Inspection system, inspection device, inspection method, and program

Abstract

To provide an inspection system that prevents unnecessary printed matter from being printed when there is an error in print data for variable printing.SOLUTION: An inspection system includes a generation unit that generates print data from design data including a variable area and record information of variable input data, a first inspection unit that inspects whether there are errors in data read from the variable area of the print data on the basis of the record information of the variable input data, and a print control unit that controls printing of the print data according to the inspection results of the first inspection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection system, an inspection device, 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 unnecessary printing may be executed even if there is an error in the print data due to an error in the variable printing settings, for example.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and provides an inspection system that prevents unnecessary printed materials from being printed when there is an error in the print data for variable printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an inspection system according to one embodiment of the present invention has a generation unit that generates print data from design data including a variable area and record information of variable input data, a first inspection unit that inspects the presence or absence of errors in data read from the variable area of ​​the print data based on the record information of the variable input data, and a print control unit that controls printing of the print data in accordance with the inspection results of the first inspection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an inspection system that prevents unnecessary printed matter from being printed when there is an error in print data for variable 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. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the inspection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a UI screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a UI screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of variable input data according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first inspection process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing examples of inspection results of the first inspection process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a display screen of test results according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a second inspection process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a display screen of the test results according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by an inspection system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of processing according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of data according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a first inspection process according to the third 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, and the printed material. In the example of FIG. 1, the inspection system 1 includes an information terminal 10, an information processing device (inspection device) 100, a DFE (Digital Front End) 21, and a printing device 22. The DFE 21 and the printing device 22 are examples of a printing system 20 that prints the print data.

[0011] The information terminal 10 is a computer communicably connected to the information processing device 100. As an example, the information terminal 10 is a PC (Personal Computer) used by a client requesting variable printing. In this case, the information terminal 10 transmits a manuscript for variable printing to the information processing device 100. Note that the inspection system 1 may acquire the manuscript from a server device that manages manuscripts for variable printing, instead of the information terminal 10. In this case, the information processing device 100 can acquire the manuscript for variable printing from the server device as needed.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The information processing device (inspection device) 100 is, for example, a computer communicably connected to the information terminal 10 and the printing system 20. The information processing device 100 generates print data (e.g., PDF data) for variable printing based on the manuscript obtained from the information terminal 10, and inspects the print data, controls printing, inspects the printed matter, etc.

[0014] The DFE 21 is an information processing device that executes RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing to convert print data generated by the information processing device 100 into a raster image that can be printed by the printing device 22. Note that the function of the DFE 21 may be possessed by the printing device 22 or the information processing device 100.

[0015] The printing device 22 is an image forming device that prints on paper, which is a recording medium, based on the data generated by the DFE 21. The printing device 22 according to this embodiment also has a function of acquiring read image data obtained by reading the printed matter printed by the printing device 22. Furthermore, the printing device 22 may be connected to a post-processing device such as a stacker that stacks the printed matter printed by the printing device 22 on a tray.

[0016] (Processing Overview) 2 is a diagram illustrating an overview of processing according to an embodiment. The information processing device 100 includes a generation unit 201 that generates print data (e.g., a PDF file) from input design data (e.g., a PDF file) including a variable area and record information of variable input data (a CSV file).

[0017] For example, the operator performs design, imposition, variable area settings, print settings, etc. of the printed matter using a predetermined application program (hereinafter referred to as an app) installed in the information processing device 100. In response to this, the generation unit 201 executes variable processing, imposition processing, etc., and generates print data for variable printing.

[0018] The information processing device 100 also has a first inspection unit 202 that inspects, based on the record information of the variable input data, whether or not there are errors in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data generated by the generation unit 201. For example, the first inspection unit 202 executes a data extraction process that extracts record information from the variable area of ​​the print data, and a data comparison process that inspects whether or not there are errors in the variable area of ​​the print data by comparing the record information of the variable input data with the extracted record information. Furthermore, if there are no errors in the variable area of ​​the print data, the first inspection unit 202 executes a print image generation process that generates print image data (master data) by imaging the print data.

[0019] The information processing device 100 also has a print control unit 203 that controls printing of the print data depending on the inspection result of the first inspection unit 202. For example, if there is no error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data, the print control unit 203 controls to send the print data, print setting information, etc. to the print system 20 and start printing of the print data. On the other hand, if there is an error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data, the print control unit 203 controls not to start printing of the print data. For example, if there is an error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data, the print control unit 203 does not send the print data, print setting information, etc. to the print system 20.

[0020] The printing system 20 performs RIP processing and printing processing on the print data based on the print data and print setting information received from the information processing device 100, and prints a printed matter. The printing system 20 also performs reading processing on the printed matter and transmits the read image data to the information processing device 100.

[0021] The information processing device 100 has a second inspection unit 204 that performs image comparison processing to compare the print image data generated by the first inspection unit 202 with the acquired read image data, thereby inspecting the printed matter for defects.

[0022] With the above configuration, if there is an error in the print data for variable printing, the inspection system 1 according to one embodiment does not send the print data or print setting information to the printing system 20, thereby preventing unnecessary printed matter from being printed. Furthermore, the inspection system 1 can perform each inspection at the appropriate timing in the inspection process, which consistently inspects everything from the print data to the printed matter.

[0023] <Hardware configuration> (Hardware configuration of information processing device) The information processing device 100 has, for example, the hardware configuration of a computer 300 as shown in Fig. 3. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 is realized by a plurality of computers 300. Furthermore, the information terminal 10 and the DFE 21 also have, for example, the hardware configuration of a computer 300 as shown in Fig. 3.

[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 a communication network N 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] The printing system 20 may have any hardware configuration as long as it has a printing function for printing print data, a reading function for reading a printed matter on which the print data has been printed, and a communication function.

[0030] <Functional configuration> FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment.

[0031] (Functional configuration of information processing device) The information processing device (inspection device) 100 executes a predetermined program in the CPU 301, thereby realizing, for example, each functional configuration as shown in Fig. 4. In the example of Fig. 3, the information processing device 100 realizes each functional configuration, such as a reception unit 401, a print data modification unit 402, a scanned image acquisition unit 403, a display control unit 404, an output unit 405, and a storage unit 406, in addition to the generation unit 201, first inspection unit 202, print control unit 203, and second inspection unit 204 described in Fig. 2. Note that at least a portion of each of the above functional configurations may be realized by hardware.

[0032] The reception unit 401 executes a reception process for receiving, for example, input of design data (e.g., a PDF file) including a variable area and variable input data (a CSV file), as well as setting operations by an operator on a UI (User Interface) screen (described later). For example, the reception unit 401 receives setting operations such as setting of design data and variable input data, imposition setting, setting of a variable area, and print setting.

[0033] The generation unit 201 executes a generation process for generating print data from the input design data and record information of the variable input data, as described in Fig. 2. For example, the generation unit 201 generates print data for printing a printed material including a variable area based on the settings of the design data and variable input data, imposition settings, variable area settings, print settings, and the like accepted by the acceptance unit 401.

[0034] 2, the first inspection unit 202 executes a first inspection process that inspects whether or not there are errors in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data generated by the generation unit 201, based on the record information of the variable input data. For example, the first inspection unit 202 extracts record information from the variable area of ​​the print data, and compares (compares) the record information of the variable input data with the extracted record information to inspect whether or not there are errors in the variable area of ​​the print data. Furthermore, if there are no errors in the variable area of ​​the print data, the first inspection unit 202 generates print image data (master data) by imaging the print data.

[0035] 2, the print control unit 203 executes a print control process that controls printing of the print data in accordance with the inspection result of the first inspection unit 202. For example, if there is no error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data, the print control unit 203 controls to send the print data, print setting information, etc. to the print system 20 and start printing of the print data. On the other hand, if there is an error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data, the print control unit 203 does not send the print data, print setting information, etc. to the print system 20 and controls not to start printing of the print data.

[0036] As an option, if there is an error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data, the print control unit 203 may change the part of the variable area of ​​the print data where the error is located and control the printing of the changed print data to begin.

[0037] The print data modification unit 402 executes print data modification processing to modify an erroneous portion of the variable area of ​​the print data, for example, under control of the print control unit 203. As an example, the print data modification unit 402 modifies an erroneous portion of the variable area of ​​the print data so that the erroneous information is not printed. Note that the function of the print data modification unit 402 may be included in the print control unit 203.

[0038] The read image acquisition unit 403 executes a read image acquisition process to acquire read image data obtained by reading a printed matter printed by the printing system 20. For example, the read image acquisition unit 403 receives read image data transmitted by the printing system 20 after the print control unit 203 instructs the printing system 20 to print. Note that the function of the read image acquisition unit 403 may be provided by the second inspection unit 204.

[0039] 2, the second inspection unit 204 has a second inspection unit 204 that inspects defects in the printed matter by comparing the print image data (master data) generated by the first inspection unit 202 with the read image data acquired by the read image acquisition unit 403. For example, the second inspection unit 204 performs a comparison process between the read image data and the print image data by image matching processing, and determines that the read image data contains defects if the matching rate by the matching processing is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0040] The display control unit 404 executes a display control process for controlling the display of various display screens. For example, the display control unit 407 executes a display control process for displaying various UI screens (described later) on a display unit such as the display 306.

[0041] The output unit 405 executes output processing to output processing results such as inspection results or print results by the information processing device 100. The output destination of the output results may be the information terminal 10, a display unit such as the display 306 provided in the information processing device 100, or an external server or the like that can communicate via the communication network N.

[0042] The storage unit 406 stores various information, data, programs, etc., including, for example, design data, variable input data, setting information, or inspection results received by the receiving unit 401.

[0043] The functional configuration of the information processing device 100 shown in Fig. 4 is an example. For example, some or all of the functional components of the information processing device 100 shown in Fig. 4 may be included in the DFE 21 of the printing system 20, the printing device 22, or the like. Furthermore, the functional components of the information processing device 100 may be distributed among multiple devices. In short, the inspection system 1 only needs to have the functional components of the information processing device 100 shown in Fig. 4 included in any of the devices included in the inspection system 1.

[0044] <Processing flow> Next, the processing flow of the inspection method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0045] (Inspection system processing) 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the inspection system according to the first embodiment. This processing shows an example of print inspection processing executed by, for example, an information processing device (inspection device) 100 having the functional configurations described in FIG.

[0046] In step S501, the receiving unit 401 of the information processing device 100 receives print target data to be printed and inspected, setting information, etc. For example, the receiving unit 401 uses the display control unit 404 to display a print setting screen 610 as shown in Fig. 6(A) and receives design data specification 611, variable input data specification 612, print settings 613, etc., made by the operator. Note that the print setting information may be included in the submitted data.

[0047] 6B, and accepts settings such as the number of impositions 621, movement distance 622, and imposition order 623. Here, the movement distance 622 is the horizontal distance and vertical distance between the multiple imposed printed materials.

[0048] After these settings are complete, the reception unit 401 uses the display control unit 404 to display a pop-up message such as "Do you want to print PDF on both sides?" and accepts the operator's selection of "Yes" or "No." In response, the reception unit 401 uses the display control unit 404 to display, for example, a UI screen 700 as shown in FIG. 7 and accepts the setting of the variable area.

[0049] Fig. 7 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a UI screen according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 7, a UI screen 700 displays a preview image 710 of the front side of the print data, a preview image 720 of the back side, and an area data correspondence table 730. The UI screen 700 also displays an "Add Area (Front)" button 701, an "Add Area (Back)" button 702, and an "Execute" button 703. Note that if the print surface is single-sided, the UI screen 700 does not display the preview image 720 of the back side and the "Add Area (Back)" button 702.

[0050] 7, a preview image 710 of the front side displays an image (front) 711 of four imposed printed sheets. Similarly, a preview image 720 of the back side displays an image (back) 721 of four imposed printed sheets.

[0051] For example, when the operator selects the "Add Area (Front)" button 701 on the UI screen 700, a variable area can be set in the front preview image 710. For example, the operator can specify a variable area 712 by performing a drag operation or a drag-and-drop operation from the upper left coordinates to the lower right coordinates on the front preview image 710. When the operator sets the variable area 712, the reception unit 401 adds information about the set variable area to the area data association table 730 on the UI screen 700.

[0052] In the example of FIG. 7, the area data association table 730 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 data corresponding to each variable area, and data can be selected using, for example, a pull-down menu. If there are multiple variable areas, the operator can add multiple variable areas to the area data association table 730 by similar processing. This allows the receiving unit 401 to associate the set variable area with the variable input data.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of variable input data according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 8, the variable input data 800 includes four records 801, 802, 803, and 804 in one row. Each record includes three pieces of record information: address, postal code (zip code), and name. In this case, variable areas can be similarly associated with variable input data for the image (front) 711 of the other imposed printed matter. For example, "Postal Code 2" in the variable input data 800 is associated with area 1 of the image (front) 711 of the second printed matter. Similarly, "Postal Code 3" in the variable input data 800 is associated with area 1 of the image (front) 711 of the third printed matter.

[0054] The format of the variable input data 800 shown in Fig. 8 is not essential. For example, the variable input data may be data in which each row stores a record including three pieces of record information: address, postal code (zip code), and name. In this case, the display control unit 404 may display, for example, a region data association table 910, as shown in a UI screen 900 in Fig. 9, in which "data" can be set for each image (front) 711 of the imposed printout.

[0055] 9, the UI screen 900 may further display an "imposition copy" button 901. When the "imposition copy" button 901 is selected, the reception unit 401 is configured to reflect the variable area settings set for the image (front) 711 of one printed material on the images of other printed materials. For example, the reception unit 401 calculates a relative coordinate position based on the variable area settings set for the image (front) 711 of one printed material. Furthermore, the reception unit 401 calculates a relative coordinate position for the images of other imposed printed materials based on setting information 911 of the variable area set for the image (front) 711 of one printed material, based on the calculation result of the relative coordinate position. Furthermore, the setting control unit 409 automatically sets setting information 912 of the variable area of ​​the images of other printed materials based on the calculation result of the relative coordinate position.

[0056] The operator can cause the information processing device 100 to execute the printing process and the inspection process by selecting the "execute" button 703 in FIG. 7 or FIG.

[0057] Now, returning to Fig. 5, the description of the flowchart in Fig. 5 will continue. In step S502, the generation unit 201 of the information processing device 100 generates print data from design data including a variable area and record information of the variable input data, based on, for example, a setting operation by an operator.

[0058] In step S503, the first inspection unit 202 of the information processing apparatus 100 executes a first inspection process for inspecting the consistency of the variable area of ​​the print data generated by the generation unit 201.

[0059] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the first inspection process according to the first embodiment. This process is an example of the first inspection process in which the first inspection unit 202 inspects the consistency of the variable area of ​​the print data, for example, in step S503 in FIG.

[0060] In step S1001, the first inspection unit 202 acquires record information from an uninspected variable area of ​​the print data.

[0061] In step S1002, the first inspection unit 202 compares the acquired record information with the record information of the variable input data. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, in the area data association table 910, the data corresponding to the variable area "Area 1" is set to "Postal 1". In this case, the first inspection unit 202 compares the record information acquired from the variable area "Area 1" with the record information acquired from "Postal 1" of the variable input data 800.

[0062] For example, in step S1003, the first inspection unit 202 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 first inspection unit 202 proceeds to step S1004. On the other hand, if the character codes do not match, the first inspection unit 202 proceeds to step S1005.

[0063] When the process proceeds to step S1004, the first inspection unit 202 determines the inspection result of the variable region as "PASS" (no problem). On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S1005, the first inspection unit 202 determines the inspection result of the variable region as "FAIL" (problem). Furthermore, in step S1006, the first inspection unit 202 stores the inspection result of the variable region in the storage unit 406 or the like.

[0064] In step S1007, the first inspection unit 202 determines whether or not there is an uninspected variable area. If there is an uninspected variable area, the first inspection unit 202 executes the processes from step S1001 onwards again. On the other hand, if there is no uninspected variable area, the first inspection unit 202 ends the process of FIG. 10.

[0065] By the process of FIG. 10, the first inspection section 202 can create, for example, an inspection result 1100 as shown in FIG.

[0066] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the inspection result of the first inspection process according to the first embodiment. In the example of Fig. 11, the inspection result 1100 includes record information (address, postal code, name) 1101 acquired from the variable input data, record information (area 1, area 2, area 3) 1102 acquired from the variable area, and the inspection result 1003. In the example of Fig. 11, the inspection result 1100 includes, in addition to the inspection result (PASS or FAIL), "error information" for identifying the record information for which the inspection result is "FAIL".

[0067] Returning now to Fig. 5, the description of the flowchart in Fig. 5 will continue. In step S504, the first inspection unit 202 determines whether or not there is an error in the variable area of ​​the print data, for example, from the inspection result 1100 of the first inspection process as shown in Fig. 11. If there is an error, the first inspection unit 202 shifts the process to step S505. On the other hand, if there is no error, the first inspection unit 202 shifts the process to step S506.

[0068] When the process proceeds from step S504 to step S505, the output unit 405 of the information processing device 100 outputs an error notification. For example, the output unit 405 displays an error notification screen 1200 as shown in Fig. 12. In the example of Fig. 12, the error notification screen 1200 displays an inspection result 1201 indicating that an error has been detected in the print data.

[0069] On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step S504 to step S506, the first inspection unit 202 generates print image data (master data) that represents an image when the print data is printed.

[0070] In step S507, the print control unit 203 instructs the print system 20 to print the print data. For example, the print control unit 203 transmits the print data generated by the generation unit 201 and the print setting information accepted by the acceptance unit 401 to the print system 20.

[0071] In response to this, the RIP processing unit 411 of the printing system 20 converts the print data received from the information processing device 100 into a raster image that can be printed by the printing unit 412, and the printing unit 412 prints the converted print data. In addition, the reading unit 413 of the printing system 20 reads the printed matter printed by the printing unit 412 and outputs the read image data to the information processing device 100.

[0072] In step S508 , the read image acquisition unit 403 of the information processing apparatus 100 acquires the read image data from the printing system 20 .

[0073] In step S509, the second inspection unit 204 of the information processing device 100 executes a second inspection process to inspect the printout obtained by printing the print data for defects.

[0074] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the second inspection process according to the first embodiment. This process shows an example of the second inspection process in which the second inspection unit 204 inspects the presence or absence of defects in the printed matter, for example, in step S509 in Fig. 5.

[0075] In step S1301, the second inspection unit 204 performs image matching to compare the print image data with the read image data. The print image data and read image data are, for example, binary black and white image data. However, this is just an example, and the print image data and read image data may be in various other data formats as long as they are in a format that allows image comparison.

[0076] In step S1302, the second inspection unit 204 determines whether the matching rate between the print image data and the read image data in the matching process is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the matching rate is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the second inspection unit 204 proceeds to step S1304. On the other hand, if the matching rate is not equal to or less than the predetermined value, the second inspection unit 204 proceeds to step S1303.

[0077] In step S1303, the second inspection unit 204 determines that the printed matter has no defects. In step S1304, the second inspection unit 204 determines that the printed matter has defects.

[0078] Returning to Fig. 5, the description of the flowchart in Fig. 5 will be continued. In step S510, if there is a defect in the printed matter, the output unit 405 shifts the process to step S505. On the other hand, if there is no defect in the printed matter, the output unit 405 shifts the process to step S511.

[0079] In step S511, the output unit 511 outputs a print completion notice indicating that printing has been completed. For example, the output unit 405 displays a print completion screen 1400 as shown in Fig. 14. In the example of Fig. 14, the print completion screen 1400 displays a print result 1401 indicating that printing has been completed.

[0080] By the processing of Figure 5, if there is an error in the print data for variable printing, the inspection system 1 will not send the print data, print setting information, etc. to the print system 20, thereby preventing unnecessary printed materials from being printed.

[0081] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, when the inspection results of all variable areas in the first inspection process are PASS, the information processing device 100 outputs print data, etc. to the printing system 20. As another example, the information processing device 100 can also output print data, etc. to the printing system 20 even when the inspection result of a predetermined variable area in the first inspection process is FAIL.

[0082] (Inspection system processing) Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the inspection system according to the second embodiment. This processing shows another example of print inspection processing executed by, for example, an information processing device (inspection device) 100 having the functional configurations described in Fig. 4. Of the processing in Fig. 15, steps S501 to S504 and S506 to S509 are similar to the processing by the inspection system according to the first embodiment described in Fig. 5, and therefore will not be described here.

[0083] If it is determined in step S504 that there is an error in the variable area of ​​the print data, the print control unit 203 determines in step S1501 whether there is an error in an area other than a predetermined variable area. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined variable area is a variable area in which errors in record information are allowed.

[0084] If there is an error in any area other than the predetermined variable area, the print control unit 203 proceeds to step S1512. On the other hand, if there is no error in any area other than the predetermined variable area, the print control unit 203 proceeds to step S1502.

[0085] When the process proceeds to step S1502, the print control unit 203, for example, uses the print data modification unit 402 to change the variable area containing the error to blank. This is because if the variable area containing the error is printed as is, there is a possibility that incorrect information will be printed. The print control unit 203 then proceeds to step S506 to print the modified print data.

[0086] After executing the processes of steps S506 to S509, in step S1511, the output unit 405 determines whether or not there is a defect in the printed matter based on the inspection results of the second inspection unit 204. If there is a defect, the output unit 405 shifts the process to step S1512. On the other hand, if there is no defect, the output unit 405 shifts the process to step S1513.

[0087] In step S1512, the output unit 405 outputs an error notification indicating, for example, whether there is an error in the print data or in the printed matter.

[0088] On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S1513, the output unit 405 outputs a print completion notice indicating that printing has been completed. Note that, if the variable area containing the error has been changed to blank in step S1502, it is desirable that this print completion notice include information indicating the areas that have been changed to blank.

[0089] In this way, the inspection system 1 can instruct the printing system 20 to print the printed matter even if the inspection result of the predetermined variable area in the first inspection process is FAIL.

[0090] [Third embodiment] In the above-described embodiments, the first inspection unit 202 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.

[0091] In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the first inspection unit 202 inspects the consistency between data corresponding to record information of variable input data and data read from the variable area of ​​print data.

[0092] In recent years, companies have increasingly personalized the direct mail they send to their customers. For example, systems that include advertising content appropriate to the recipient's preferences in direct mail are becoming widespread. The inspection system 1 according to this embodiment can also inspect personalized data included in the variable area of ​​print data.

[0093] Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining an outline of processing according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 16, it is assumed that a personalized data DB 1601 stores personalized data 1701 that stores image data to be printed on direct mail for each destination customer, as shown in Fig. 17, for example.

[0094] In the example of FIG. 17, personalized data 1701 includes information such as "customer ID," "name," and "image data" as items. "Customer ID" is identification information that identifies a customer. "Name" is information that indicates the customer's name, etc. "Image data" is image data to be printed in the variable area of ​​direct mail sent to each customer. In the example of FIG. 17, campaign images or link information that identifies campaign images, etc., are stored as examples of image data.

[0095] Furthermore, the variable input data 1702 according to the third embodiment has, for example, a "customer ID" as shown in FIG. 17. In the example of FIG. 17, the variable input data 1702 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" of the personalized data 1701. 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.

[0096] In this way, in the third embodiment, the customer (delivery destination) of the variable input data 1702 and the customer of the personalized data 1701 are linked by the "customer ID."

[0097] (Processing Overview) In FIG. 16, the generation unit 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 generates print data from an input document including, for example, design data including a variable area, variable input data 1702, and personalized data 1701.

[0098] 17 from the personalized data DB 1601, and inspects the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data for errors. Note that in the third embodiment, the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data may include not only characters but also images such as campaign images.

[0099] For example, if the data extracted from the variable area of ​​the print data is image data, the first inspection unit 202 acquires image data such as a campaign image from the personalized data 1701 based on the customer ID. The first inspection unit 202 also compares the image data extracted from the variable area with the image data acquired from the personalized data 1701 to inspect whether or not there is an error in the data read from the variable area. If there is no error in the data in the variable area of ​​the print data, the first inspection unit 202 generates print image data by imaging the print data.

[0100] If there is no error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data, the print control unit 203 transmits the print data, print setting information, etc. to the print system 20 and controls to start printing of the print data. On the other hand, if there is an error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data, the print control unit 203 controls not to start printing of the print data.

[0101] The printing system 20 performs RIP processing and printing processing on the print data based on the print data and print setting information received from the information processing device 100, and prints a printed matter. The printing system 20 also performs reading processing on the printed matter and transmits the read image data to the information processing device 100.

[0102] The second inspection unit 204 performs an image comparison process that compares the print image data generated by the first inspection unit 202 with the acquired read image data, and performs a second inspection process that inspects the printed matter for defects.

[0103] With the above configuration, the inspection system 1 of one embodiment does not send the print data and print setting information to the printing system 20 if there is an error in the data in the variable area of ​​the print data, thereby preventing unnecessary printed materials from being printed.

[0104] <Processing flow> Here, the flow of the first inspection processing according to the third embodiment will be described. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the first inspection processing according to the third embodiment. Note that the basic processing content is similar to the first inspection processing according to the first embodiment described in Fig. 10, so detailed description of the processing similar to that of the first embodiment will be omitted here.

[0105] In step S1801, the first inspection unit 202 acquires data of the uninspected variable area of ​​the print data.

[0106] In step S1802, the first inspection unit 202 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 first inspection unit 202 shifts the process to step S1803. On the other hand, if the variable area from which data has been acquired is not a personalized advertisement area, the first inspection unit 202 shifts the process to step S1804.

[0107] In step S1803, the inspection device 103 compares the data acquired from the variable region with the image data corresponding to the record information of the variable input data 1702.

[0108] As an example, when setting the area "Area 1" as a personalized advertising area in the area data association table 730 of the UI screen 700 as shown in Fig. 7, "Data" is set to "Customer ID" using a pull-down menu, etc. In this case, in step S1803, if the record information of the variable input data 2002 is customer ID "1," then in personalized data 1701, "Campaign image 1" corresponding to customer ID "1" becomes the image data corresponding to the record information.

[0109] On the other hand, in step S1804, the first inspection unit 202 compares the record information read from the acquired data with the record information of the variable input data.

[0110] In step S1805, the first verification unit 202 determines whether the comparison results in step S1803 or step S1804 show a match. If the comparison results show a match, the first verification unit 202 shifts the process to step S1806. On the other hand, if the comparison results show a mismatch, the first verification unit 202 shifts the process to step S1807.

[0111] In step S1806, the first inspection unit 202 determines the inspection result of the variable region as "PASS" (no problem). On the other hand, in step S1807, the first inspection unit 202 determines the inspection result of the variable region as "FAIL" (problem). In step S1808, the first inspection unit 202 stores the inspection result of the variable region in the storage unit 406 or the like.

[0112] In step S1809, the first inspection unit 202 determines whether or not there is an uninspected variable area. If there is an uninspected variable area, the first inspection unit 202 executes the processes from step S1801 onwards again. On the other hand, if there is no uninspected variable area, the first inspection unit 202 ends the process of FIG. 18.

[0113] By the process of FIG. 18, the inspection system 1 according to the third embodiment can also inspect image data included in print data for variable printing for errors before printing.

[0114] As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an inspection system 1 that prevents unnecessary printed matter from being printed when there is an error in print data for variable printing.

[0115] <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.

[0116] The functional configuration of the inspection system 1 shown in Fig. 4 is an example. For example, in Fig. 4, the functional configurations of the information processing device 100 may be distributed among multiple devices. Furthermore, at least some of the functional configurations of the information processing device 100 may be realized by, for example, a program executed on a virtual machine on the cloud.

[0117] <Additional Notes> This specification discloses the following inspection systems, inspection devices, inspection methods, and programs. (Section 1) a generating unit that generates print data from design data including a variable area and record information of the variable input data; a first 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; a print control unit that controls printing of the print data in accordance with the inspection result of the first inspection unit; An inspection system comprising: (Section 2) 2. The inspection system according to claim 1, further comprising a second inspection unit that inspects the printed matter on which the print data is printed for defects. (Section 3) 3. The inspection system according to claim 2, wherein the second inspection unit inspects the presence or absence of defects in the printed matter by comparing print image data of the print data with read image data obtained by reading the printed matter. (Section 4) 4. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the print control unit controls to start printing of the print data when there is no error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data. (Section 5) 5. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the print control unit controls to prevent printing of the print data from starting if there is an error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data. (Section 6) The inspection system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein, if there is an error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data, the print control unit changes the part of the variable area of ​​the print data where the error is located and controls to start printing the changed print data. (Section 7) 7. The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the first inspection unit inspects whether or not there is an error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data by comparing character codes. (Section 8) a generating unit that generates print data from design data including a variable area and record information of the variable input data; a first 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; a print control unit that controls printing of the print data in accordance with the inspection result of the first inspection unit; An inspection device comprising: (Section 9) The computer a generation process for generating print data 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; a print control process for controlling printing of the print data according to the inspection result of the inspection process; Perform the inspection method. (Section 10) A program that causes a computer to execute the inspection method described in item 9.

[0118] 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]

[0119] 1. Inspection system 20 Printing System 21 DFE 22 Printing device 100 Information processing equipment (inspection equipment) 201 Generation part 202 First Inspection Department 203 Printing control unit 204 Second Inspection Department 300 Computers [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0120] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-183176

Claims

1. a generating unit that generates print data from design data including a variable area and record information of the variable input data; a first 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; a print control unit that controls printing of the print data in accordance with the inspection result of the first inspection unit; An inspection system comprising:

2. The inspection system according to claim 1 , further comprising a second inspection unit that inspects the presence or absence of defects in a printed matter on which the print data is printed.

3. The inspection system according to claim 2 , wherein the second inspection unit inspects the presence or absence of defects in the printed matter by comparing print image data of the print data with read image data obtained by reading the printed matter.

4. The inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the print control unit controls to start printing of the print data when there is no error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data.

5. The inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the print control unit controls the printing of the print data not to start if there is an error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data.

6. 5. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein if there is an error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data, the print control unit changes the part of the variable area of ​​the print data where the error is located and controls to start printing the changed print data.

7. The inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the first inspection unit inspects whether or not there is an error in the data read from the variable area of ​​the print data by comparing character codes.

8. a generating unit that generates print data from design data including a variable area and record information of the variable input data; a first 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; a print control unit that controls printing of the print data in accordance with the inspection result of the first inspection unit; An inspection device comprising:

9. The computer a generation process for generating print data 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; a print control process for controlling printing of the print data according to the inspection result of the inspection process; Perform the inspection method.

10. A program that causes a computer to execute the inspection method according to claim 9.

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