notified and applied in SQ330, thereby making it possible to realize a size adjustment method that is applied to switching of the layout setting.

[0150] By adopting the above-described configuration, in this embodiment, when performing size matching processing in the RIP processing of the printer server 140, it is possible to match the paper size and image position and perform inspection even if the reference layout is switched by user settings.

[0151] Third embodiment In the above-mentioned embodiment, the printer server 140 performs RIP processing for generating the correct image to be registered in the inspection PC, and RIP processing for the image to be printed. In the third embodiment, the generation of the correct image to be registered in the inspection PC is performed by an inspection RIP server. Note that the parts that are not described are the same as the first and second embodiments.

[0152] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an overall system configuration including an inspection device according to a third embodiment. This system is composed of an image forming device 100, an inspection PC 110, a client PC 120, an inspection RIP server 130, a printer server 140, a network 150, and a communication cable 160. The image forming device 100, the inspection PC 110, the client PC 120, and the printer server 140 shown in Fig. 12 have already been explained in Fig. 1, so details will be omitted.

[0153] The inspection RIP server 130 is a server for performing RIP processing of print data and document data to create a correct image for inspection, and includes a device control unit 131 and a UI unit 138. Furthermore, the device control unit 131 is composed of a controller board, and a CPU 132, RAM 133, ROM 134, communication I / F unit 135, storage unit 136, and image processing unit 137 are implemented on the device control unit. Note that the role of each device inside the inspection RIP server 130 is similar to that of the inspection PC 110, except for the image processing unit 137, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0154] The image processing unit 137 performs RIP processing on the print data or document data sent from the client PC 120 to generate a correct image for inspection, and converts the data into bitmapped image data. Specifically, the RIP processing for generating a correct image for inspection is a process of converting a resolution of 600 dpi to 300 dpi to generate an image.

[0155] In this embodiment, the inspection RIP server 130 has multiple CPUs 132, and each CPU can perform RIP processing for one page at a time, allowing parallel processing. Therefore, by using the inspection RIP server 130 separately from the printer server 140, it is possible to reduce the time required to register the correct image.

[0156] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of a process of registering a correct image according to the third embodiment. In this flow, the print data is RIP-processed by the inspection RIP server 130 to generate image data, and the generated image data is arranged in the print order for inspection. By executing these flows, the registration work of the correct image and the inspection setting performed before the inspection of the printed matter is completed. The process of the inspection RIP server 130 in this sequence is executed by loading the program code stored in the storage unit 136 into the RAM 133 and controlling the device control unit 131 by the CPU 132. In addition, the process of the image forming device 100 is executed by loading the program code stored in the storage unit 203 into the RAM 202 and controlling the device control unit 200 by the CPU 201. Note that SQ311 to SQ319 and S331 to S343 overlap with FIG. 3(a), and therefore the explanation will be omitted.

[0157] When the client PC receives a notification from the inspection PC 110 in SQ319 that the scan image size has been set, the process proceeds to SQ1320.

[0158] Next, in SQ1320, the client PC 120 commands the inspection RIP server 130 to execute a process for registering the correct image. Specifically, the client PC 120 commands the inspection RIP server 130 to create RIP data from the manuscript data and transfer the data to the inspection PC 110. In this embodiment, the manuscript data that is the source data for creating the RIP data is transmitted from the client PC 120 to the inspection RIP server 130 at this time.

[0159] Next, in SQ1321, the inspection RIP server 130 sets the file to be generated in the RIP process. The file setting is performed via a UI screen shown in FIG.

[0160] The above is a description of the UI for setting information related to the file generated in the RIP process in this embodiment.

[0161] Next, in SQ1322, the inspection RIP server 130 commands the inspection PC 110 to execute preparations for accepting RIP data transferred from the client PC. At that time, the inspection RIP server 130 transmits to the inspection PC 110 the setting of the order rule for files generated by the RIP process set in SQ1321.

[0162] Next, in SQ1323, the inspection PC 110 enables the hot folder that is to be monitored for the RIP file output destination setting set in SQ1321. In this embodiment, the setting in the text box 1001 is the RIP file output destination setting. The inspection PC 110 checks whether a file transfer event has occurred for the hot folder that is to be monitored, and executes the process of SQ1329, which will be described later, as soon as the RIP data transfer is completed.

[0163] Next, in SQ1324, the inspection PC 110 acquires the paper size adjustment method from the printer server 140. Here, the paper adjustment method refers to the RIP processing method performed by the image processing unit 147 to adjust the document data to the print paper size.

[0164] Next, in SQ1325, the printer server 140 notifies the inspection PC 110 of the method for adjusting the manuscript data being processed by the RIP processing of the image processing unit 147 to the print paper size. Note that the information notified as the size adjustment method in this embodiment is the percentage of the number of pixels to be changed in the vertical and horizontal directions when trimming or adding white pixels. For example, when trimming evenly as in this embodiment, the percentages in the upward and downward directions are each set to 1. Also, the notification method in this embodiment is in JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format or XML (Extensible Markup Language) format.

[0165] In this embodiment, only one size adjustment method is supported, but if there are multiple size adjustment methods, the size adjustment method is notified for each setting.

[0166] Next, in SQ1326, the inspection PC 110 notifies the inspection RIP server 130 that a series of operations for receiving the RIP data has been completed.

[0167] Next, in SQ1327, the inspection RIP server 130 performs RIP processing on each page according to the manuscript data received from the client PC 120 in SQ1320 and the information related to the print settings set in SQ311, and generates RIP data. Note that in this embodiment, the inspection RIP server 130 is assumed to have multiple CPUs 132, and performs parallel processing such that each CPU performs RIP processing on one page at a time. This is not limited to this embodiment, and a distributed processing form using multiple inspection RIP servers may also be used.

[0168] Next, in SQ1328, the inspection RIP server 130 transfers the RIP data generated in SQ1327 one page at a time as soon as it is generated to the hot folder to be monitored in the inspection PC 110. Then, SQ1327 and SQ1328 are repeated for the number of print pages of the manuscript data.

[0169] In this embodiment, if different RIP data is transferred during repeated processing, it is used for subsequent processing of the last received RIP data, but any of the duplicated files may be used. Also, if RIP data is received that has a different vertical and horizontal size of image data or a different file name compared to the initially received RIP data, that data is not accepted. If the vertical and horizontal sizes of image data or file names are different, there is a possibility that different original data have been mixed and RIP processed. By not processing RIP data of different formats, it is possible to prevent different original data from being mixed and inspected.

[0170] Next, in SQ1329, the inspection PC 110 compares the size of the RIP data transferred in SQ1328 with the size of the scanned image. The details are the same as in SQ329 in FIG.

[0171] Next, in SQ1330, the image processing unit 119 of the inspection PC 110 uses the results of the comparison in SQ1329 to perform size adjustment processing of the RIP data in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction according to the size adjustment method obtained in SQ1325. If the number of pixels of the RIP data is larger, trimming is performed, which is the method obtained from the RIP data in SQ1325. If the number of pixels of the RIP data is smaller, white pixels are added to the RIP data, which is the method obtained from the RIP data in SQ1325. Note that the specific method of implementation is the same as the method described as the method performed by the image processing unit 137 of the printer server 140 using Figure 11. Since SQ331 and subsequent steps are the same as those described in Figure 3(a), explanations will be omitted.

[0172] Here, the size adjustment process performed in SQ1330 and the process of adding a non-printing area performed in SQ332 will be further explained with reference to FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b).

[0173] 14, a paper size 1401 is the paper size acquired in SQ331. A document data size 1402 is the size of the document data created by the RIP process of the inspection RIP server 130 in SQ1327.

[0174] Reference numeral 1403 denotes an auxiliary line that diagrammatically indicates the print area of ​​the paper size 1401 .

[0175] Fig. 14(a) is a schematic diagram when the document data size 1402 is small relative to the print area 1403, and Fig. 14(b) is a schematic diagram when the document data size 1402 is large relative to the print area 1403. Note that in this diagram, only the explanation for the top edge of the paper is given, but in reality, the explanation is applied to both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

[0176] In the size matching process of the RIP data performed in SQ1330, white pixels are added in the direction indicated by X1, or trimming is performed in the direction indicated by X21. This is the same as the explanation using (a) and (b) of FIG. 11.

[0177] The addition of a non-printing area performed in SQ332 is a process of adding white pixels to the area indicated by Y. This is the same as the explanation using FIG. 11(c).

[0178] In this manner, the acquired document data size 1402 is processed to match the print area 1403 of the paper size 1401. The processed image is registered in the inspection PC 110 as a correct image.

[0179] As described above, according to this embodiment, a correct image is registered taking into consideration the difference between the manuscript data RIP-processed by the inspection RIP server 130 and the RIP processing by the printer server 140. Note that the manuscript data here is an image to be registered as a correct image, and the RIP processing by the printer server 140 is processing for printing the image on a recording sheet. This makes it possible to inspect the printed image by matching the size of the image data obtained by the RIP processing with that of the image data acquired by scanning.

[0180] (Other embodiments) Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific descriptions within this specification.

[0181] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

Claims

1. An inspection device that inspects a printed matter printed on a recording sheet by an image forming device, an acquisition means for acquiring information on a non-printing area of ​​a recording sheet, which is an area on which an image is not printed by the image forming apparatus; Acceptance means for accepting an image; a processing means for processing the image based on information about the non-printing area; a registration means for registering the image processed by the processing means as a correct image; an inspection means for scanning a printed matter having an image printed on the recording sheet to obtain a scanned image and then inspecting the scanned image based on the correct image; An inspection device comprising:

2. 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the processing means performs processing to add white pixels to the image based on the information about the non-printed area.

3. 3. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the process of adding white pixels adds white pixels at equal distances in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

4. The information on the non-printing area corresponds to the size of the recording sheet.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1.

5. The inspection means performs inspection based on a comparison between the scanned image and the correct image.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1.

6. The image is bitmapped image data.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1.

7. the inspection device is communicably connected to an image processing device that generates an image by image processing, the receiving means receives a first image generated by the image processing device; a generating unit that generates a second image from the first image based on size information of a print material on which the image is printed by the image forming device; and The processing means processes the second image based on the information about the printing.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1.

8. The generating means generates the second image by adding white pixels to the first image when the size information is larger than the size of the first image based on a comparison between the size information and the size of the first image.

8. The inspection device according to claim 7.

9. The generating means generates the second image by cropping the first image when the size information is smaller than the size of the first image based on a comparison between the size information and the size of the first image.

8. The inspection device according to claim 7.

10. The size information of the printed matter is composed of the number of pixels in the main scanning direction and the number of pixels in the sub-scanning direction.

8. The inspection device according to claim 7.

11. The inspection device described in Claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information about the scanned image size and the non-printed area based on a correspondence table between paper size and scanned image size that corresponds to the paper size of the recording sheet set in the image forming device, and pre-stored settings regarding the non-printed area.

12. An inspection device as described in Claim 11, characterized in that the correspondence table is stored in at least one of a memory unit of the inspection device and a memory unit of the image forming device.

13. The inspection device described in Claim 2, characterized in that the processing means adds white pixels to the image based on the number of pixels in each direction of the top, bottom, left and right sides contained in the information of the non-printed area.

14. The inspection device described in Claim 7, characterized in that the generation means generates the second image by adding white pixels to the first image and / or trimming the first image based on a comparison of the size information with the size of the first image.

15. The inspection device described in Claim 1, characterized in that the receiving means monitors a hot folder and receives the image in response to file transfer of the image to the hot folder.

16. The inspection device described in Claim 1, characterized in that the processing means interrupts registration of the image as the correct image when the difference between the size of the image and the size of the scanned image is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

17. The inspection device described in Claim 14, characterized in that the generating means adjusts one pixel in a predetermined direction when the number of pixels involved in the addition of white pixels or the trimming is odd.

18. The information regarding printing includes layout information indicating a layout that serves as a reference for sizing the first image, The inspection device according to claim 14, wherein the generating means generates the second image by allocating the number of pixels to be added or trimmed in the vertical and horizontal directions based on the arrangement information.

19. A control method for an inspection device that inspects a printed matter printed on a recording sheet by an image forming device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information on a non-printing area of ​​a recording sheet, which is an area on which an image is not printed by the image forming device; a processing step of processing an image based on information about the non-printing area; a registration step of registering the processed image as a correct image; an inspection step of scanning a printed matter having an image printed on the recording sheet to obtain a scanned image and then inspecting the scanned image based on the correct image; A control method for an inspection device, comprising:

20. the inspection device is communicably connected to an image processing device that generates an image by image processing, a receiving step of receiving a first image generated by the image processing device; a generating step of generating a second image from the first image based on size information of a print material on which the image is printed by the image forming device; and In the processing step, the second image is processed based on the information about the printing.

20. The method for controlling an inspection device according to claim 19.

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