Information processing device, information processing method and program

Abstract

To reduce an operation time due to the generation of paper characteristic information.SOLUTION: An information processing device for comparing a reference image for inspecting a result of an image formation output by an image forming apparatus with a read image of paper outputted after forming an image thereon by the image forming apparatus and inspecting the result of the image formation output by the image forming apparatus, includes paper specific information determination means for selecting paper specific information of paper after executing calibration to the paper, and difference detection means for comparing the reference image generated by using paper characteristic information of selected paper with a read image outputted by the image forming apparatus after forming an image on the selected paper, and inspecting a result of the image formation output by the image forming apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in production printing, a print quality inspection is performed to check the quality of a printed matter output by an image forming device. In the print quality inspection, a reference image (master image) generated by converting an original image is compared with a read image generated by reading the printed matter output by the image forming device with a scanner or the like, thereby inspecting the print quality of the printed matter.

[0003] A color conversion table that associates color components in different color spaces with each other is used to convert an original image into a reference image. The color conversion table is generated, for example, by measuring the color of an image of a color chart on which color patches with predefined densities are arranged and a read image generated by reading a printed matter on which the image of the color chart is printed, and associating the color measurement values ​​of the corresponding color patches with each other.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a color stabilization technology that generates parameters from a color chart for the purpose of performing a print quality inspection. Patent Document 2 discloses a defect detection technology that reduces the number of color charts required to generate a color conversion table for the purpose of performing a print quality inspection. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional print quality inspections, when using paper characteristic information to perform print quality inspections, it was necessary to generate paper characteristic information for each sheet of paper in order to generate a reference image after reading. Thus, conventional print quality inspections had the problem of the time required for the work of generating paper characteristic information.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has an object to reduce the work time required for generating paper characteristic information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that compares a reference image for inspecting the result of image formation output by an image forming device with a read image of paper on which the image forming device has formed and output, and inspects the result of image formation output by the image forming device, and is characterized by comprising a paper characteristic information determination means that selects paper characteristic information of the paper after performing calibration on the paper, and a difference detection means that compares the reference image generated using the paper characteristic information of the selected paper with the read image on which the image forming device has formed and output on the selected paper, and inspects the result of image formation output by the image forming device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The work time required for generating paper characteristic information can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a DFE according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment and a sheet transport path. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of a DFE according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for performing a print quality inspection using paper characteristic information according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an image diagram of an example of a calibration target selection screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an image diagram of an example of a calibration chart. [Figure 8]FIG. 11 is an image diagram of an example of calibration correction. [Figure 9] 13 is an image diagram of an example of a paper characteristic information selection screen. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table in which calibration targets are associated with paper characteristic information; FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an image diagram of an example of a paper characteristic information generation chart. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an image diagram of an example of paper characteristic information. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an image diagram of an example of single-color solid interpolation. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an image diagram of an example of solid interpolation of secondary and tertiary colors. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [First embodiment] <Overall configuration of image forming system> 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an image forming system 1 according to this embodiment. The image forming system 1 according to this embodiment includes a user terminal 10, a DFE (Digital Front End) 12, an image forming device 14, a reading device 16, and a management server 18.

[0012] The user terminal 10 is an information processing terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) operated by a user. The user terminal 10 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, and an input unit such as a mouse and a keyboard. The user terminal 10 creates a print job according to the user's operation, and transmits the print job to the DFE 12 or the management server 18.

[0013] The management server 18 is an information processing device such as a PC. The management server 18 manages print jobs received from the user terminal 10. Furthermore, the management server 18 transmits print jobs to the DFE 12 in response to a request from the DFE 12.

[0014] The DFE 12 receives a print job from the user terminal 10 or the management server 18. The DFE 12 performs RIP processing using a RIP (Raster Image Processor) engine based on the received print job to generate image data (bitmap data) to be printed. Hereinafter, the bitmap data generated by the DFE 12 is also referred to as a "RIP image." The DFE 12 transmits the generated RIP image to the image forming device 14.

[0015] The image forming device 14 receives the RIP image from the DFE 12. The engine controller of the image forming device 14 controls the print engine based on the RIP image received from the DFE 12 to form and output an image. The print engine, under the control of the engine controller, forms and outputs an image on paper, which is a recording medium, based on the RIP image. In addition to the above-mentioned paper, any sheet-like material such as film or plastic that is the target of image formation and output can be used as the recording medium.

[0016] The reading device 16 generates a read image by reading the printing paper (printed material) on which the image forming device 14 has formed and output. The reading device 16 transmits the read image to the DFE 12. The reading device 16 may be externally connected to the image forming device 14, or may be built into the image forming device 14. The read image is data in which color components in the RGB color space, Lab color space, or CMYK color space have been measured. The reading device 16 transmits the read image to the DFE 12.

[0017] Based on the RIP image, the DFE 12 generates an image (reference image) that serves as a reference for inspecting the result of the image formed and output by the image forming device 14. The DFE 12 also compares the generated reference image with the read image received from the image forming device 14 to inspect the result of the image formed and output by the image forming device 14 (print quality inspection).

[0018] In addition, when it is determined that there is a defect in the result of the image formation output by the image forming apparatus 14, the DFE 12 may notify the user terminal 10 of information regarding the page for which a defect has been determined. Further, when the DFE 12 detects color variation from the result of the image formation output by the image forming apparatus 14, the DFE 12 may perform color tone correction on the image forming apparatus 14.

[0019] <Hardware Configuration of DFE> FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the DFE 12 according to the present embodiment. The DFE 12 in FIG. 2 has a hardware configuration similar to that of an information processing apparatus such as a general PC or workstation.

[0020] The DFE 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 24, and an I / F 25. The CPU 21, the RAM 22, the ROM 23, the HDD 24, and the I / F 25 are connected via a bus 29. Further, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 26, an operation unit 27, and a dedicated device 28 are connected to the I / F 25.

[0021] The CPU 21 is an arithmetic unit that realizes the control and functions of the entire DFE 12 by reading programs and data from a storage device such as the ROM 23 or the HDD 24 onto the RAM 22 and executing processing. The RAM 22 is a volatile semiconductor memory that temporarily holds programs and data. The ROM 23 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that can hold programs and data even when the power is turned off.

[0022] The HDD 24 is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The programs and data stored in the HDD 24 include an OS (Operating System), which is basic software that controls the entire DFE 12, and application software that provides various functions on the OS. The DFE 12 may have a drive device (e.g., a solid state drive: SSD) that uses a flash memory as a storage medium instead of or in addition to the HDD 24.

[0023] The I / F 25 is an interface that connects the bus 29 with various hardware, networks, etc. The LCD 26 is a user interface that allows the user to check the processing results of the DFE 12, etc. The operation unit 27 is a user interface, such as a keyboard or a mouse, that allows the user to input various information to the DFE 12. The dedicated device 28 is hardware that realizes a dedicated function.

[0024] The dedicated device 28 may be an arithmetic unit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) for performing high-speed image processing. The I / F 25 in Fig. 2 is a communication interface that enables communication between the DFE 12 and the user terminal 10, the image forming device 14, the reading device 16, and the management server 18.

[0025] The DFE 12 according to this embodiment has the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2 and is therefore capable of implementing various processes, which will be described later.

[0026] <Mechanical configuration of the image forming device and paper transport path> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus 14 according to the present embodiment and a paper conveyance path. As shown in FIG. 3, an operation device 61 that provides a user interface is connected to a print engine 30 of the image forming apparatus 14 according to the present embodiment. Along a conveyance belt 71 of the print engine 30, photosensitive drums 72Y, 72M, 72C, and 72K of respective colors (hereinafter, when not distinguishing each color, represented as "photosensitive drum 72") are arranged side by side. Along the conveyance belt 71, which is an intermediate transfer belt on which an intermediate transfer image for transferring to a sheet (an example of a recording medium) fed from a paper feed tray 63 is formed, the photosensitive drums 72Y to 72K are arranged in order from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the conveyance belt 71.

[0027] Full-color images are formed by superimposing and transferring the images of respective colors developed with toner on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 72 of respective colors onto the conveyance belt 71. The full-color image formed on the conveyance belt 71 is transferred onto the paper surface of the sheet that has been conveyed along the conveyance path indicated by the broken line in FIG. 3 by the function of a transfer roller 73.

[0028] The sheet on which an image has been formed on the paper surface is further conveyed, the image is fixed by a fixing roller 74, and then conveyed to an inspection device 40. In the case of double-sided printing, the sheet on which an image has been formed and fixed on one side is conveyed to a reverse path 75, reversed, and then conveyed again to the transfer position by the transfer roller 73.

[0029] A reading device 81 reads the paper surface in the conveyance path inside the inspection device 40 and generates a read image. In the case of double-sided printing, both sides of the sheet are read by reading devices 81 and 82 to generate a read image. The sheet whose paper surface has been read is further conveyed inside the inspection device 40 and conveyed to a stacker 62. Thereafter, the sheet conveyed to the stacker 62 is discharged to a paper discharge tray 64.

[0030] <Functional Configuration of DFE12> Fig. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the DFE 12 according to this embodiment. The DFE 12 shown in Fig. 4 includes, as functional units, a color conversion processing unit 100, a gradation correction unit 102, a halftone processing unit 104, and a detection unit 110. The detection unit 110 also includes, as functional units, a difference detection unit 112, a paper characteristic information determination unit 114, a paper characteristic information generation unit 116, and a paper characteristic information correction unit 118.

[0031] Each functional unit in FIG. 4 is realized by processing executed by the CPU 21 according to one or more programs installed in the DFE 12 .

[0032] The color conversion processing unit 100 performs a predetermined color conversion process using a RIP engine or the like on the CMYK values ​​or RGB values ​​of the image data of a print job received from, for example, the user terminal 10, and converts it into CMYK format image data (RIP image) that is compatible with the image forming device 14.

[0033] The gradation correction unit 102 receives the image data converted by the color conversion processing unit 100, and performs gamma correction based on the calibration correction gamma and the color correction gamma. The gradation correction unit 102 obtains the color correction gamma from the detection unit 110.

[0034] When the user terminal 10 executes calibration, the DFE 12 instructs the image forming device 14 to print a calibration chart, and the reading device 16 measures the patches of the calibration chart formed on the paper surface. The gradation corrector 102 generates a calibration correction gamma based on the calibration chart measurement values ​​and the calibration target.

[0035] The halftone processor 104 performs halftone color processing on the 8-bit image data corrected by the gradation corrector 102, and converts it into 2-bit image data that can be formed and output by the image forming device 14.

[0036] The difference detection unit 112 of the detection unit 110 detects the occurrence of an abnormal image or color variation in real time during job printing. When the occurrence of an abnormal image is detected, the difference detection unit 112 notifies the user terminal 10. When the occurrence of a color variation is detected, the difference detection unit 112 generates a color correction gamma and feeds it back to the gradation correction unit 102. When detecting the occurrence of an abnormal image or color variation, the difference detection unit 112 uses the RIP image generated by the color conversion processing unit 100, the read image read from the printing paper by the reading device 16, and paper characteristic information corresponding to the paper of the print job.

[0037] The difference detection unit 112 converts the RIP image of the print job using the paper characteristic information, and simulates the image on the print paper to be formed and output. The image generated by the simulation becomes a reference image (master image). The difference detection unit 112 compares the reference image with the read image received from the image forming device 14, thereby inspecting the result of the image formation and output by the image forming device 14.

[0038] The paper characteristic information determination unit 114 selects the paper characteristic information to be used for the print paper to be used. When instructed by the user, the paper characteristic information generation unit 116 executes printing of the paper characteristic information generation chart, creates new paper characteristic information from the measurement information of the patches of the paper characteristic information generation chart formed on the paper surface, and stores it in, for example, the HDD 24. When instructed by the user, the paper characteristic information correction unit 118 corrects the existing paper characteristic information based on the existing paper characteristic information and the measurement information of the patches of the paper characteristic information generation chart formed on the paper surface, and stores it in the HDD 24 or the like as new paper characteristic information.

[0039] <Processing> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for performing a print quality inspection using paper characteristic information according to the present embodiment.

[0040] In step S1, a user inputs paper information such as the size, thickness, color, and type of paper that the user wants to use for printing into the user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 registers the paper information input by the user in the DFE 12. The DFE 12 assigns a unique paper ID to each piece of paper and saves the paper characteristic information.

[0041] In step S2, the user operates the user terminal 10 to instruct execution of calibration for the paper information registered in step S1. The user terminal 10 requests execution of calibration to the DFE 12. Calibration is a function that absorbs individual differences and aging fluctuations of the print engine 30 and performs color expression of a certain quality.

[0042] By performing calibration as described below, the DEF12 can minimize differences in paper type and fluctuations over time, allowing for optimal color expression on the paper.

[0043] When performing calibration, the user selects a calibration target to be used for calibration from, for example, a calibration target selection screen in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is an image diagram showing an example of the calibration target selection screen.

[0044] The calibration target is provided with an optimal gamma for each paper type, such as plain paper or coated paper. For example, coated paper is output with a high solid density, and the gamma is set to match the characteristics of the wide color reproduction range. Note that using a calibration target gamma that is not suitable for the paper type may cause gradation loss and prevent the color reproduction range from being used to the fullest extent. Note that the gamma used as the calibration target may be set by the user.

[0045] After selecting the calibration target, the DFE 12 instructs the image forming device 14 to print a calibration chart. FIG. 7 is an image diagram of an example of a calibration chart. As shown in FIG. 7, the calibration chart is made up of patches with gradation from 0 to 100%. The reading device 16 measures the patches of the calibration chart printed on the paper surface, and transmits the calibration chart measurement values ​​to the gradation correction unit 102 of the DFE 12.

[0046] Fig. 8 is an image diagram of an example of calibration correction. As shown in Fig. 8, the gradation correction unit 102 generates a calibration correction gamma so that the calibration chart measurement value approaches the calibration target.

[0047] The calibration target is an ideal gamma. The calibration chart measurement value is a gamma that has fluctuated due to individual differences and aging variations of the print engine 30. The gradation correction unit 102 generates a calibration correction gamma so as to absorb errors in the calibration target and the calibration chart measurement values. After the calibration correction gamma is generated, the gradation correction unit 102 uses the calibration correction gamma of the paper on which printing has been performed for the image data of the print job.

[0048] After performing paper calibration, in step S3, the user selects the paper characteristic information to be used for the paper from, for example, a paper characteristic information selection screen of Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an image diagram of an example of the paper characteristic information selection screen. The DFE 12 may display a list of paper characteristic information stored in the user terminal 10 on the paper characteristic information selection screen and allow the user to select paper characteristic information.

[0049] 9A is an example of a display of optimal paper characteristic information recommended for a paper from a calibration target. The optimal paper characteristic information recommended for a paper from a calibration target may be manually selected by a user or automatically selected by the paper characteristic information determination unit 114 of the DFE 12.

[0050] For example, the paper characteristic information determination unit 114 may automatically select optimal paper characteristic information from the calibration targets used by the user, using a table shown in FIG. 10 in which paper characteristic information is associated with each calibration target.

[0051] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a table that associates calibration targets with paper characteristic information. The table in Fig. 10 associates calibration target IDs with paper characteristic information IDs. The calibration target IDs shown in Fig. 10 are an example of identification information for calibration targets. The paper characteristic information IDs are an example of identification information for paper characteristic information.

[0052] In step S3, if there is no paper characteristic information suitable for the paper, the user selects to create new paper characteristic information from the paper characteristic information selection screen in Fig. 9(B) When the user instructs to create new paper characteristic information, the paper characteristic information generation unit 116 of the DFE 12 performs the process of step S4.

[0053] In step S4, the paper characteristic information generating unit 116 executes printing of a paper characteristic information generation chart, for example, as shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is an image diagram of an example of a paper characteristic information generation chart. The paper characteristic information generation chart in Fig. 11 is composed of patches of combinations of single colors and mixed color gradation values ​​of 0 to 100% of CMYK.

[0054] The paper characteristic information generating unit 116 receives measurement information of the RGB values ​​of the patches of the paper characteristic information generating chart printed on the paper surface. The paper characteristic information generating unit 116 generates a color conversion table (LUT) such as that shown in FIG. 12 using a combination of input CMYK values ​​and output RGB values, and stores the color conversion table as paper characteristic information, for example, in the HDD 24. FIG. 12 is an image diagram of an example of paper characteristic information. FIG. 12 shows an example of a color conversion table using a combination of input CMYK values ​​and output RGB values. When the reading device 16 is a spectrophotometer, a color conversion table may be generated as paper characteristic information using a combination of input CMYK values ​​and output Lab values.

[0055] In step S3, if the user selects existing paper characteristic information from the paper characteristic information selection screen in Fig. 9, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the user can select whether or not to optimize the existing paper characteristic information.

[0056] If optimization is selected for the existing paper characteristic information, the paper characteristic information correction unit 118 corrects the paper white, solid density, and halftones from the calibration chart measurement values, and optimizes the color conversion table inside the paper characteristic information for the paper. By the processing of step S6, the DFE 12 according to this embodiment can improve the accuracy of detection of abnormal images and color correction compared to using existing paper characteristic information. Note that if optimization is not selected for the existing paper characteristic information, the paper characteristic information correction unit 118 skips the processing of step S6.

[0057] When correcting paper whiteness, the paper characteristic information correcting unit 118 acquires paper whiteness information (XYZ values) from the calibration chart measurement values. The paper characteristic information correcting unit 118 also converts the RGB values ​​or Lab values ​​in the color conversion table to the XYZ color space using the following (Equation 1) or (Equation 2), and then performs white point conversion (Bradford conversion). Details of the Bradford conversion are described in, for example, http: / / www.awm.jp / ~yoya / cache / w3.kcua.ac.jp / ~fujiwara / infosci / colorspace / bradford.html.

number

number

[0058] For example, (Equation 2) is an example of a conversion formula from Lab values ​​to XYZ values ​​(for example, https: / / ja.wikipedia.org / wiki / Lab%E8%89%B2%E7%A9%BA%E9%96%93).

[0059] In white point conversion, the source is (X S , Y S , Z S ), and convert to (X D , Y D , Z D ), the XYZ values ​​at the destination white point can be converted using the following (Equation 3).

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[0060] When correcting the solid density, the paper characteristic information correction unit 118 performs, for example, a single-color solid interpolation as shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is an image diagram of an example of single-color solid interpolation. The paper characteristic information correction unit 118 changes the solid density before correction of the single-color gradation value in the color conversion table to the solid density of the calibration chart measurement value (measured RGB value). For example, the paper characteristic information correction unit 118 replaces the existing RGB value of the 100% gradation value with the measured RGB value of the 100% gradation value on the paper, and then obtains from the solid density to a halftone (for example, 70%) by linear interpolation or spline interpolation.

[0061] Similarly, the paper characteristic information correction unit 118 performs solid interpolation of secondary and tertiary colors, for example, as shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is an image diagram of an example of solid interpolation of secondary and tertiary colors. The paper characteristic information correction unit 118 also obtains the gradation values ​​of the secondary and tertiary colors in the color conversion table by linearly interpolating or spline-interpolating up to a certain intermediate tone for the grid points adjacent to the line where a change has occurred.

[0062] After selecting the paper characteristic information, the user sets job information for the user image to be printed in step S7. The job information settings include, for example, paper settings, color settings, double-sided printing settings, etc. After completing the job information settings, the user executes printing of the print job from the user terminal 10.

[0063] The detection unit 110 of the DFE 12 selects calibration settings and paper characteristic information based on the selected paper setting information. The user image is converted into data that can be output by the image forming device 14. The image forming device 14 prints on a paper surface. The reading device 16 reads the image formed on the paper surface and transmits the read image to the detection unit 110 of the DFE 12.

[0064] In step S8, the difference detection unit 112 of the detection unit 110 converts the image data of the print job into a RIP-processed CMYK image using the selected paper characteristic information, and performs a simulation of the image to be generated on the paper surface. The image generated by the simulation becomes a reference image.

[0065] The difference detection unit 112 compares the reference image with the read image to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the image formed and output by the image forming device 14. If a defect such as a dot or a streak has occurred, the difference detection unit 112 of the DFE 12 may proceed to the process of step S9 and notify the user. If a color variation has occurred, the gradation correction unit 102 of the DFE 12 generates a calibration correction gamma and uses the calibration correction gamma for the image data of the print job to perform correction. The processes of steps S7 to S10 are repeated until the final page of the print job is reached.

[0066] According to this embodiment, it is possible to select optimal paper characteristic information for new paper based on existing paper characteristic information and measurement information of patches of a paper characteristic information generating chart formed on the paper surface. Also, according to this embodiment, it is possible to select new paper characteristic information obtained by correcting the existing paper characteristic information based on existing paper characteristic information and measurement information of patches of a paper characteristic information generating chart formed on the paper surface.

[0067] Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the user uses the defect detection function or color stabilization function of the image forming apparatus 14, the user's work time required for generating paper characteristic information can be reduced.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the paper characteristic information determination unit 114 may be configured by a neural network generated by machine learning. The neural network has an input layer, an intermediate layer, and an output layer.

[0069] The intermediate layer of the neural network may be one layer, or may include multiple layers. For example, the paper characteristic information determination unit 114 has already learned to output optimal paper characteristic information from the output layer of the neural network when a calibration target is input to the input layer of the neural network. The neural network is an example of a machine learning model. For example, the paper characteristic information determination unit 114 can obtain optimal paper characteristic information output from the output layer of the neural network by inputting the calibration target to the input layer of the neural network. Therefore, the user does not need to select paper characteristic information, and the burden is reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Image forming system 10 User terminal 12 DFE (Digital Front End) 14 Image forming device 16 Reading device 18 Management Server 21 CPU(Central Processing Unit) 100 Color conversion processing section 102 Tone Correction Section 104 Halftone Processing Section 110 Detection unit 112 Differential detection unit 114 Paper characteristic information determination unit 116 Paper characteristic information generation unit 118 Paper characteristic information correction section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0071] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6954008 [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6947060

Claims

1. 1. An information processing apparatus for inspecting a result of an image formed and output by an image forming apparatus by comparing a reference image for inspecting a result of an image formed and output by the image forming apparatus with a read image of a sheet on which the image forming apparatus has formed and output, comprising: a paper characteristic information determining unit for selecting paper characteristic information of the paper after performing calibration on the paper; a difference detection means for comparing the reference image generated using the paper characteristic information of the selected paper with a read image formed and output by the image forming device on the selected paper, and inspecting the result of the image formation and output by the image forming device; An information processing device comprising:

2. a paper characteristic information generating unit that generates new paper characteristic information of the paper from measurement information of a paper characteristic information generating chart printed on the paper by the image forming apparatus, The paper characteristic information determining means displays a user interface screen for accepting a selection of whether to use existing paper characteristic information of the paper or to use paper characteristic information of the paper newly generated by the paper characteristic information generating means.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

3. and a paper characteristic information correcting unit that, when a selection of using the existing paper characteristic information of the paper is accepted, optimizes the paper characteristic information of the paper from the existing paper characteristic information of the paper and measurement information of a paper characteristic information generating chart printed on the paper.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The paper characteristic information determining means is configured by a neural network generated by machine learning.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. An information processing device that compares a reference image for inspecting the result of image formation and output by an image forming device with a read image of a sheet on which the image forming device has formed and output an image, and inspects the result of image formation and output by the image forming device, a paper characteristic information determination step of selecting paper characteristic information of the paper after performing calibration on the paper; a difference detection step of comparing the reference image generated using the paper characteristic information of the selected paper with a read image formed and output by the image forming device on the selected paper, and inspecting the result of the image formation and output by the image forming device; An information processing method for performing the above.

6. an information processing device for comparing a reference image for inspecting the result of image formation and output by an image forming device with a read image of a sheet on which the image forming device has formed and output an image, and inspecting the result of image formation and output by the image forming device; a paper characteristic information determination step of selecting paper characteristic information of the paper after performing calibration on the paper; a difference detection step of comparing the reference image generated using the paper characteristic information of the selected paper with a read image formed and output by the image forming device on the selected paper, and inspecting the result of the image formation and output by the image forming device; A program for executing the above.

Images