Inspection apparatus, inspection system, inspection method, and program

Abstract

To provide an inspection apparatus capable of inspecting print data for variable printing for errors before printing.SOLUTION: An inspection apparatus comprises: a print data acquisition unit for acquiring print data generated from design data including a variable area and record information of variable input data; an inspection unit for inspecting whether or not there is an error in the data read from the variable area of the print data based on the record information of the variable input data; and an output unit for outputting the inspection result by the inspection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, variable printing is known, in which different content is printed on a portion of a printed sheet depending on the content of each record of input data, such as the postal code and address of the recipient.

[0003] Also known is a print inspection device that reads a printout produced by a printing device using variable printing and compares it with each record of the original input data to inspect whether printing is being performed correctly (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that, even if there is an error in the print data due to a mistake in the variable printing settings, for example, the error cannot be detected until after printing has been executed.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and makes it possible to check print data for errors in variable printing before printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data generated from design data including a variable area and record information of variable input data, an inspection unit that inspects whether or not there are any errors in the data read from the variable area of the print data based on the record information of the variable input data, and an output unit that outputs the inspection results from the inspection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it becomes possible to check print data for errors in variable printing before printing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a process according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of an inspection system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of variable input data according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image of another example of variable input data according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an inspection process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection result according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a display screen of test results according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a display screen of the test results according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an inspection process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a display screen of the test results according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a display screen of the test results according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16]FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a setting screen for imposition information according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 12 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a setting screen for imposition information according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of processing according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of data according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of an inspection system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an inspection process according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <System configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment. The inspection system 1 is a system that inspects print data for variable printing, which prints different content for a portion of a printed material depending on the content of each record of input data, such as the destination's postal code and address. In the example of FIG. 1, the inspection system 1 includes an information processing device 101, a print data generating device 102, an inspection device 103, a DFE (Digital Front End) 104, and a printing device 105. However, the information processing device 101, the DFE 104, and the printing device 105 may be devices external to the inspection system 1.

[0011] The information processing device 101 is a computer communicably connected to the print data generating device 102 and the inspection device 103. As an example, the information processing device 101 is an information terminal used by a client who requests variable printing. In this case, the information processing device 101 transmits a manuscript for variable printing to the print data generating device 102, etc.

[0012] As another example, the information processing device 101 may be a server device that manages manuscripts for performing variable printing. In this case, the print data generating device 102 and the like can acquire manuscripts for performing variable printing from the information processing device 101 as needed.

[0013] The submitted materials for variable printing include, for example, design data and variable input data. Design data is data used to print the common parts of variable printing. Design data is, for example, image data such as PDF (Portable Document Format), but is not limited to this. Variable input data is data used to print the variable parts of variable printing. Variable input data is, for example, text data such as CSV (Comma Separated Values), but is not limited to this.

[0014] The print data generation device 102 is, for example, a computer communicably connected to the information processing device 101, the inspection device 103, and the DFE 104 (or the printing device 105). The print data generation device 102 generates print data (for example, PDF data) for variable printing based on the manuscript obtained from the information processing device 101.

[0015] The inspection device 103 checks whether there are any errors in the print data for variable printing generated by the print data generation device 102 by comparing it with the variable input data obtained from the information processing device 101 before printing is executed.

[0016] The DFE 105 is an information processing device that executes RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing to convert the print data generated by the print data generating device 102 into a raster image that can be printed by the printing device 105. The printing device 105 is an image forming device that prints onto paper, which is a recording medium, based on the data generated by the DFE 104. Note that in this embodiment, the DFE 105 and the printing device 105 may have any configuration as long as they are able to print the print data generated by the print data generating device 102.

[0017] For example, the function of the DFE 105 may be included in the printing device 105 or the print data generating device 102. The printing device 105 may also be connected to a post-processing device such as a print inspection device that inspects printed materials, or a stacker that stacks printed materials printed by the printing device 105 on tray 131.

[0018] (Processing Overview) 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of processing according to an embodiment. The print data generating device 102 acquires a manuscript including, for example, design data (PDF) including a variable area and variable input data (CSV) (step S1). The inspection device 103 acquires the variable input data (CSV) included in the manuscript (step S2).

[0019] The print data generating device 102 generates print data (PDF) for variable printing from the acquired design data (PDF) including the variable area and record information of the variable input data (CSV) (step S3). For example, an operator sets the design, imposition, variable area, etc. using an application program for print data generation (hereinafter referred to as print data generation application 201) installed in the print data generating device 102. In response to this, the print data generation application 201 executes variable processing, imposition processing, etc., and generates print data (PDF) for variable printing. Note that in this embodiment, the print data generation application 201 executed by the print data generating device 102 may be an existing application.

[0020] The inspection device 103 acquires the print data (PDF) for variable printing generated by the print data generation device 102 (step S4). The inspection device 103 also inspects whether or not there are any errors in the data read from the variable area of the acquired print data (PDF) based on the record information of the variable input data (CSV) (step S5). For example, an operator uses an inspection application program (hereinafter referred to as inspection application 202) installed in the inspection device 103 to set the variable area and associate the variable area with the variable input data. In response to this, the inspection application 202 executes, for example, a data extraction process to extract record information from the variable area of the print data and an inspection process to inspect the consistency between the record information of the variable input data and the extracted record information, and outputs the inspection results.

[0021] If the inspection result is "PASS" indicating that there is no problem with consistency, the print data generating device 102 transmits a print request including the generated print data (PDF) to the DFE 104 (step S6).

[0022] Through the above processing, the inspection system 1 according to this embodiment can inspect print data for errors in variable printing before printing. Note that the system configuration of the inspection system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is an example. For example, some or all of the functions of the inspection device 103 may be provided by the print data generation device 102, the DFE 104, or the like.

[0023] <Hardware configuration> (Hardware configuration of inspection equipment) The inspection device 103 has, for example, the hardware configuration of a computer 300 as shown in Fig. 3. Note that the information processing device 101, the print data generating device 102, and the DFE 104 also have the hardware configuration of the computer 300.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the computer 300 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 301, a read-only memory (ROM) 302, a random access memory (RAM) 303, a hard disk (HD) 304, a hard disk drive (HDD) controller 305, a display 306, an external device connection interface (I / F) 307, a network I / F 308, a keyboard 309, a pointing device 310, a digital versatile disk rewritable (DVD-RW) drive 312, a media I / F 314, and a bus line 315.

[0025] Of these, the CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the computer 300. The ROM 302 stores programs used to start up the computer 300, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 303 is used, for example, as a work area for the CPU 301. The HD 304 stores programs such as an OS (Operating System), applications, and device drivers, as well as various data. The HDD controller 305 controls the reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 304, for example, under the control of the CPU 301. The HD 304 and the HDD controller 305 are examples of storage devices provided in the computer 300.

[0026] The display 306 displays various types of information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, characters, or an image. The display 306 may be provided outside the computer 300. The external device connection I / F 307 is an interface for connecting various external devices to the computer 300. The network I / F 308 is an interface for connecting the computer 300 to the communication network 2 and communicating with other devices.

[0027] The keyboard 309 is a type of input means having multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 310 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc. Note that the keyboard 309 and the pointing device 310 may be provided externally to the computer 300.

[0028] The DVD-RW drive 312 controls reading and writing of various data from and to a DVD-RW 311, which is an example of a removable recording medium. The DVD-RW 311 is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may be another removable recording medium. The media I / F 314 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from and to a medium 313 such as a flash memory. The bus line 315 includes an address bus, a data bus, various control signals, and the like for electrically connecting the above components.

[0029] <Functional configuration> Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an inspection device according to an embodiment. The inspection device 103 realizes each functional configuration shown in Fig. 3 by executing a predetermined program such as an inspection application 202 on a CPU 301. In the example of Fig. 3, the inspection device 103 has each functional configuration such as an input data acquisition unit 401, a print data acquisition unit 402, a reading unit 403, an information acquisition unit 404, an inspection unit 405, an output unit 406, a display control unit 407, an operation reception unit 408, a setting control unit 409, and an estimation unit 410. Note that at least a portion of each of the above functional configurations may be realized by hardware.

[0030] Furthermore, the inspection device 103 implements a storage unit 411 using storage devices such as the HD 304 and the HDD controller 305, for example.

[0031] The input data acquisition unit 401 executes an input data acquisition process to acquire variable input data from, for example, design data and a manuscript containing variable input data that is input to the print data generation device 102. The input data acquisition unit 401 may acquire the variable input data from the information processing device 101 or from the print data generation device 102.

[0032] The print data acquisition unit 402 executes a print data acquisition process to acquire print data generated from design data including a variable area and record information of the variable input data. For example, the print data acquisition unit 402 acquires print data for variable printing, which the print data generation device 102 generated based on a submitted manuscript, from the print data generation device 102. The variable area is an area of the print data whose print content differs for each printed product, such as a postal code, address, and name. The variable input data is data (e.g., character strings) to be printed in the variable area that differs for each printed product, such as a postal code, address, and name.

[0033] The reading unit 403 executes a reading process to read record information from the variable area of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 402. For example, if the print data is a PDF file and the variable area contains character strings such as a postal code, address, and name, the reading unit 403 acquires the character strings (text data) contained in the variable area from the PDF file. Note that if the print data is image data that does not contain text data, the reading unit 403 may read the text data from the character image in the variable area by, for example, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing.

[0034] In addition, when a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) that encodes the record information of the variable input data is printed in the variable area, the reading unit 403 may decode the two-dimensional code included in the variable area and read the record information.

[0035] The information acquisition unit 404 executes information acquisition processing to acquire record information from the variable input data. For example, if the variable input data is a CSV file written in CSV format, the information acquisition unit 404 acquires records corresponding to the variable areas of the print data from the variable input data. Note that a CSV file contains one or more records, and each record is separated by a line break. Furthermore, one record contains one or more record information (items), and each record information is separated by a comma. Note that the variable input data may be data in a format other than CSV.

[0036] The inspection unit 405 executes an inspection process to inspect whether or not there are any errors in the data read from the variable area of the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 402, based on the record information of the variable input data. For example, the inspection unit 405 inspects the consistency between the record information of the variable input data acquired by the information acquisition unit 404 and the record information read from the variable area of the print data by the reading unit 403. Furthermore, the inspection unit 405 determines the inspection result as "PASS" if the record information of the variable input data matches the record information read from the variable area, and determines the inspection result as "FAIL" if they do not match.

[0037] The output unit 406 executes an output process to output the inspection results obtained by the inspection unit 405. For example, the output unit 406 may output the inspection results to the storage unit 411 or another device, or may use the display control unit 407 to display (output) the inspection results on a display unit such as the display 306. The output unit 406 may also output the inspection results to, for example, the print data generating device 102 or an external device such as a server.

[0038] The display control unit 407 executes a display control process for controlling the display of various display screens. For example, the display control unit 407 displays a UI (User Interface) screen (described later) and a test result display screen on a display unit such as the display 306. The operation accepting unit 408 executes an operation accepting process for accepting an operation on the display screen displayed by the display control unit 407.

[0039] The setting control unit 409 executes setting control processing to control settings such as setting of a variable area, association of a variable area with variable input data, and setting of imposition, which will be described later. The setting control unit 409 also executes processing to reflect (copy) the setting of a variable area set for one image of a printed matter among the images of multiple imposed printed matters in the acquired print data to the images of other printed matters.

[0040] If there is an error in the data read from the variable area of the print data, the estimation unit 410 executes estimation processing to estimate the cause of the error.

[0041] The memory unit 411 stores various information or data, including, for example, variable input data acquired by the input data acquisition unit 401, print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 402, inspection results by the inspection unit 405, and setting information managed by the setting control unit 409.

[0042] The functional configuration of the inspection device 103 shown in Fig. 4 is an example. For example, some or all of the functional components of the inspection device 103 shown in Fig. 4 may be included in the print data generating device 102, the DFE 104, or the like. Furthermore, the functional components of the inspection device 103 may be distributed among multiple devices. In short, it is sufficient that the functional components of the inspection device 103 shown in Fig. 4 are included in any of the devices included in the inspection system 1.

[0043] <Processing flow> Next, the processing flow of the inspection method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0044] (Inspection system processing) 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, by the inspection device 103 having the functional configurations described in FIG.

[0045] In step S501, the inspection device 103 acquires the print data generated by the print data generation device 102 and the variable input data used to generate the print data. For example, the operator selects the print data to be inspected and the variable input data used to generate the print data on a reading screen displayed by the display control unit 407. As a result, the inspection device 103 reads the selected print data and variable input data.

[0046] In step S502, the inspection device 103 determines the printing side (single-sided or double-sided). For example, the inspection device 103 displays a selection screen for selecting whether the print data is print data in double-sided printing format or print data in single-sided printing format, and accepts a selection operation by the operator.

[0047] In step S503, the inspection device 103 displays a UI screen that displays a preview image of what the acquired print data will look like when printed. For example, if the print surface is double-sided, the display control unit 407 displays a UI screen 600 such as that shown in FIG. 6 on a display unit such as the display 306.

[0048] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 6, a UI screen 600 displays a preview image 610 of the front side of the print data, a preview image 620 of the back side, and an area data correspondence table 630. The UI screen 600 also displays an "Add Area (Front)" button 601, an "Add Area (Back)" button 602, and an "Execute Comparison" button 603. Note that if the print surface is single-sided, the UI screen 600 does not display the preview image 620 of the back side and the "Add Area (Back)" button 602.

[0049] 6, a preview image 610 of the front side displays an image (front) 611 of four imposed printed matters. Similarly, a preview image 620 of the back side displays an image (back) 621 of four imposed printed matters.

[0050] In step S504, the inspection device 103 sets a variable area. For example, when the operator selects the "Add Area (Front)" button 601 on the UI screen 600, the operator can set a variable area in the preview image 610 of the front side. For example, the operator can specify a variable area 612 by performing a drag operation or a drag-and-drop operation from the upper left coordinates to the lower right coordinates on the preview image 610 of the front side. When the operator sets the variable area 612, the inspection device 103 adds information about the set variable area to the area data association table 630 on the UI screen 600.

[0051] In the example of FIG. 6, the area data correspondence table 630 includes information such as "area," "coordinates," "size," and "data" as items. "Area" is information such as an area name or area ID that identifies a variable area. "Coordinates" and "size" are information indicating the coordinates and size of the variable area set by the operator. "Data" is information indicating the data corresponding to each variable area, and data can be selected, for example, from a pull-down menu or the like.

[0052] If there are multiple variable regions, the operator can add the multiple variable regions to the region data association table 630 by performing similar processing.

[0053] In addition, the inspection device 103 may, for example, work in cooperation with the print data generation device 102 to set the variable area by obtaining information about the variable area set by the print data generation device 102 from the print data generation device 102.

[0054] In step S505, the inspection device 103 associates the set variable regions with the variable input data. For example, the operator can set data to be associated with each variable region using a "Data" pull-down menu in the region data association table 630.

[0055] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of variable input data according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 7, one row of variable input data 700 includes four records 701, 702, 703, and 704. Each record includes three pieces of record information: address, postal code, and name.

[0056] In this case, as shown in Figure 6, by setting the data corresponding to the variable area "Area 1" to "Postal 1" in the area data correspondence table 630, the variable area "Area 1" is associated with the record information "Postal 1".

[0057] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing another example of variable input data according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 8, variable input data 800 includes four records 801, 802, 803, and 804. Each record includes three pieces of record information: address, postal code, and name.

[0058] In this case, the "Address" of record 801 is "Address 1," "Postal code" is "Postal code 1," and "Name" is "Name 1." Also, the "Address" of record 802 is "Address 2," "Postal code" is "Postal code 2," and "Name" is "Name 2." The same applies to records 803 and onward. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, by setting the data corresponding to the variable area "Area 1" to "Postal code 1" in the area data association table 630, the variable area "Area 1" and the "Address" of record 801 are associated.

[0059] In steps S506 and S507, upon receiving the inspection start operation, the inspection device 103 executes an inspection process to inspect the consistency between the record information of the variable input data and the record information read from the variable area of the print data.

[0060] In step S508, the inspection device 103 outputs the inspection results of the inspection process.

[0061] (Inspection processing) Here, an example of the inspection process executed by the inspection device 103 in step S507 in FIG. 5 will be described.

[0062] [First embodiment] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the inspection process according to the first embodiment. This process shows an example of the inspection process executed by the inspection device 103 in step S507 in FIG.

[0063] In step S901, the inspection device 103 acquires record information from an uninspected variable area of the print data.

[0064] In step S902, the inspection device 103 compares the acquired record information with the record information of the variable input data. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the data corresponding to the variable area "Area 1" is set to "Postal Code 1" in the area data association table 630. In this case, the inspection device 103 compares the record information acquired from the variable area "Area 1" with the record information acquired from "Address 1" of the variable input data 700 or "Address" of record 801 of the variable input data 800.

[0065] For example, in step S903, the inspection device 103 compares the record information acquired from the variable area with the record information of the variable input data to determine whether the character codes match. If the character codes match, the inspection device 103 shifts the process to step S904. On the other hand, if the character codes do not match, the inspection device 103 shifts the process to step S905.

[0066] When the process proceeds to step S904, the inspection device 103 determines the inspection result as "PASS" (no problem). On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S905, the inspection device 103 determines the inspection result as "FAIL" (problem). Also, in step S905, the inspection device 103 stores the inspection result in the memory unit 411 or the like.

[0067] In step S907, the inspection device 103 determines whether or not there is an uninspected variable area. If there is an uninspected variable area, the inspection device 103 returns the process to step S901. On the other hand, if there is no uninspected variable area, the inspection device 103 ends the process of FIG. 9.

[0068] Through the process of FIG. 9, the inspection device 103 creates, for example, an inspection result 1000 as shown in FIG.

[0069] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection result according to the first embodiment. In the example of Fig. 10, an inspection result 1000 includes record information (address, postal code, name) 1001 acquired from the variable input data, record information (area 1, area 2, area 3) 1002 acquired from the variable area, and an inspection result 1003. In the example of Fig. 10, the inspection result 100 includes, in addition to the inspection result (PASS or FAIL), "error information" for identifying record information for which the inspection result is "FAIL".

[0070] For example, in step 508 of FIG. 5, the inspection device 103 outputs the inspection result 1000 to the storage unit 411, the display screen of the inspection device 103, the print data generating device 102, or the like.

[0071] Preferably, when no errors are detected in the print data, the inspection device 103 displays, for example, an inspection result display screen 1100 as shown in Fig. 11. In the example of Fig. 11, inspection result display screen 1100 displays inspection result 1101 indicating that no errors were detected in the print data. On the other hand, when an error is detected in the print data, the inspection device 103 displays, for example, an inspection result display screen 1200 as shown in Fig. 12. In the example of Fig. 12, inspection result display screen 1200 displays inspection result 1201 indicating that an error was detected in the print data, information 1202 of the error area where the error was detected, and the like.

[0072] In this way, the inspection device 103 according to the first embodiment can inspect print data for errors in variable printing before printing.

[0073] [Second embodiment] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the inspection process according to the first embodiment. This process shows another example of the inspection process executed by the inspection device 103, for example, in step S507 in Fig. 5. Of the processes in Fig. 13, steps S901 to S907 are similar to the inspection process according to the first embodiment described in Fig. 9, and therefore will not be described here.

[0074] In step S1301, the inspection device 103 determines whether or not there is an error in the print data based on the inspection results of steps S901 to S907. If there is an error in the print data, the inspection device 103 proceeds to step S1302. On the other hand, if there is no error in the print data, the inspection device 103 ends the processing of FIG.

[0075] In step S1302, the inspection device 103 executes an estimation process to estimate the cause of the error based on the inspection results of steps S901 to S907.

[0076] As an example, if there is an error in the imposition order, the arrangement order of multiple printed materials on one page of print data will be incorrect, and so FAIL will occur repeatedly in one of the multiple records corresponding to one page of print data.For example, if there is print data with four impositions, and the inspection results for the first and fourth printed materials are PASS, but the inspection results for the second and third printed materials are FAIL, this error repeatedly occurs, and it is highly likely that the imposition order is incorrect.

[0077] Therefore, when a FAIL occurs repeatedly in record information for a specific imposition position in the inspection results of imposed print data, the estimation unit 410 of the inspection device 103 estimates that the cause of the error is an error in the imposition order. In this case, the inspection device 103 displays, for example, an inspection result display screen 1400 as shown in Fig. 14. In the example of Fig. 14, the inspection result display screen 1400 displays an inspection result 1401 indicating that an error has been detected in the print data, information 1402 of the error area where the error was detected, and information 1403 indicating that the estimated result of the error cause is an "error in the imposition order."

[0078] As another example, when there is an error in the sorting order, the inspection results will often be PASS up to a certain record, but FAIL for all records after the error in the sorting order. Therefore, if the inspection results for the print data show that FAIL occurs for a predetermined number of consecutive records or more after a certain record, the estimation unit 410 of the inspection device 103 estimates that the cause of the error is an error in the sorting order. In this case, the inspection device 103 displays, for example, an inspection result display screen 1500 as shown in FIG. 15. In the example of FIG. 15, the inspection result display screen 1500 displays an inspection result 1501 indicating that an error has been detected in the print data, information 1502 about the error area where the error was detected, and information 1503 indicating that the estimated cause of the error is "incorrect sorting order."

[0079] In addition, the inspection device 103 may be, for example, a device that estimates the cause of an error by using a machine learning model that has been trained in advance by machine learning, with the inspection results of steps S901 to S907 as explanatory variables and the cause of the error as a target variable.

[0080] In this way, the inspection device 103 may inspect the print data for errors in variable printing before printing, and if there is an error in the print data, may output an estimated result of the cause of the error.

[0081] [Third embodiment] In the third embodiment, another example of a UI screen displayed by the inspection device 103 will be described. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16, a UI screen 1600 according to the third embodiment has an "imposition copy" button 1601 added to the UI screen 600 described in Fig. 6.

[0082] In the UI screen 600 described in FIG. 6, even if the print data is print data in which multiple prints are imposed, the variable area setting operation must be repeated for each print as many times as the number of impositions.

[0083] Therefore, on a UI screen 1600 according to the third embodiment, by selecting an "imposition copy" button 1601, the variable area settings set for an image 1611 of one printed matter can be reflected in images of other printed matters. For example, the setting control unit 409 of the inspection device 103 calculates the relative coordinate position for the images of other imposed printed matters based on the setting information for the variable area set for the image 1611 of one printed matter. Furthermore, the setting control unit 409 automatically sets setting information 1612 for the variable area of the images of other printed matters based on the calculation result of the relative coordinate position.

[0084] As an example, the setting control unit 409 can display an imposition information setting screen 1700 as shown in Fig. 17 and accept an imposition layout setting 1701 and a movement distance setting 1702. The operator can set the number of columns and rows to be imposed using the imposition layout setting 1701. The operator can also set the horizontal distance and vertical distance between multiple imposed printed materials using the movement distance setting 1702. In this case, it is assumed that the imposition order is predetermined.

[0085] 18, the setting control unit 409 may display an imposition information setting screen 1800 and accept an imposition order setting 1801 in addition to an imposition layout setting 1701 and a movement distance setting 1702. The operator can set the arrangement order of multiple imposed printed materials using the imposition order setting 1801.

[0086] The setting control unit 409 calculates the relative coordinate positions of the images of the multiple imposed prints based on the information set on the imposition information setting screens 1700 and 1800, for example.

[0087] [Fourth embodiment] In each of the above-described embodiments, the inspection device 103 inspects the consistency between the record information of the variable input data and the record information read from the variable area of the print data. However, this is just one example, and various modifications and applications of this embodiment are possible.

[0088] In the fourth embodiment, an example will be described in which the inspection device 103 inspects the consistency between data corresponding to record information of variable input data and data read from the variable area of print data.

[0089] In recent years, direct mail sent by companies to customers has become increasingly personalized. For example, systems that include advertising content appropriate to the recipient's preferences in direct mail are becoming more common.

[0090] The inspection system 1 according to this embodiment can also inspect personalized data included in the variable area of print data.

[0091] Fig. 19 is a diagram for explaining an outline of processing according to the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 19, it is assumed that a personalized data DB 1901 manages personalized advertising data 2001 that stores campaign data to be printed on direct mail for each destination customer, as shown in Fig. 20, for example.

[0092] In the example of Figure 20, personalized advertising data 2001 includes information such as "customer ID," "name," and "campaign data" as items. "Customer ID" is identification information that identifies a customer. "Name" is information that indicates the customer's name, etc. "Campaign data" is campaign data that is printed in the variable area of direct mail sent to each customer. In the example of Figure 20, a campaign image or information that identifies a campaign image is stored as an example of campaign data.

[0093] Furthermore, the variable input data 2002 according to the fourth embodiment has, for example, a "customer ID" as shown in FIG. 20. In the example of FIG. 20, the variable input data 2002 includes information such as a "customer ID," "name," "postal code," and "address" as items. The "customer ID" is identification information for identifying a customer, and corresponds to the "customer ID" in the personalized data DB 1901. The "name" is information indicating the name, etc., of the customer. The "postal code" is information indicating the postal code of the customer. The "address" is information indicating the address of the customer.

[0094] In this way, in the fourth embodiment, the customer (delivery destination) of the variable input data 2002 and the customer of the personalized data DB 1901 are linked by the "customer ID."

[0095] (Processing Overview) 19, the print data generating device 102 acquires a manuscript including, for example, design data (PDF) including a variable area, variable input data 2002, and personalized advertisement data 2001 (step S11). The inspection device 103 also acquires variable input data (CSV) included in the manuscript (step S12).

[0096] The print data generating device 102 generates print data (PDF) for variable printing using the design data (PDF), the record information of the variable input data 2002, and the campaign image of the personalized advertising data 2001 (step S13).

[0097] The inspection device 103 acquires the print data (PDF) for variable printing generated by the print data generation device 102 (step S14). The inspection device 103 also acquires personalized advertisement data 2001 from the personalized data DB 1901 (step S15).

[0098] Next, the inspection device 103 inspects whether or not there is an error in the data in the variable area of the acquired print data using the acquired personalized advertisement data 2001 and variable input data 2002 (step S16). For example, an operator uses the inspection application 202 installed in the inspection device 103 to set the variable area and associate the variable area with the inspection data. In response to this, the inspection application 202 executes, for example, a data extraction process to extract data from the variable area of the print data and an inspection process to inspect the consistency between the extracted data and the inspection data, and outputs the inspection results.

[0099] If the inspection result is "PASS" indicating that there is no problem with consistency, the print data generating device 102 transmits a print request including the generated print data (PDF) to the DFE 104 (step S17).

[0100] By the above process, the inspection system 1 according to the fourth embodiment can inspect print data for errors in variable printing including a personalized advertisement area where a personalized advertisement is printed, before printing.

[0101] <Processing flow> Next, the process flow of the inspection method according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0102] (Inspection system processing) Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the inspection system according to the fourth embodiment. Note that the basic processing content is similar to the processing by the inspection system according to the embodiment described in Fig. 5, and therefore detailed description of the processing content similar to the processing described in Fig. 5 will be omitted here.

[0103] In step S2101, the inspection device 103 acquires the print data generated by the print data generating device 102, the variable input data 2002 used to generate the print data, and the personalized advertisement data 2001.

[0104] In step S2102, the inspection device 103 determines the printing side (single-sided or double-sided). For example, the inspection device 103 displays a selection screen for selecting whether the print data is print data in double-sided printing format or print data in single-sided printing format, and determines the printing side according to the selection operation by the operator.

[0105] In step S2103, the inspection device 103 displays a UI screen that displays a preview image of what will look like when the acquired print data is printed. For example, the inspection device 103 displays a UI screen 600 as shown in FIG.

[0106] In step S2104, the inspection device 103 sets a variable area. For example, the inspection device 103 accepts an operation by the operator to specify a variable area in the preview image on the UI screen 600.

[0107] In step S2105, the inspection device 103 associates the set variable areas with the inspection data. For example, the inspection device 103 accepts the setting of the inspection data to be associated with each variable area via a "Data" pull-down menu or the like in the area data association table 630 on the UI screen 600.

[0108] In steps S2106 and S2107, upon receiving the inspection start operation, the inspection device 103 executes an inspection process to inspect the consistency between the data read from the variable area of the print data and the inspection data.

[0109] In step S2108, the inspection device 103 outputs the inspection results of the inspection process.

[0110] (Inspection processing) Here, an example of the inspection process executed by the inspection device 103 in step S2107 in FIG. 21 will be described.

[0111] Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of inspection processing according to the fourth embodiment. This processing shows an example of inspection processing executed by the inspection device 103, for example, in step S2107 in Fig. 21. Note that the basic processing content is similar to the inspection processing according to the first embodiment described in Fig. 9, for example, and therefore detailed description of the processing content similar to that of the first embodiment will be omitted here.

[0112] In step S2201, the inspection device 103 acquires (reads) data of the uninspected variable area of the print data.

[0113] In step S2202, the inspection device 103 determines whether the variable area from which data has been acquired is a personalized advertisement area. If the variable area from which data has been acquired is a personalized advertisement area, the inspection device 103 shifts the process to step S2203. On the other hand, if the variable area from which data has been acquired is not a personalized advertisement area, the inspection device 103 shifts the process to step S2204.

[0114] In step S2203, the inspection device 103 compares the data acquired from the variable area with the inspection data corresponding to the record information of the variable input data 2002.

[0115] 6, when setting the area "Area 1" as the personalized advertising area in the area data association table 630 of the UI screen 600, "Data" is set to "Customer ID" using a pull-down menu, etc. In this case, in step S2203, if the record information of the variable input data 2002 is customer ID "1," then in the personalized advertising data 2001, "Campaign Image 1" corresponding to customer ID "1" becomes the test data.

[0116] On the other hand, in step S2204, the inspection device 103 compares the record information read from the acquired data with the record information of the variable input data.

[0117] In step S2205, the inspection device 103 determines whether the comparison results in step S2203 or step S2204 match. If the comparison results match, the inspection device 103 shifts the process to step S2206. On the other hand, if the comparison results do not match, the inspection device 103 shifts the process to step S2207.

[0118] In step S2206, the inspection device 103 determines the inspection result as "PASS" (no problem). On the other hand, in step S2207, the inspection device 103 determines the inspection result as "FAIL" (problem). In step S2208, the inspection device 103 stores the inspection result in the memory unit 411 or the like.

[0119] In step S2209, the inspection device 103 determines whether or not there is an uninspected variable area. If there is an uninspected variable area, the inspection device 103 shifts the process to step S2201. On the other hand, if there is no uninspected variable area, the inspection device 103 ends the process of FIG. 22.

[0120] 21 and 22, the inspection system 1 according to the fourth embodiment can also inspect image data included in print data for variable printing for errors before printing.

[0121] As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, it becomes possible to check print data for errors in variable printing before printing.

[0122] <Supplementary information> Each function of each embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to perform each of the functions described above.

[0123] 4 is an example. The functional configuration of the inspection device 103 may be distributed across multiple devices. Some or all of the functional configuration of the inspection device 103 may be incorporated into other devices, such as the print data generation device 102 or the DFE 104. Furthermore, the functional configuration of the inspection device 103 may be realized by a program executed on a virtual machine on the cloud, for example.

[0124] <Additional Notes> This specification discloses the following inspection apparatus, inspection system, inspection method, and program. (Section 1) a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data generated from design data including a variable area and record information of the variable input data; an inspection unit that inspects whether or not there is an error in the data read from the variable area of the print data based on record information of the variable input data; an output unit that outputs the inspection result by the inspection unit; An inspection device comprising: (Section 2) 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit inspects consistency between record information of the variable input data and record information read from the variable area of the print data. (Section 3) 3. The inspection device according to claim 2, further comprising a reading unit that reads record information from image data in the variable region of the print data. (Section 4) 4. The inspection device according to claim 3, wherein the image data of the variable area includes a two-dimensional code representing record information. (Section 5) 4. The inspection device according to claim 3, wherein the image data of the variable area includes a character image representing record information. (Section 6) 6. The inspection device according to any one of items 1 to 5, further comprising an information acquisition unit that acquires record information corresponding to the variable region from the variable input data. (Section 7) 7. The inspection device according to any one of items 1 to 6, further comprising a display control unit that displays a preview image of what the print data will look like when printed on a display screen. (Section 8) 8. The inspection device according to claim 7, wherein the preview image includes a front image that will become the front side when the print data is printed and a back image that will become the back side. (Section 9) 9. The inspection device according to item 7 or 8, further comprising an operation receiving section that receives, on the display screen, an operation for specifying the variable area from which record information is to be read. (Section 10) 10. The inspection device according to claim 9, wherein the display control unit displays a UI on the display screen that associates the variable area with record information of the variable input data. (Section 11) the preview image includes an image of a plurality of imposed prints; a setting control unit that reflects the setting of the variable area set for one image of the imposed printed matter among the images of the imposed printed matter to the images of the other printed matter; 11. The inspection device according to claim 9 or 10. (Section 12) 12. The inspection device according to claim 11, wherein the display control unit is capable of displaying a setting screen for accepting settings for the imposition. (Section 13) 13. The inspection device according to claim 12, wherein the imposition settings include information indicating the number of impositions, the position of the impositions, or the order of the impositions. (Section 14) The inspection device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, wherein the output unit outputs the inspection result that can identify the location of the error if there is an error in the data read from the variable area of the print data. (Section 15) an estimation unit that, when an error is found in the data read from the variable area of the print data, estimates the cause of the error; the output unit outputs the test result including the estimation result by the estimation unit. 15. The inspection device according to any one of items 1 to 14. (Section 16) 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit inspects consistency between data read from the variable area of the print data and inspection data corresponding to record information of the variable input data. (Section 17) a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data generated from design data including a variable area and record information of the variable input data; an inspection unit that inspects whether or not there is an error in the data read from the variable area of the print data based on record information of the variable input data; an output unit that outputs the inspection result by the inspection unit; An inspection system comprising: (Section 18) The computer a print data acquisition process for acquiring print data generated from design data including a variable area and record information of the variable input data; an inspection process for inspecting whether or not there is an error in the data read from the variable area of the print data based on record information of the variable input data; an output process for outputting the inspection results of the inspection process; Perform the inspection method. (Section 19) 19. A program for causing a computer to execute the inspection method according to claim 18.

[0125] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1. Inspection system 102 Print data generating device 103 Inspection equipment 402 Print data acquisition unit 403 Reading Unit 404 Information Acquisition Department 405 Inspection Department 407 Display control unit 408 Operation reception section 409 Setting control section 410 Estimation Department 600, 1600 UI screens 610, 620 preview images 630 Area Data Mapping Table 700, 800, 2002 variable input data 1000 test results 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500 Test result display screen 1700, 1800 Imposition information setting screen 300 Computers [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0127] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-183176

Claims

1. a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data generated from design data including a variable area and record information of the variable input data; an inspection unit that inspects whether or not there is an error in the data read from the variable area of the print data based on record information of the variable input data; an output unit that outputs the inspection result by the inspection unit; An inspection device comprising:

2. The inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the inspection unit inspects consistency between record information of the variable input data and record information read from the variable area of the print data.

3. The inspection device according to claim 2 , further comprising a reading unit that reads record information from image data in the variable region of the print data.

4. The inspection device according to claim 3 , wherein the image data of the variable area includes a two-dimensional code representing record information.

5. The inspection device according to claim 3 , wherein the image data in the variable area includes a character image representing record information.

6. The inspection device according to claim 1 , further comprising an information acquisition unit that acquires record information corresponding to the variable area from the variable input data.

7. The inspection device according to claim 1 , further comprising a display control unit that displays a preview image of the print data when printed on a display screen.

8. The inspection device according to claim 7 , wherein the preview image includes a front image that will become the front side when the print data is printed and a back image that will become the back side when the print data is printed.

9. The inspection device according to claim 7 , further comprising an operation receiving section that receives an operation to specify the variable area from which record information is to be read on the display screen.

10. The inspection device according to claim 9 , wherein the display control unit displays, on the display screen, a UI that associates the variable area with record information of the variable input data.

11. the preview image includes an image of a plurality of imposed prints; a setting control unit that reflects the setting of the variable area set for one image of the imposed printed matter among the images of the imposed printed matter to the images of the other printed matter; The inspection device according to claim 9.

12. The inspection device according to claim 11 , wherein the display control unit is capable of displaying a setting screen for accepting settings for the imposition.

13. The inspection device according to claim 12 , wherein the imposition setting includes information indicating the number of impositions, the position of the impositions, or the order of the impositions.

14. The inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein, when an error is found in the data read from the variable area of the print data, the output unit outputs the inspection result that can identify the location of the error.

15. an estimation unit that, when an error is found in the data read from the variable area of the print data, estimates the cause of the error; the output unit outputs the test result including the estimation result by the estimation unit. The inspection device according to claim 1 .

16. The inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the inspection unit inspects consistency between image data read from the variable area of the print data and inspection data corresponding to record information of the variable input data.

17. a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data generated from design data including a variable area and record information of the variable input data; an inspection unit that inspects whether or not there is an error in the data read from the variable area of the print data based on record information of the variable input data; an output unit that outputs the inspection result by the inspection unit; An inspection system comprising:

18. The computer a print data acquisition process for acquiring print data generated from design data including a variable area and record information of the variable input data; an inspection process for inspecting whether or not there is an error in the data read from the variable area of the print data based on record information of the variable input data; an output process for outputting the inspection results of the inspection process; Perform the inspection method.

19. A program that causes a computer to execute the inspection method according to claim 18.

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