Inspection device and inspection system

Abstract

To solve the problem in inspection that, when inspecting a minimum size in a feed direction, inspection of a previous page has not been completed until inspection of the next page starts due to resource securement or initial setting or the like for the inspection.SOLUTION: An inspection device comprises: reception means for receiving a first image; registration means for creating a second image continuous with the first image, on the basis of the first image, and registering the second image as a sample image, if the received first image satisfies predetermined conditions; inspection means for inspecting a printed matter, on the basis of a read image derived when a reading unit reads a printed matter with an image formed on a sheet by image formation means, and on the basis of the sample image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device, an inspection system, and a control method and program for the inspection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Digital printing machines using electrophotographic technology, inkjet technology, etc., known as print-on-demand, have become commonplace in the printing industry as an alternative production facility to offset printing. Digital printing machines are required to inherit the high quality of offset printing machines and produce printed materials efficiently. In order to balance the assurance of print quality and productivity, inspection devices have been devised in recent years to inspect the image quality of printed materials during printing.

[0003] In the inspection device, an image obtained by scanning the printed matter in advance or an RIP image at the time of printing is used as a sample image, and an image scanned at the time of actual printing is created as an inspection image.

[0004] When conducting an inspection, a sample image and an inspection image of the same page are generated and compared, and if there are any differences, they are notified in the user interface, the printed page on which a defect is found is rejected as waste paper, and a defect marker is attached.

[0005] Inspection equipment often has a rejection / marking device installed on the transport path about 1000 mm after scanning the inspection image. Therefore, it is essential to shorten the inspection time by the inspection equipment and perform real-time inspection that notifies the inspection equipment before the printed matter passes the rejection / marking device after a defect is found by the inspection equipment.

[0006] In the case of roll label printing using continuous paper, a method is used in which a detection mark called an eye mark is added to the image of one page, and this is used as a trigger signal to divide the image and perform defect inspection for each eye mark (Patent Document 1).

[0007] During inspection, multiple copies must be printed and all must be inspected. The inspection device must run a defect inspection program to compare images of all the multiple printouts and make judgments multiple times for each page. Therefore, the resources required to perform real-time inspection (memory, GPU, etc.) must be used to finish the inspection of the previous page before starting the inspection of the next page. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-158421 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, when using conventional methods, if the image size is too small (the interval between eye marks is short), the inspection of the previous page cannot be completed before the start of the inspection of the next page due to the need to secure resources for the inspection and the initial settings. This is because the initial settings of the defect inspection program (acquiring memory area, transferring image data, acquiring threads for parallel calculations, etc.) do not become shorter even if the image size is small. Therefore, when the image size is small, the ratio of the time required for this initial setting to the time from when the inspection image is read to when the inspection image of the next page is read increases, and the calculation time required for the inspection becomes insufficient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The inspection device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a receiving means for receiving a first image, a registration means for creating a second image in which the first image is successively formed based on the first image if the received first image satisfies a predetermined condition, and registering the second image as a sample image, and an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on a read image read by a reading unit of a printed matter on which an image has been formed on a sheet by an image forming means, and the sample image. Effect of the Invention

[0011] This enables real-time inspection even for images with small image sizes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration for explaining an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of hardware for explaining an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an example of a diagram showing each program for explaining an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating a print sample image registration according to the first embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1 is an example of a flowchart for explaining S1005 in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] An example of an operation screen and an examination result screen for explaining an embodiment [Figure 7] 1 is an example of a flowchart for explaining S1008 in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a print sample image of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is an example of a sequence diagram for explaining the inspection of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] An example of a schematic diagram to explain the scan image of S5003 [Figure 11] 1 is an example of a flowchart for explaining S1005 in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is an example of a flowchart for explaining S1005 in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 is an example of a flowchart for explaining S1008 in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image inspection system (printed matter inspection system) for explaining this embodiment. In the following description, a printing device 100 may also be called an image forming device, a printer, a multifunction device, a multifunction peripheral, or an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral).

[0015] A PC (personal computer) 300 is connected to the printing device 100 via a LAN 400. Furthermore, an inspection device 200 is connected to the LAN 400. The printing device 100 and the inspection device 200 are connected so that media can be directly transported between them. The printing device 100 and the inspection device 200 are sometimes collectively referred to as a print inspection device.

[0016] The printing device 100 is connected to a paper feed unit 101 and is controlled by a control unit 104 for controlling the entire device.

[0017] The control unit 104 has a function for connecting to a LAN 400 , and the printing device 100 can be connected to the LAN 400 .

[0018] The paper feed unit 101 can be equipped with roll paper, and the roll paper is installed in a roll paper take-up unit 112.

[0019] The roll paper is one of the recording media in the present invention, and can be applied to media of various shapes such as continuous form paper, cut paper, etc. Furthermore, it can be applied to various printable materials such as cloth, plastic materials, and metal materials.

[0020] The recording medium fed from a paper feed unit 101 is transported in the direction of arrow A. Along the way, images are formed on a cyan station 105, a magenta station 106, a yellow station 107, and a black station 108, and ink or toner is transferred to the recording medium. Note that in this embodiment, the method of forming an image on the recording medium is not particularly limited, and electrophotographic, offset, inkjet, etc. are possible methods.

[0021] The fixing system 109 is a system for fixing color materials such as toner and ink onto a recording medium. This also varies depending on the image forming method, and a thermocompression method, a drying method, etc. are considered.

[0022] A reading sensor 201 of an inspection device 200 is disposed after the fixing system 109. The reading sensor 201 is a device for reading an image formed on a recording medium as image data. For example, an image reading sensor using an element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor or a CCD (Carge Coupled Device) converts the image data into image data. The reading sensor 201 may use a line sensor with the size of the recording medium in the main scanning direction, or an area sensor, and a configuration is required to convert the entire conveyed recording medium into high-resolution image data, for example, 300 dpi. The inspection device 200 is disposed with a mark attachment device 202 and a recording paper winding device 203. The mark attachment device 202 can attach a mark to any location on the recording paper. This is used to attach a mark to a location that the inspection device judges to be NG.

[0023] A PC (personal computer) 300 is connected to the printing device 100 via a LAN 400. The PC 300 is used to allow the printing device 100 to perform printing.

[0024] Although the present embodiment will be described using the PC 300, it does not have to be a PC, and can be implemented with any device or program for implementing the processing.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows the circuit configuration of each device.

[0026] The printing device 100 is connected to a LAN 400 via a network controller 120. Furthermore, the processing executed by the printing device 100 is realized by reading a program stored in a storage device 121 into a memory 123 and causing a CPU 122 to execute the program.

[0027] The printing device 100 has an operation unit 124, and can display on the screen of the operation unit 124 in order to accept input operations from outside. The image processing unit 125 converts electronic image data (for example, CIE-sRGB multi-value image data) into electronic image data for printing (for example, CMYK halftone image). Furthermore, the electronic image data for printing is transferred to the print processing unit 126, and is transferred to recording paper fed from the paper feed unit 101 by using the image forming stations 105 to 108, thereby carrying out printing.

[0028] The inspection device 200 is connected to the LAN 400 via a network controller 221. The inspection device 200 executes a process by reading a program stored in a storage device 222 into a memory 224 and executing the program with a CPU 223. The inspection device 200 converts a recording paper into electronic image data (e.g., multi-value image data of RGB) using a reading unit 225 connected to the reading sensor 201. The operation unit 226 also functions as a display unit that displays an inspection setting screen described later, and also accepts input from a user. The screen displayed on the display unit is controlled by the CPU 223, and in this embodiment, the CPU 223 may also be referred to as a display control unit. Furthermore, a GPU 227 is installed, and by speeding up the inspection process, the inspection time per page can be made shorter than the printing time.

[0029] The PC 300 is connected to a LAN 400 via a network controller 301 for issuing print instructions to the printing device 100. The processes executed by the PC 300 are realized by a CPU 303 reading a program stored in a storage device 302 into a memory 304 and executing the program. An operation unit 305 is connected to a display (not shown) and is capable of displaying a screen. It is also connected to a mouse and keyboard (not shown) and is capable of operating the program.

[0030] Fig. 3 illustrates programs stored in the storage device 222, the storage device 121, and the storage device 302, with Fig. 3(a) showing the programs stored in the storage device 121 of the printing device 100. Similarly, Fig. 3(b) shows the programs stored in the storage device 222 of the inspection device 200. Fig. 3(c) shows the programs stored in the storage device 302 of the PC 300. Each program shown in Fig. 3 will be described in detail below.

[0031] The printing device 100, the inspection device 200, and the PC 300 are respectively equipped with an operation unit 124, an operation unit 226, and an operation unit 305. The CPU 122, the CPU 223, and the CPU 303 each have a function of generating HTML (Hyper Terminal Markup Language) using a program to display on each screen.

[0032] Therefore, display and operation on each operation unit is possible using HTTP (HyperTextTransferProtocol).The present invention does not limit the display and the device that accepts the operation.

[0033] Example 1 <Print sample registration> First, a method for registering a print sample for inspection will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0034] In S1001, when the CPU 303 of the PC 300 accepts a print command from the operation unit 305, it executes the print data creation program 310 to create print data. The print data creation program 310 displays the example screen shown in Fig. 6(a) on the operation unit 305 of the PC 300. On the example screen in Fig. 6(a), it is possible to set the width 605 of the image to be printed, the size in the feed direction 604, the number of pages 603, the number of copies to be printed 608, the page spacing 607, and an automatic inspection switch 606. The print command includes information input from the screen in Fig. 6(a). Note that in this embodiment, the automatic inspection switch 606 will be described as always being ON.

[0035] The print data created here is composed of images such as JPEG and TIFF, text data, font information used for the text data, and data for drawing graphics.

[0036] Next, in S1002, the CPU 303 of the PC 300 transmits the print data created in S1001 to the printing device 100 via the LAN 400.

[0037] In S1003, the CPU 122 of the printing device 100 executes the RIP processing program 130 to perform RIP processing on the received print data and create image data. Here, RIP processing refers to Raster Image Processor processing, which refers to processing to generate image data from the received print data. Specifically, it refers to interpreting the PDL language, which is character and image data, and converting it into a raster image. The image data created here is image data composed of color information such as CMYK. Furthermore, in the case of multi-page print data, image data for all pages is created.

[0038] In S1004, the CPU 122 of the printing device 100 transmits the image data created in S1003 to the inspection device 200 via the LAN 400. In this embodiment, the image transmitted in S1004 is the first image.

[0039] In S1005, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 executes the inspection group determination process 238. In the present invention, small-sized documents are grouped together and inspected, aiming to reduce the number of inspections relative to the number of printed pages. Depending on the number of sheets in a group output from the inspection group determination process 238, the number of inspections can be reduced, and the number of times initial settings and the like are executed for each inspection can be reduced.

[0040] The inspection group determination process 238 determines the number of pages or copies to be inspected in one inspection process (hereinafter referred to as a group) of the image created by the RIP process 130. Furthermore, there are two types of groups for which the number of inspections is set: a group other than the final group and a final group, and this varies depending on the number of pages and copies to be printed. Details of the inspection group determination process will be described later, but here, the number of sheets to be inspected in groups other than the final group is set to M, and the number of sheets to be inspected in the final group is set to N.

[0041] In S1006, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 executes a sample image creation process 236. Specifically, based on the image data received in S1004, a print sample image for image inspection is created and displayed on the operation unit 226. For example, if the image data is a CMYK image, the print sample image is created by converting the image data into RGB image data through color conversion processing using an ICC profile previously stored in the storage device 222. FIG. 6B is an example of an approval screen for print sample image creation displayed on the operation unit 226. When the CPU 223 detects pressing of the OK button 609 from the operation unit 226, it advances the process to S1007. On the other hand, when the CPU 223 detects pressing of the cancel button 610 from the operation unit 226, it stops all processes and ends the print sample image creation. In order to visually check the image data, an image display unit 611 is provided, and the image data to be checked can be visually checked. Furthermore, when image data includes multiple pages, all the pages are displayed on the image display section 611 using the page forward operation section 612 .

[0042] In S1007, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 executes the inspection registration process 237. FIG. 6(c) shows an example of an inspection registration screen. In the inspection registration screen, the settings of the inspection area setting 616 and the inspection level 617 are accepted while the image is displayed on the image display unit 615. The image displayed here is described as the image created in S1006, but is not limited to this. The inspection setting may be performed on the sample group image generated by image synthesis in S1008 described later. The higher the inspection level, the more detailed defects (dust, scratches, etc.) can be inspected. When the OK button 613 is pressed, the location of the inspection area setting 616 and the setting value of the inspection level 617 are stored in the storage device 222, and the process proceeds to S1008.

[0043] In S1008, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 executes a sample group image creation process 239. Specifically, a sample image having a size equivalent to the number M of pages other than the final group determined in S1005, and a sample image having a size equivalent to the number N of pages of the final group are created. In this embodiment, the sample group image is called a second image, and is an image obtained by performing image synthesis based on the image received in S1004 so that a plurality of first images are included in a row. Details of the sample group image creation process 239 will be described later.

[0044] Through the above processing, the CPU 223 generates print sample images and inspection settings other than the final group, and a print sample image and inspection setting file for the final group, and stores them in the storage device 222.

[0045] <Test group selection> The inspection group determination process 238 executed by the CPU 223 in S1005 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. To aid in the explanation, schematic diagrams of sample images in Fig. 8(a), Fig. 8(b), and Fig. 8(c) will also be used in the explanation. Fig. 8(a) is the RIP image created in S1003. Fig. 8(b) is a print sample image of a page other than the final page. Fig. 8(c) is a print sample image of the final page.

[0046] In S2001, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 acquires the feed direction size (sub-scan size) per page. The sub-scan size is calculated by adding the page interval at the time of printing to the sub-scan size of the image acquired in S1004. 501 in FIG. 8(a) is a RIP image, and the vertical size is the sub-scan size. The page interval is the distance between pages in the feed direction of the image printed on the recording paper at the time of printing, and is the value of the page interval 607 arranged on the print setting screen in FIG. 6(b) that accepts input in S1001. Note that, when adding detection marks called eye marks to an image for one page at the time of printing, the value between the eye marks may be used as the page interval. Here, the eye mark is a mark used as a trigger signal for dividing a pattern when performing a defect inspection.

[0047] In S2002, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 acquires the minimum inspectable size as a known value from the storage device 222. The minimum inspectable size is a value unique to the inspection device, and is determined by the CPU 223 and GPU 227 used during inspection and the printing speed of the printing device 100. For example, at a speed of about a normal printing machine (400 mm / sec), the minimum inspectable size is often 150 mm.

[0048] In S2003, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 compares the size in the feed direction calculated in S2001 with the minimum size acquired in S2002. If the size in the feed direction is small, it is determined that inspection of multiple pages needs to be performed at once, and the process proceeds to S2004. On the other hand, if the size in the feed direction is equal to or larger than the minimum size, it is determined that inspection does not need to be performed at once, and the process proceeds to S2006. In this embodiment, the predetermined condition is defined as whether the size of the image to be inspected is smaller than the minimum size that can be inspected acquired in S2002.

[0049] In S2004, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 calculates the number of sheets per group to be inspected (the number of sheets to be inspected in each group other than the final group). Fig. 8(b) is a schematic diagram when the number of sheets to be inspected in each group is 2. The specific calculation formula is shown below.

[0050] (Formula 1) M = roundup (Hmin÷H) roundup: Function symbol for rounding up the decimal point Hmin: Minimum size in the feed direction that can be inspected H: Page feed size M: Number of groups inspected other than the final group In S2005, the CPU 223 of the inspection apparatus 200 calculates the number of sheets per final group to be inspected (the number of sheets to be inspected in the final group). Fig. 8(c) is a schematic diagram when the number of sheets to be inspected in the final group is 3. The specific calculation formula is shown below.

[0051] (Formula 2) N = M + (P × Q)% M M: Number of sheets per group P: Number of pages per copy (same as the number of RIP images) Q: Number of copies to print %: Remainder operator N: Number of pieces to be inspected in the final group On the other hand, if it is determined in S2003 that it is not necessary to perform inspections for a plurality of pages at once, the number of sheets to be inspected in the group other than the final group and the final group is set to 1 in S2006 and S2007.

[0052] As described above, in step S1005, the number M of wafers to be inspected in groups other than the final group and the number N of wafers to be inspected in the final group are determined.

[0053] <Sample group image creation> The sample group image creation process 239 executed by the CPU 223 in S1008 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7. To aid in the description, schematic diagrams of sample images in Figs. 8(a) to (h) will also be used in the description.

[0054] In S3001, the CPU 223 of the inspection apparatus 200 acquires the number M of sheets to be inspected for groups other than the final group, and the number N of sheets to be inspected for the final group, which are generated in S1005.

[0055] In S3002, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 acquires a page interval. The page interval is the distance in the feed direction of an image printed on a recording paper during printing, and is the value of page interval 607 arranged on the print setting screen in Fig. 6(a) that accepts input in S1001. In this embodiment, the page interval is also referred to as the size of an image to be inspected.

[0056] In S3003, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 creates sample group images other than the final group. This is done by copying a variable number M of image data in the sub-scanning direction onto memory. When copying, a page interval is inserted. Fig. 8(a) is a RIP image, and Fig. 8(b) is a sample image created in S3003. In Fig. 8(b), M=2, and the sample group image is created with two RIP images.

[0057] Also, Fig. 8(d) is an example of a RIP image of three pages, and Fig. 8(e), Fig. 8(f), and Fig. 8(g) are sample images created in S3003. When inspecting RIP images of multiple pages, multiple sample images must be created for combination. Furthermore, during inspection, Fig. 8(e), Fig. 8(f), and Fig. 8(g) must be used in order as sample group images.

[0058] In S3004, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 creates a sample group image of the final group. This is done by copying a variable number N of image data in the sub-scanning direction onto memory. When copying, a page interval is inserted in between. Fig. 8(a) is a RIP image, and Fig. 8(c) is a sample group image created in S3004. In Fig. 8(c), the sample group image is created with three RIP images with N=3. Fig. 8(d) is a RIP image for three pages, and Fig. 8(h) is a sample image created in S3003. In Fig. 8(h), the sample group image is created with three RIP images with N=3.

[0059] As described above, a sample group image is created by the process of S1008.

[0060] <Testing> Next, the inspection process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0061] When the process up to S1008 is completed and preparation for inspection is completed, the process from S5001 starts. In S5001, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 judges whether the group to be printed next is the final group. If it is not the final group, M is set as the number of sheets in the group, and if it is the final group, N is set. The variables M and N are the values ​​determined in S1005.

[0062] In S5002, the CPU 122 of the printing device 100 executes the printing process 131. In the printing process 131, the RIP image generated in the storage area in step S1003 is read out and the printing process 131 is executed. In the printing process 131, halftone processing of the four-color RIP image (CMYK) is performed using the image processing unit 125, and then images are formed in each of the stations 105 to 108 according to the signal value. Furthermore, the image is transferred when the recording paper is transported directly under each station.

[0063] The image transferred to the recording paper is conveyed directly under a reading sensor (image sensor) 201 of an inspection device 200 after the toner and ink are fixed to the recording paper by a fixing system 109 .

[0064] In S5003, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 executes the reading process 232 to read the size of one page of the recording paper printed in S5002 by the reading sensor 201 in the feed direction.

[0065] In this embodiment, in S5003, the size of one page is read in the feed direction for the number of sheets in the group, but this is not limited to this. For example, the roll paper may be scanned continuously regardless of the sheet size, or the size of the sheet in the group may be read.

[0066] In the present invention, in order to inspect multiple pages at once, the group to be inspected is determined in S1005. Therefore, the print process (S5002) and the read process (S5003) are repeatedly performed for one group, and multiple pages are continuously stored in the memory 224. FIG. 10 illustrates an image of the process of S5003. FIG. 10 shows the read image stored in the memory 224 while the reading sensor 201 is reading. 401 and 402 are read images corresponding to the size of the images other than the final group, and when M=2, two pages of images are cut out along the dashed line in the feed direction (sub-scanning) and acquired. 403 is a read image corresponding to the size of the image of the final group, and when N=3, three pages are read and stored in the memory 224. The images 401 to 403 are inspected as inspection images.

[0067] In S5004, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 performs initial settings. In the initial settings, processing resources to be used for inspection (threads for calculations of the GPU 227, image data transfer, memory, etc.) are acquired. This initial settings is a process that requires a uniform amount of time when the image to be inspected is switched, regardless of the image size.

[0068] In S5005, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 executes the defect inspection 233. In the defect inspection, the sample group image acquired in S1008 is compared with the inspection images such as 401 to 403 acquired in S5003 to identify defects. For example, the sample group image in FIG. 8(b) and the inspection image in FIG. 10 are compared, and if there is a difference, it is determined that there is a defect.

[0069] In S5006, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 displays the inspection results of the inspection images being inspected on the operation unit 226. Fig. 6(d) is a screen displaying the inspection results. Inspection images being inspected are displayed in a group in 619, and defective areas 620 found in S5004 are displayed in a composite manner so as to stand out. A stop button 618 is provided, and when pressing the stop button is accepted, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 sends an emergency stop command to the CPU 122 of the printing device 100. When the CPU 122 of the printing device 100 receives the emergency stop command, it can issue a command to the print processing unit 126 to stop printing.

[0070] In S5007, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 notifies the printing device 100 of the inspection results for one group. For example, if a prescribed number or more of defects are found, there is a high possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the image forming units 105 to 108. In order to make such a judgment, the inspection device 200 needs to constantly share the inspection results with the printing device 100.

[0071] In S5008, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 performs paper discharge processing. At this time, a mark attachment device 202 may be installed to attach a mark to a location determined to be defective in the defect inspection in S5004, for example, the location of the defective location 620 in FIG.

[0072] The CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 executes the processes of S5001 to S5008 for the number of printed sheets.

[0073] In S5009, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 displays the final inspection result on the operation unit 226. An example screen of the final inspection result is shown in Fig. 6(d). The number of defects 621 on all printed pages, a list 622 of defective locations, and an image 623 of the inspection image in which defects were found are arranged. The image of the inspection image is processed so as to display one page in which defects were found, rather than a group image. Note that it is also possible to process so as to display a group image as the image of the inspection image.

[0074] In inspection, the initial settings of the defect inspection program (acquiring memory area, transferring image data, acquiring threads for parallel calculation, etc.) do not become shorter even if the image size is small, and the inspection time becomes longer than the transport time. Furthermore, the initial settings must be performed for each inspection, and inspection delays accumulate. As described above, with the configuration of embodiment 1 in which inspection images are inspected collectively, the inspection time becomes shorter than the print transport time even in the inspection of small-sized printed matter, making it possible to inspect in real time.

[0075] Example 2 In the embodiment 2, an embodiment for reducing the number of types of print sample images of multiple pages will be described with respect to the inspection group determination process 238 described in the embodiment 1. Note that the description of the same processes as in the embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0076] The second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 11. Since steps S6001 to S6005 are the same as steps S2001 to S2004, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] In S6006, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 recalculates the number of sheets in one group obtained in S6005 and the number of pages in the RIP image so that the number of sheets in one group becomes a multiple of the number of pages in the RIP image. For example, in the example of Fig. 8(d), if the result of S6005 is 2 pages, it is corrected to 3, which is a multiple of the number of pages in the RIP image. As a result, it is no longer necessary to prepare three types as in Figs. 8(e), (f), and (g), and only one type as in Fig. 8(h) will suffice. Calculations are made according to the following formula as a general formula.

[0078] (Formula 3) M' = roundup (M÷P) × P roundup: Function symbol for rounding up the decimal point P: Number of pages in the RIP image M: Number of groups other than the final group to be inspected (see Equation 1 in Example 1) M': The number of sheets to be inspected in the groups other than the final group, adjusted to be a multiple of the RIP image Since S6006 to S6008 are the same processes as S2005 to S2007, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0079] By carrying out the above process, for example, when printing a three-page RIP image such as that shown in Fig. 8(d), it is no longer necessary to create three types of sample images such as those shown in Fig. 8(e), Fig. 8(f), and Fig. 8(g) that should be created based on the results of calculation using Equation 1 in Example 1. In other words, it is sufficient to generate only one type of sample image, that shown in Fig. 8(h), which contributes to saving memory and processing resources.

[0080] As described above, by the process of the second embodiment, even in the case of a printed matter consisting of multiple pages, the number of types of sample images can be reduced, the inspection time becomes shorter than the print transport time, and inspection can be performed in real time.

[0081] Example 3 In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the RIP image created in step S1003 is small in the main scanning direction relative to the paper, and multiple images are printed in the main scanning direction. Note that the description of the same processes as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0082] <Sample image registration> The sequence of sample image registration in the third embodiment is omitted because it is the same as the sequence diagram in Fig. 4 used in the description of the first embodiment, except for the screen example shown in Fig. 6(a).

[0083] Fig. 6(f) shows an example of a screen in embodiment 3 displayed on the operation unit 305 of the PC 300 described in the process of S1001 in embodiment 1. In the example of the screen in Fig. 6(f), the number of copies to be printed (main scan) 625, the number of copies to be printed (sub-scan) 626, the image interval (main scan) 627, the image interval (sub-scan) 628, and an automatic inspection switch 629 can be set.

[0084] <Test group selection> The test group determination process 238 in S1005 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0085] In S7001, the CPU 223 of the inspection apparatus 200 acquires the feed direction size (sub-scanning size) per image. 510 in Fig. 8(i) is a RIP image, and the vertical size is the sub-scanning size.

[0086] In S7002, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 calculates the number of pieces per group to be inspected (the number of pieces to be inspected in each group other than the final group). A specific calculation formula is shown in Formula 4. In Formula 4, the inspection group is calculated to be a multiple of the number of sheets in the main scanning direction. For example, in the example of FIG. 8(j), if the number of sheets to be inspected in the main scanning direction is 3 and the result of S7002 is 4, the number of sheets to be inspected in one group is 6, and M=6.

[0087] (Formula 4) M = roundup (Hmin÷H) × D roundup: Function symbol for rounding up the decimal point Hmin: Minimum size in the feed direction that can be inspected H: Page feed size M: Number of groups inspected other than the final group D: Number of sheets in the main scanning direction (625 in Fig. 6) In S7003, the CPU 223 of the inspection apparatus 200 calculates the number of sheets per final group to which the prints are to be grouped (the number of sheets to be inspected for the final group). A specific calculation formula is shown below.

[0088] (Formula 5) N = M + (D × Q)% M M: Number of groups inspected other than the final group D: Number of prints in the main scanning direction (625 in Figure 6) Q: Number of prints in the sub-scanning direction (626 in Fig. 6) %: Remainder operator N: Number of pieces to be inspected in the final group As described above, in step S1005, the number M of wafers to be inspected in groups other than the final group and the number N of wafers to be inspected in the final group are determined.

[0089] <Sample group image creation> Next, a method for creating a sample group image in S1008 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0090] In S8001, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 acquires the variables M and N acquired in S1005 in the third embodiment.

[0091] In S8002, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 acquires the image interval (main scanning) 627 and the image interval (sub-scanning) 628.

[0092] In S8003, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 copies M images in the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction at the image interval acquired in S8002 as sample images other than the final group. Fig. 8(i) is a RIP image, and in S8003, an example is generated in which sample images are arranged in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction as shown in Fig. 8(j).

[0093] In S8004, the CPU 223 of the inspection device 200 copies the image in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction at the image interval acquired in S8002 as N pieces of sample images of the final group.

[0094] As described above, by the process of the third embodiment, even when multiple items are printed side by side in the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction, the inspection time is shorter than the printing and transporting time, making it possible to perform inspection in real time.

[0095] (Other embodiments) Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific descriptions within this specification.

[0096] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

Claims

1. A receiving means for receiving a first image; a registration means for creating a second image including a sequence of the first image based on the first image when the received first image satisfies a predetermined condition, and registering the second image as a sample image; an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on a read image obtained by reading a printed matter on which an image is formed by an image forming means on a sheet and the sample image; An inspection device comprising:

2. The second image is an image generated by performing image synthesis based on the first image so that a plurality of first images are consecutively formed.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the sheet is a roll of paper, The reading unit reads the size of the second image on the roll paper being transported.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. The predetermined condition is that the size of the first image is smaller than the minimum size that can be inspected by an inspection means of the inspection device.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1 .

5. The registration means registers the first image as the sample image when the received first image does not satisfy the predetermined condition.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 .

6. When the received first image satisfies a predetermined condition, the registration means creates a third image based on the first image, the third image including a plurality of the first images and different from the second image, and registers the second image and the third image as sample images; The inspection means inspects the printed matter based on the read image, the second image, and the third image.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 .

7. The third image is registered as a sample image of the last page of the printed matter.

7. The inspection apparatus according to claim 6.

8. A display control means for displaying a screen on a display unit; having The display control means displays the first image on an inspection registration screen when the inspection means inspects the printed matter.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 .

9. A display control means for displaying a screen on a display unit; having The display control means displays the read image read in the size of the second image on the screen on which the image during the inspection is displayed.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 .

10. A display control means for displaying a screen on a display unit; having The display control means displays the read image in which the inspection means found a defect in a size of the first image on a screen that displays the inspection result of the inspection means.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 .

11. A method for controlling an inspection apparatus, comprising the steps of: a receiving step of receiving a first image; a registration step of creating a second image including a series of the first images based on the first image when the received first image satisfies a predetermined condition, and registering the second image as a sample image; an inspection step of inspecting the printed matter based on a read image obtained by reading a printed matter on a sheet formed by an image forming means with a reading unit and the sample image; 13. A method for controlling an inspection apparatus comprising:

12. A receiving means for receiving a first image; a registration means for creating a second image including a sequence of the first image based on the first image when the received first image satisfies a predetermined condition, and registering the second image as a sample image; an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on a read image obtained by reading a printed matter on which an image is formed by an image forming means on a sheet and the sample image; A display control means for displaying a screen on a display unit; having The display control means displays the read image read in the size of the second image on the screen on which the image during the inspection is displayed. An inspection device characterized by:

Images