Inspection system and inspection processing program

Abstract

To provide an inspection system which can confirm whether processed data are good or bad.SOLUTION: An inspection system comprises a processor which converts processed data subjected to predetermined processing into image data that can be used for image formation by an image formation apparatus. When the above processing is executed to the pre-processed data before being subjected to the processing to generate processed data, the processor inspects the processed data based on the pre-processed data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection system and an inspection processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a print control device having an acceptance means for accepting print data including stream print data from a main device, a storage means for storing the stream print data accepted by the acceptance means, and a notification means for notifying the main device that printing has been completed when the storage means has completed storing the stream print data.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming system including a server on which an image forming device application is installed, an input device for inputting image data, an image forming device for forming an output image based on the input data, and a host computer, in which the image forming device application has a page description language conversion processing unit that converts objects into page description language, a variable print data creation processing unit that, upon receiving a notification of completion of data processing up to the object reuse range, creates variable print data based on name, image size, and position information of the object and saves it as a file, a compressed archive creation unit that, upon receiving a notification from the variable print data creation processing unit, combines the variable print data file and the object data file into a single compressed archive, a print data accumulation unit that saves data obtained by converting the objects into page description language as a file, a GUI, an object processing unit that notifies completion of data processing up to the object reuse range, an object management unit that registers name, image size, and position information of the object, and a coordinate conversion unit that converts the position information and registers it in an object list. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-77140 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-235664 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art A configuration is known in which processed data (eg, PDL data) that has been subjected to a predetermined process (eg, PDL process) is converted into image data that can be used to form an image in an image forming apparatus.

[0006] In this configuration, when processing pre-processed data to generate processed data, a system is required that can check whether the processed data is good or bad.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide an inspection system that can check whether processed data that has undergone predetermined processing is good or bad when the processing is executed to generate processed data, in a configuration that converts the processed data into image data that can be used to form an image in an image forming device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first aspect is an inspection system that includes a processor that converts processed data that has undergone predetermined processing into image data that can be used to form an image in an image forming device, and when the processor performs the processing on pre-processed data before the processing is performed to generate processed data, it inspects the processed data based on the pre-processed data.

[0009] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the processor executes a conversion process for converting the processed data into image data when an inspection result of the processed data is good.

[0010] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, the processor stops the conversion process of converting the processed data into image data when an inspection result of the processed data is bad.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the processor executes the process again on the unprocessed data when the inspection result of the processed data is bad.

[0012] In a fifth aspect, in the first aspect, when the inspection result of the processed data is bad, the processor notifies the user that the result is bad.

[0013] In a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, when the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the processor notifies the user of defect information indicating the part of the processed data where the defect occurs.

[0014] In a seventh aspect, in the fifth aspect, when an instruction to re-execute the process on the unprocessed data is acquired from a user, the processor re-executes the process on the unprocessed data.

[0015] The eighth aspect is an inspection processing program for causing a computer that executes a process of converting processed data that has undergone predetermined processing into image data that can be used to form an image in an image forming device to execute an inspection process that inspects the processed data based on the pre-processed data when the computer performs the processing on pre-processed data before the processing is performed to generate processed data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the first aspect of the configuration, in a configuration in which processed data that has undergone a predetermined process is converted into image data that can be used to form an image in an image forming device, when the process is executed to generate the processed data, it is possible to check whether the processed data is good or bad.

[0017] According to the configuration of the second aspect, it is possible to generate image data with good quality.

[0018] According to the configuration of the third aspect, even if the inspection results of the processed data are poor, the generation of image data of poor quality can be suppressed compared to when a conversion process is performed to convert the processed data into image data.

[0019] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the processed data can be regenerated.

[0020] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the user can check whether the generated processed data is good or bad.

[0021] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the user can check for defective parts in the generated processed data.

[0022] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, the processed data can be regenerated in accordance with the user's request. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the inspection system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the inspection system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an inspection process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an inspection process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an inspection process according to a modified example. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an inspection process according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] <Printing System 10> A printing system 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0026] The printing system 10 is a system that prints on a recording medium. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 includes a printing device 12, a providing device 14, a workflow system 16, and an image processing system 20.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, each part of the printing system 10 is connected by a communication line 13. The communication line 13 is, for example, a communication line that uses at least one of wired and wireless communication. Examples of wireless communication lines include lines that use the Internet and an intranet. Each part of the printing system 10 will be described below.

[0028] <Printing device 12> The printing device 12 is an example of an image forming device, and is a device that performs printing processing on a recording medium such as paper. The printing device 12 performs printing processing on a recording medium such as paper based on print data transmitted from the image processing system 20. As a result, a printed matter is output from the printing device 12. Note that printing is an example of image formation.

[0029] <Providing device 14> The providing device 14 is a device that provides information about printed matter (hereinafter referred to as printed matter information) to the image processing system 20. The printed matter information includes, for example, information about the image (image), text (document), number of copies, number of pages, cover, etc. of the printed matter.

[0030] Specifically, the providing device 14 generates PDL data by executing PDL processing in accordance with, for example, a user operation, and transmits the PDL data to the image processing system 20 via the communication line 13.

[0031] PDL data is data including print information and is data written in a page description language (PDL). PDL data is an example of processed data. PDL processing is a process of converting a print target including print information into the PDL data, and is an example of a predetermined process. A page description language is a computer programming language for executing image processing and the like in the image processing system 20. There are various formats for page description languages, such as PS (PostScript (registered trademark)) format.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the providing device 14 transmits pre-processed data before PDL processing to the image processing system 20 via the communication line 13. The pre-processed data is data including print information, and is, for example, data in a stream format.

[0033] As an example of the providing device 14, a general-purpose computer device such as a personal computer (PC) is used.

[0034] <Workflow System 16> As described above, the workflow system 16 is capable of communicating with the image processing system 20, manages the processing steps (workflows) of each part of the printing system 10, and indicates the progress (status) of each part of the printing system 10. The workflow system 16 is, for example, constructed using a cloud server or the like.

[0035] <Image Processing System 20> The image processing system 20 is an example of an inspection system, and is a system that processes various types of image data. Specifically, the image processing system 20 has computer functions and, as shown in Fig. 2, includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a storage 24, a communication unit 33, an input unit 34, and a display unit 35. The CPU 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, the storage 24, the communication unit 33, the input unit 34, and the display unit 35 are all interconnected via a bus 29. Note that the image processing system 20 is, for example, configured as a single server device.

[0036] The communication unit 33 is a communication interface and is a component for communicating with other devices such as the printing device 12, the providing device 14, and the workflow system 16. Specifically, the communication unit 33 communicates with other devices through the communication line 13 using at least one of a wired and wireless connection.

[0037] The input unit 34 is a component into which instructions are input by the user. Specifically, the input unit 34 is composed of, for example, input keys (for example, a keyboard and operation buttons) and a touch panel, etc., through which the user performs input operations.

[0038] The display unit 35 is an example of a notification unit, and notifies the user of the presentation information by displaying the presentation information to be presented to the user. The display unit 35 is, for example, configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0039] The display unit 35 may function as the input unit 34. In this case, the input unit may be configured with, for example, a touch panel of a resistive film type or a capacitive type, and instructions from the user are input by a touch operation by the user.

[0040] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that executes various programs, including information processing programs such as inspection processing programs, and controls various components. The ROM 22 stores various programs, including information processing programs, and various data. The RAM 23 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 24 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory, and stores various programs, including an operating system, and various data. The information processing program may be stored in the storage 24.

[0041] In the image processing system 20, the CPU 21 reads various programs including an information processing program from the ROM 22 or storage 24, and executes the programs using the RAM 23 as a work area. The CPU 21 executes the information processing program to realize various functions. Below, a functional configuration realized by cooperation between the CPU 21 as a hardware resource and the information processing program as a software resource will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image processing system 20 according to this embodiment.

[0042] In the image processing system 20, the CPU 21 executes an information processing program to function as an acquisition unit 41, a conversion unit 42, a storage unit 43, a generation unit 44, and an inspection unit 45, as shown in FIG.

[0043] The acquisition unit 41 acquires an instruction input by a user via the input unit 34. The acquisition unit 41 acquires various data transmitted from the providing device 14. The acquisition unit 41 acquires various data stored in the storage 24.

[0044] The conversion unit 42 executes a conversion process to convert the PDL data transmitted from the providing device 14 into print data. The print data is data that can be printed by the printing device 12 and is an example of image data. Specifically, the conversion unit 42 executes a rasterization process on the PDL data to generate print data. This print data is expressed as bitmap data, for example.

[0045] When the pre-processed data before PDL processing is transmitted from the providing device 14, the saving unit 43 stores the pre-processed data in the storage 24, thereby saving the pre-processed data.

[0046] The generation unit 44 generates PDL data by performing PDL processing on pre-processed data before PDL processing. Specifically, the generation unit 44 generates PDL data by performing PDL processing on pre-processed data in a stream format, for example.

[0047] PDL data is data written in a page description language (PDL). PDL processing is a process of converting pre-processed data into the PDL data. A page description language is a computer programming language for executing image processing and the like in the image processing system 20. There are various formats for page description languages, such as the PS (PostScript (registered trademark)) format.

[0048] The inspection unit 45 executes an inspection process to inspect the PDL data based on the pre-processed data. Specifically, in the inspection process, the inspection unit 45 compares the pre-processed data stored in the storage 24 with the PDL data to find the difference and inspect the processed data.

[0049] In this embodiment, the inspection unit 45 analyzes the PDL data generated by the generation unit 44, extracts the objects and coordinates used on each page, and inspects whether there are any differences between the objects and coordinates used on each page in the pre-processing data.

[0050] Furthermore, if the inspection result of the PDL data is good, the inspection unit 45 causes the conversion unit 42 to execute a conversion process for converting the PDL data into image data. If the inspection result of the processed data is bad, the inspection unit 45 causes the conversion unit 42 to stop the conversion process for converting the processed data into image data. In other words, the inspection unit 45 does not cause the conversion unit 42 to execute the conversion process.

[0051] <Inspection process according to this embodiment> Next, an example of the inspection process according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the inspection process executed by the image processing system 20.

[0052] This process is performed by the CPU 21 reading and executing an information processing program from the ROM 22 or the storage 24. As an example, this process is started when the CPU 21 acquires data including print information from the providing device 14. It is assumed that this data is either PDL data generated by executing PDL processing in the providing device 14 or pre-processed data before PDL processing.

[0053] 4, when starting this process, the CPU 21 first determines whether the acquired data acquired from the providing device 14 is pre-processed data. If the CPU 21 determines that the acquired data is pre-processed data (step S101: YES), the process proceeds to step S102. If the CPU 21 determines that the acquired data is not pre-processed data (step S101: NO), the process proceeds to step S105. In other words, if the CPU 21 determines that the acquired data is PDL data, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0054] In step S102, the CPU 21 performs PDL processing on the unprocessed data to generate PDL data (step S102).

[0055] Next, the CPU 21 performs an inspection process on the PDL data generated in step S102.

[0056] In the inspection process, as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 21, for example, analyzes the PDL data to extract the objects and coordinates used on each page, and performs inspection by comparing the objects and coordinates used on each page in the pre-processing data with those in the pre-processing data to determine whether there are any differences.

[0057] Next, the CPU 21 determines whether the inspection result of the inspection process is good or not (step S104). Specifically, the CPU 21 determines that the inspection result is good if there is no difference in the inspection process.

[0058] If the CPU 21 determines that the inspection result of the inspection process is good (step S104: YES), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S105. If the CPU 21 determines that the inspection result of the inspection process is bad (step S104: NO), the CPU 21 ends this process.

[0059] In step S105, CPU 21 executes a conversion process to convert the PDL data into print data. Specifically, CPU 21 executes a rasterization process on the PDL data to generate print data. This print data is expressed as bitmap data, for example.

[0060] Next, the CPU 21 transmits the print data generated in step S105 to the printing device 12, and ends this process.

[0061] In step S102, CPU 21 may perform the PDL processing for each predetermined unit of unprocessed data (for example, for each predetermined number of pages or for each predetermined number of copies, etc.). In this case, CPU 21 may perform the inspection processing for each predetermined unit.

[0062] During the inspection process, the workflow system 16 may notify the user of the progress (status) of each part of the printing system 10 via the display unit 35.

[0063] <Operation of this embodiment> In this embodiment, when the CPU 21 performs PDL processing on the pre-processed data to generate PDL data, it inspects the PDL data based on the pre-processed data (see step S103), thereby making it possible to check whether the PDL data is good or bad.

[0064] In this embodiment, if the PDL data inspection result is good (step S104: YES), CPU 21 executes a conversion process to convert the PDL data into print data (step S105), thereby generating high-quality print data.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the inspection result of the PDL data is bad (step S104: NO), the CPU 21 stops the conversion process of converting the PDL data into print data, thereby preventing the generation of print data of poor quality.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the modifications shown in this specification may be combined as appropriate.

[0067] <Modification> In this embodiment, if the CPU 21 determines that the PDL data inspection result is defective (step S104: NO), it stops the conversion process of converting the PDL data into print data. However, this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, if the CPU 21 determines that the PDL data inspection result is defective (step S104: NO), it may return to step S102 and perform PDL processing on the unprocessed data again. This configuration makes it possible to regenerate the PDL data.

[0068] In this modification, the CPU 21 ends the process when, for example, the inspection result of the PDL data is bad.

[0069] 7, if the CPU 21 determines that the PDL data inspection result is defective (step S104: NO), it may notify the user that the PDL data is defective (step S110). This configuration allows the user to confirm whether the generated PDL data is good or bad.

[0070] In this configuration, if the CPU 21 determines that the PDL data inspection result is defective (step S104: NO), the CPU 21 may notify the user of defect information (e.g., page number) indicating the defective portion of the PDL data. This configuration allows the user to check the defective portion of the generated PDL data. The notification to the user is made, for example, via the display unit 35.

[0071] Furthermore, in this configuration, if CPU 21 receives an instruction from the user to re-execute PDL processing on the unprocessed data (step S112: YES), it may re-execute PDL processing on the unprocessed data. With this configuration, PDL data can be regenerated according to the user's request. Note that if such an instruction is not received from the user (step S112: NO), this process ends.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., the aforementioned CPU, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0073] Furthermore, the processor operations in the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. The order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments and may be changed as appropriate. Therefore, for example, the conversion process that converts PDL data into print data, the generation process that performs PDL processing on pre-processed data to generate PDL data, and the inspection process that inspects the PDL data based on the pre-processed data may each be performed by a different processor.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image processing system 20 is described as being configured by a single device, but it may be configured by multiple devices. For example, the CPU 21 and the storage 24 in which various data such as pre-processed data is saved may be provided in different devices. In this way, the "system" in this embodiment may be configured by multiple devices or may be configured by a single device.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the above-described modified examples may be appropriately combined to form a configuration.

[0076] <Additional Notes> (((1))) a processor for converting the processed data, which has been subjected to a predetermined process, into image data that can be used to form an image in an image forming device; The processor: When processed data is generated by performing the processing on pre-processed data before the processing is performed, the processed data is inspected based on the pre-processed data. Inspection system.

[0077] (((2))) The processor: If the inspection result of the processed data is good, a conversion process is performed to convert the processed data into image data. The inspection system according to (((1))).

[0078] (((3))) The processor: If the inspection result of the processed data is bad, the conversion process of converting the processed data into image data is stopped. The inspection system according to (((2))).

[0079] (((4))) The processor: If the inspection result of the processed data is unsatisfactory, the processing is performed again on the unprocessed data. The inspection system according to (((3))).

[0080] (((5))) The processor: If the inspection result of the processed data is negative, the user is notified of the negative result. The inspection system according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))).

[0081] (((6))) The processor: If the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the user is notified of defect information indicating the portion of the processed data where the defect occurs. The inspection system according to (((5))).

[0082] (((7))) The processor: When an instruction to re-execute the process on the unprocessed data is received from the user, the process is re-executed on the unprocessed data. The inspection system according to (((5))) or (((6))).

[0083] (((8))) A computer that converts data that has undergone predetermined processing into image data that can be used to form an image in an image forming apparatus, When processed data is generated by performing the processing on pre-processed data before the processing, an inspection process is performed to inspect the processed data based on the pre-processed data. Inspection processing program.

[0084] According to the configuration of (((1))), in a configuration in which processed data that has undergone a predetermined process is converted into image data that can be used to form an image in an image forming device, when the process is executed to generate processed data, it is possible to check whether the processed data is good or bad.

[0085] According to the configuration (((2))), it is possible to generate image data of good quality.

[0086] According to the configuration (((3))), even if the inspection result of the processed data is poor, it is possible to suppress the generation of image data of poor quality compared to when a conversion process is performed to convert the processed data into image data.

[0087] According to the configuration (((4))), the processed data can be regenerated.

[0088] According to the configuration (((5))), the user can check whether the generated processed data is good or bad.

[0089] According to the configuration (((6))), the user can check the defective parts of the generated processed data.

[0090] According to the configuration (((7))), the processed data can be regenerated according to the user's request. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10 Printing System 12 Printing device 13. Communication lines 14 Providing device 16 Workflow System 20 Image processing system (example of an inspection system) 21 CPU (an example of a processor) 22 ROM 23 RAM 24 Storage 29 Bus 33 Communications Department 34 Input section 35 Display section 41 Acquisition Department 42 Conversion unit 43 Preservation Department 44 Generation part 45 Inspection Department

Claims

1. a processor for converting the processed data, which has been subjected to a predetermined process, into image data that can be used to form an image in an image forming device; The processor: When processed data is generated by performing the processing on pre-processed data before the processing is performed, the processed data is inspected based on the pre-processed data. Inspection system.

2. The processor: If the inspection result of the processed data is good, a conversion process is performed to convert the processed data into image data. The inspection system of claim 1 .

3. The processor: If the inspection result of the processed data is bad, the conversion process of converting the processed data into image data is stopped. The inspection system of claim 2 .

4. The processor: If the inspection result of the processed data is unsatisfactory, the processing is performed again on the unprocessed data. The inspection system of claim 3 .

5. The processor: If the inspection result of the processed data is negative, the user is notified of the negative result. The inspection system of claim 1 .

6. The processor: If the inspection result of the processed data is defective, the user is notified of defect information indicating the portion of the processed data where the defect occurs. The inspection system of claim 5 .

7. The processor: When an instruction to re-execute the process on the unprocessed data is received from the user, the process is re-executed on the unprocessed data. The inspection system of claim 5 .

8. A computer that converts data that has undergone predetermined processing into image data that can be used to form an image in an image forming apparatus, When processed data is generated by performing the processing on pre-processed data before the processing, an inspection process is performed to inspect the processed data based on the pre-processed data. Inspection processing program.

Images