Image inspection system, information processing device and program

Abstract

To reduce a burden on a user required for an image inspection of a printed matter with printing data printed thereon, in comparison with a case where an image inspection of a printed matter with printing data printed thereon without is performed without using information concerning a position of an object of the image inspection set in image data arranged in the printing data.SOLUTION: An image inspection system comprises a processor and an inspection executing part that executes an image inspection of a printed matter. The processor obtains first position information that is information concerning a position of the image inspection of the image set in image data, and obtains second position information that is information concerning respective positions of the image data in printing data in which the plurality of image data are arranged and constituted. The inspection executing part executes the image inspection of the printed matter with the printing data printed thereon, by using the first position information and the second position information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an image inspection device that, when images each of which is set for whether or not to perform image inspection are aggregated and printed on one page of paper, sets an image inspection area in the image formed on the paper where image inspection is performed depending on the aggregation mode and settings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-93425 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When performing image inspection on a printed material on which printing data in which image data is arranged on the same page has been printed, depending on the arrangement of the image data in the printing data, the burden on the user required to perform image inspection of the printed material on which the printing data has been printed can easily become large. The present invention aims to reduce the burden on a user required for image inspection of a printed material on which printing data has been printed, compared to performing image inspection of a printed material on which printing data has been printed without using information regarding the position of the target for image inspection set in image data placed in the printing data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is an image inspection system comprising a processor and an inspection execution unit that performs image inspection of a printed matter, wherein the processor acquires first position information which is information regarding the position of the image inspection set in image data, and acquires second position information which is information regarding the position of each piece of image data in printing data which is composed of a plurality of the image data arranged therein, and the inspection execution unit uses the first position information and the second position information to perform the image inspection of a printed matter on which the printing data is printed. The invention described in claim 2 is the image inspection system described in claim 1, in which the processor acquires angle information which is information regarding the angle of rotation of the image data in the printing data, and performs image inspection of the printed matter using the angle information. The invention described in claim 3 is the image inspection system described in claim 1, in which the processor acquires scaling information, which is information regarding the enlargement or reduction of the image data in the printing data, and performs the image inspection of the printed matter using the scaling information. The invention described in claim 4 is the image inspection system described in claim 1, wherein the processor accepts a specification regarding a position of the image inspection for each of the image data and acquires the first position information. The invention described in claim 5 is an image inspection system described in claim 4, in which the processor accepts, as a specification regarding the position of the image inspection, a specification of an area where the image inspection is to be performed or an area where the image inspection is not to be performed for each of the image data, and acquires the first position information. The invention described in claim 6 is an image inspection system described in claim 4, in which the processor acquires the first position information by accepting, for each of the image data, a selection of an object for which the image inspection will be performed or an object for which the image inspection will not be performed from among the objects constituting the image data, as a specification regarding the position of the image inspection. The invention described in claim 7 is an image inspection system described in claim 4, wherein the processor acquires information regarding at least one of the type of image inspection or the accuracy of the image inspection along with a specification regarding the position of the image inspection. The invention described in claim 8 is the image inspection system described in claim 1, wherein the processor uses the first position information and the second position information to set an inspection area for performing the image inspection of the printed matter on which the printing data is printed, and when setting the inspection area for multiple pieces of printing data, outputs the inspection area set for one piece of printing data among the multiple pieces of printing data to the inspection execution unit, and after the inspection execution unit has started the image inspection of the printed matter using the one piece of printing data, sets the inspection area for other printing data different from the one piece of printing data. The invention described in claim 9 is the image inspection system described in claim 1, wherein the processor uses the first position information and the second position information to set an inspection area for performing the image inspection of the printed matter on which the printing data is printed, and when setting the inspection area for multiple pieces of printing data, outputs the inspection areas set for the multiple pieces of printing data together to the inspection execution unit. The invention described in claim 10 is an image inspection system as described in claim 1, which has a display unit that displays information regarding the image inspection, and the processor causes the display unit to display a display screen showing the printing data and the position where the image inspection is performed on the printed matter on which the printing data is printed. The invention described in claim 11 is an image inspection system described in claim 10, wherein the processor accepts setting of the position where the image inspection is to be performed in the printing data via the display screen displayed on the display unit. The invention described in claim 12 is an image inspection system described in claim 11, wherein when the processor receives a setting of the position at which the image inspection is to be performed in the printing data, the processor applies the setting of the position at which the image inspection is to be performed to the position of the image inspection set in the image data placed in the printing data. The invention described in claim 13 is an information processing device that includes a processor, which acquires first position information that is information regarding the position of an image inspection set in image data, acquires second position information that is information regarding the position of each piece of image data in printing data that is composed of a plurality of the image data arranged therein, and uses the first position information and the second position information to determine a position for performing the image inspection on a printed matter on which the printing data is printed. The invention described in claim 14 is a program for enabling a computer to realize the following functions: acquiring first position information which is information regarding the position of image inspection set in image data; acquiring second position information which is information regarding the position of each piece of image data in printing data which is composed of a plurality of the image data arranged therein; and using the first position information and the second position information, determining the position at which to perform the image inspection on a printed matter on which the printing data is printed. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention described in claim 1, the burden on the user required for image inspection of a printed material on which printing data has been printed can be reduced compared to when image inspection of a printed material on which printing data has been printed is performed without using information regarding the position of the target of image inspection set in the image data placed in the printing data. According to the invention recited in claim 2, when image data is rotated to arrange print data, it is possible to carry out image inspection of the printed matter on which the print data is printed. According to the invention as recited in claim 3, it is possible to carry out image inspection of a printed matter on which printing data is printed in accordance with enlargement or reduction of image data in the printing data. According to the inventions recited in claims 4 to 6, the burden on the user required for image inspection of printed materials on which printing data has been printed can be further reduced compared to a case in which specifications regarding the position of image inspection are not accepted for each image data. According to the invention described in claim 7, it becomes easier to perform image inspection according to image data, compared to a case where information on the type of image inspection or the accuracy of the image inspection is not obtained. According to the invention described in claim 8, the time required to complete image inspection of multiple pieces of printing data can be shortened compared to when the inspection areas set in multiple pieces of printing data are output together to the inspection execution unit. According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the process of outputting the inspection area is simplified compared to a case where an inspection area set in a plurality of pieces of print data is output for each piece of print data. According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the user can confirm the position at which image inspection is to be performed in the print data, which position is set based on the inspection information of the image data. According to the invention as recited in claim 11, the position at which image inspection is to be performed can be set after the position at which image inspection is to be performed in the print data is confirmed. According to the invention as recited in claim 12, the user can confirm the change in the position where the image inspection is to be performed in the print data, which has been made by setting the position where the image inspection is to be performed. According to the invention described in claim 13, the burden on the user required for image inspection of a printed material on which printing data has been printed can be reduced compared to when image inspection of a printed material on which printing data has been printed is performed without using information regarding the position of the target of image inspection set in the image data placed in the printing data. According to the invention described in claim 14, the burden on the user required for image inspection of a printed material on which printing data has been printed can be reduced compared to when image inspection of a printed material on which printing data has been printed is performed without using information regarding the position of the target of image inspection set in the image data placed in the printing data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which the present embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a server device to which the present embodiment is applied. [Diagram 3]FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the imposition of image data, showing an example of the arrangement order of image data arranged in print data by cut-and-stack. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an example of imposition information generated by an imposition information generating unit when image data is imposed in the format shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of functional blocks of the printing apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of examination setting information. [Figure 7] 6(a) to 6(f) are diagrams illustrating a process in which a test information generating unit generates test information. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing an example of test information generated by a test information generating unit; FIG. [Figure 9] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a method for calculating the coordinates, width, and length of an inspection area in print data by the inspection information generating unit. [Figure 10] 6(a) to 6(c) are diagrams illustrating a method for calculating the coordinates, width, and length of an inspection area in print data by an inspection information generating unit. [Figure 11] 13(a) and 13(b) are diagrams illustrating another example of a process in which the test information generating unit generates test information. [Figure 12] 13(a) and 13(b) are diagrams illustrating another example of a process in which the test information generating unit generates test information. [Figure 13] 13(a) and 13(b) are diagrams illustrating another example of a process in which the test information generating unit generates test information. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for setting an inspection area in print data by a control device to which the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen, which is one of the UI screens displayed by the display control unit, for setting an inspection target area for each image data to be placed in print data. [Figure 16]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen, which is one of the UI screens displayed by the display control unit, for confirming the position of an inspection area set in print data by an inspection information generating unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system 100 to which this embodiment is applied. The printing system 100 shown in the figure includes a printing device 10 that prints on paper, which is an example of a recording medium. The printing device 10 is connected to server devices 20 and 30 so that they can communicate with each other. The printing system 100 is an example of an image inspection system. The network connecting the printing device 10 and the server devices 20 and 30 may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, but the network may also be a combination of a LAN and the Internet.

[0009] The printing device 10 prints an image on paper based on the acquired print instructions. The print instructions referred to here are, for example, JDF (Job Definition Format), and include information on the image to be printed and information on settings related to printing. The printing device 10 is, for example, a so-called production printer used for commercial printing, and has a function capable of executing high-quality, high-speed printing processing. The printing device 10 also has a function for verifying the print results of the printed matter, which is the paper on which the image is printed. The printing device 10 may also have a function capable of performing post-processing in response to a print instruction. Examples of post-processing include binding a stack of sheets, folding sheets, cutting sheets, and bookbinding. The printing device 10 is not limited to a production printer, but may be applied to a general printer (such as a business printer or a home printer). The recording medium on which the printing device 20 prints may be a film or the like in addition to paper.

[0010] The printing device 10 includes a paper feed unit 11 that feeds paper to be printed, a printing unit 12 that prints on the paper from the paper feed unit 11, an ejection device 13 that ejects printed paper, and an operation display unit 14 for a user or operator. The paper feed section 11 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 11A, 11B, and 11C for feeding paper. Each of the paper feed trays 11A to 11C can feed paper of the same size or different sizes.

[0011] The printing unit 12 may use an electrophotographic method in which toner attached to a charged and exposed photosensitive member is transferred to a recording material to fix and form an image, or it may use, for example, an inkjet method in which ink is ejected onto a recording material to form an image. The printing unit 12 is configured to be capable of performing double-sided printing, that is, printing on both sides of a sheet of paper.

[0012] In this embodiment, the discharge device 13 includes discharge trays 13A and 13B to which the sheets are sorted according to the inspection results. The discharge device 13 is also provided with an inspection device 40 that performs image inspection to verify the print result of the printed matter. The inspection device 40 inspects the print result of the printed matter by comparing the print data with the scan data of the printed matter printed from the print data, based on information related to the image inspection (inspection information to be described later) acquired from the server device 20. The discharge device 13 may discharge the paper, which is the printed matter, from either of the discharge trays 13A or 13B depending on the inspection result by the inspection device 40. The inspection device 40 may use one of the scan data of the printed matter printed from the print data as a reference, and inspect the print result of the printed matter by comparing the reference scan data with other scan data.

[0013] The operation display unit 14 includes a display unit that displays various images for operation and various information to notify the user, and an input unit in which various buttons for inputting according to the operation images on the display unit are arranged. Note that the operation display unit 14 may be configured such that the display screen is formed of, for example, a touch panel, and the touch panel has the functions of both the display unit and the input unit.

[0014] In addition to the function of printing an image on paper, the printing device 10 according to this embodiment also has a function of optically reading an image of a document, etc., and a function of feeding the document one sheet at a time into a reading area. The functions listed for the printing device 10 are merely examples, and other functions may be provided.

[0015] The server devices 20 and 30 may be a single physical computer, or may be realized by distributed processing using multiple computers. In this embodiment, the server devices 20 and 30 are configured as shared servers that provide so-called cloud services, but may also be on-premise servers. For example, when the server device 20 receives a print instruction from the server device 30, the server device 20 performs a rasterization process after imposing the image data included in the print instruction to generate print data to be printed on paper. The print data is then transferred to the printing device 10. The server device 20 is an example of an information processing device.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the server device 20 to which the present embodiment is applied. As shown in the figure, the server device 20 is configured to include a print instruction receiving unit 21, an imposition information generating unit 22, a print data generating unit 23, an inspection information generating unit 24, an output unit 25, and a display control unit 26.

[0017] The print instruction receiving unit 21 receives print instructions sent from a user, and manages the received print instructions. A print instruction received by the print instruction receiving unit 21 is associated with one or more image data representing an image to be printed. An example of the image data is one page of PDF (Portable Document Format) data. In the following description, the unit of image data may be expressed as a page. In addition, when a print instruction includes multiple image data, each image data may be expressed as the first page, the second page, and so on of the image data. Each image data includes one or more objects that are elements constituting the image data. The objects are not particularly limited, but examples include individual images, figures, tables, text, and the like that constitute the image data.

[0018] Furthermore, the print instruction received by the print instruction receiving unit 21 includes setting information that defines the manner in which the image data is printed. The setting information includes, for example, information on the size of the paper to be printed, the number of copies to be printed, and the imposition of the image data on the paper. This information is set, for example, by a user's input via the operation display unit 14. Hereinafter, among the setting information, information on the settings regarding the imposition of image data onto a sheet of paper may be referred to as imposition setting information. That is, the print instruction received by the print instruction receiving unit 21 includes imposition setting information. Examples of imposition setting information include information on the order of image data to be arranged on one sheet of paper, information on the number of pages of image data to be arranged on one sheet of paper, etc.

[0019] Furthermore, the print instruction received by the print instruction receiving unit 21 includes inspection setting information, which is information about the area set in each image data where image inspection is to be performed. In the following description, the area set in each image data where image inspection is to be performed may be referred to as the inspection target area. The inspection setting information is an example of first position information, which is information about the position of image inspection set in the image data. The examination setting information may also include information regarding the type of imaging examination or information regarding the accuracy of the imaging examination.

[0020] In this embodiment, the print instruction receiving unit 21 acquires the examination setting information in response to a user's operation on a UI screen displayed on the operation display unit 14 or the like by the display control unit 26. The examination setting information will be described in more detail later.

[0021] The imposition information generating unit 22 generates imposition information, which is information regarding the position of image data in the printing data to be printed on a sheet, based on the imposition setting information included in the printing instruction accepted by the printing instruction accepting unit 21. The imposition information is an example of second position information. Specifically, the imposition information generating unit 22 acquires the position of each image data in the printing data when the image data is imposed based on information regarding the arrangement order of the image data to be arranged on one sheet of paper, information regarding the number of pages of the image data to be arranged on one sheet of paper, etc., which are examples of the imposition setting information, and generates the imposition information.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the imposition of image data, and shows an example of the arrangement order of image data arranged in print data by cut and stack. Note that, although details will be described later, in Fig. 3, the inspection target area set in each image data arranged in the print data is shown by hatching. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of imposition information generated by the imposition information generating unit 22 when image data is imposed in the format shown in FIG.

[0023] The example in Figure 3 shows the sorting order of image data using cut-and-stack, which is one of the imposition methods. Cut-and-stack is an imposition method in which multiple image data are arranged to generate print data, the printout of this print data is stacked and cut, and when the cut results are stacked, they are arranged in the page order of the original image data. Figure 3 shows a case where 15 pages of image data are cut and stacked by arranging two vertically and two horizontally, a total of four, in the print data to be printed on one sheet of paper. In Figure 3, the numbers are the page numbers of the image data to be arranged in the print data.

[0024] In the example shown in FIG. 3, for the first sheet of print data, image data of page 1 is arranged in the upper left, page 5 in the upper right, page 9 in the lower left, and page 13 in the lower right. For the second sheet of print data, image data of page 2 is arranged in the upper left, page 6 in the upper right, page 10 in the lower left, and page 14 in the lower right. For the third sheet of print data, image data of page 3 is arranged in the upper left, page 7 in the upper right, page 11 in the lower left, and page 15 in the lower right. For the fourth sheet of print data, image data of page 4 is arranged in the upper left, page 8 in the upper right, and page 12 in the lower left. The lower right of the fourth sheet of print data is a blank area where no image data is arranged.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the imposition information includes information regarding the page number of the image data to be arranged in each piece of printing data. The imposition information also includes information regarding the coordinates indicating the position of each piece of image data in each piece of printing data. The coordinates of the imposition information indicate the coordinates of the top left corner of each piece of image data to be arranged in the printing data when the coordinates of the top left corner of each piece of printing data are (0,0). In this example, the coordinates of the image data to be arranged in the top left corner of the printing data are (0,0), the coordinates of the image data to be arranged in the top right corner of the printing data are (148,0), the coordinates of the image data to be arranged in the bottom left corner of the printing data are (0,210), and the coordinates of the image data to be arranged in the bottom right corner of the printing data are (148,210). Furthermore, the imposition information includes angle information, which is information regarding the angle of rotation of each image data in each print data. Specifically, the imposition information in Fig. 4 includes, as angle information, the angle by which image data is rotated when the image data is arranged in the print data. Additionally, the imposition information includes scaling information, which is information regarding the enlargement or reduction of each image data in each print data. Specifically, the imposition information in Fig. 4 includes, as scaling information, the scaling ratio of the image data in the print data.

[0026] The print data generating unit 23 generates print data using image data included in the print instruction accepted by the print instruction accepting unit 21 and the imposition information generated by the imposition information generating unit 22. The print data is data representing an image in which one or more pieces of image data are arranged on one side of a sheet of paper (one page of a recording medium) based on the imposition information. In the following description, the unit of print data may be expressed as "sheet." Additionally, when there are multiple pieces of print data generated by the print data generating unit 23, each piece of print data may be expressed as the first sheet, the second sheet, etc. of print data. The print data generating unit 23, for example, performs a rasterization process after imposing the image data based on the imposition information, and generates print data.

[0027] The inspection information generation unit 24 generates inspection information, which is information regarding the position at which image inspection is performed on the printed matter on which the printing data is printed, based on the inspection setting information included in the printing instruction accepted by the printing instruction acceptance unit 21 and the imposition information generated by the imposition information generation unit 22. In this embodiment, the inspection information generating unit 24 sets an area in the printing data where image inspection of the printed matter is to be performed based on the inspection setting information and the imposition information, and generates inspection information. In the following description, the area where image inspection of the printed matter on which the printing data is printed is to be performed may be referred to as an inspection area. In other words, the inspection area represents the position where image inspection of the printed matter on which the printing data is printed is to be performed. In addition, if the inspection setting information includes information regarding the type of image inspection and the accuracy of the image inspection, the inspection information generation unit 24 generates inspection information by associating the type of image inspection and the accuracy of the image inspection with each inspection area set in the printing data.

[0028] The output unit 25 outputs the printing data generated by the printing data generating unit 23 to the printing device 10. The output unit 25 also outputs the inspection information generated by the inspection information generating unit 24 to the inspection device 40.

[0029] The display control unit 26 controls the display of a UI screen on the operation display unit 14. Although details will be described later, the display control unit 26 displays, as the UI screen, a setting screen (a setting screen 60 in FIG. 15 described later) for the user to set an inspection target area for each image data to be arranged in the print data. In addition, the display control unit 26 displays, as the UI screen, a confirmation screen (a confirmation screen 70 in FIG. 16 described later) for the user to confirm the examination information generated by the examination information generating unit 24.

[0030] Here, each function of the server device 20 is realized by a CPU 20A as an example of a processor. The CPU 20A reads out a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20B, and executes the program using a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20C as a working area. The program executed by the CPU 20A may be provided to the server device 20 in a state in which it is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program executed by the CPU 20A may be downloaded to the server device 20 using a communication means such as the Internet.

[0031] In addition, in this embodiment, each function of the server device 20 is realized by software, but this is not limiting, and the functions may be realized by, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific IC).

[0032] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the printing device 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the printing device 10 includes a print data receiving unit 15, a print control unit 16, a print scan control unit 17, a scan data transmission unit 18, and a paper discharge control unit 19. The inspection device 40 provided in the discharge device 13 (see FIG. 1) of the printing device 10 inspects objects such as characters and images of printed matter printed in response to a print command. The inspection device 40 includes an inspection information acquisition unit 41, a print data acquisition unit 42, a scan data acquisition unit 43, an inspection unit 44, and an inspection result transmission unit 45.

[0033] The print data receiving unit 15 receives the print data generated by the print data generating unit 23 of the server device 20 . The print control unit 16 controls the print unit 12 which performs printing using the print data accepted by the print data accepting unit 15 .

[0034] The printed matter scan control unit 17 controls a scan function that optically reads an image of a printed matter printed by the printing unit 12 while the printed matter is being transported to the inspection device 40 . The scan data transmission unit 18 transmits the scan data acquired by the scan function to the inspection device 40.

[0035] The paper discharge control unit 19 sorts and discharges the printed matter into either the discharge tray 13A or the discharge tray 13B depending on the result of the inspection by the inspection device 40. Specifically, the paper discharge control unit 19 discharges the printed matter that has passed the inspection by the inspection device 40 from the discharge tray 13A, while discharging the printed matter that has not passed the inspection by the inspection device 40 from the discharge tray 13B. The printing system 100 may display the results of the inspection by the inspection device 40 on the operation display unit 14 (see FIG. 1).

[0036] In the inspection device 40, the inspection information acquiring unit 41 acquires the inspection information output from the output unit 25 of the server device 20. The inspection information is generated by the inspection information generating unit .

[0037] The print data acquisition unit 42 acquires the print data output from the output unit 25 of the server device 20. The print data is generated by the print data generation unit 23, and includes one or more pieces of image data. The scan data acquisition unit 43 acquires the scan data transmitted from the scan data transmission unit 18 of the printing device 10. The scan data is data obtained by scanning a printed matter on which printing data has been printed.

[0038] The inspection unit 44 is an example of an inspection execution unit, and uses the acquired inspection information and printing data to perform image inspection of scan data obtained by scanning a printed matter on which the printing data is printed. In the present embodiment, the inspection unit 44 performs an "image defect inspection" as an example of an image inspection, which inspects for printing defects in a printed matter on which printing data is printed. That is, the inspection unit 44 specifies a position in the scan data where image inspection is to be performed based on the inspection information. Then, the inspection unit 44 compares the area in the scan data specified by the inspection information with the corresponding area in the printing data, and determines the result of the comparison. This comparison is performed, for example, by matching the area in the scan data specified by the inspection information with the corresponding area in the printing data in predetermined dot units.

[0039] For example, when the area of ​​the scan data specified by the inspection information and the corresponding area of ​​the printing data all match on a dot-by-dot basis, the inspection unit 44 judges the printed matter as passing the inspection. When there are dots that do not match between the area of ​​the scan data specified by the inspection information and the corresponding area of ​​the printing data, the inspection unit 44 judges the printed matter as failing the inspection. Note that the inspection unit 44 may determine that the inspection has passed when the number of dots that do not match between the area of ​​the scan data specified by the inspection information and the corresponding area of ​​the printing data is less than a predetermined number (e.g., 2), and may determine that the inspection has failed when the number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

[0040] Furthermore, when the inspection information includes information related to the accuracy of the image inspection, the inspection unit 44 may change the number of dots used to determine whether the printed matter passes or fails the inspection depending on the accuracy of the image inspection. Consider a case where the accuracy of the image inspection includes normal accuracy and high accuracy higher than normal. When the accuracy of the image inspection is high accuracy, the inspection unit 44 can reduce the number of dots used to determine whether the printed matter passes or fails the inspection, compared to when the accuracy of the image inspection is normal. For example, when the accuracy of the image inspection is high accuracy, the inspection unit 44 determines that the printed matter passes the inspection when the area of ​​the scan data specified by the inspection information and the corresponding area of ​​the printing data all match dot by dot, and determines that the printed matter fails the inspection when there are dots that do not match. On the other hand, when the accuracy of the image inspection is normal, the inspection unit 44 determines that the printed matter passes the inspection when the number of dots that do not match between the area of ​​the scan data specified by the inspection information and the corresponding area of ​​the printing data is less than a predetermined number (for example, 2), and determines that the printed matter fails the inspection when the number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

[0041] In addition, when the inspection information includes information regarding the accuracy of the image inspection, the inspection unit 44 may change the density of dots used to match the area of ​​the scan data identified by the inspection information with the corresponding area of ​​the printing data, depending on the accuracy of the image inspection. For example, when the image inspection accuracy is high, the inspection unit 44 compares the area of ​​the scan data with the corresponding area of ​​the print data at 1200 dpi, whereas when the image inspection accuracy is normal, the inspection unit 44 compares the area of ​​the scan data with the corresponding area of ​​the print data at 600 dpi. The inspection unit 44 may also perform image inspection using the color difference for each pixel between the scan data and the print data. At this time, the allowable color difference may be changed depending on whether the image inspection is performed with high accuracy or normal accuracy.

[0042] The image inspection performed by the inspection unit 44 is not limited to the image defect inspection described above, so long as it inspects an area specified by the inspection information for a printed matter on which the printing data is printed. Another example of image inspection performed by the inspection unit 44 is a "consistency inspection" that inspects the consistency between information included in the print data and information included in the printed matter for an area specified by the inspection information. In addition, when an object such as a barcode image or text included in the image data is set as an area for image inspection in the print data in which image data is arranged, the inspection unit 44 can determine the consistency between the information contained in the barcode image or text in the print data and the information contained in the barcode image or text in the printed matter by the consistency inspection.

[0043] The inspection result transmission unit 45 transmits information indicating the inspection result by the inspection unit 44, indicating whether the inspection is passed or failed, to the printing device 10. As described above, the paper discharge control unit 19 of the printing device 10 sorts the inspected printed matter into either the discharge tray 13A or the discharge tray 13B and discharges it based on the information indicating the inspection result. Furthermore, the inspection result transmission unit 45 transmits information for identifying the inspected printed matter, for example information indicating which sheet of paper corresponds to which printing instruction, to the printing device 10. This makes it possible to display the printing result of the printed matter on the operation display unit 14 (see FIG. 1). Furthermore, the inspection result transmission unit 45 may notify a user located away from the printing device 10 of the printing result by transmitting the printing result to the server device 30 (see FIG. 1).

[0044] In addition, in the configuration of the printing system 100 according to this embodiment, the server device 20 is connected upstream of the printing device 10, but this is not limited thereto, and the printing device 10 may be configured to have each function of the server device 20 (see FIG. 2).

[0045] However, in the printing system 100, when performing image inspection of a printed matter on which printing data has been printed by the printing device 10, if you try to set an area for image inspection (inspection area described below) on a part of the printing data rather than the entire printing data, it may be difficult to set the inspection area for the printing data depending on the arrangement of image data in the printing data, etc. For example, when image data is arranged in print data by cut and stack as shown in Fig. 3, the page number of the image data arranged and the position of the image data differ for each print data. In this case, the area where image inspection is performed differs for each print data, and if an area where image inspection is performed is to be set individually for each print data, the burden on the user required for setting the area where image inspection is performed is likely to be large. In contrast, in this embodiment, the inspection information generation unit 24 of the server device 20 determines the position for performing image inspection on the printed matter on which each printing data is printed, based on inspection setting information, which is information regarding the position of image inspection set in the image data, and imposition information, which is information regarding the position of each image data in the printing data.

[0046] Next, a description will be given of the processing performed by the test information generating unit 24. First, a description will be given of the test setting information used by the test information generating unit 24 to generate the test information. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the inspection setting information. Fig. 6 shows the inspection setting information corresponding to the inspection target areas set in the image data as in Fig. 3. In addition, Fig. 6 shows the inspection setting information corresponding to the inspection target areas set in the image data of the 1st, 5th, 9th, and 13th pages out of the image data of the 1st to 15th pages shown in Fig. 3.

[0047] The inspection setting information is information indicating the position of the inspection target area in the image data, and is set for each image data. Although details will be described later, the inspection setting information is acquired by the print instruction receiving unit 21 for each image data based on the user's input to the UI screen (setting screen 60 in FIG. 15 described later) displayed on the operation display unit 14 (see FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the inspection setting information includes information on coordinates indicating the position of the inspection target area in each image data. The coordinates of the inspection target area included in the inspection setting information are the coordinates of the upper left point of the inspection target area set in the image data (the upper left corner if the inspection target area is rectangular as in this embodiment) when the upper left coordinate of each image data is (0,0). The inspection setting information includes a horizontal width and a vertical length as information about the range of the inspection target area set in each image data. Note that, hereinafter, the horizontal width and vertical length of the inspection target area, which represent the range of the inspection target area, may be simply referred to as the width and the length. The format of the inspection setting information is not limited to coordinates, width, and length, as long as it is possible to determine the position and range of the inspection target area in each image data.

[0048] In this example, an inspection area is set for the image data of page 1 with coordinates (10,10), width and length (120,100). Note that when the width and length are written as (w,l), w represents the horizontal width of the inspection area, and l represents the vertical length of the inspection area. Further, for the image data of the fifth page, an inspection area with coordinates (2,10), width and length (20,20), and an inspection area with coordinates (22,100), width and length (100,50) are set. Furthermore, for the image data of the 9th page, an inspection area is set with coordinates (20,40) and width and length (100,30). Furthermore, for the image data of the 13th page, an inspection area is set to coordinates (10,10) with width and length (128,100).

[0049] Next, a process in which the inspection information generating unit 24 generates inspection information based on the inspection setting information shown in FIG. 6 and the imposition information shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The inspection information generating unit 24 of this embodiment calculates the coordinates and range (horizontal width, vertical length) of the inspection area in the print data based on the inspection setting information and imposition information, and generates inspection information. 7(a) to (f) are diagrams for explaining the process of generating test information by the test information generating unit 24. The process by the test information generating unit 24 proceeds in the order of FIG. 7(a), (b), ..., (f). Moreover, Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the inspection information generated by the inspection information generating unit 24. Fig. 8 shows an example of the inspection information generated for the first sheet of printing data among a plurality of pieces of printing data in which image data is arranged.

[0050] The inspection information generating unit 24 first obtains the page number of the image data to be placed on the first page of the printing data from the imposition information. The inspection information generating unit 24 also obtains the coordinates indicating the position in the printing data of the image data of the obtained page number, the rotation angle, and the enlargement / reduction ratio from the imposition information. In this example, the inspection information generating unit 24 obtains "Page 1" located at the top left of the print data as the page number of the image data to be arranged on the first page of the print data from the imposition information. The inspection information generating unit 24 also obtains the coordinates (0,0), rotation angle (0 degrees), and enlargement / reduction ratio (100%) of the image data of the first page in the print data from the imposition information.

[0051] Next, the inspection information generating unit 24 acquires the coordinates (10,10) of the inspection target area set in the image data of the first page, and the width and length (128,100) indicating the range of the inspection target area, from the inspection setting information. Then, the inspection information generation unit 24 calculates the coordinates and range of the inspection area in the printing data using the coordinates, rotation angle, and zoom ratio of the image data of the first page in the printing data obtained from the imposition information, and the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area set in the image data of the first page obtained from the inspection setting information.

[0052] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining a calculation method of the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in the printing data by the inspection information generating unit 24. Fig. 9 shows a calculation method when the rotation angle of the image data to be placed in the printing data is 0 degrees. Note that the case where the rotation angle of the image data to be placed in the printing data is other than 0 degrees will be explained later. Here, the coordinates of the image data placed in the print data are (A, B), and the enlargement / reduction ratio is M. In addition, the coordinates of the inspection area set in the image data are (a, b), its horizontal width is w, and its vertical length is l. In this case, the inspection information generating unit 24 can calculate the coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the print data by the following calculation formulas (1) and (2). (X, Y) = (A + a × M, B + b × M) … (1) (W, L) = (w × M, l × M) … (2)

[0053] In this example, the inspection information generation unit 24 calculates the coordinates (10,10), width and length (128,100) of the inspection area in the printing data from the coordinates (0,0) of the image data of the first page in the printing data, the enlargement / reduction ratio (100%), and the coordinates (10,10), width and length (128,100) of the inspection area set in the image data of the first page, as shown in Figure 7(a).

[0054] Next, the inspection information generating unit 24 obtains the next page number of the image data to be arranged on the first page of the printing data from the imposition information. In this example, "page 5" arranged in the upper right corner of the printing data is obtained as the page number of the image data to be arranged on the first page of the printing data. The inspection information generating unit 24 also obtains the coordinates (148,0), rotation angle (0 degrees), and enlargement / reduction ratio (100%) of the image data of the fifth page in the printing data from the imposition information.

[0055] Next, the inspection information generating unit 24 acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area set in the image data of the fifth page. Then, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in the print data by the above-mentioned formulas (1) and (2), in the same manner as in the case of the image data of the first page. 6, two inspection target areas are set in the image data of the fifth page. Therefore, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in the print data for each inspection target area set in the image data of the fifth page. In this example, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates (150,10), width and length (20,20) of the inspection area in the print data from the coordinates (148,0) of the image data of the fifth page in the print data, the enlargement / reduction ratio (100%), and the coordinates (2,10), width and length (20,20) of the first inspection area set in the image data of the fifth page, as shown in Fig. 7(b). Similarly, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates (170,100), width and length (100,50) of the inspection area in the print data from the coordinates (148,0) of the image data of the fifth page in the print data, the enlargement / reduction ratio (100%), and the coordinates (22,100), width and length (100,50) of the second inspection area set in the image data of the fifth page, as shown in Fig. 7(c).

[0056] Next, the inspection information generation unit 24 similarly calculates the coordinates and range of the inspection area in the printing data for the image data of the 9th and 13th pages, which are to be placed on the first sheet of the printing data, using the coordinates, rotation angle, and zoom ratio of the image data in the printing data obtained from the imposition information, and the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area set in the image data obtained from the inspection setting information. In this example, the inspection information generation unit 24 calculates the coordinates (20, 250), width and length (100, 30) of the inspection area in the printing data corresponding to the inspection area set in the image data of the 9th page to be placed in the printing data, as shown in Figure 7 (d). In addition, the inspection information generation unit 24 calculates the coordinates (158, 220), width and length (120, 100) of the inspection area in the printing data corresponding to the inspection area set in the image data of the 13th page to be placed in the printing data, as shown in Figure 7 (e).

[0057] Then, in the server device 20, the output unit 25 outputs to the inspection device 40 the inspection information including the coordinates, width and length of the inspection area calculated by the inspection information generating unit 24 for the first sheet of printing data. In the inspection device 40, based on the acquired inspection information, an image inspection of the printout on which the printing data is printed is performed for the inspection area set in the printing data.

[0058] Furthermore, after generating the inspection information for the first sheet of printing data, the inspection information generating unit 24 then generates the inspection information for the second, third, and fourth sheets of printing data in sequence in the same manner as the inspection information for the first sheet of printing data. In addition, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in the printing data that corresponds to the inspection target area set in each of the image data arranged in the second, third, and fourth sheets of printing data. Then, in the server device 20, the output unit 25 outputs to the inspection device 40 in sequence the inspection information including the coordinates, width and length of the inspection area calculated by the inspection information generation unit 24 for the second, third and fourth sheets of printing data. In the inspection device 40, based on the acquired inspection information, an image inspection of the printout on which the printing data is printed is performed for the inspection area set in the printing data.

[0059] Next, a method will be described in which the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in the printing data when the rotation angle of the image data to be placed in the printing data in the imposition information is other than 0 degrees. Figures 10(a) to (c) are diagrams explaining a method for calculating the coordinates, width, and length of an inspection area in print data by the inspection information generating unit 24. Figure 10(a) shows a case where the rotation angle of the image data is 90 degrees, Figure 10(b) shows a case where the rotation angle of the image data is 180 degrees, and Figure 10(c) shows a case where the rotation angle of the image data is 270 degrees. Here, as in the above explanation, the coordinates of the image data placed in the print data are (A, B), and the enlargement / reduction ratio is M. In addition, the coordinates of the inspection target area set in the image data are (a, b), the horizontal width is w, and the vertical length is l.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 10(a), when the rotation angle of the image data to be placed in the printing data is 90 degrees, the inspection information generation unit 24 can calculate the coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the printing data using the following calculation formulas (3) and (4). (X, Y) = (Ab × M, B + a × M) … (3) (W, L) = (l × M, w × M) … (4)

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10(b), when the rotation angle of the image data to be placed in the printing data is 180 degrees, the inspection information generation unit 24 can calculate the coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the printing data using the following calculation formulas (5) and (6). (X, Y) = (Aa × M, Bb × M) … (5) (W, L) = (w × M, l × M) … (6)

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10(c), when the rotation angle of the image data to be placed in the printing data is 270 degrees, the inspection information generation unit 24 can calculate the coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the printing data using the following calculation formulas (7) and (8). (X, Y) = (A + b × M, Ba × M) … (7) (W, L) = (l × M, w × M) … (8)

[0063] Next, a description will be given of the inspection information generated by the inspection information generating unit 24 when image data with a rotation angle other than 0 degrees is included in the image data to be arranged in the print data in the imposition information. 11 to 13 are diagrams for explaining another example of the process in which the test information generating unit 24 generates test information. Fig. 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement order of image data arranged in the printing data, and Fig. 11(b) is a diagram showing an example of imposition information generated by the imposition information generating unit 22 when the image data is imposed in the manner shown in Fig. 11(a). In Fig. 11(a), the numbers are page numbers of the image data arranged in the printing data. The orientation of the numbers shown in Fig. 11(a) corresponds to the orientation in which the image data is arranged in the printing data.

[0064] Fig. 12(a) is a diagram showing the inspection target areas set in each image data, and Fig. 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of inspection setting information corresponding to the inspection target areas shown in Fig. 12(a). In the example shown in Fig. 12(a)-(b), the inspection target areas are set at the same position for the image data of the first, fourth and seventh pages. Similarly, the inspection target areas are set at the same position for the image data of the second, fifth and eighth pages, and the inspection target areas are set at the same position for the image data of the third and sixth pages. FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing the positions of the inspection areas set in the print data, and FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing an example of the inspection information generated by the inspection information generating unit 24. As shown in FIG.

[0065] The example shown in Fig. 11(a) shows the arrangement order of image data by saddle stitching, which is one of the imposition methods. Saddle stitching is an imposition method in which multiple image data are arranged to generate print data, and the printout produced by printing this print data is cut as necessary, then stacked and folded in half from the center, and the fold is stapled to create a book. FIG. 11(a) shows a case where image data consisting of eight pages is saddle-stitched by arranging two vertically and two horizontally, a total of four print data to be printed on each of the front and back sides of a sheet of paper.

[0066] More specifically, in Fig. 11(a), for the print data for the first sheet to be printed on the front side of the paper, image data for page 5 is arranged in the upper left, page 4 in the upper right, page 8 in the lower left, and page 1 in the lower right. The image data for pages 5 and 4 are rotated 180 degrees and arranged in the print data. In Fig. 11(a), for the print data for the second sheet to be printed on the back side of the paper, image data for page 3 is arranged in the upper left, page 6 in the upper right, page 2 in the lower left, and page 7 in the lower right. The image data for pages 3 and 6 are rotated 180 degrees and arranged in the print data.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 11(b), in the imposition information generated by the imposition information generation unit 22, the rotation angle of the image data of pages 5, 4, 3 and 6, which are rotated 180 degrees and placed in the printing data, is 180 degrees.

[0068] In this example, the inspection information generation unit 24 sets inspection areas in each printing data as shown in FIG. 13(a) based on the imposition information shown in FIG. 11(b) and the inspection setting information shown in FIG. 12(b), and generates inspection information as shown in FIG. 13(b). In addition, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the printing data using a formula corresponding to the rotation angle of the image data included in the imposition information shown in Fig. 11(b). In this example, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the printing data corresponding to the inspection target area set in the image data of the 8th, 1st, 2nd, and 7th pages, which have a rotation angle of 0 degrees, using the above-mentioned formulas (1) and (2). In addition, the inspection information generating unit 24 calculates the coordinates (X, Y), width W, and length L of the inspection area in the printing data corresponding to the inspection target area set in the image data of the 5th, 4th, 3rd, and 6th pages, which have a rotation angle of 180 degrees, using the above-mentioned formulas (5) and (6).

[0069] Here, if the image data placed in the print data includes image data with a rotation angle other than 0 degrees, the orientation of the standalone image data will differ from the orientation of the image data when placed in the print data. In this case, when attempting to set an inspection area for the print data in which the image data is placed, it may be difficult for the user to set the inspection area in the image data at the position where the user intends to perform image inspection. In this case, the burden on the user when performing image inspection on the printed matter on which the print data is printed is likely to be large. In contrast, in this embodiment, an inspection area is set in the print data based on an inspection target area related to the position of the image inspection set in the image data and imposition information related to the position of the image data in the print data. This makes it easier to set an inspection area in the image data at the position where the user intends to perform image inspection, even if the image data arranged in the print data includes image data with a rotation angle other than 0 degrees. This makes it possible to reduce the burden on the user when performing image inspection on a printed matter on which the print data has been printed.

[0070] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process for setting an inspection area in print data by the server device 20 to which this embodiment is applied. When a print instruction is given to print an image on paper and an inspection target area is set in the image data included in the print instruction, the server device 20 sets the inspection area in the print data in which the image data is placed, according to the procedure shown in Fig. 14. Then, the inspection device 40 performs image inspection of the printout on which the print data is printed, for the inspection area set in the print data. The process shown in FIG. 14 is mainly performed by the test information generating unit 24 of the server device 20.

[0071] First, the inspection information generating unit 24 acquires the page number of the image data to be arranged in the Nth sheet (N=1) of print data based on the imposition information generated by the imposition information generating unit 22 (step 101). Next, the inspection information generation unit 24 obtains the coordinates, rotation angle, and enlargement / reduction ratio of the target image data in the printing data from the imposition information of the first image data (hereinafter referred to as the target image data) among the image data to be placed in the Nth sheet of printing data (step 102).

[0072] Next, the inspection information generating unit 24 acquires the coordinates, width and length of the inspection target area set in the target image data from the inspection setting information accepted by the print instruction accepting unit 21 (step 103). Next, the inspection information generation unit 24 calculates the coordinates, width and length of the inspection area in the printing data that is set corresponding to the inspection area of ​​the target image data, based on the coordinates, rotation angle, and zoom ratio of the target image data in the printing data acquired in step 102, and the coordinates, width and length of the inspection area set in the target image data acquired in step 103 (step 104). When multiple inspection target areas are set in the target image data, the inspection information generating unit 24 repeatedly performs the processes of steps 103 and 104 for each inspection target area, thereby calculating the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in the print data for each inspection target area.

[0073] After calculating the coordinates, width and length of the inspection area in the printing data for all inspection areas contained in the target image data, the inspection information generation unit 24 then determines whether there is any other image data to be placed in the Nth sheet of printing data for which the coordinates, width and length of the inspection area have not been calculated (step 105). If the image data to be placed in the Nth sheet of printing data contains other image data for which the coordinates, width and length of the inspection area have not been calculated (YES in step 105), the inspection information generation unit 24 returns to step 102 and continues processing with this other image data as the target image data.

[0074] On the other hand, if there is no other image data in the image data to be placed in the Nth sheet of printing data for which the coordinates, width and length of the inspection area have not been calculated (NO in step 105), the output unit 25 outputs the coordinates, width and length of the inspection area in the Nth sheet of printing data calculated in step 104 to the inspection device 40 as inspection information for the Nth sheet of printing data (step 106). In the inspection device 40, based on the inspection information of the Nth sheet of printing data output in step 106, an image inspection of the printed matter on which this printing data is printed is performed for the inspection area set in the Nth sheet of printing data.

[0075] Next, the inspection information generating unit 24 determines whether or not the next print data (print data for the (N+1)th page) is present in the print instruction (step 107). If the next print data exists (YES in step 107), the test information generating unit 24 sets N=N+1 (step 108), returns to step 101, and continues processing for the next print data. On the other hand, if the next print data does not exist (NO in step 107), the test information generating unit 24 ends the series of processes.

[0076] In this manner, in the printing system 100 of this embodiment, when an inspection area is set in multiple printing data and image inspection is performed by the inspection device 40, the server device 20 outputs inspection information relating to the inspection area set in one of the multiple printing data to the inspection device 40, and after the inspection device 40 starts image inspection of the printed matter using this one printing data, a process is performed to set an inspection area in other printing data different from the one printing data. As a result, in the printing system 100 of this embodiment, image inspection of a printed matter using one piece of printing data in the inspection device 40 and processing for setting inspection areas in other printing data in the server device 20 can be performed in parallel. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time until completion of image inspection of a printed matter using multiple pieces of printing data, compared to the case where image inspection of a printed matter in the inspection device 40 is started after processing for setting inspection areas for all pieces of printing data is completed.

[0077] Although not shown in the figures, in the printing system 100, when inspection areas are set for a plurality of pieces of printing data and image inspection is performed by the inspection device 40, the server device 20 may output inspection information related to the inspection areas set for the plurality of pieces of printing data collectively to the inspection device 40 after all processes for setting the inspection areas for the plurality of pieces of printing data have been completed. In this case, compared to the case where inspection information related to each piece of printing data is output individually to the inspection device 40, the number of times the server device 20 performs the process of outputting inspection information to the inspection device 40 is reduced, and the processing by the server device 20 is simplified.

[0078] Next, there will be described the UI screen displayed by the display control unit 26. As described above, the display control unit 26 causes the operation display unit 14 to display a UI screen on which the user performs operations. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 60, which is one of the UI screens displayed by the display control unit 26, for setting an inspection target area for each image data to be placed in the print data. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen 70, which is one of the UI screens displayed by the display control unit 26, for confirming the position of the inspection area set in the print data by the inspection information generating unit 24.

[0079] 15, the setting screen 60 includes an image data display section 61 in which image data (herein indicated by reference numeral 610) is displayed. In this example, when multiple pieces of image data exist, the image data display section 61 displays the image data one page at a time. Then, the print instruction receiving unit 21 receives a specification regarding the position at which image inspection is to be performed in the image data 610 in response to a user operation on the image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61, and acquires inspection setting information, which is an example of first position information. Specifically, the print instruction receiving unit 21 receives a designation regarding the position of an inspection target area in the image data 610 through a user operation on the image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61, and acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target area set in the image data 610. In addition, the print instruction receiving unit 21 acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target area set in the image data 610 for each page of image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61. In the image data display section 61 of FIG. 15, the inspection target area set in the image data 610 in response to a user operation is indicated by hatching.

[0080] For example, the user specifies the range for image inspection in the image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61. The print instruction receiving unit 21 acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target area based on the range specified by the user in the image data 610. The user also selects an object to be subjected to image inspection from among the objects included in the image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61. In the example shown in Fig. 15, a barcode image is selected as the object included in the image data 610. The print instruction receiving unit 21 acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target area, taking the object selected by the user in the image data 610 as the inspection target area.

[0081] The user may also specify an inspection exclusion range, which is a region where image inspection is not performed, for the image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61. In this case, the print instruction receiving unit 21 acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target region, taking the region excluding the inspection exclusion range specified by the user in the image data 610 as the inspection target region. Furthermore, the user may select objects for which image inspection is not to be performed from among the objects included in the image data 610 displayed on the image data display unit 61. In this case, the print instruction receiving unit 21 acquires the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target area, taking the objects other than the object selected by the user in the image data 610 as the inspection target area.

[0082] The setting screen 60 also includes an inspection target area display section 62 that displays information about the inspection target area set in the image data 610 by a user's operation on the image data 610 in the image data display section 61. In this example, the inspection target area display section 62 displays the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection target area set in the image data 610.

[0083] The setting screen 60 also includes a type designation section 63 for designating the type of image inspection to be performed on the inspection target area set in the image data 610. The type designation section 63 allows the selection of, for example, an "image defect inspection" for inspecting print defects on a printed matter on which the printing data is printed, and a "consistency inspection" for inspecting the consistency between information included in the printing data and information included in the printed matter, as the type of image inspection. In addition, the type designation section 63 is configured with a pull-down menu from which, for example, either the "image defect inspection" or the "consistency inspection" can be selected. In this example, the type designation unit 63 allows the type of image inspection to be set individually for each inspection target area set in the image data 610. The print instruction receiving unit 21 acquires information regarding the type of image inspection for the inspection target area of ​​the image data 610 in response to a user's operation on the type designation unit 63 .

[0084] The setting screen 60 also includes an accuracy designation section 64 for designating the accuracy of the image inspection in the inspection area set in the print data according to the inspection target area set in the image data 610. The accuracy designation section 64 is configured, for example, by a pull-down menu from which either "normal" or "high accuracy" can be selected as the accuracy of the image inspection. In this example, the accuracy of image inspection can be set collectively for all inspection target areas set in the image data 610 by designation by the accuracy designation unit 64. Note that the accuracy of image inspection can also be set individually for each inspection target area set in the image data 610 by designation by the accuracy designation unit 64. The print instruction receiving unit 21 acquires information about the accuracy of image inspection for the inspection target area of ​​the image data 610 in response to a user's operation on the accuracy designation unit 64.

[0085] The setting screen 60 also includes a switching button 65 for switching the UI screen displayed on the operation display unit 14 from the setting screen 60 to a confirmation screen 70. In this embodiment, when the user operates the switching button 65 of the setting screen 60, the UI screen displayed on the operation display unit 14 switches from the setting screen 60 shown in FIG. 15 to a confirmation screen 70 shown in FIG.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 16, the confirmation screen 70 includes a print data display section 71 in which print data (indicated here by reference numeral 710) on which image data 610 (see Fig. 15) is imposed is displayed. For example, the print data display section 71 displays the print data 710 on which the image data 610 is imposed one page at a time. In the example of Fig. 16, the print data display section 71 displays the print data 710 on which four pages of image data 610A, 610B, 610C, and 610D are imposed.

[0087] As described above, in the print data 710, inspection information is generated by the inspection information generating unit 24 based on the inspection setting information set in the image data 610. The print data display area 71 shows the inspection area set in the print data 710 based on the inspection information generated by the inspection information generating unit 24. In the print data display area 71 in Fig. 16, the inspection area set in the print data is shown by hatching. The user can confirm the area where image inspection will be performed on the printed matter on which the print data 710 is printed by looking at the print data display area 71 of the confirmation screen 70. The confirmation screen 70 is an example of a display screen that shows both the print data 710 and an inspection area, which is the position where image inspection will be performed on the printed matter on which the print data 710 is printed.

[0088] In addition, the inspection information generating unit 24 may set an inspection area for the print data 710 in response to a user's operation on the print data 710 displayed on the print data display unit 71. In addition, the inspection information generating unit 24 accepts settings of the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in response to a user's operation on the print data 710 displayed on the print data display unit 71. Then, the inspection information generating unit 24 changes the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area in response to the accepted settings of the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area. When the inspection area is changed, the changed inspection area is displayed on the print data display unit 71 on the confirmation screen 70. This allows the user to check the position of the changed inspection area in the print data 710 by looking at the print data display unit 71 of the confirmation screen 70.

[0089] The confirmation screen 70 also includes an inspection area display section 72 that displays information about the inspection area set in the print data 710. In this example, the inspection area display section 72 displays the coordinates, width, and length of the inspection area set in the print data 710. The inspection area display section 72 also displays information about the type of image inspection set for each inspection area. The inspection information generating unit 24 may set an inspection area for the print data 710 in response to a user's operation on the inspection area display section 72 of the confirmation screen 70.

[0090] The confirmation screen 70 also includes an accuracy display section 73 that displays information regarding the accuracy of the image inspection in the inspection area set in the print data 710. In this embodiment, the accuracy of the image inspection is set collectively for all inspection target areas set in the image data 610, and the same accuracy of the image inspection is thereby set in the inspection areas of the print data 710. In the example shown in Fig. 16, the accuracy display section 73 displays "normal" as the accuracy of the image inspection collectively set for all inspection areas of the print data 710.

[0091] The confirmation screen 70 also includes a switch button 75 for switching the UI screen displayed on the operation display unit 14 from the confirmation screen 70 to the setting screen 60. In this embodiment, when the user operates the switching button 75 of the confirmation screen 70, the UI screen displayed on the operation display unit 14 switches from the confirmation screen 70 shown in FIG. 16 to the setting screen 60 shown in FIG. The user can, for example, check the inspection area set in the print data 710 on the confirmation screen 70, and then operate the switch button 75 to display the setting screen 60, thereby checking and changing the inspection area set in the image data 610 to be placed in the print data 710.

[0092] In the server device 20 of this embodiment, the inspection information generating unit 24 sets the inspection area in the print data where image inspection of the printed matter on which the print data is printed is performed, but this is not limited to this. The server device 20 only needs to be able to specify the area where image inspection is performed on the printed matter based on the inspection target area set in the image data. For example, the server device 20 may set the inspection area on the printed matter on which the print data is printed, or on the scan data of the printed matter on which the print data is printed.

[0093] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned embodiment. It is clear from the claims that various modifications and improvements to the above-mentioned embodiment are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0094] The processor in the above-described embodiments refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU (=Central Processing Unit)) as well as dedicated processors (e.g., GPU (=Graphical Processing Unit), ASIC (=Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (=Field Programmable Gate Array), programmable logic devices, etc.). In addition, the operations of the processor in this embodiment may be executed by one processor alone, or may be executed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations in cooperation with each other. Furthermore, the order of execution of each operation in the processor is not limited to the order described in the above embodiment, and may be changed individually.

[0095] <Additional Notes> (((1))) An image inspection system comprising a processor and an inspection execution unit that performs image inspection of a printed material, wherein the processor acquires first position information which is information relating to the position of the image inspection set in image data and acquires second position information which is information relating to the position of each piece of image data in printing data which is composed of a plurality of the image data arranged therein, and the inspection execution unit uses the first position information and the second position information to perform the image inspection of a printed material on which the printing data is printed. (((2))) The processor acquires angle information which is information regarding the angle of rotation of the image data in the printing data, and performs the image inspection of the printed matter using the angle information. (((3))) The processor acquires scaling information, which is information regarding the enlargement or reduction of the image data in the printing data, and performs the image inspection of the printed matter using the scaling information. (((4))) The image inspection system according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), wherein the processor receives a designation regarding a position of the image inspection for each of the image data, and acquires the first position information. (((5))) The processor receives, for each of the image data, a designation of an area where the image inspection is to be performed or an area where the image inspection is not to be performed as a designation regarding the position of the image inspection, and acquires the first position information. (((6))) The processor acquires the first position information by accepting, for each of the image data, a selection of an object for which the image inspection is to be performed or an object for which the image inspection is not to be performed from among the objects constituting the image data as a specification regarding the position of the image inspection (((4))). (((7))) The processor obtains information regarding at least one of the type of imaging test or the accuracy of the imaging test, along with a designation regarding the position of the imaging test (((4))). (((8))) The processor uses the first position information and the second position information to set an inspection area in which to perform the image inspection of a printed matter on which the printing data is printed, and when setting the inspection area on a plurality of the printing data, outputs the inspection area set on one of the plurality of printing data to the inspection execution unit, and after the inspection execution unit has started the image inspection of the printed matter using the one printing data, sets the inspection area on other printing data different from the one printing data. (((1))) to (((7))) of the image inspection system described in any one of these. (((9))) The processor uses the first position information and the second position information to set an inspection area where the image inspection will be performed on a printed matter on which the printing data is printed, and when setting the inspection area for a plurality of the printing data, outputs the inspection areas set for the plurality of the printing data together to the inspection execution unit. An image inspection system as described in any one of ((1))) to (((7))). (((10))) An image inspection system as described in any one of (((1))) to (((9))), which has a display unit that displays information related to the image inspection, and the processor causes the display unit to display a display screen showing the printing data and the position where the image inspection is to be performed on the printed matter on which the printing data is printed. (((11))) The image inspection system according to (((10))), wherein the processor accepts settings of a position in the print data where the image inspection is to be performed via the display screen displayed on the display unit. (((12))) The image inspection system described in (((11))) wherein, when the processor receives a setting of the position in the printing data where the image inspection is to be performed, the processor applies the setting of the position where the image inspection is to be performed to the position of the image inspection set in the image data placed in the printing data. (((13))) An information processing device comprising a processor that acquires first position information which is information relating to the position of an image inspection set in image data, acquires second position information which is information relating to the position of each piece of image data in printing data which is composed of a plurality of pieces of the image data arranged therein, and determines a position for performing the image inspection on a printed material on which the printing data is printed using the first position information and the second position information. (((14))) A program for enabling a computer to realize the following functions: acquiring first position information, which is information regarding the position of image inspection set in image data; acquiring second position information, which is information regarding the position of each piece of image data in printing data composed of a plurality of pieces of the image data; and using the first position information and the second position information, determining the position at which to perform the image inspection on a printed matter on which the printing data is printed.

[0096] According to the image inspection system relating to (((1))), the burden on a user required for image inspection of a printed matter on which printing data has been printed can be reduced, compared to a case in which image inspection of a printed matter on which printing data has been printed is performed without using information regarding the position of the target of image inspection set in the image data placed in the printing data. According to the image inspection system of (((2))), when image data is rotated and print data is arranged, image inspection of a printed matter on which the print data is printed can be performed. According to the image inspection system of (((3))), it is possible to carry out image inspection of a printed matter on which printing data is printed in accordance with the enlargement or reduction of image data in the printing data. According to the image inspection systems relating to (((4))) to (((6))), the burden on the user required for image inspection of printed materials on which printing data has been printed can be reduced more than in a case where specifications regarding the position of image inspection are not accepted for each image data. According to the image inspection system of (((7))), it becomes easier to perform image inspection according to image data, compared to a case where information regarding the type of image inspection or the accuracy of the image inspection is not obtained. According to the image inspection system relating to (((8))), the time required to complete image inspection of multiple pieces of printing data can be shortened compared to a case in which the inspection areas set in multiple pieces of printing data are output together to the inspection execution unit. According to the image inspection system of (((9))), the process of outputting the inspection area is simplified compared to when the inspection area set in multiple pieces of printing data is output for each piece of printing data. According to the image inspection system of (((10))), the user can confirm the position in the print data where image inspection will be performed, which has been set based on the inspection information of the image data. According to the image inspection system of (((11))), the position where image inspection is to be performed in the printing data can be confirmed, and then the position where image inspection is to be performed can be set. According to the image inspection system of (((12))), the user can confirm the change in the position where image inspection is performed in the printing data due to the setting of the position where image inspection is performed. According to the information processing device of (((13))), the burden on a user required for image inspection of a printed matter on which printing data has been printed can be reduced, compared to a case in which image inspection of a printed matter on which printing data has been printed is performed without using information regarding the position of the target of image inspection set in image data placed in the printing data. According to the program relating to (((14))), the burden on a user required for image inspection of a printed matter on which printing data has been printed can be reduced, compared to a case in which image inspection of a printed matter on which printing data has been printed is performed without using information regarding the position of the target of image inspection set in image data placed in the printing data. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 100... printing system, 20, 30... server device, 21... print instruction receiving unit, 22... imposition information generating unit, 23... print data generating unit, 24... inspection information generating unit, 25... output unit, 26... display control unit, 40... inspection device, 44... inspection unit, 60... setting screen, 70... confirmation screen

Claims

1. A processor and an inspection execution unit that performs image inspection of a printed matter, The processor, Obtaining first position information, which is information regarding the position of the image inspection set in the image data; Acquire second position information which is information regarding the position of each of the image data in the print data configured by arranging the plurality of image data; The inspection execution unit performs the image inspection of a printed matter on which the printing data is printed, using the first position information and the second position information. Image inspection system.

2. The processor obtains angle information which is information regarding an angle of rotation of the image data in the print data; The image inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the image inspection of the printed matter is performed using the angle information.

3. The processor acquires scaling information, which is information regarding the enlargement or reduction of the image data in the print data; The image inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the image inspection of the printed matter is performed using the enlargement / reduction information.

4. The image inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the processor acquires the first position information by accepting a designation regarding a position of the image inspection for each of the image data.

5. The image inspection system of claim 4, wherein the processor acquires the first position information by accepting, for each of the image data, a designation of an area in which the image inspection is to be performed or an area in which the image inspection is not to be performed as a designation regarding the position of the image inspection.

6. The image inspection system of claim 4, wherein the processor acquires the first position information by accepting, for each of the image data, a selection of an object for which the image inspection will be performed or an object for which the image inspection will not be performed from among the objects constituting the image data as a specification regarding the position of the image inspection.

7. The imaging inspection system of claim 4 , wherein the processor obtains information regarding at least one of the type of imaging inspection or the accuracy of the imaging inspection along with a designation regarding the location of the imaging inspection.

8. The processor, using the first position information and the second position information, set an inspection area in which the image inspection of the printed matter on which the printing data is printed is performed; An image inspection system as described in claim 1, wherein, when the inspection area is set in multiple pieces of printing data, the inspection area set in one of the multiple pieces of printing data is output to the inspection execution unit, and after the inspection execution unit has started the image inspection of the printed matter using the one piece of printing data, the inspection area is set in other printing data different from the one piece of printing data.

9. The processor, using the first position information and the second position information, set an inspection area in which the image inspection of the printed matter on which the printing data is printed is performed; 2. The image inspection system according to claim 1, wherein when the inspection area is set in a plurality of pieces of printing data, the inspection area set in the plurality of pieces of printing data is output collectively to the inspection execution unit.

10. a display unit for displaying information regarding the image inspection; The image inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the processor causes the display unit to display a display screen showing the printing data and the position where the image inspection is performed on the printed matter on which the printing data is printed.

11. The image inspection system according to claim 10 , wherein the processor accepts a setting of a position in the print data where the image inspection is to be performed via the display screen displayed on the display unit.

12. The image inspection system of claim 11, wherein when the processor receives a setting of the position for performing the image inspection in the printing data, the processor applies the setting of the position for performing the image inspection to the position for the image inspection set in the image data placed in the printing data.

13. A processor is provided. The processor, Obtaining first position information which is information regarding the position of the image inspection set in the image data; Acquire second position information which is information regarding the position of each of the image data in the print data configured by arranging the plurality of image data; Using the first position information and the second position information, a position for performing the image inspection on the printed matter on which the printing data is printed is determined. Information processing device.

14. For computers, A function of acquiring first position information which is information regarding the position of the image inspection set in the image data; A function of acquiring second position information which is information regarding the position of each of the image data in the print data configured by arranging the plurality of image data; a function of determining a position for performing the image inspection on a printed matter on which the printing data is printed, using the first position information and the second position information; A program to achieve this.

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