Inspection system and image forming system

Abstract

To improve usability in determining the settings for inspection of an image on a sheet.SOLUTION: An inspection system relates to variable printing in which a first image common to a plurality of sheets and a second image variable for each of the plurality of sheets are printed. The inspection system analyzes data to be the source of the second image, and extracts candidate areas where image inspection can be executed for the plurality of sheets on the basis of a result of analysis of the data. The inspection system displays the candidate areas together with the first image and the second image in a superimposed manner. The inspection system receives a selection of an inspection area, and executes image inspection in the inspection area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection system and an image forming system for inspecting an image on a sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] Variable data printing (hereafter referred to as variable printing) refers to a printing technique in which, among multiple images formed on multiple sheets, some images (e.g., addressee, barcode) are different for each sheet. Patent Document 1 proposes that if an abnormality is found during inspection of the variable area, a recovery process is executed according to the abnormality. A variable area is an area in which the print content varies from sheet to sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-053819 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is not easy for a user to correctly set up inspection for a variable area. If the user makes a mistake in the inspection settings, the sheet on which an image is correctly printed will be discarded. In this case, the user must review the inspection settings and reprint the sheet, which increases downtime during which an image cannot be formed by the image forming apparatus. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve usability when setting up the inspection of an image on a sheet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to, for example, In variable printing in which a first image common to a plurality of sheets and a variable second image are printed on each of the plurality of sheets, an extraction means analyzes data on which the second image is based, and extracts at least one candidate area for which image inspection can be performed on the plurality of sheets based on the analysis result of the data; a display means for displaying a setting screen for setting the contents of the image inspection for the plurality of sheets, the setting screen including a display area for displaying the first image and the second image together with the at least one candidate area in an overlapping manner; a reception means for receiving a selection of an inspection area in which the image inspection is to be performed from the at least one candidate area through the setting screen; an image inspection means for performing the image inspection in the inspection area accepted by the acceptance means; The present invention provides an inspection system having the following features. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the usability when making settings for the inspection of an image on a sheet. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system. [Diagram 2] Diagram explaining the control system [Diagram 3] Diagram explaining the inspection controller [Figure 4] Diagram explaining the loading controller [Diagram 5] A diagram explaining the print settings screen [Figure 6] Diagram explaining the inspection setting screen [Figure 7] Diagram explaining the variable area setting screen [Figure 8] Diagram explaining the variable area setting screen [Figure 9] Diagram explaining the variable area setting screen [Figure 10]Diagram explaining the variable area setting screen [Figure 11] Block diagram showing the setting section [Figure 12] Flowchart showing how to set up [Figure 13] Flowchart showing printing method [Figure 14] Flowchart showing the inspection method [Figure 15] Flowchart showing how to distribute sheets [Figure 16] Diagram explaining the inspection setting screen [Figure 17] Diagram explaining the variable area setting screen [Figure 18] Diagram explaining the variable area setting screen [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a notification screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0009] [First embodiment] (1) System Configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes an operation unit 20, an image forming device 30, a control device 40, an inspection device 50, and stacking devices 60a and 60b. The image forming device 30, the inspection device 50, and the stacking devices 60a and 60b each have a separate housing. The number of stacking devices 60 may be one or more. The image forming system 100 may be called an image inspection system. In this example, the stacking device 60a may be called a sheet stacker or a sheet conveying device. The stacking device 60b may be called a post-processing device or a finisher with a post-processing function. The same reference numerals are given to the same or similar components, but the lowercase alphabets at the end (e.g., a, b, etc.) may be omitted when matters common to these are described.

[0010] The operation unit 20 has a display device that outputs information to the user, and an input device (for example, a touch panel sensor) that receives instructions from the user.

[0011] The image forming device 30 forms a toner image on a sheet P in response to YMCK color signals supplied from the control device 40. The letters YMCK attached to the reference symbols indicate the toner colors yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. When matters common to the four colors are explained, the letters YMCK are omitted from the reference symbols.

[0012] The photoconductor 1 is an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image and a toner image. The charger 2 uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor 1. The exposure unit 3 irradiates the photoconductor 1Y with laser light corresponding to a color signal supplied from the control unit 40 to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 4 develops the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a toner image. The primary transfer roller 5Y transfers the toner image from the photoconductor 1 to the intermediate transfer belt 6. Here, the YMCK toner images are superimposed to form a color image. The intermediate transfer belt 6 transports the toner image to the secondary transfer unit 7.

[0013] The sheet cassette 11 is a storage container that stores a large number of sheets P. The transport rollers 12 feed the sheets P stored in the sheet cassette 11 and transport the sheets P along a transport path. The image forming apparatus 30 may have two or more sheet cassettes.

[0014] The secondary transfer unit 7 transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 6 to the sheet P. The fixing unit 8 applies heat and pressure to the sheet P and the toner image to fix the toner image onto the sheet P. The discharge rollers 17 discharge the sheet P to an inspection device 50.

[0015] The inspection device 50 as a reading device is a device that reads an image formed on a sheet P and inspects the quality of the image. In other words, the inspection device 50 is a device that inspects whether or not the image formed on the sheet P meets the inspection standard. The sheet P on which an image is formed is sometimes called a printed matter.

[0016] The image on the sheet P being transported to the reading position by the transport roller 53 is read by the image sensors 54 and 55. The image sensors 54 and 55 each include a light source that illuminates the sheet P and a CMOS sensor. CMOS is an abbreviation for complementary metal oxide semiconductor.

[0017] The sheet P from which the image has been read is discharged to the stacking device 60a. For sheets P that have been determined to be NG (does not satisfy the inspection standard; may also be called "failed") by the inspection device 50, the control device 40 controls the image forming device 30 to form the same image on a new sheet P. A sheet sensor 56 that detects the sheet P is provided at the entrance of the inspection device 50.

[0018] The stacking device 60a receives the sheet P discharged from the inspection device 50 at an entrance 64a, stacks (discharges) the sheet P onto sheet trays 61a and 62a as stacking units, and discharges the sheet P from an exit 65a. A sheet sensor 66a that detects the sheet P is provided at the entrance 64a.

[0019] A conveying path P1a extending from an entrance 64a branches into conveying paths P2a and P3a at a branching position where a flapper F1a is installed. A sheet P conveyed along the conveying path P1a is guided to the conveying path P2a or the conveying path P3a by the flapper F1a. A sheet tray 61a is provided at the exit of the conveying path P2a. The sheet tray 61a is a large-capacity sheet stacking means capable of stacking a large number of sheets P. For example, the sheet tray 61a may be stacked with sheets P that have passed an image inspection (quality inspection).

[0020] The conveying path P3a branches into a conveying path P4a and a conveying path P5a at a branching position where a flapper F2a is installed. The sheet P conveyed on the conveying path P3a is guided to the conveying path P4a or the conveying path P5a by the flapper F2a.

[0021] A sheet tray 62a is provided at the exit of the transport path P4a. For example, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable by the inspection device 50 may be stacked on the sheet tray 62a. However, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable may be discharged from the exit 65a to a downstream device (e.g., the stacking device 60c). Also, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be OK (meets the inspection criteria; may also be called "passed") may be stacked on the sheet tray 62a. The transport path P5a extends to the exit 65a.

[0022] A downstream stacking device 60b may be connected to the exit 65a. Also, like the stacking device 60b, a sheet tray 69 may be provided at the exit 65a. The sheet tray 69 can also stack sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable or sheets whose image quality has been determined to be acceptable. In this way, the types of sheets P discharged to the sheet trays 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, and 69 are determined in advance based on settings made by the user.

[0023] One or more transport rollers 63a are provided on each of the transport paths P1a, P2a, P3a, P4a, and P5a. The transport rollers 63a transport the sheet P from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction of the sheet P. The transport rollers 63a may be a roller pair consisting of two rollers that transport the sheet P while sandwiching it.

[0024] The stacking device 60b receives the sheet P discharged from the stacking device 60a at an entrance 64b, and stacks (discharges) the sheet P onto sheet trays 61b, 62b, and 69 serving as stacking units. A sheet sensor 66b for detecting the sheet P is provided at the entrance 64a.

[0025] A conveying path P1b extending from an entrance 64b branches into a conveying path P2b and a conveying path P3b at a branching position where a flapper F1b is installed. A sheet P conveyed along the conveying path P1b is guided to the conveying path P2b or the conveying path P3b by the flapper F1b. A sheet tray 61b is provided at the exit of the conveying path P2b. For example, the sheet P that has passed an image inspection (quality inspection) may be stacked on the sheet tray 61b.

[0026] The conveying path P3b branches into a conveying path P4b and a conveying path P5b at a branching position where a flapper F2b is installed. The sheet P conveyed on the conveying path P3b is guided to the conveying path P4b or the conveying path P5b by the flapper F2b.

[0027] A sheet tray 62b is provided at the exit of the transport path P4b. For example, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable by the inspection device 50 may be stacked on the sheet tray 62b. However, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable may be discharged from the exit 65b to the sheet tray 69. Also, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be OK (meets the inspection standard; may also be called "passed") may be stacked on the sheet tray 62b. The transport path P5a extends to the exit 65a via the post-processing unit 68.

[0028] The sheet trays 61b, 62b, and 69 provided in the stacking device 60b may be called an upper tray, a middle tray, and a lower tray, respectively. The post-processing device 68 may include a binding processor that binds the sheets P discharged from the stacking device 60a to create a sheet bundle and staples the sheet bundle. The post-processing device 68 may include a bookbinding processor that folds the sheet bundle in half. The post-processing device 68 may include a cutting processor that cuts the sheet bundle.

[0029] One or more transport rollers 63b are provided on each of the transport paths P1b, P2b, P3b, P4b, and P5b. The transport rollers 63b transport the sheet P from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction of the sheet P. The transport rollers 63b may be a roller pair consisting of two rollers that transport the sheet P while sandwiching it.

[0030] The number of stacking devices 60 connected downstream of the inspection device 50 may be one or more. The total number of sheet trays 61, 62, 69 provided in the stacking device 60 connected downstream of the inspection device 50 may be two or more. The number of flappers F1, F2 may be one or more. The flappers F1, F2 may be called guide plates, guide members, or branching claws.

[0031] <Controller> 2 shows the details of the control device 40. The CPU 201 executes a control program 213 stored in the memory 210 to realize a plurality of functions. The CPU 201 may include a plurality of processors or CPU cores. Some or all of the plurality of functions realized by the CPU 201 may be realized by a hardware circuit different from the CPU 201.

[0032] The memory 210 is a storage device including a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. The communication circuit 220 has a network interface that connects to a local area network, and a communication interface that communicates with the image forming device 30, the inspection device 50, and the loading device 60.

[0033] The CPU 201 communicates with the image forming device 30, the inspection device 50, and the loading device 60 through the communication circuit 220. The CPU 201 also communicates with a host computer 70, which is a type of information processing device, through the communication circuit 220. The host computer 70 may create variable data for variable printing and transmit it to the control device 40.

[0034] The operation unit 20 includes a display device 21 and an input device 22. The operation unit 20 may have a voice circuit and a speaker for outputting messages to a user. The CPU 201 functions as a setting unit 202, an inspection control unit 205, and a job processing unit 206 according to a control program 213.

[0035] The setting unit 202 displays a print setting screen, an inspection setting screen, a variable area setting screen, and the like on the display device 21 provided in the operation unit 20. The setting unit 202 also accepts setting instructions and job execution instructions from the user through the input device 22 provided in the operation unit 20. The setting unit 202 accepts, for example, inspection contents (position shift detection, black spot detection, etc.) and inspection level. The inspection contents may be called inspection items. The inspection level indicates the strictness of the image inspection. The setting unit 202 stores in the memory 210 setting data 214, which is information related to the image inspection such as the inspection contents and inspection level set by the user via the display device 21.

[0036] The memory 210 further stores variable data 211 received from the host computer 70. The variable data 211 may be, for example, print data written in PPML (Personalized Print Markup Language). In this example, the variable data 211 includes a master element 251 and a variable element 252. The master element 251 includes image data to be commonly printed on a plurality of sheets P. The variable element 252 includes individual image data (e.g., text, barcode, image, etc.) that differs for each sheet P. The variable data 211 may also be used as comparison data (reference data or correct answer data) used as a pass criterion in image inspection.

[0037] The inspection control unit 205 controls the inspection device 50 based on the setting data 214. For example, when the inspection device 50 requests variable data 211 via the communication circuit 220, the inspection control unit 205 transmits the variable data 211 to the inspection device 50. The inspection control unit 205 acquires image inspection result information from the inspection device 50 as an inspection unit via the communication circuit 220. The inspection control unit 205 controls flappers F1 and F2 based on the inspection result to discharge the sheet P to one of the sheet trays 61, 62, and 69 designated by the user.

[0038] The job processing unit 206 controls a print job for printing an image on a sheet P, a stacking job for stacking a sheet bundle on the stacking device 60a, and a post-processing job for the sheet bundle in the stacking device 60b. The job processing unit 206 may store job data (job information) required to execute these jobs in the memory 210.

[0039] The notification unit 207 displays the image inspection results (e.g., pass / fail, read image, cause of failure) received from the inspection device 50 on the display device 21. The notification unit 207 may notify the image inspection results by sound. The notification unit 207 may transmit the image inspection results to the host computer 70 by email or the like.

[0040] The stacking device 60 drives the motor M1 to rotate the transport roller 63 in accordance with a control command from the job processing unit 206. The stacking device 60 drives the solenoids SL1 and SL2 to switch the flappers F1 and F2 in accordance with a control command from the job processing unit 206. This allows the sheet P to be guided and transported to either the sheet tray 61, the sheet tray 62, or a downstream stacking device. For example, if the image inspection result by the inspection device 50 is NG, the job processing unit 206 controls the stacking device 60 to discharge the sheet P determined to be NG to the sheet tray 62. The image forming device 30 also includes a solenoid that drives the flapper and a motor that drives the transport roller, but these are not shown.

[0041] <Inspection equipment> 3 shows details of the inspection controller 51 provided in the inspection device 50. The CPU 301 realizes a plurality of functions by executing a control program 313 stored in the memory 310. Some or all of the plurality of functions may be realized by a hardware circuit different from the CPU 301.

[0042] The memory 310 is a storage device including a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, and an HDD. The CPU 301 is connected to the control device 40 via a communication circuit 320, and receives various commands and data and transmits inspection results. The CPU 301 stores the variable data 211 and the setting data 214 received from the control device 40 via the communication circuit 320 in the memory 310.

[0043] The inspection unit 302 executes image inspection in accordance with the setting data 214, and transmits the image inspection result to the control device 40. Note that the CPU 201 may execute the inspection, or an external PC (e.g., host computer 70) connected to the image forming system 100 may execute the inspection. PC is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0044] The variable data 211 is comparison data used in inspecting image quality. The inspection image data (scanned image data) 312 is image data created by the image sensors 54 and 55 reading the sheet P. The inspection image data 312 is also temporarily stored in the memory 310.

[0045] The evaluation unit 304 compares the variable data 211 with the inspection image data 312 to determine whether the image formed on the sheet P meets the inspection criteria. The evaluation unit 304 may compare reference image data generated from the variable data 211 with the inspection image data 312 to determine whether the image formed on the sheet P meets the inspection criteria. The evaluation unit 304 may also compare reference text extracted from the variable data 211 with text restored from the inspection image data 312 to determine whether the image formed on the sheet P meets the inspection criteria.

[0046] For example, when the inspection content is "positional deviation detection", the evaluation unit 304 may determine that the test is passed if the amount of deviation between the position of the image of the variable data 211 and the position of the image of the inspection image data 312 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The evaluation unit 304 may determine that the test is failed if the amount of deviation exceeds the predetermined value. That is, the amount of deviation between the position of the image of the variable data 211 and the position of the image of the inspection image data 312 being equal to or less than a predetermined value corresponds to satisfying the inspection criterion. Also, the amount of deviation between the position of the image of the variable data 211 and the position of the image of the inspection image data 312 being greater than the predetermined value corresponds to not satisfying the inspection criterion.

[0047] Furthermore, when the inspection content is set to "black dot detection", the evaluation unit 304 may determine that the image is passed if the size of a black dot that is not present in the image of the variable data 211 and that is present in the image of the inspection image data 312 is equal to or smaller than the judgment threshold. That is, the black dot corresponds to a noise image that is not present in the image corresponding to the variable data 211 and that is present in the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 to which reduction processing has been applied. The evaluation unit 304 may determine that the image is failed if the size of the black dot exceeds the judgment threshold. That is, the size of the black dot not exceeding the judgment threshold corresponds to the inspection criterion being met. Also, the size of the black dot exceeding the judgment threshold corresponds to the inspection criterion not being met.

[0048] In this embodiment, "positional deviation detection" and "black spot detection" are described as the inspection contents, but these are merely examples. For example, "streak detection" may be included as the inspection contents. Streak detection refers to detecting a streak-like image that does not exist in the original image. That is, black spots correspond to noise images that do not exist in the image corresponding to the variable data 211 and exist in the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 to which the reduction process has been applied. Streaks may occur when cleaning, replacement, or repair of a member involved in image formation is required. That is, a determination process may be performed to determine "streaks" as a degree of agreement between the image corresponding to the variable data 211 and the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 to which the reduction process (image processing process) has been applied.

[0049] In this embodiment, when the inspection content is "detection of misalignment," the relative positions of the image of the variable data 211 and the image of the inspection image data 312 are inspected, but this is merely one example. For example, the absolute position of the image of the inspection image data 312 with respect to the edge of the sheet may be inspected. In this case, if the distance between the absolute position of the image of the variable data 211 and the absolute position of the image of the inspection image data 312 is equal to or less than a threshold, it is determined to pass. If the distance exceeds the threshold, it is determined to fail.

[0050] The evaluation unit 304 generates an inspection result indicating the judgment result and transmits the inspection result to the control device 40 and the loading device 60 via the communication circuit 320.

[0051] The conveyance control unit 306 drives the motor M2 to rotate the conveyance roller 53. The reading control unit 307 controls the image sensors 54 and 55 to read the sheet P and generate inspection image data 312. The image sensor 54 reads the first side of the sheet P, and the image sensor 55 reads the second side of the sheet P. In this way, in this embodiment, image inspection can be performed on both sides of the sheet P.

[0052] <Loading device> 4 shows details of the loading controller 67 provided in the loading device 60. The CPU 401 realizes a plurality of functions by executing a control program 413 stored in the memory 410. Some or all of the plurality of functions may be realized by a hardware circuit other than the CPU 401.

[0053] The memory 410 is a storage device including a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, and an HDD, etc. The CPU 401 is connected to the control device 40 via a communication circuit 420, and receives various commands and data and transmits execution results.

[0054] The job control unit 402 executes job data 411 received from the control device 40 via the communication circuit 420. The job data 411 includes, for example, information indicating the contents of the job. The job data 411 is temporarily stored in the memory 410.

[0055] The conveyance control unit 406 starts the rotation of the motor M1 in accordance with a rotation command received from the control device 40. The conveyance control unit 406 stops the rotation of the motor M1 in accordance with a stop command received from the control device 40. As a result, the conveyance roller 63 driven by the motor M1 rotates or stops.

[0056] The flapper control unit 407 drives the solenoids SL1 and SL2 to switch the flappers F1 and F2 in accordance with a switching command received from the control device 40 for each sheet P. This determines the discharge destination of the sheet P. The flappers F1 and F2 may be controlled based on the inspection result received from the inspection device 50 instead of the switching command received from the control device 40.

[0057] When the loading device 60b is a post-processing device, the loading device 60b includes a post-processing control unit 408. The post-processing control unit 408 controls the post-processing unit 68 in accordance with a post-processing execution command received from the control device 40.

[0058] <Settings screen (user interface)> (1) Print settings screen FIG. 5 shows the print setting screen SC1. The print setting screen SC1 may be called a job input screen. The button 501a is a button for executing designation of the size (including the length of the sheet in the transport direction) of the sheet P to be printed, the basis weight, and the sheet cassette 11. The button 501b is a button for instructing transition from the print setting screen SC1 to the inspection setting screen SC2. The button 501c is a button for instructing transition from the print setting screen SC1 to the discharge destination setting screen. In the discharge destination setting screen, the discharge destination of NG sheets and the discharge destination of OK sheets are set. The button 501d is a button for instructing cancellation of the setting contents. When the button 501d is operated by the operator (user), transition to a predetermined initial screen occurs. The button 501e is a button for instructing start of printing.

[0059] (2) Test setting screen 6 shows the inspection setting screen SC2. The inspection setting screen SC2 is a screen that accepts instructions from an operator to set an inspection area where quality inspection is performed by the inspection device 50. A display area 600 displays an image 601 to be printed, inspection areas 602 to 604, an exclusion area 605, and the like.

[0060] The inspection areas 602 to 604 and the exclusion area 605 are set through a mouse or touch panel that is part of the input device 22. The inspection area 602 is a priority area that is set by operating a button 612. The priority area is, for example, an inspection area where a high-precision inspection is performed. In this example, the face photo surrounded by a dashed frame is inspected with a focus on inspection. The menu 622 is a pull-down menu for setting the inspection level (inspection accuracy) to be applied to the inspection area 602. The pull-down menu may be called a drop-down list. In this example, inspection level 1 has the lowest inspection accuracy, and the inspection accuracy increases as the inspection level number increases.

[0061] Inspection area 603 is a standard area that is set by operating button 613. A standard area is, for example, an inspection area where inspection of standard contents is performed. Menu 623 is a pull-down menu for setting the inspection level (inspection accuracy) that is applied to inspection area 603. In this example, inspection level 1 has the lowest inspection accuracy, and the higher the inspection level number, the higher the inspection accuracy.

[0062] The inspection area 604 is set by operating a button 614. The inspection area 604 is a variable area in which a variable element is printed. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 7 and the like, the variable area (inspection area 604) is set on a variable area setting screen SC3.

[0063] The excluded area 605 is set by operating the button 615, and is an area where inspection is not performed. In this example, the background image surrounded by the two-dot chain line does not need to be inspected with high accuracy. Therefore, the background image may be set as the excluded area 605.

[0064] In this way, the inspection level can be set for each area included in the print target. Therefore, the user can set appropriate pass criteria. As a result, prints of acceptable quality are judged to pass, reducing unnecessary reprints and improving productivity. In addition, unnecessary disposal of sheets P is also reduced.

[0065] Button 618 is a button for instructing to return to the print setting screen SC1, which is the original screen. Button 618 may be implemented as a cancel button. In this case, when button 618 is pressed, the test settings input through the test setting screen SC2 are discarded. When button 618 is implemented as a cancel button, an OK button for validating the test settings and returning to the print setting screen SC1 is also implemented. Button 619 is a button for instructing to start the test.

[0066] (3) Variable area setting screen FIG. 7 shows a variable area setting screen SC3. The variable area refers to an area in which the print contents are replaced for each sheet P among the images formed on the sheet in the variable printing. In the variable area, an image of a variable element such as text (characters, numbers), a barcode, or a photo image that is different for each sheet P is formed. The CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) of the control device 40 analyzes the variable data 211, arranges the master element 251 in the master area, arranges the variable element 252 in the variable area, and creates print image data (bitmap data). The variable data 211 is described in PPML or the like. Therefore, the CPU 201 can specify the type (text, barcode, image) of the master element 251 and its print coordinates, and the type of the variable element 252 and its print coordinates by analyzing the variable data 211. The job processing unit 206 forms a print image on the sheet P by transmitting the print image data to the image forming device 30.

[0067] The inspection unit 302 of the inspection device 50 compares the reference image data (variable data 211 or print image data) with the inspection image data 312. Furthermore, the inspection unit 302 executes a specific inspection on the variable area set on the variable area setting screen SC3. In this specific inspection, the information type of the variable area (information content such as text, barcode, image, etc.) is specified. The inspection unit 302 judges whether the information content linked to the variable area matches the variable element in the reference image data. For example, if the information type of the variable area is text, the inspection unit 302 applies OCR to the read image of the variable area to restore the text (character string). OCR is an abbreviation for optical character recognition. In this way, the inspection unit 302 judges whether the text of the variable element 252 matches the restored text.

[0068] If the information type of the variable area is a barcode (one-dimensional barcode, two-dimensional barcode, etc.), the inspection unit 302 performs a decoding process on the read image of the variable area to restore the character string. Furthermore, the inspection unit 302 also performs a decoding process on the barcode image included in the variable element 252 to restore the original character string. The inspection unit 302 compares the original character string with the character string restored from the read image.

[0069] 7, the variable area setting screen SC3 functions as a receiving unit that receives an instruction from a user to set a variable area to be inspected. The image display area 700 displays a print image 701 and candidate areas. The candidate areas 751 to 755 are variable areas surrounded by dashed lines and are areas that can be selected as inspection areas. The candidate areas 751 to 755 are areas where image inspection can be performed. The setting unit 202 analyzes the variable data 211 to identify the printing coordinates of the variable element 252, and displays the candidate areas 751 to 755 based on the printing coordinates.

[0070] Button 711 is a button that displays identification information of a candidate area in focus among multiple candidate areas. Button 711 may be implemented as a pull-down menu that displays a list including multiple candidate areas. Button 712 is a button for switching the selected candidate area via button 711 when multiple candidate areas exist. Each time button 712 is pressed, the candidate area displayed in button 711 switches (e.g. area I ⇒ area II ⇒ area III ⇒ ...). The highlighted display of the candidate area in image display area 701 also switches accordingly.

[0071] Button 713 is a button for confirming or selecting the candidate area being selected by button 711 as the inspection area. Button 713 may include a button for explicitly instructing to select the area as the inspection area, and a button for explicitly instructing not to select the area as the inspection area.

[0072] Button 714 is a button for specifying the type of information (text, barcode, image) to be printed in the candidate area. Button 715 is a button for specifying the data code (e.g. font name) to be printed in the candidate area. Button 716 is a button for specifying the orientation of the information to be printed in the candidate area. Button 717 is a button for specifying the size of the information to be printed in the candidate area (e.g. character size). Buttons 714 to 717 may be displayed as inoperable when none of the candidate areas is selected as the inspection area.

[0073] Button 718 is a button for selecting all candidate areas that can be selected as inspection areas, or for canceling a selected candidate area from the inspection area. Button 719 is a button for applying the settings selected with buttons 714 to 716 to all selected candidate areas (inspection areas). For example, all areas are selected with button 718, inspection parameters are set with buttons 714 to 717, and the same inspection parameters are applied to all areas with button 719.

[0074] The button 728 is a button for instructing to discard the setting contents set on the variable area setting screen SC3 and to return to the examination setting screen SC2. The button 729 is a button for instructing to save the setting contents set on the variable area setting screen SC3 in the memory 210 as the setting data 214.

[0075] FIG. 8 shows, as an example, that area IV has been selected from five candidate areas. Here, area IV is identification information (name) given to a certain candidate area. Candidate area 754 indicated by a dashed line in image display area 700 is area IV selected by button 711 or button 712. The user operates button 713 to select whether or not to perform an inspection on the selected area IV. In particular, in FIG. 8, "Perform inspection" is selected by button 713.

[0076] The type of data to be formed in area IV is selected to be "text" by button 714. If the type is a one-dimensional barcode, "one-dimensional barcode" is selected. If the type is a two-dimensional barcode, "two-dimensional barcode" is selected.

[0077] The code of the data formed in area IV is selected as "font I" by button 715. The code of the data is, for example, information about the font of the text. When button 715 is implemented by a pull-down menu, the list in the pull-down menu lists identification information of a plurality of fonts held by inspection device 50.

[0078] The direction of the data formed in the area IV is selected as "upward" by the button 716. The direction of the data may be selected as "downward," "rightward," "leftward," or the like.

[0079] The size of the data to be formed in area IV is selected to be "10 pts" by button 717. Here, pts is a unit indicating font size.

[0080] FIG. 9 shows an inspection setting for an area V where a two-dimensional barcode is formed among a plurality of candidate areas as an example. A two-dimensional barcode is formed in the area V. Therefore, it is not necessary to set the data code by the button 715, set the data orientation by the button 716, and set the data size by the button 717. When the two-dimensional barcode is selected by the button 714, the setting unit 202 displays the buttons 715 to 717 as inoperable. Note that the button 716 for setting the data orientation may be displayed as operable.

[0081] FIG. 10 shows that all of a plurality of candidate areas are selected by the button 718 as an example. The user can perform inspection settings for all the candidate areas selected by the button 718 simultaneously by operating the button 719. However, depending on the attributes (information types) of the candidate areas being selected, the recommended setting contents for each candidate area may be different. For example, assume that a candidate area with a data type of text and a candidate area with a data type of two-dimensional barcode are selected. In this case, the setting unit 202 displays only the buttons corresponding to the items that can be commonly set for both candidate areas on the variable area setting screen SC3. In this case, since there are no items that can be commonly set for both candidate areas, only the button 713 is displayed as operable.

[0082] In FIGS. 6 to 10, the candidate areas and the inspection areas are shown by a broken line frame or a one-dot chain line frame, but this is only an example. For example, the color of the frame line indicating the candidate area and the color of the frame line indicating the inspection area may be different. Alternatively, the inside of the frame line may be filled with a specific color. Also in this case, the color of the candidate area and the color of the inspection area are selected to be different. By such highlighting or identification display by color, the plurality of candidate areas and the candidate area (inspection area) being selected may be distinguished.

[0083] <Function of CPU> FIG. 11 shows the function of the setting unit 202 realized by the CPU 201. The acquiring unit 1101 acquires the variable data 211 from the host computer 70 or the like. The acquiring unit 1101 may read the variable data 211 from the memory 210. The extracting unit 1102 analyzes the variable data 211 to extract the variable area. For example, the analyzing unit 1131 of the extracting unit 1102 analyzes the variable element 252 in the variable data 211 to acquire the print coordinates of the variable area. The OCR unit 1132 executes OCR on the reference image data (print image data) generated from the variable data to extract the area where the text is printed. The area where the text is printed is an example of a variable area. The decoding unit 1133 executes a decoding process on the reference image data (print image data) to decode the text to extract the barcode area. The barcode area is also an example of a variable area.

[0084] The ID assigning unit 1103 assigns an ID (identification information) to the extracted variable area. For example, the IDs are assigned as follows: area I, area II, . . . , area V. The coordinates of the variable area and the ID may be associated with each other and stored in the memory 210.

[0085] The classification unit 1121 classifies the information attribute of the variable element 252 into one of text, barcode, or image based on the analysis result of the variable element 252. The adjustment unit 1122 adjusts whether the buttons 714 to 717 are operable / inoperable. For example, the adjustment unit 1122 may adjust the number or contents of the inspection parameters that the user can set for the candidate area according to the classification result by the classification unit 1121. That is, the adjustment unit 1122 determines the inspection parameters that the user can set and the inspection parameters that the user cannot set among the data type, data code, data direction, and data size. Among the buttons 714 to 717, the buttons corresponding to the inspection parameters that cannot be set may be grayed out.

[0086] The reference image section 1104 generates reference image data based on the variable data 211. This reference image data is displayed in the image display area 700 and is used as image data for comparison in the inspection section 302.

[0087] The UI unit 1105 generates a print setting screen SC1, an inspection setting screen SC2, and a variable area setting screen SC3, and displays them on the display device 21. The image display unit 1111 displays a print image 701 based on the reference image data in the image display area 700. The switching unit 1112 switches the candidate area (inspection area) displayed on the button 711 in response to the operation of the button 712. That is, the switching unit 1112 monitors the operation of the buttons 711, 712, and 718, and identifies or switches the candidate area selected by the user. The frame display unit 1113 displays a frame in the image display area 700 based on the print coordinates of the candidate area extracted by the extraction unit 1102. The frame display unit 1113 displays the frame of the candidate area currently selected by the switching unit 1112 in a manner that is distinguishable from the frames of non-selected candidate areas. This distinction may be realized by changing the type of line of the frame, changing the color of the line of the frame, or changing the color that fills the inside of the frame.

[0088] The setting reception unit 1114 sets the selected candidate area as an inspection area and sets inspection parameters in response to the operation of the buttons 713 to 717. The storage unit 1116 creates setting data 214 including the reference image data, coordinate data of the variable area, and the inspection parameters received via the setting reception unit 1114, and stores the same in the memory 210.

[0089] In this way, according to the first embodiment, the user can select a variable area for which image inspection is desired as an inspection area from the variable areas (candidate areas) extracted from the variable data 211. Therefore, the number of errors in the inspection settings for variable printing is reduced. In other words, the usability when setting the inspection of the image on the sheet can be improved.

[0090] <Settings Flowchart> 12 shows the setting process executed by the CPU 201 of the control device 40 in accordance with the control program 213. When the button 614 is operated, the CPU 201 executes the following process.

[0091] In S1201, the CPU 201 (acquisition unit 1101) acquires the variable data 211 from the host computer 70 or the memory 210. In S1202, the CPU 201 (analysis unit 1131) analyzes the variable data 211.

[0092] In S1203, the CPU 201 (extraction unit 1102) extracts a variable area based on the analysis result. As described above, the variable data 211 is described in PPML or the like, and the CPU 201 can identify the contents of the master element 251 and their print coordinates, and the contents of the variable element 252 and their print coordinates. In particular, the contents of the variable element 252 and their print coordinates are extracted as definition information that defines the variable area. The CPU 201 may assign identification information to each extracted variable area.

[0093] In S1204, the CPU 201 (UI unit 1105) creates a variable area setting screen SC3 and displays the variable area setting screen SC3 on the display device 21. In S1205, the CPU 201 (setting reception unit 1114) receives a selection of an inspection area from a plurality of variable areas (candidate areas). As described above, at least one candidate area to be the inspection area is selected from the plurality of candidate areas by using buttons 711 to 713 and 718.

[0094] In S1206, the CPU 201 (settings receiving unit 1114) receives the inspection settings through the variable area setting screen SC3. The inspection settings include inspection parameters designated through the buttons 714 to 717. The inspection settings may include text acquired from the variable element 252 corresponding to the variable area, a character string restored from a barcode, and the like as answer data.

[0095] In S1207, CPU 201 (setting reception unit 1114) determines whether or not the settings have ended. For example, if button 729 is pressed, CPU 201 determines that the settings have ended. In this case, CPU 201 proceeds to S1208. On the other hand, if button 729 is not pressed, CPU 201 determines that the settings have not ended, and proceeds to S1205.

[0096] In S1208, the CPU 201 (storage unit 1116) stores the setting data 214 in the memory 210. In S1209, the CPU 201 (UI unit 1105) displays an examination setting screen SC2 on the display device 21.

[0097] <Flow chart for image inspection> 13 is a flowchart showing the print processing executed by the CPU 201 of the control device 40. When the button 501e is pressed to instruct the start of printing, the CPU 201 executes the following process.

[0098] In S1301, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) creates job information including sheet information, inspection settings, and discharge destination information based on the setting data 214, and transmits it to the inspection device 50. The sheet information includes the size and number of sheets P. The inspection settings include whether or not to perform inspection, and the contents of the inspection performed by the inspection device 50 (inspection area, inspection level, etc.). The discharge destination information includes identification information of one of the stacking devices 60a, 60b that will be the discharge destination, and identification information of the OK tray and NG tray. The OK tray is a sheet tray to which sheets P that have passed inspection are discharged. The NG tray is a sheet tray to which sheets P that have not passed inspection are discharged.

[0099] In S1302, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) determines whether or not a request for transmitting the reference image data and the variable data 211 has been received from the inspection device 50. If no request has been received, the CPU 201 advances the process to S1304. If a request has been received, the CPU 201 advances the process to S1303.

[0100] In S1303, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) reads out the reference image data and the variable data 211 from the memory 210 and transmits them to the inspection device 50.

[0101] In S1304, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) determines whether or not the preparation completion has been notified from the inspection device 50. When the preparation completion has been notified from the inspection device 50, the CPU 201 advances the process to S1305.

[0102] In S1305, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) controls the image forming apparatus 30 to execute printing on the sheet P. The sheet P is discharged from the image forming apparatus 30 to the inspection apparatus 50.

[0103] In S1306, the CPU 201 (notification unit 207) receives the inspection result from the inspection device 50 and displays the inspection result on the display device 21. The notification unit 207 receives the inspection image data 312 from the inspection device 50 and displays a read image on the display device 21 based on the inspection image data 312. Furthermore, the notification unit 207 may display which of the multiple inspection areas has failed on the display device 21 by superimposing the read image. For example, the notification unit 207 may highlight the failed variable area among the multiple variable areas. The highlighting may be, for example, displaying the failed variable area by superimposing a frame of a conspicuous color on it. Furthermore, the notification unit 207 may display the reason for failure on the display device 21 (e.g., OCR failure, barcode decoding failure, occurrence of black spots, occurrence of black streak images, etc.).

[0104] If the inspection result indicates failure, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) may execute the job of the failed page again.

[0105] In S1307, CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) determines whether there are any pages to be printed based on the print job. That is, CPU 201 determines whether printing of all pages is complete. If there are any pages to be printed, CPU 201 advances the process to S1305 and executes printing of the next page. If there are no pages to be printed, CPU 201 ends the print job.

[0106] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the inspection process executed by the CPU 301 of the inspection device 50.

[0107] In S1401, the CPU 301 receives job information from the control device 40. The job information may be stored in the memory 310. Alternatively, the job information may be stored in the memory 310 as a part of the setting data 214.

[0108] In step S1402, the CPU 301 transmits job information to the loading device 60a connected to the inspection device 50 as a downstream device.

[0109] In S1403, the CPU 301 analyzes the job information and determines whether or not the job information indicates that an inspection job should be executed. If an inspection job has not been specified, the inspection device 50 executes a conveying job of conveying the sheet P to the subsequent stacking device 60a. If an inspection job has been specified, the CPU 301 advances the process to S1404. If an inspection job has not been specified, the CPU 301 advances the process to S1406.

[0110] In S 1404 , the CPU 301 transmits a request to the control device 40 for the reference image data and the variable data 211 .

[0111] In S1405, the CPU 301 receives the reference image data and the variable data 211 from the control device 40. The reference image data and the variable data 211 are stored in the memory 310.

[0112] In S1406, the CPU 301 notifies the control device 40 of the completion of preparation. Note that the preparation completion notification may also be transmitted to the subsequent loading devices 60a to 60b.

[0113] In S1407, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the sheet P has arrived based on the detection signal output from the sheet sensor 56. The arrival of the sheet P means that the sheet sensor 56 has detected the leading edge of the sheet P. When the sheet P has arrived at the sheet sensor 56, the CPU 301 advances the process to S1408.

[0114] In S1408, the CPU 301 (read control unit 307, inspection unit 302) executes image inspection specified by the job information. The read control unit 307 reads the sheet P with the image sensors 54, 55, and creates inspection image data 312. Furthermore, the inspection unit 302 inspects the inspection image data 312 according to the inspection settings specified by the job information. For example, the inspection unit 302 compares the inspection image data 312 with the reference image data to determine whether the image formed on the sheet P meets the pass criteria. In particular, the inspection unit 302 executes character recognition and barcode decoding processing for the variable area, and determines whether the restored information matches the correct answer information included in the variable element 252.

[0115] In S1409, the CPU 301 (inspection unit 302) transmits the inspection results to the control device 40 and the stacking devices 60a to 60b. If the job information specifies the stacking device 60a as the discharge destination, the inspection results are transmitted to at least the stacking device 60a. This is because the discharge destination is switched based on the inspection results.

[0116] In S1410, the CPU 201 determines whether there are any pages to be inspected that are specified by the job information. If there are any pages to be inspected, the CPU 301 advances the process to S1407 and waits for the arrival of the next sheet P. If there are no pages to be inspected, the CPU 301 ends the job.

[0117] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the transport and discharge process executed by the CPU 401 of the loading device 60. As shown in FIG.

[0118] In S1501, the CPU 401 (job control unit 402) receives job information from the inspection device 50 or the upstream loading device 60. If a downstream loading device 60 exists, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1502.

[0119] In S1502, the CPU 401 (job control unit 402) transmits job information to the downstream loading device 60. If the loading device 60 is the most downstream loading device 60, in S1503, a response indicating successful reception of the job information is transmitted to the inspection device 50 or the upstream loading device 60. The upstream loading device 60 transfers the response to the inspection device 50.

[0120] In S1504, the CPU 401 determines whether the stacking device 60 is designated as a discharge destination based on the job information. If the sheet P passes through the stacking device 60 and is discharged to the subsequent stacking device 60, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1521.

[0121] In S1521, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the sheet P has arrived based on the detection signal of the sheet sensor 66. When the sheet P has arrived, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1522.

[0122] In S1522, the CPU 401 (flapper control unit 407) controls the motor M1 and the solenoids SL1 and SL2 to discharge the sheet P to the stacking device 60 at the subsequent stage.

[0123] In S1523, the CPU 401 determines whether or not there are any sheets P to be discharged based on the job information. If there are any sheets P to be discharged, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1521. If there are no sheets P to be discharged, the CPU 401 completes the transport job.

[0124] On the other hand, if the self-device has been designated as the discharge destination, the CPU 401 advances the process from S1504 to S1505.

[0125] In S1505, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the sheet P has arrived based on the detection signal of the sheet sensor 66. When the sheet P has arrived, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1506.

[0126] In S1506, the CPU 401 receives the inspection result from the inspection device 50.

[0127] In S1507, the CPU 401 determines whether the sheet P has passed the inspection based on the inspection result. If the sheet P has passed the inspection, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1508.

[0128] In S1508, the CPU 401 (transport control unit 406, flapper control unit 407) controls the motor M1 and solenoids SL1 and SL2 to discharge the sheet P to the OK tray. If the sheet P does not pass the inspection, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1510. In S1510, the CPU 401 controls the motor M1 and solenoids SL1 and SL2 to discharge the sheet P to the NG tray. The OK tray and NG tray are specified in advance by the job information.

[0129] In S1509, the CPU 401 determines whether or not there are any sheets P to be discharged based on the job information. If there are any sheets P to be discharged, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1505. If there are no sheets P to be discharged, the CPU 401 completes the discharge job.

[0130] [Example 2] In the first embodiment, text and barcodes are exemplified as the variable element 252. However, the variable element 252 may be an image. The variable element 252 includes coordinate information of the variable area and information content (text, barcode, image) printed in the variable area. In the second embodiment, the same reference symbols are given to matters common to the first embodiment, and the explanation of the first embodiment is cited. The following mainly describes the parts unique to the second embodiment.

[0131] 16 shows an examination setting screen SC2 in the second embodiment. In this example, five examination areas 602 to 604 are shown. Of these, the examination area 604 is set to two variable areas. One variable area is an area that includes a human image. The other variable area is an area that includes a two-dimensional barcode.

[0132] FIG. 17 shows a variable area setting screen SC3 that is displayed when the button 614 in the examination setting screen SC2 is pressed. In this example, three candidate areas 1751, 1752, and 1753, each of which is a variable area, are extracted and are highlighted by a frame. The user can select an examination area from the three candidate areas 1751, 1752, and 1753. The three candidate areas 1751, 1752, and 1753 may be given identification information such as area I, area II, and area III. That is, the button 711 can display area I, area II, area III, or the entire area. The user can also operate the button 712 to switch the selected candidate area displayed by the button 711.

[0133] 18 shows, as an example, that area II corresponding to candidate area 1752 is selected from three selectable candidate areas 1751, 1752, and 1753. As described above, area II is selected by operating buttons 711, 712, and 713. For example, the user selects area II corresponding to candidate area 1752 by operating button 712, and determines area II as the inspection area by operating button 713.

[0134] The button 714 is a button for selecting a data type, and in this example, "image" is selected as the data type. The setting unit 202 can detect that the variable element 252 in the candidate area 1752 is an image by analyzing the variable data 211. Therefore, the setting unit 202 may display "image" as the default data type on the button 714 based on the analysis result.

[0135] The data type of the candidate area 1752 is "image." Therefore, the button 715 for setting the data code, the button 716 for setting the data orientation, and the button 717 for setting the data size are displayed as inoperable.

[0136] The data type of area II (candidate area 1752) is "image." Therefore, in the image inspection, an inspection image cut out from the coordinates corresponding to the candidate area 1752 of the scanned image acquired from the sheet P is compared with the person image linked to the variable element 252. In other words, the evaluation unit 304 calculates the degree of match between the inspection image and the person image, and judges pass / fail based on the degree of match.

[0137] According to the second embodiment, the information content printed in the variable area is any one of text, barcode, and image. The setting unit 202 analyzes the variable data 211 to extract the variable area, and proposes the extracted variable area to the user as a candidate area. This allows the user to more accurately select the variable area as the inspection area. As a result, the user will make fewer mistakes in setting the variable area. That is, it will be possible to improve usability when setting the inspection of an image on a sheet.

[0138] [Example 3] The third embodiment relates to a method of notifying the result of image inspection. When the inspection device 50 receives the result of image inspection, the CPU 201 (notification unit 207) of the control device 40 notifies the result of image inspection from the display device 21.

[0139] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a notification screen SC4. The image display area 1900 is a display area that displays a read image 1901 of a sheet that is determined to be a failure by the inspection device 50 among a plurality of sheets P. The image inspection result may include information indicating the pass / fail of each inspection area in addition to the pass / fail of each sheet P. The CPU 201 displays frames indicating the inspection areas 1951-1953 superimposed on the read image based on the coordinate information of the inspection areas 1951-1953 included in the image inspection result. In this example, the inspection areas 1951 and 1952 are surrounded by dashed frames. The dashed frames indicate that the inspection has been passed. The inspection area 1953 is surrounded by a dashed frame. The dashed frame indicates that the inspection has been failed. A plurality of inspection areas 1951-1953 are set on the sheet P, and if even one of the inspection areas is a failure, the entire sheet P is determined to be a failure. That is, the dashed-dotted frame indicates the inspection area that caused sheet P to be judged as a failure. This will enable the user to easily identify the cause of the failure. In other words, usability can be improved when setting up the inspection of images on sheets.

[0140] The notification screen SC4 may display a message prompting reprinting of the failed sheet P. Furthermore, the notification screen SC4 may include a button 1921 for instructing reprinting and a button 1922 for instructing not to execute reprinting.

[0141] [Technical ideas derived from examples] (Item 1) According to the first to third embodiments, in variable printing in which a master image and a variable image are printed, data on which the variable image is based is analyzed, and at least one candidate area selectable by the user as an inspection area is extracted. The user selects the inspection area from one or more candidate areas displayed on the setting screen. This reduces errors in inspection settings for variable printing. The image inspection device may be implemented in an information processing device such as the host computer 70.

[0142] (Item 2) The extraction unit 1102 may have an OCR unit 1132 that performs character recognition on the variable image, and may extract an area where character recognition by the OCR unit 1132 has been successful as a candidate area. In variable printing, text (letters, numbers) may change for each page. Therefore, an area where text is printed is highly likely to be a variable area that requires inspection. In particular, there may be cases where the variable data 211 is not written in PPML but is simply a bitmap image. In such cases, the extraction unit 1102 may extract a candidate area by utilizing the OCR unit 1132.

[0143] (Item 3) The extraction unit 1102 may have a decoding unit 1133 that performs barcode recognition on the variable image, and may extract an area where the barcode recognition by the decoding unit 1133 has been successful as a candidate area. In variable printing, a different barcode may be printed on each page. Therefore, an area where a barcode is printed is highly likely to be a variable area. In particular, there may be cases where the variable data 211 is not written in PPML but is simply a bitmap image. In such cases, the extraction unit 1102 may extract the candidate area by utilizing the decoding unit 1133.

[0144] (Item 4) The display device 21 may display a pull-down menu (button 711) including a list of multiple candidate areas on the setting screen. The setting receiving unit 1114 may receive the selection of the inspection area through the pull-down menu. This will allow the user to easily select the inspection area from multiple candidate areas.

[0145] (Item 5) The display device 21 may highlight a candidate area selected as an inspection area through a pull-down menu in the display region. For example, the selected candidate area (inspection area) may be highlighted by the type or color of the line indicating the frame. This will enable the user to visually distinguish the selected candidate area from other candidate areas.

[0146] (Item 6) The variable area setting screen SC3 may include an information display section (e.g., button 711) that displays identification information (e.g., areas I and II) of a candidate area selected as an inspection area from among the multiple candidate areas. The setting reception section 1114 may include a switching means (e.g., button 712) that switches one of the multiple candidate areas whose identification information is displayed on the button 711. This allows the user to easily switch the selected candidate area.

[0147] (Item 7) The display device 21 may display identification information indicating one candidate area on the button 711, and may also display a frame surrounding the one candidate area in the display region. This causes the name of the candidate area and the frame indicating the candidate area to switch in conjunction with each other. By checking the changes in the name and frame, the user can easily understand which name is assigned to which frame.

[0148] (Item 8) The variable area setting screen SC3 may display a plurality of candidate areas. The setting reception unit 1114 may include a collective selection means (button 718) for collectively selecting a plurality of candidate areas displayed on the variable area setting screen SC3 as the inspection area. This allows the user to easily set all the candidate areas as the inspection area.

[0149] (Item 9) The setting reception unit 1114 may include a reflection means (button 719) for reflecting common inspection settings to a plurality of candidate areas selected as inspection areas by the collective selection means. This allows the user to easily set inspection parameters for a plurality of inspection areas.

[0150] (Item 10) The communication circuit 220 is an example of a receiving means for receiving arrangement information (e.g., variable data 211 described in PPML) indicating the position where the variable image is to be arranged from an information processing device capable of communicating with the image inspection device. The extraction unit 1102 may extract a candidate area based on the arrangement information of the variable image. In this case, it will be possible to easily specify the coordinates of the variable area without performing OCR or decoding.

[0151] (Item 11) The classification unit 1121 may classify the information attribute of the variable image into any one of text, barcode, or image based on the analysis result of the variable image. As described in relation to Figs. 8 to 10, the adjustment unit 1122 may adjust the number or contents of the inspection parameters that the user can set for the inspection area according to the classification result. This will enable the user to set appropriate inspection parameters according to the information attribute. That is, errors in the inspection setting will be further reduced.

[0152] (Item 12) The extraction unit 1102 may extract at least one candidate area by analyzing variable data described in PPML (Personalized Print Markup Language).

[0153] (Item 13) The variable data may include a master element 251 that defines a master image and its print coordinates, and a variable element 252 that defines a variable image and its print coordinates. The extraction unit 1102 may extract at least one candidate area by analyzing the variable element 252.

[0154] (Item 14) The notification unit 207 and the display device 21 function as a notification unit that notifies the user of the image inspection result, thereby allowing the user to easily know the inspection result.

[0155] (Item 15) The notification unit 207 may display a scanned image acquired from a sheet P determined to be unacceptable among a plurality of sheets and an inspection area that caused the failure, in an overlapping manner. This allows the user to immediately know the cause of the failure. The user may also adjust the image forming system 100 or adjust the inspection parameters to resolve the failure. This will reduce the consumption of sheets P.

[0156] (Item 16) The image forming device 30 is an example of an image forming means that forms an image on a sheet P. The image sensors 54 and 55 are an example of a reading means that reads the image formed on the sheet P. The image inspection means (e.g., inspection unit 302) performs image inspection in an inspection area based on the result of reading the image formed on the sheet by the reading means. Note that the image inspection includes a process of comparing the correct image (reference image) with the read image, and a process of comparing the correct text with the text obtained (restored) from the read image.

[0157] (Item 17) The setting unit 202 is an example of a setting means for setting the image inspection content in the image inspection means. Note that the image forming system 100 may be called an image forming apparatus or an image inspection apparatus.

[0158] (Item 18) The sheet tray 61a is an example of a first stacking means on which sheets P that have passed the image inspection are stacked. The sheet tray 62a is an example of a second stacking means on which sheets P that have not passed the image inspection are stacked. The flappers F1a and F2a are an example of a sorting means that sorts the sheets P to the first stacking means or the second stacking means based on the inspection result of the image inspection means.

[0159] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 100: image forming system, 201: CPU, 21: display device, 22: input device, 50: image inspection device

Claims

1. A display means for displaying a settings screen for setting the contents of an image inspection, The aforementioned settings screen includes a receiving means for receiving input to set a variable area where the image formed for each sheet changes, An image inspection means that performs the image inspection according to the conditions set on the settings screen, It has, The display means is an inspection system that, before the variable area is set by the reception means, presents candidate areas on the setting screen as the variable area for which the image inspection will be performed.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1, further comprising a reading means for reading an image formed on a sheet.

3. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the display means presents candidate regions according to a reference image.

4. The inspection system according to claim 2, wherein the display means presents candidate regions according to the read image acquired by the reading means.

5. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the display means presents candidate regions according to the print data.

6. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the image inspection means performs character recognition on the image printed on the variable region and extracts the variable region on which character recognition was successful as the candidate region.

7. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the image inspection means performs barcode recognition on the image printed on the variable region, and extracts the variable region in which barcode recognition was successful as the candidate region.

8. The display means is configured to display a pull-down menu in the setting screen that includes a list of multiple candidate regions extracted by the image inspection means, The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the receiving means is configured to accept the selection of the candidate region through the pull-down menu.

9. The inspection system according to claim 8, wherein the display means highlights the candidate region selected through the pull-down menu.

10. The setting screen includes an information display area that displays identification information of one candidate region selected from among a plurality of candidate regions extracted by the image inspection means, The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the receiving means detects an instruction to switch one of the candidate regions from among the plurality of candidate regions to the region on which the identification information is displayed in the information display area.

11. The inspection system according to claim 10, wherein the display means displays the identification information indicating the region of one candidate, and also displays a frame surrounding the region of one candidate.

12. The setting screen displays a plurality of candidate regions extracted by the image inspection means, The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the receiving means detects a batch selection instruction for selecting multiple candidate regions displayed on the setting screen all at once.

13. The inspection system according to claim 12, wherein the receiving means detects an application instruction to apply common inspection settings to the plurality of candidates selected by the batch selection instruction.

14. The system further comprises receiving means for receiving arrangement information indicating the position where the image is placed from an information processing device that can communicate with the inspection system, The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the image inspection means extracts at least one candidate region based on the arrangement information of the image.

15. The image inspection means is Based on the analysis results of the aforementioned image, the information attributes of the image are classified into either text, barcode, or image. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the number or content of user-configurable inspection parameters for the candidate region is adjusted according to the classification result obtained by the classification.

16. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the image inspection means extracts at least one candidate region by analyzing variable data described in PPML (Personalized Print Markup Language).

17. The variable data includes a master element that defines a first image common to multiple sheets and its print coordinates, and a variable element that defines a second image to be printed in the variable area and its print coordinates, The inspection system according to claim 16, wherein the image inspection means extracts at least one candidate region by analyzing the variable element.

18. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the display means provides notification of the inspection results of the image inspection.

19. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays a read image obtained from a sheet that has been determined to be unacceptable by the image inspection means, and the inspection area that caused the unacceptable status, superimposed on the display means.

20. Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet, A reading means for reading the image formed on the sheet, An inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, An image forming system having the following features.

21. A first loading means on which sheets that have passed the aforementioned image inspection are loaded, A second loading means on which sheets that did not pass the aforementioned image inspection are loaded, A sorting means that sorts the sheets to the first loading means or the second loading means based on the inspection results of the image inspection means, The image forming system according to claim 20, further comprising:

Images