Inspection system, inspection device and method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: since an inspection area is always set for each of an odd-numbered page (front face) and an even-numbered page (rear face), an inspection area needs to be set for each of an odd-numbered page and an even-numbered page in a single-side printing print job.SOLUTION: An inspection system has an image forming apparatus and an inspection device. The image forming apparatus creates a print according to a print job including print data and imposition information. The inspection device receives and reads the print to acquire a scanned image of the print, performs inspection settings for a reference image, and compares the scanned image with the reference image for inspection. When the inspection settings include a serial number inspection for inspecting serial numbers that are consecutive numbers and the imposition information indicates single-side printing, the inspection device controls to copy an inspection area set in the inspection settings to all pages. In the inspection, when the serial number inspection is set, the inspection device performs a data collation inspection for comparing the numbers set in the inspection settings to collation values.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Traditionally, inspections (quality checks) to check whether printed matter is printed correctly have been performed manually. However, in recent years, inspection devices that perform inspections automatically as part of post-processing for printing presses have been used. In such inspection devices, reference image data representing the correct image is registered in advance. An image is then printed on paper using an image forming device based on the input image data, and the image printed on the paper is read by a sensor installed in the inspection device to obtain scanned image data of the printed image. This scanned image data is then compared with the registered reference image data to detect defects in the image printed on the paper (printed matter). Hereinafter, inspections that detect defects in the image portion of printed matter will be referred to as printed image inspection.

[0003] In addition to print image inspection, variable data, such as character strings and barcodes printed using variable printing, is also inspected. This inspection includes, for example, a data readability inspection to check whether the character string or barcode can be read, and a data verification inspection to check whether the read result of the character string or barcode matches the correct answer. In the following, data readability inspection and data verification inspection are referred to as data inspection. Another type of data inspection is a sequential number inspection. A sequential number inspection inspects data with consecutive numbers within or between pages of the image being inspected, such as IDs, page numbers, and dates.

[0004] As a method for setting an inspection area for performing serial number inspection, Patent Document 1 describes that an inspection area is set for each front and back side of a sheet of paper, with the front side setting reflected on odd-numbered pages and the back side setting reflected on even-numbered pages. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-53761 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the method of Patent Document 1, inspection areas are always set for odd-numbered pages (front side) and even-numbered pages (back side). Therefore, even for printed materials printed in a single-sided print job, it is necessary to set inspection areas for odd-numbered pages and even-numbered pages, which makes the setting operation a burden for the operator.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the prior art.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows consecutively numbered inspection areas to be set for all pages at once in the case of single-sided printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, an inspection system according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: An inspection system having an image forming apparatus and an inspection apparatus, the image forming device generates a printed material in accordance with a print job including print data and imposition information; The inspection device includes: an acquisition means for receiving and reading the printed matter to acquire a scanned image of the printed matter; an inspection setting means for performing inspection setting on a reference image; an inspection means for inspecting the scanned image by comparing it with the reference image; a control means for controlling the inspection area set in the inspection setting to be replicated on all pages when the inspection setting includes a serial number inspection for inspecting serial numbers that are consecutive numbers and the imposition information indicates single-sided printing; When the serial number check is set, the check means performs a data verification check by comparing the number set in the check setting with a verification value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, in the case of single-sided printing, it is possible to set consecutively numbered inspection areas for all pages at once.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inspection system including an inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an inspection device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a print control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the software configuration of the inspection device, image forming device, and print control device of the inspection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the overall flow of processing from registration work before the start of an inspection to the execution of the inspection in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a job management screen displayed on a UI unit of the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of an inspection setting screen displayed on a UI unit of the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8B]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection setting screen in the inspection devices according to the second and fourth embodiments when the currently selected setting area is a consecutive inspection area. [Figure 8C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection setting screen in the case where the currently selected setting area is a consecutive number inspection area in the inspection device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 9A] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of settings and matching values ​​for a serial number inspection according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of settings and matching values ​​for a serial number inspection according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus, an inspection device, and a finisher (large-capacity stacker) according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11] 7 is a flowchart for explaining the examination setting process in S603 of FIG. 6 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 7 is a flowchart for explaining the inspection process in S604 of FIG. 6 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process in which the print control device according to the first embodiment creates print data and submits a job to the image forming device and the inspection device. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the examination setting process in S603 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15A] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of data for which inspection settings are desired for all pages collectively in a double-sided printing job, sequential number settings, and a comparison value table according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15B] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of data, sequential number settings, and a comparison value table when blank pages are deleted when inspection settings are made for all pages at once in a double-sided print job according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15C] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of data in which serial numbers are not intentionally allocated, serial number settings, and a comparison value table when inspection settings are to be made for all pages at once in a double-sided printing job according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15D] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of data for setting whether to skip increasing or decreasing the comparison value (sequential number) of an excluded page when you want to set inspection settings for all pages at once in a double-sided printing job according to the fifth embodiment, and a sequential number setting and comparison value table. [Figure 16] 11 is a flowchart for explaining the examination setting process in S603 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the examination setting process in S603 according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart for explaining the examination setting process in S603 according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined in any desired manner. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Note that in the following description, an image forming apparatus may also be referred to as a multifunction device, multifunction peripheral, or MFP (Multi Function Peripheral).

[0014] [Embodiment 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inspection system including an inspection device 110 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This inspection system includes an image forming device 100, an inspection device 110, a finisher 120, a print control device 140, and a client PC 130.

[0015] The client PC 130 and the print control device 140 are connected via a network 150. The client PC 130 transmits image and document data to the print control device 140. The print control device 140 generates print data that can be printed by the image forming device 100 based on the received image and document data, and transmits the generated print data to the image forming device 100. The image forming device 100 performs printing based on the print data sent from the print control device 140 and discharges the generated printout. The inspection device 110 receives the printout discharged from the image forming device 100 and inspects the received printout for defects. Here, a defect is something that reduces the quality of the printout, and includes, for example, stains caused by color material adhering to unintended locations during printing, and color loss caused by insufficient color material adhering to intended locations.

[0016] Furthermore, the inspection device 110 inspects variable area portions of variable prints that include variable area portions such as character strings and barcodes. For example, it can perform a data readability test to check whether character strings and barcodes are readable, and a data verification test to verify whether the read results of character strings and barcodes match the correct answers. In other words, the inspection device 110 can perform print image inspection to detect defects in the image portion of a printed material, and data inspection including a data readability test and a data verification test. Note that in the first embodiment, a serial number test, in which the numerical values ​​in the data area are determined according to a predetermined rule, will be described as an example of the data verification test. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention, and the target of the data verification test may be any data determined according to a predetermined rule. Other examples will be described in detail in the modified examples described below.

[0017] The finisher 120 receives printed materials inspected by the inspection device 110 and switches the discharge destination of the printed materials based on the inspection results of the inspection device 110. Specifically, the finisher 120 stacks printed materials that have been determined not to contain image defects in the inspection by the inspection device 110, and discharges printed materials that have been determined to contain image defects onto a top tray 1020 (FIG. 10). Note that the finisher 120 may also be connected to a post-processing device that can perform, for example, bookbinding, stapling, punching, etc.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a print control device 140, an inspection device 110, and a finisher 120 via communication cables. The inspection device 110 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 as well as the finisher 120 via communication cables. In the first embodiment, an in-line inspection system that performs all processes from image formation (printing), inspection (testing), and paper discharge will be described as an example, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. The network 150 may be wired or wireless.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0020] The controller 200 analyzes the bitmap data and job information received from the print control device 140 and issues a print instruction to the printer unit 210. The printer unit 210 prints an image on a recording sheet (paper, sheet) based on the print data. The UI (user interface) unit 220 displays a screen and accepts instructions from the user to the image forming device 100, such as the selection of paper information. The image forming device 100 has the above-mentioned controller 200, printer unit 210, and UI unit 220.

[0021] Next, the components of the controller 200 will be described. The communication I / F unit 201 sends and receives job information to and from the print control device 140 via a communication cable. The CPU 202 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 203 is used as a work area when the CPU 202 executes various commands. The ROM 204 stores programs executed by the CPU 202 at startup, various control programs, and setting data for the controller 200. The engine I / F unit 206 instructs the printer unit 210 to print. The communication I / F unit 207 communicates with the inspection device 110 and the finisher 120. The above-mentioned units are connected via an internal bus (system bus) 208. The video I / F unit 209 receives bitmap data from the print control device 140 via a communication cable for image data.

[0022] The CPU 202 interprets the bitmap data and job information received from the print control device 140 and instructs the printer unit 210 to print via the engine I / F unit 206. The printer unit 210 prints an image on a recording sheet based on the print instruction. For example, if the job information instructs printing on coated paper, the CPU 202 instructs the printer unit 210 to feed paper from a paper feed deck in which coated paper is stored in the image forming apparatus 100, and controls the printer unit 210 to print.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the inspection device 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] The inspection control unit 300 controls the entire inspection device 110 and inspects printed materials for defects. The image reading unit 310 reads printed materials conveyed from the image forming device 100. The image reading unit 310 generates a scanned image (read sheet) by reading the printed materials. The UI unit 320 provides a user interface for the user to configure the inspection device 110 and display the inspection results to the user. The user's configuration of the inspection device 110 includes the inspection items to be inspected for defects when inspecting printed materials. The inspection items include, for example, the inspection of image defects such as round defects (dots) and linear defects (streaks). The inspection device 110 includes the inspection control unit 300, image reading unit 310, and UI unit 320. In the first embodiment, the UI unit 320 includes a display unit that displays a screen and a display control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit. The UI unit 320 may have a touch panel function.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the inspection control unit 300 will be described. The communication I / F unit 301 transmits and receives data between the image forming apparatus 100 and the finisher 120. The CPU 302 controls the entire inspection device 110. The RAM 303 functions as a work area when the CPU 302 executes various commands. The ROM 304 stores programs executed by the CPU 302 at startup, as well as programs and setting data for the inspection control unit 300. The inspection processing unit 305 inspects whether or not there are defects in the printed matter. The above-mentioned units are connected via an internal bus (system bus) 306. Note that the function of the inspection processing unit 305 may be realized by the CPU 302 loading a program stored in the ROM 304 into the RAM 303 and executing it.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the print control device 140 according to the first embodiment.

[0027] The controller 400 receives image and document data from the client PC 130 and performs RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing to convert the data into raster data. The UI unit 420 displays the screen and accepts instructions from the user, such as changing print job settings. The print control device 140 includes the controller 400 and UI unit 420 described above.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the controller 400 will be described. The communication I / F unit 401 receives image and document data via the network 150. The CPU 402 controls the entire print control device 140. The RAM 403 functions as a work area when the CPU 402 executes various commands. The ROM 404 stores programs executed by the CPU 402 at startup, programs for the controller 400, setting data, etc. The image processing unit 405 performs RIP processing to convert image and document data received from the client PC 130 into print data. The communication I / F unit 407 transmits and receives data to and from the image forming apparatus 100 via a communication cable. The above-mentioned units are connected via an internal bus (system bus) 408. The video I / F unit 409 transmits image data to the image forming apparatus 100 via a communication cable for image data.

[0029] An image created on the client PC 130 is sent to the print control device 140 as PDL data, and the PDL data received by the communication I / F unit 401 is stored in RAM 403. The image processing unit 405 acquires the PDL data stored in RAM 403 and performs image processing to convert it into print data. The image processing to convert it into print data involves, for example, rasterizing the PDL data, converting it into multi-value bitmap data, and then performing screen processing or the like to convert it into binary bitmap data. The binary bitmap data obtained by the image processing unit 405 is sent to the image forming apparatus 100 via the video I / F unit 409. Furthermore, information about the contents of the print job, including the number of copies and imposition information such as single-sided or double-sided printing (hereinafter referred to as job information), from the PDL data is sent to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication I / F unit 407. The functions of the image processing unit 405 may be realized by the CPU 402 loading a program stored in ROM 404 into RAM 403 and executing it.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100, the inspection device 110, and the finisher 120 (large-capacity stacker) according to the first embodiment.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 100 receives user input and displays printing and device status via the UI unit 220. Various types of paper can be stored in the paper feed decks 430 and 431. Each paper feed deck can separate only the topmost sheet of paper from the stack and transport it to a paper transport path 1005. The developing stations 1001 to 1004 form toner images using Y, M, C, and K color toners, respectively, to form color images. The toner images formed here are primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 1006. The intermediate transfer belt 1006 rotates clockwise in the figure, and the toner image is transferred to a paper transported from the paper transport path 1005 at a secondary transfer position 1007. The fixing unit 1008 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller. The toner is melted and pressed onto the paper as the paper passes between the rollers, fixing the toner image to the paper. The paper that has passed through the fixing unit 1008 is transported to a transport path 1012 via a paper transport path 1009. If further fusing and pressing are required for fixing depending on the type of paper, the paper that has passed through the fixing unit 1008 is transported to a second fixing unit 1010 using the upper paper transport path, where additional fusing and pressing are performed, and then transported to a transport path 1012 via a paper transport path 1011. If the image formation mode is double-sided, the fixed paper is transported to a paper inversion path 1013. As a result, the paper is inverted by the paper inversion path 1013 and then transported to a double-sided transport path 1014, where the image is transferred to the second side of the paper at a secondary transfer position 1007.

[0032] Inspection device 110, CIS 1015 and CIS 1016 are arranged facing each other. CIS 1015 and CIS 1016 correspond to the image reading unit 310 described above. CIS 1015 is a sensor for reading the top surface of the paper, and CIS 1016 is a sensor for reading the bottom surface of the paper. Inspection device 110 scans the paper using CIS 1015 and 1016 when the paper transported on paper transport path 1017 reaches a predetermined position.

[0033] The finisher 120 is a large-capacity stacker capable of stacking a large amount of paper. The finisher 120 has a main tray 1024 as a tray for stacking paper. Paper that has passed through the inspection device 110 enters the finisher 120 via paper transport path 1019. The paper travels from paper transport path 1019 to paper transport path 1022 and is then stacked on the main tray 1024. The finisher 120 also has a top tray 1020 as a paper output tray. Paper that has been detected as having a defect by the inspection device 110 is ejected to the top tray 1020. When ejecting paper to the top tray 1020, the paper is transported from paper transport path 1019 to paper transport path 1021 and then to the top tray 1020. An inverting unit 1023 for inverting the paper is used when loading paper onto the main tray 1024. When loading onto main tray 1024, the paper is inverted once by inversion unit 1023 so that the orientation of the incoming paper is the same as the orientation of the paper when loaded. When transporting to top tray 1020, the paper is discharged as is without being flipped when loaded, so the inversion unit 1023 does not perform the inversion operation of the paper.

[0034] Next, an overview of the print image inspection performed by the inspection device 110 according to the first embodiment will be described. The inspection device 110 acquires scanned image data of the print to be inspected by reading the print using the CIS 1015 and CIS 1016 corresponding to the image reading unit 310. This scanned image data is stored in RAM 303 of the inspection device 110. Next, the inspection device 110 acquires, by the inspection processing unit 305, a difference value between the reference image data (hereinafter referred to as the reference image) stored in advance in RAM 303 and the scanned image data (hereinafter referred to as the scanned image) of the inspection target.

[0035] Next, the inspection device 110 performs an inspection by comparing the acquired difference value with the inspection threshold value for each inspection item (contrast, size, etc.) for each pixel. If the difference value is smaller than the inspection threshold value, the inspection is judged as OK (no defects); if not, the inspection is judged as NG (defects present). The results of the inspection are saved in RAM 303, and include, for example, information on whether or not there are defects in the printed matter, the type of defect detected (dots or streaks), and information on the position of the defect when displayed on the UI unit 320.

[0036] Next, an overview of the data inspection performed by the inspection device 110 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0037] The inspection device 110 acquires a scanned image of the printed material to be inspected by reading it using the CIS 1015 and CIS 1016 corresponding to the image reading unit 310. This scanned image is saved in RAM 303. The inspection device 110 then uses the inspection processing unit 305 to inspect whether the character strings and barcodes are readable using pre-set character fonts for optical character recognition (OCR) and barcode standards. It is also possible to perform a data verification inspection, which checks whether the scanned character strings and barcodes match the corresponding data in a pre-prepared correct CSV file. If the data verification inspection determines that the data match, the inspection is deemed successful (no defects); otherwise, the inspection is deemed unsuccessful (defects present). Furthermore, if the character strings and barcodes are numeric and the numeric values ​​change regularly, data inspection can be performed without a CSV file by inputting the regularity into the UI unit 320. This is called a sequential number inspection. The results of this data inspection are stored in RAM 303, including, for example, the results of the character strings and barcodes read from the printed material, the results of matching with the correct data, and the position information of the characters and barcodes read when displayed on the UI unit 320.

[0038] Furthermore, CPU 302 of inspection device 110 instructs UI unit 320 to display the inspection results stored in RAM 303. By displaying the inspection results on UI unit 320 in this manner, the user can recognize the inspection results.

[0039] Furthermore, when a certain number of defective printed materials are found consecutively, the inspection device 110 causes the CPU 302 to transmit information about the defects to the image forming device 100 via the communication I / F unit 301 .

[0040] Information that defective printed materials have continuously occurred is received by controller 200 via communication I / F unit 207 of image forming apparatus 100. When controller 200 receives this information, CPU 202 of image forming apparatus 100 instructs printer unit 210 to stop printing. By instructing printer unit 210 to stop printing in this way, image forming apparatus 100 stops the printing operation.

[0041] Furthermore, the inspection device 110 also transmits information to the finisher 120 via the communication I / F unit 301 based on the inspection results stored in the RAM 303 by the CPU 302. The information transmitted to the finisher 120 is information on whether or not there are defects in the printed matter. Using the received information, the finisher 120 transports and stacks printed matter without defects onto the normal main tray 1024, and ejects printed matter with defects onto the top tray 1020.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating the software configuration of the inspection device 110, the image forming device 100, and the print control device 140 of the inspection system according to the first embodiment.

[0043] First, the software configuration (software modules) that operate on the print control device 140 will be described. The functions of these software modules are stored as programs in the ROM 404, and are realized when the CPU 402 loads and executes the programs in the RAM 403. The communication control unit 501 controls communications with other devices. The UI control unit 502 controls the content displayed on the UI unit 420 and issues control instructions to other control units based on instructions received by the UI unit 420. The PDL analysis unit 503 analyzes PDL data received from the client PC 130 and performs RIP processing and generates job information. The printer control unit 504 generates instructions for controlling the image forming apparatus 100 based on the RIP image and job information generated by the PDL analysis unit 503. The instructions generated in this manner are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication control unit 501.

[0044] Next, the software configuration that operates in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. The functions of these software modules are stored as programs in the ROM 204, and are realized by the CPU 202 expanding the programs into the RAM 203 and executing them. A communication control unit 511 controls communications with other devices. A UI control unit 512 controls the content displayed on the UI unit 220, and issues control instructions to other control units based on instructions received by the UI unit 220. A print control unit 513 executes print jobs in response to requests from the print control device 140.

[0045] Next, the software configuration that operates on the inspection device 110 will be described. The functions of these software modules are stored as programs in the ROM 304, and are realized by the CPU 302 expanding and executing the programs in the RAM 303. The communication control unit 521 controls communications with other devices. The UI control unit 522 controls the content displayed on the UI unit 320 and issues control instructions to other control units based on instructions received by the UI unit 320. The inspection information storage unit 523 stores information related to the inspection, such as settings required for the inspection, reference images, and inspection results, in the RAM 303 or a memory unit (not shown). The inspection control unit 524 performs control necessary for the inspection, such as the inspection settings received from the UI control unit 522, registering reference images, and comparing the reference images with the inspection image (scanned image).

[0046] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the print control device 140 according to the first embodiment creates print data and submits a job to the image forming device 100 and the inspection device 110. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 402 of the print control device 140 expanding the program code stored in the ROM 404 into the RAM 403 and executing it.

[0047] In S1301, the CPU 402 functions as the PDL analysis unit 503 and reads the PDL data received from the client PC 130. Next, the process proceeds to S1302, where the CPU 402 functions as the PDL analysis unit 503 and creates bitmap data from the PDL data to be printed by the image forming apparatus 100. Next, the process proceeds to S1303, where the CPU 402 functions as the PDL analysis unit 503 and acquires imposition information for single-sided printing or double-sided printing from the PDL data. Then, the process proceeds to S1304, where the CPU 402 functions as the PDL analysis unit 503 and analyzes and acquires information other than the information on single-sided printing or double-sided printing acquired in S1303, and saves the information, including the imposition information acquired in S1303, as job information. Then, the process proceeds to S1305, where the CPU 402 functions as the printer control unit 504 and transmits the bitmap data and job information generated in S1302 and S1304 to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication control unit 501. Then, in step S1306 , the CPU 402 functions as the printer control unit 504 and transmits the job information generated in step S1304 to the inspection device 110 via the image forming device 100 .

[0048] 6 is a flowchart illustrating the overall flow of processing from the registration work before the start of an inspection to the execution of the inspection in the inspection device 110 according to embodiment 1. The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 302 of the inspection device 110 loading program code stored in the ROM 304 into the RAM 303 and executing it.

[0049] First, in S601, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and registers a character font. The character font registered here is used during data inspection. A character font is font data that associates character image data with character codes, which are required for the character recognition process (OCR) performed during data inspection. The character font registered here is stored in the inspection information storage unit 523.

[0050] In this character font registration procedure, the inspection device 110 first waits in a character font image reading mode and receives a print job for creating a character font from the client PC 130. Upon receiving the print job for creating a character font from the client PC 130, the inspection device 110 reads the character font image. Specifically, when the image forming device 100 executes printing according to the print job, the inspection device 110 detects the printed and ejected printout, scans the printout with the image reading unit 310, and stores the scanned image in RAM 303 of the inspection device 110. Next, characters to be OCRed are extracted one by one from the scanned image, and a character code for the extracted character image is entered by the user to create a character font. The character font thus created is stored in RAM 303 of the inspection device 110. While the character font creation method of the first embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and any method capable of creating data in which a character code is associated with each character image extracted from a scanned image may be used. In some cases, the data inspection is not performed and only the print image inspection is performed. In this case, the process skips step S601 and proceeds to step S602.

[0051] In S602, the inspection control unit 524 registers a reference image that will be the correct image for the inspection. At this time, the inspection device 110 waits in a reference image reading mode, and the image forming device 100 executes a print job for registering the reference image from the client PC 130. When printing is executed, the inspection device 110 detects the conveyance of a printed material from the image forming device 100, scans the printed material with the image reading unit 310, and saves the scanned image in the RAM 303 of the inspection device 110 as a reference image.

[0052] Next, the process proceeds to S603, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and stores various inspection setting values, such as the inspection area and inspection level, in the RAM 303 of the inspection device 110 in accordance with the user's inspection settings. Details of the processing in S603 will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 11 . Next, the process proceeds to S604, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and receives an inspection print job from the client PC 130, detects the transportation of a printed material that has been printed and ejected by the image forming apparatus 100, reads the printed material using the image reading unit 310, and stores the scanned image in the RAM 303 of the inspection device 110. The scanned image is then compared with a reference image, and an inspection is performed using the inspection setting values ​​set in S603, after which the process ends. Details of the inspection processing in S604 will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 12.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen 700 displayed on the UI unit 320 of the inspection device 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0054] This job management screen 700 is displayed when the inspection device 110 is started up, or when an application is started up by a user operation from the UI unit 320. From this job management screen 700, it is possible to transition to each of the following processes: font registration, reference image registration, inspection settings, and inspection.

[0055] The Close button 701 is a button for closing the display of the job management screen 700. The New button 702 is a button for creating a new inspection job. Pressing the New button 702 registers a reference image. The Duplicate button 703 is a button for duplicating an inspection job that has already been created. Pressing the Duplicate button 703 after a desired inspection job is selected in the inspection job list 708 copies the selected inspection job. By performing this duplication, the reference image and inspection settings can be copied and a new inspection can be performed. The Delete button 704 deletes the inspection job selected in the inspection job list 708. Here, multiple inspection jobs can be simultaneously deleted by selecting multiple inspection jobs and pressing the Delete button 704. Pressing the Inspection Settings button 705 transitions to the inspection settings screen 800 shown in FIG. 8A, for example, where inspection settings can be configured for an inspection job for which reference image registration has been completed. The Inspection button 706 instructs the execution of an inspection using an inspection job for which reference image registration and inspection settings have been completed. The font registration button 707 is used to instruct the registration of the character font described above.

[0056] Next, the test settings will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C.

[0057] FIG. 8A(a) is an example of an examination setting screen 800 displayed on the UI unit 320 of the examination device 110 for performing examination settings.

[0058] The Change Reference Image button 801 is pressed when changing the reference image. The button 802 is an inspection area selection button and is pressed by the operator when an inspection area that has already been set is to be selected. The button 803 is an inspection area deletion button and is pressed by the operator when a selected inspection area is to be deleted. The button 804 rotates the image displayed in the area 805. The area 805 is a display area that displays the loaded reference image. When multiple sheets are loaded, the displayed reference image is switched using the button 810. The front and back sides of the loaded sheets can also be switched using the button 810. When the OK button 811 is pressed, the settings made on this inspection setting screen 800 are saved, and the screen transitions to the job management screen 700 shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, pressing the OK button 811 may transition to an inspection screen (not shown) so that the inspection can be performed. When the Cancel button 812 is pressed, the settings on this inspection setting screen 800 are not saved, and the screen transitions to the job management screen 700 shown in FIG. 7.

[0059] The print image inspection area setting button 821 is pressed by the operator when creating a new print image inspection area. After pressing this button 821, the operator sets the inspection area for the reference image displayed in area 805. Area 806 shows an example of the set print image inspection area.

[0060] The data inspection area setting button 822 is pressed by the operator when creating a new area for character inspection or barcode inspection. After pressing this button 822, the operator sets the inspection area for data inspection for the reference image displayed in area 805. Area 807 shows an example of setting a character inspection area, and area 808 shows an example of setting a barcode inspection area.

[0061] The serial number inspection area setting button 823 is pressed by the operator when creating a new serial number inspection area. After pressing this button 823, the operator sets the inspection area for the serial number inspection for the reference image displayed in area 805. Area 809 shows an example of setting the serial number inspection area.

[0062] The data inspection setting area 831 is a UI group for configuring the data inspection area, which is displayed when a data inspection area is selected in area 805. Here, the currently selected area is assumed to be area 807, which indicates the character inspection area. The application range setting 832 sets the application range of the selected area. If no area is selected, the selected inspection area will be placed only on the page currently displayed in area 805. As shown in the figure, if "Same side as current page" is selected, the selected inspection area will be placed on the page on the same side as the inspection area selected in area 805, depending on whether the inspection area selected in area 805 is placed on the front or back side of the sheet. Also, if "All pages" is selected, the selected inspection area will be placed on all pages.

[0063] The verification test setting area 833 is an area for setting the correct CSV file to be verified when performing a verification test. By pressing the Browse button 834, a file can be selected and the selected file name will be displayed. In the figure, "abc.csv" is displayed as the file name. This specification of the correct CSV file is common to both character inspection and barcode inspection.

[0064] The setting area 835 is used to set the currently selected data inspection area. Here, the user can specify the character orientation, whether the character area or barcode area is selected, the font type, the barcode type, whether a matching test is performed, and the column specification of the correct CSV file for the matching test. Setting item 836 sets the character orientation of the character area 807. Setting items 837 and 838 specify whether the selected area is a string or barcode test. In the figure, string test is selected. Setting item 839 sets the font for OCR processing of the character area 807. In FIG. 8A(a), the font is set to "OCRB" and the size is set to 12 points. Setting item 840 sets the type of barcode when barcode test is selected in setting item 838. Setting item 841 sets whether a matching test is performed. If the corresponding radio button is checked and a matching test is set to "Yes," OCR processing of the character area 807 is performed using the correct CSV file specified in the matching test setting area 833 and the column number specified in setting item 842. Then, a comparison check is performed between the read character string and the character string specified in the correct CSV. In Figure 8(a), the radio button is checked and the comparison check is set to "Yes."

[0065] 8A(b) is a diagram showing an example of an inspection setting screen when the serial number inspection area setting button 823 is pressed to set the serial number inspection area. Here, a description of the parts common to FIG. 8A(a) will be omitted. Here, it is assumed that the serial number inspection area 809 of area 805 is selected.

[0066] The sequential number inspection setting 851 includes a UI group for configuring the sequential number inspection area that is displayed when the sequential number inspection area 809 is selected in area 805. The sequential number setting area 852 configures the currently selected sequential number inspection area. Here, the sequential number rules are configured. The sequential number rules include specifying ascending or descending order, the start number, the offset, the number of digits, the interval, and the repetition. The setting item 853 is an item for selecting whether the numerical values ​​of the sequential number increase (ascending order) or decrease (descending order). Ascending order increases, and descending order decreases. The setting item 854 is an item for setting the start number of the sequential number. The setting item 855 is an item for setting the increase / decrease value between sheets in the sequential number inspection area. In the first embodiment, this is called an offset. The setting item 856 is an item for setting the number of digits of the sequential number. For a five-digit number like "01234" like area 809, 5 is specified. Furthermore, it is not necessary to set the number of digits in the numerical value in the inspection target area as is; for example, even if the numerical value in the inspection target area is five digits, if you want to inspect only three of them, you can set "3". Setting item 857 is an item for setting how many sheets the number will be increased or decreased by the offset amount. For example, if the interval is set to "2", the serial number will be increased by the offset amount (1 in this case) every two sheets. Setting item 858 sets how many times the serial number created by the settings of setting items 853, 854, 855, 856, and 857 will be repeated.

[0067] Setting items 860 to 864 included in the setting area 859 have the same meaning as setting items 836 to 840 in the setting area 835 shown in FIG. 8A(a), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] A setting item 867 is used to set, by means of a radio button, whether or not to check the collation value generated according to the serial number rule set in the serial number setting area 852. Details of the setting items will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0069] Next, an example of setting the serial number check and the matching value will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

[0070] 9A(a) shows an example of a correct answer image (reference image), where image 901 is page 1, image 902 is page 2, image 903 is page 3, and image 904 is page 4, and the images are read in order starting from page 1. Reference numbers 905 to 908 represent the serial numbers printed on images 901 to 904, respectively. Here, the user sets serial number inspection areas for the serial numbers 905 to 908. In conventional technology, inspection areas are set for the front and back sides, and the front side setting is reflected on odd-numbered pages and the back side setting is reflected on even-numbered pages.

[0071] For the serial numbers 905 to 908, Fig. 9A(b) shows a setting example in which serial number inspection areas are set for odd-numbered pages, and Fig. 9A(c) shows an example in which serial number inspection areas are set for even-numbered pages. First, the setting example in Fig. 9A(b) will be explained. Since the starting number of odd-numbered page serial number 905 is "001," the starting number is set to "001." Since the serial number increases by two in increments of two, such as "001" for page 1 serial number 905 and "003" for page 3 serial number 907, the offset indicating the increase or decrease is set to "2." Furthermore, since odd-numbered page serial numbers 905 and 907 are three digits, the number of digits is set to "3." Since the same value does not occur consecutively in the inspection image in Fig. 9A(a), the interval is set to "1." Furthermore, since the serial numbers are not repeated, the repetition is set to "1."

[0072] Next, a setting example for Figure 9A(c) will be explained. Since the starting number of the serial number 906 for even-numbered pages is "002", the starting number is set to "002". Since the serial number increases by two in increments of 2, such as "002" for serial number 906 for page 2 and "004" for serial number 908 for page 4, the offset indicating the increase or decrease is set to "2". Furthermore, since the serial numbers 906 and 908 for even-numbered pages are three digits, the number of digits is set to "3". Since the same value does not occur consecutively in the inspection image of Figure 9A(b), the interval is set to "1". Furthermore, since the serial numbers are not repeated, the repetition is set to "1".

[0073] FIG. 9A(d) shows a comparison value table 910 generated by the inspection control unit 524 in response to the settings in FIGS. 9A(b) and 9A(c). The comparison value table 910 is a table that summarizes information about the comparison values. The page number 911 indicates the page number of the correct image in FIG. 9A(a). The inspection setting number 912 is a number for distinguishing the inspection settings. In the comparison value table 910, the setting in FIG. 9A(b) is recorded as inspection setting number 1, and the setting in FIG. 9A(c) is recorded as inspection setting number 2. The start coordinate 913 and the end coordinate 914 are coordinates that represent the inspection area. These are expressed in a coordinate system in which the upper left corner of the image is (0,0), and the rectangular area connecting the start coordinate and the end coordinate is the inspection area. The comparison value 915 is a comparison value generated from the ascending / descending order, start number, offset, number of digits, interval, and repetition information based on the settings shown in FIGS. 9A(b) and 9A(c). When inspecting the sequential number, this comparison value is used to perform a data comparison test. First, row 916 is generated using the settings for odd-numbered pages in Figure 9A(b). Then, for row 918, which has an odd page number, the inspection setting number 912 "1" and the inspection area (start coordinate 913, end coordinate 914) are duplicated, and the newly generated comparison value ("3") is recorded in the comparison value 915.

[0074] Similarly, for the settings for even-numbered pages in Fig. 9A(c), row 917 is generated first, and the inspection area and the like are duplicated for row 919, which is an even-numbered page, and the generated matching value ("4") is recorded. By setting a rule for consecutive numbers in this way, it is possible to generate a matching value based on the rule even if there is no data file such as a CSV file.

[0075] Next, FIG. 9B(a) shows an example of a 16-page saddle-stitched book, in which inspection areas are to be set for odd-numbered pages and even-numbered pages in the serial number inspection.

[0076] For a 16-page saddle-stitched book, four sheets, designated by reference numbers 930-933, are printed. Each sheet is double-sided, with the front images designated by reference numbers 934, 936, 938, and 940, and the back images designated by reference numbers 935, 937, 939, and 941. Page numbers 942-957 are located at the bottom of the back image and each page of the back image. Looking at the serial numbers designated by reference numbers 942, 946, 950, and 954 at the bottom left of the front image, the starting number is "016" and is decremented by an offset of "2." Therefore, the serial numbering for the front image is as shown in FIG. 9B(b). Similarly, looking at the serial numbers designated by reference numbers 943, 947, 951, and 955 at the bottom right of the front image, the starting number is "001" and is incremented by an offset of "2." Therefore, the serial numbering is as shown in FIG. 9B(c).

[0077] Furthermore, if we look at the serial numbers indicated by reference numbers 944, 948, 952, and 956 located in the lower left corner of the back side image, we see that the starting number is "002" and increases with an offset of "2." Therefore, the serial number setting is as shown in Figure 9B(d). Similarly, if we look at the serial numbers indicated by reference numbers 945, 949, 953, and 957 located in the lower right corner of the back side image, we see that the starting number is "015" and decreases with an offset of "2." Therefore, the serial number setting is as shown in Figure 9B(e). Comparing Figures 9B(b) to 9B(e), we see that even at the same positions on the front and back sides, the starting number and the amount of increase or decrease are different, so different inspection settings are required for the front and back sides.

[0078] However, if inspection settings are always made for odd / even pages, even when single-sided printing is performed using the correct image of Fig. 9A(a), the settings for odd pages of Fig. 9A(b) and the settings for even pages of Fig. 9A(c) are required. Therefore, in the first embodiment, a method is described in which inspection settings are set for all pages at once during a single-sided print job by using information on single-sided / double-sided printing.

[0079] Next, the examination setting process in S603 in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0080] Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection setting process of S603 in Fig. 6 according to embodiment 1. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 302 of the inspection device 110 loading program code stored in the ROM 304 into the RAM 303, and reading and executing the program code loaded into the RAM 303.

[0081] In S1101, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and acquires the area setting value set by the user. Next, the process proceeds to S1102, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and determines whether the area setting value acquired in S1101 includes a consecutive number inspection area. If a consecutive number inspection area is included, the process proceeds to S1103, and if a consecutive number inspection area is not included, the process proceeds to S1112.

[0082] In S1103, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and enables the sequential number confirmation function. Here, the setting item 867 shown in FIG. 8A(b) is set to a configurable state. In other words, the setting item 867 can be checked if at least one sequential number inspection area is set. Then, the process proceeds to S1104, where the CPU 302 determines whether the sequential number confirmation is set to "Yes" in the setting item 867. In other words, the process determines whether the radio button for the setting item 867 shown in FIG. 8A(b) is checked. If the radio button for the setting item 867 is checked and it is determined that the sequential number confirmation is "Yes," the process proceeds to S1105. If the setting item 867 is not checked and it is determined that the sequential number confirmation is "No," the process proceeds to S1112.

[0083] In S1105, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and generates a matching value from the setting value of the serial number inspection area. This matching value is generated by increasing or decreasing the start number entered in setting item 854 (start number) by the offset amount of setting item 855. Whether to increase or decrease the offset amount is determined by setting item 853 (ascending order, descending order). Next, the process proceeds to S1106, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and reads the job information transmitted from the print control device 140. Then, the process proceeds to S1107, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and extracts imposition information for single-sided or double-sided printing from the job information read in S1106, and determines whether the job is a single-sided printing job. If it is a single-sided printing job, the process proceeds to S1111, and if it is a double-sided printing job, the process proceeds to S1108.

[0084] In S1108, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and determines whether the page for which the area has been set is an odd-numbered page. If it is determined to be an odd-numbered page, the process proceeds to S1109; if it is determined to be an even-numbered page, the process proceeds to S1110. In S1109, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and duplicates the inspection area for the odd-numbered page. At this time, the inspection setting number 912 and the inspection area (start coordinates 913, end coordinates 914) are duplicated for the odd-numbered page in the verification value table 910, and the verification value generated in S1105 is recorded as the verification value 915. Meanwhile, in S1110, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and duplicates the inspection area for the even-numbered page. At this time, the inspection setting number 912 and the inspection area (start coordinates 913, end coordinates 914) are duplicated for the even-numbered page in the verification value table 910, and the verification value generated in S1105 is recorded as the verification value 915. In this way, for a double-sided print job, by performing the settings for odd-numbered pages in FIG. 9A(b) and the settings for even-numbered pages in FIG. 9A(c), a collation value table 910 such as that shown in FIG. 9(d) is generated.

[0085] In the case of a single-sided printing job, in S1111, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and duplicates the inspection area for all pages. In this case, the inspection setting number 912 and inspection area (start coordinates 913, end coordinates 914) are duplicated for all pages in the comparison value table 910, and the comparison value generated in S1105 is recorded as the comparison value 915. In this way, in the case of a single-sided printing job, the comparison value table 910 can be generated with only the settings shown in FIG. 9A(e).

[0086] In S1112, the CPU 302 functions as the UI control unit 522 and determines whether the setting of the inspection area is complete. Here, this determination is made based on whether the OK button 811 shown in FIG. 8A(b) has been pressed. If the OK button 811 has been pressed, it is determined that the inspection setting is complete and the process proceeds to S1113; if the OK button 811 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S1101 and waits for the setting of the inspection area. Thus, in S1113, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524, saves the setting values ​​and comparison value table 910 set on the inspection setting screen in RAM 303, and ends this inspection setting process.

[0087] Next, the inspection process in S604 in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0088] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection process of S604 in Fig. 6 according to embodiment 1. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 302 of the inspection device 110 expanding the program code stored in the ROM 304 into the RAM 303, and reading and executing the program code expanded into the RAM 303.

[0089] In S1201, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and acquires the inspection setting values ​​stored in RAM 303. Next, the process proceeds to S1202, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and acquires the matching value table 910 stored in RAM 303. Next, the process proceeds to S1203, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and reads an inspection image. Here, the transport of paper is detected, the paper is scanned by the image reading unit 310, and the scanned image is stored in RAM 303 of the inspection device 110. Next, the process proceeds to S1204, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and updates the number of pages read. Here, the page count is incremented by 1 each time a page is read. Next, the process proceeds to S1205, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and determines whether the number of pages read exceeds the number of pages planned to be read. It is assumed that the number of pages planned to be read is set in advance by the user on a setting screen (not shown). Alternatively, the number may be received from the print control device 140 as inspection job information. If it is determined that the number of pages to be read has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to S1206, and if it is determined that the number of pages to be read has been exceeded, the process proceeds to S1209.

[0090] In S1206, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and performs OCR processing on the serial number inspection area from the scanned image read in S1203, and performs a comparison inspection between the matching value read in S1202 and the recognized character string. In this serial number inspection, the matching value corresponding to the page number updated in S1204 is read from the matching value table 910 and compared. If a print image inspection area is set, the reference image is compared with the scanned image to detect image defects such as stains. If a data inspection area is set, the CPU 302 performs a read inspection and a comparison inspection of the data inspection area according to the inspection settings. After completing the inspection, the process proceeds to S1207, where the CPU 302 functions as the UI control unit 522, displays the inspection results on the UI unit 320, and proceeds to S1208. In S1208, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and determines whether or not the next page needs to be read. If the next page needs to be read, the process proceeds to S1203, where the next page is read. On the other hand, if the next page is not to be read, the process proceeds to S1210.

[0091] If the CPU 302 determines in S1205 that the number of pages to be read has exceeded the planned number of pages, the process proceeds to S1209, where the CPU 302 functions as the UI control unit 522 and displays a message screen on the UI unit 320 indicating that the planned number of pages has been read, and the process proceeds to S1210. In S1210, the CPU 302 saves the inspection results in the RAM 303 and ends this inspection.

[0092] As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the case of a single-sided print job, the inspection settings are duplicated for all pages, and the serial number of each page is compared with the generated verification value to perform data verification inspection. In this way, it is possible to provide an inspection system that can set the inspection area for a single-sided print job for all pages at once.

[0093] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment described above, a method was described for automatically switching the duplication method for the inspection area between "every odd page / even page" and "all pages at once" based on the single-sided / double-sided information in the job information during sequential number inspection. However, the method in the first embodiment forcibly determines the duplication method based solely on the job information, regardless of the regularity of the sequential numbers. Therefore, even if you want to set up inspection for all pages at once in a double-sided printing job, the method will be "duplication for every odd and even page," which requires setting up for every odd and even page.

[0094] Therefore, in the second embodiment, a method for selecting the duplication method for the inspection area in the case of a double-sided printing job will be described. The following describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment. Note that the parts not described in detail are the same as the first embodiment.

[0095] 8B(a) is a diagram showing an example of an inspection setting screen when the currently selected setting area is a consecutive inspection area in the inspection device 110 according to embodiment 2. The same reference numerals are used to designate parts common to those in the above-described FIG. 8A(b), and their description will be omitted.

[0096] Buttons 865 and 866 are used to select the duplication method for the inspection area during a double-sided print job. When button 865 is selected, the inspection area is duplicated using the odd-page / even-page method, the same as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when button 866 is selected, the inspection area is duplicated using the all-page batch method. Buttons 865 and 866 may be grayed out or hidden during a single-sided print job. The method selected by these buttons 865 and 866 is saved in RAM 303 as the area setting value.

[0097] FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an example of data for which inspection settings are desired for all pages collectively in a double-sided print job, sequential number settings, and a comparison value table 910 according to the second embodiment.

[0098] FIG. 15A(a) shows an example of data for which you want to perform inspection settings on all pages at once. In FIG. 15A(a), two sheets, designated by reference numbers 1500 and 1501, are printed. Each sheet is double-sided, with the front images designated by 1502 and 1504 and the back images designated by 1503 and 1505. Page numbers 1506 to 1509 are placed at the bottom of each page. The page numbers start at "001" and increase with an offset of "1." Therefore, the sequential numbering in this case is as shown in FIG. 15A(b). When sequential numbers with the same start number and increment are in the same position on both the front and back sides, you want to perform the settings on all pages at once, even for a double-sided print job.

[0099] Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection setting process of S603 according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 14, the same reference symbols are used for the same processing steps as in Fig. 11 according to the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted. The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 302 of the inspection device 110 loading program code stored in ROM 304 into RAM 303, and reading and executing the program code loaded into RAM 303.

[0100] If in S1107 the job is not a single-sided printing job, the process proceeds to S1401, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and acquires the duplication method from the area setting value acquired in S1101. The process then proceeds to S1402, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and determines whether the duplication method acquired in S1101 is odd-numbered / even-numbered page by page. If it is odd-numbered / even-numbered page by page, the process proceeds to S1108, and if it is not odd-numbered / even-numbered page by page, that is, if all pages are to be printed at once, the process proceeds to S1111.

[0101] Figure 15A(c) shows an example of a comparison value table 910 generated from the data in Figure 15A(a) and the serial number setting in Figure 15A(b). The contents of this comparison value table 910 are the same as those in Figure 9A(d), so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide an inspection system that allows the user to select whether to replicate the inspection area of ​​a double-sided printing job all at once, every odd-numbered page, or every multiple pages.

[0103] [Embodiment 3] In the above-described second embodiment, a method for switching the duplication method for sequential number inspection was described based on job information and user selection. However, in the method of the second embodiment, the inspection area is duplicated for each odd-numbered page / even-numbered page or for all pages at once, so the inspection area is duplicated even for intentionally inserted blank pages, and an inspection area is set even for pages for which sequential number inspection is not required.

[0104] Therefore, in the third embodiment, a method for not duplicating the inspection area for blank pages will be described. The following describes the differences between the third embodiment and the first and second embodiments. Note that the parts not described in detail are the same as the first and second embodiments.

[0105] FIG. 15B(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of data in which blank pages are inserted in the third embodiment. This example illustrates a case in which blank pages are inserted, for example, at the boundary between chapters in a book. In the example of FIG. 15B(a), two sheets, designated by reference numbers 1510 and 1511, are printed. Each sheet is printed double-sided, with the front side images designated by reference numbers 1512 and 1514 and the back side images designated by reference numbers 1513 and 1515. Furthermore, page numbers 1516, 1517, and 1519 are located in the bottom center of the first, second, and fourth non-blank pages. These page numbers start at "001" and increase by an offset of "1." Therefore, the sequential numbering setting in this case is as shown in FIG. 15B(b). It is not desirable to duplicate the sequential numbering inspection area on such intentionally inserted blank pages.

[0106] Next, the examination setting process in S603 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0107] Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection setting process of S603 according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 16, the same reference symbols are used for the same processing steps as in Fig. 11 according to the first embodiment and Fig. 14 according to the second embodiment, and their description will be omitted. The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 302 of the inspection device 110 loading program code stored in ROM 304 into RAM 303, and reading and executing the program code loaded into RAM 303.

[0108] When the duplication of the inspection area is completed in S1111, S1109, or S1110, the process proceeds to S1601, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and extracts one consecutively numbered inspection area from the verification value table 910. The process then proceeds to S1602, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and determines whether the page on which the consecutively numbered inspection area extracted in S1601 is set is blank. The determination of whether the page is blank may be made by checking the bitmap data of the reference image, or by including the page number of the blank page in the job information sent by the print control device 140. If the page is determined to be blank in S1602, the process proceeds to S1603; if the page is determined not to be blank, the process proceeds to S1604. In S1603, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 and deletes the consecutively numbered inspection area extracted from the blank page. Specifically, the row corresponding to the blank page is deleted from the verification value table 910. The process then proceeds to S1604, where the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524 to determine whether extraction of all consecutive inspection areas has been completed. If it is determined that all extraction has been completed, the process proceeds to S1112, and if it is determined that all extraction has not been completed, the process proceeds to S1601.

[0109] Figure 15B(c) shows a collation value table 1520 generated from the data in Figure 15A(a) and the settings in Figure 15B(b). Comparing this with Figure 9A(d) reveals that row 918, which corresponds to page number 3, a blank page, has been deleted by the processing of S1603.

[0110] As described above, according to the third embodiment, by excluding blank pages from the sequential number inspection targets, it is possible to provide an inspection system that can omit inspection of pages that do not require sequential number inspection.

[0111] [Embodiment 4] In the above-described third embodiment, an example was described in which the inspection area is not duplicated for blank pages. However, in the method of the third embodiment, the inspection area is duplicated for pages that are not blank pages but on which serial numbers are not intentionally placed, and inspection is performed even on pages for which serial number inspection is not required.

[0112] Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a method for not duplicating the inspection area for pages where serial numbers are not intentionally arranged will be described. The following describes the differences between the fourth embodiment and the first to third embodiments. Note that the parts not described in detail are the same as the first to third embodiments.

[0113] Fig. 8B(b) is a diagram showing an example of an inspection setting screen when the currently selected setting area is a consecutive inspection area in the inspection device 110 according to embodiment 4. The same reference numerals are used to designate parts common to Fig. 8B(a), and their description will be omitted.

[0114] Setting item 870 is an item for setting numbers to be excluded from the serial number. Numbers entered in this item 870 are excluded from the serial number. Multiple numbers can be entered here, and when entering multiple numbers, for example, each number is separated by a comma (,). The number entered in this setting item 870 is saved as an area setting value.

[0115] FIG. 15C is a diagram showing an example of data in which serial numbers are not intentionally allocated when it is desired to perform inspection settings for all pages at once in a double-sided print job according to the fourth embodiment, serial number settings, and a comparison value table.

[0116] Figure 15C(a) shows an example of data where sequential numbers are not intentionally placed. For example, this is the case for a double-page spread in a novel, where only pictures are printed on the entire page and page numbers are not printed on pages with only pictures. In Figure 15C(a), three sheets are printed, indicated by reference numbers 1530, 1531, and 1532. Each sheet is printed double-sided, with the front images indicated by reference numbers 1533, 1535, and 1537, and the back images indicated by reference numbers 1534, 1536, and 1538. Page numbers 1539, 1540, 1541, and 1542 are placed in the bottom center of pages 1, 2, 4, and 6. These page numbers start at "001" and increase with an offset of "1." The exclusion numbers are "003" and "005" as shown in Figure 8B(b). Therefore, the sequential numbering in this case is as shown in Figure 15C(b). Pages like this that are not intentionally numbered should be excluded from the sequential numbering check.

[0117] Next, the examination setting process in S603 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0118] Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection setting process of S603 according to the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 17, the same reference symbols are used for the same processing parts as those in Fig. 11 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 14 according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 16 according to the third embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 302 of the inspection device 110 loading program code stored in ROM 304 into RAM 303, and reading and executing the program code loaded into RAM 303.

[0119] When duplication of the inspection area is completed in S1111, S1109, or S1110, the process proceeds to S1701, where CPU 302 functions as inspection control unit 524 and acquires an exclusion number list from the area setting value acquired in S1101. If it is determined in S1602 that the page is not a blank page, the process proceeds to S1702, where CPU 302 functions as inspection control unit 524 and acquires a comparison value 915 for the serial number inspection area extracted in S1601. It is then determined whether or not the comparison value is included in the exclusion number list acquired in S1701. If it is determined that the comparison value is included, the process proceeds to S1603, where the inspection area is deleted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the comparison value is not included, the process proceeds to S1604.

[0120] Figure 15C(c) shows an example of a match value table 1543 generated from the data in Figure 15C(a) and the sequential number setting in Figure 15C(b). The exclusion numbers 003 and 005 have been deleted from match value 915. As a result, only match values ​​001, 002, 004, and 006 in rows 1544, 1545, 1546, and 1547 are recorded.

[0121] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to provide an inspection system that can exclude non-blank pages that do not have serial numbers from the serial number inspection targets.

[0122] [Embodiment 5] In the above-described embodiments up to the fourth embodiment, a method has been described in which a collation value table is first created, and then the sequential number inspection areas of pages for which sequential number inspection is to be excluded, such as blank pages and pages with intentionally missing sequential numbers, are deleted. However, in the methods up to the fourth embodiment, the collation value table is created, and then specific inspection areas and collation values ​​are deleted, so the collation value also increases or decreases for the pages to be excluded.

[0123] Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, a method for not increasing or decreasing the matching value for the excluded pages will be described. The following describes the differences between the fifth embodiment and the first to fourth embodiments. Note that the parts not described in detail are the same as the first to fourth embodiments.

[0124] 8C is a diagram showing an example of an inspection setting screen when the currently selected setting area is a consecutive inspection area in the inspection device 110 according to embodiment 5. The same reference numerals are used to designate parts common to those in FIG. 8B(b), and their description will be omitted.

[0125] The setting item 871 is an item for setting whether to skip increasing or decreasing the collation value (serial number) of a page that does not include an inspection area or a page that includes a serial number to be excluded. This setting content is saved in the RAM 303 as an area setting value.

[0126] Figure 15D is a diagram showing an example of data for setting whether to skip increasing or decreasing the comparison value (sequential number) of excluded pages when you want to perform inspection settings for all pages at once in a double-sided printing job related to embodiment 5, and a sequential number setting and comparison value table.

[0127] FIG. 15D(a) shows an example of data in which the matching value for the excluded pages should not be increased or decreased. For example, this illustrates a case in which direct mail with printed IDs is to be sorted into 10-sheet separators. In this case, 21 sheets are printed, including sheets indicated by reference numbers 1550, 1551, 1552, 1553, and 1554, as well as sheets not shown (sheets 2 to 9 and sheets 13 to 19 are omitted). Each sheet is printed single-sided, with IDs 1555, 1556, 1557, and 1558 located in the bottom center. In this example, a blank separator sheet is inserted as sheet 11 corresponding to sheet 1552 to separate IDs 001 to 010 from IDs 011 to 020. The IDs start at "001" and increase by an offset of "1." Therefore, the sequential numbering in this case is as shown in FIG. 15D(b). In this way, the ID is set not to be incremented for blank inserted sheets.

[0128] Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection setting process of S603 according to the fifth embodiment. In Fig. 18, the same reference symbols are used for the same processing steps as those in Fig. 11 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 14 according to the second embodiment, Fig. 16 according to the third embodiment, and Fig. 17 according to the fourth embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 302 of the inspection device 110 loading program code stored in the ROM 304 into the RAM 303, and reading and executing the program code loaded into the RAM 303.

[0129] If the page is determined to be blank in S1602, or if the comparison value is determined to match the exclusion number in S1702, the process proceeds to S1801. In S1801, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524, obtains the comparison value increment / decrement skip setting set by setting item 871 in FIG. 8C from the area setting value obtained in S1101, and determines whether the increment / decrement skip setting is on. If the increment / decrement skip setting is on, i.e., setting item 871 is checked, the process proceeds to S1802. If the increment / decrement skip setting is off, i.e., setting item 871 is not checked, the process proceeds to S1603. In S1802, the CPU 302 functions as the inspection control unit 524, and shifts the comparison values ​​in the comparison value table downward from the row of the extracted consecutive number inspection area onwards. In other words, the comparison value of the blank page is assigned to the subsequent page, and the comparison values ​​of the subsequent pages are sequentially shifted and assigned.

[0130] The comparison value table before the processing of S1802 is shown as comparison value table 1561 in FIG. 15D(c). In this comparison value table 1561, a comparison value of 011 is assigned to the row of page number 11. If an inspection area for page number 11 is extracted in S1601, and the page is determined to be a blank page in S1602 and the process proceeds to S1802, the comparison values ​​for pages from page number 11 onwards are sequentially shifted downward. As a result, the comparison value table 1562 shown in FIG. 15C(c) is obtained. Then, in the following S1603, the row for page number 11 is deleted, and the comparison value table 1560 shown in FIG. 15C(c) is finally obtained. Also, as shown in FIGS. 15(D)(B), by setting the number "011" corresponding to page number 11 as the exclusion number, it is determined in S1702 that the comparison value matches the exclusion number, and the comparison value table 1560 shown in FIG. 15C(c) is obtained.

[0131] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to provide an inspection system that allows the user to select whether to exclude the matching value of the page to be excluded or to shift the matching value to the subsequent page.

[0132] Although various examples and embodiments of the present embodiment have been described above, the spirit and scope of the present embodiment are not limited to the specific descriptions in this specification. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may include the print control apparatus 140.

[0133] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0134] This specification and drawings disclose the following inspection system, inspection device, and control method and program thereof.

[0135] [Item 1] An inspection system having an image forming apparatus and an inspection apparatus, the image forming device generates a printed material in accordance with a print job including print data and imposition information; The inspection device includes: an acquisition means for receiving and reading the printed matter to acquire a scanned image of the printed matter; an inspection setting means for performing inspection setting on a reference image; an inspection means for inspecting the scanned image by comparing it with the reference image; a control means for controlling the inspection area set in the inspection setting to be replicated on all pages when the inspection setting includes a serial number inspection for inspecting serial numbers that are consecutive numbers and the imposition information indicates single-sided printing; The inspection system is characterized in that, when the serial number inspection is set, the inspection means performs a data verification inspection by comparing the number set in the inspection setting with a verification value.

[0136] [Item 2] 2. The inspection system according to item 1, wherein the control means, when the inspection settings include the serial number inspection and the imposition information indicates double-sided printing, replicates the inspection area set in the inspection settings for every odd-numbered page or every even-numbered page.

[0137] [Item 3] 3. The inspection system according to item 1 or 2, further comprising a selection means for selecting whether to replicate the inspection area every odd-numbered page, every even-numbered page, or every page when the inspection settings include the serial number inspection and the imposition information indicates double-sided printing.

[0138] [Item 4] The control means further determines whether the page on which the inspection area is to be duplicated is a blank page, and if it determines that the page is a blank page, controls so that the inspection area is not duplicated on the blank page.

[0139] [Item 5] The method further includes a means for setting numbers to be excluded from the serial numbers in the serial number check, 4. The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the control means controls so as not to duplicate the inspection area for a page where the matching value corresponds to the number to be excluded.

[0140] [Item 6] The method further includes a setting unit for setting the sequential number to skip incrementing or decrementing when there is a page that is not subject to the sequential number check, The inspection system described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that when the setting means is set to skip increasing or decreasing the consecutive numbers, the control means controls so that a matching value corresponding to a page that does not include the inspection area is assigned to the page following that page, and the matching values ​​for the subsequent pages and thereafter are sequentially shifted and assigned.

[0141] [Item 7] Item 7. The inspection system according to item 6, wherein the pages not subject to the serial number inspection are pages corresponding to a collation value corresponding to a number set by a means for setting numbers to be excluded from the serial number in the serial number inspection, or pages not including the inspection area.

[0142] [Item 8] An inspection device, an acquisition unit that receives and reads a printed matter generated in accordance with a print job including print data and imposition information to acquire a scanned image of the printed matter; an inspection setting means for performing inspection setting on a reference image; an inspection means for inspecting the scanned image by comparing it with the reference image; a control means for controlling the inspection area set in the inspection setting to be replicated on all pages when the inspection setting includes a serial number inspection for inspecting serial numbers that are consecutive numbers and the imposition information indicates single-sided printing; The inspection device is characterized in that, when the serial number inspection is set, the inspection means performs a data verification inspection by comparing the number set in the inspection setting with a verification value.

[0143] [Item 9] Item 9. The inspection device according to item 8, wherein the control means, when the inspection settings include the serial number inspection and the imposition information indicates double-sided printing, replicates the inspection area set in the inspection settings for every odd-numbered page or every even-numbered page.

[0144] [Item 10] 10. The inspection device according to item 8 or 9, further comprising a selection means for selecting whether to replicate the inspection area every odd-numbered page, every even-numbered page, or every page, when the inspection settings include the serial number inspection and the imposition information indicates double-sided printing.

[0145] [Item 11] The control means further determines whether the page on which the inspection area is to be duplicated is a blank page, and if it determines that the page is a blank page, controls the inspection device so that the inspection area is not duplicated on the blank page.

[0146] [Item 12] The method further includes a means for setting numbers to be excluded from the serial numbers in the serial number check, 11. The inspection device according to any one of items 8 to 10, wherein the control means controls so as not to duplicate the inspection area for a page where the matching value corresponds to the number to be excluded.

[0147] [Item 13] The method further includes a setting unit for setting the sequential number to skip incrementing or decrementing when there is a page that is not subject to the sequential number check, 13. The inspection device according to any one of items 8 to 12, characterized in that, when the setting means has set to skip increasing or decreasing the consecutive numbers, the control means controls to assign a matching value corresponding to a page that does not include the inspection area to a page subsequent to the page, and to sequentially shift and assign matching values ​​for the subsequent pages and thereafter.

[0148] [Item 14] Item 14. The inspection device according to item 13, wherein the pages not subject to the serial number inspection are pages corresponding to a collation value corresponding to a number set by a means for setting numbers to be excluded from the serial number in the serial number inspection, or pages not including the inspection area.

[0149] [Item 15] 15. The inspection device according to any one of items 8 to 14, wherein the inspection settings include at least an area where the serial numbers are printed, whether the serial numbers are to be printed in ascending or descending order, a starting number of the serial numbers, and an offset which is a value by which the serial numbers are to be increased or decreased.

[0150] [Item 16] 16. The inspection device according to any one of items 8 to 15, wherein the control means creates and stores a matching value table including the matching values ​​corresponding to each page based on the inspection settings.

[0151] [Item 17] 17. The inspection device according to any one of items 8 to 16, wherein the data matching inspection includes character recognition processing of an area in the scanned image where the serial number is printed, and checking whether the number obtained by the character recognition processing matches the matching value.

[0152] [Item 18] A control method for controlling an inspection apparatus, comprising: an acquisition step in which an acquisition means of the inspection device receives and reads a printed matter generated in accordance with a print job including print data and imposition information, thereby acquiring a scanned image of the printed matter; an inspection setting step in which an inspection setting means of the inspection device performs inspection setting for a reference image; an inspection step in which an inspection means of the inspection device compares the scanned image with the reference image for inspection; a control step in which a control means of the inspection device controls the inspection area set in the inspection setting to be replicated on all pages when the inspection setting includes a serial number inspection for inspecting serial numbers that are consecutive numbers and the imposition information indicates single-sided printing; A control method characterized in that the inspection step, when the serial number inspection is set, performs a data verification inspection in which the number set in the inspection setting is compared with a verification value.

[0153] [Item 19] Item 19. A program causing a computer to execute each step of the control method described in Item 18.

[0154] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 100... image forming apparatus, 110... inspection apparatus, 140... print control apparatus, 523... inspection information storage unit, 524... inspection control unit

Claims

1. An inspection system having an image forming apparatus and an inspection apparatus, the image forming device generates a printed material in accordance with a print job including print data and imposition information; The inspection device includes: an acquisition means for receiving and reading the printed matter to acquire a scanned image of the printed matter; an inspection setting means for performing inspection setting on a reference image; an inspection means for inspecting the scanned image by comparing it with the reference image; a control means for controlling the inspection area set in the inspection setting to be replicated on all pages when the inspection setting includes a serial number inspection for inspecting serial numbers that are consecutive numbers and the imposition information indicates single-sided printing; The inspection system is characterized in that, when the serial number inspection is set, the inspection means performs a data verification inspection by comparing the number set in the inspection setting with a verification value.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the control means, when the inspection settings include the serial number inspection and the imposition information indicates double-sided printing, replicates the inspection area set in the inspection settings for every odd-numbered page or every even-numbered page.

3. 2. The inspection system according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that, when the inspection setting includes the serial number inspection and the imposition information indicates double-sided printing, can select whether the inspection area is to be replicated for every odd-numbered page, every even-numbered page, or for all pages.

4. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means further determines whether the page on which the inspection area is to be replicated is a blank page, and if determined to be a blank page, controls so that the inspection area is not replicated on the blank page.

5. The method further includes a means for setting numbers to be excluded from the serial numbers in the serial number check, 4. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls so as not to duplicate the inspection area for a page where the collation value corresponds to the number to be excluded.

6. The method further includes a setting unit for setting the sequential number to skip incrementing or decrementing when there is a page that is not subject to the sequential number check, The inspection system described in claim 1, characterized in that when the setting means is set to skip increasing or decreasing the consecutive numbers, the control means controls so that the matching value corresponding to a page that does not include the inspection area is assigned to the page following that page, and the matching values ​​for the subsequent pages and beyond are shifted and assigned sequentially.

7. The inspection system according to claim 6, characterized in that the pages that are not subject to the serial number inspection are pages that correspond to a collation value corresponding to a number set by a means for setting numbers to be excluded from the serial number in the serial number inspection, or pages that do not include the inspection area.

8. An inspection device, an acquisition unit that receives and reads a printed matter generated in accordance with a print job including print data and imposition information to acquire a scanned image of the printed matter; an inspection setting means for performing inspection setting on a reference image; an inspection means for inspecting the scanned image by comparing it with the reference image; a control means for controlling the inspection area set in the inspection setting to be replicated on all pages when the inspection setting includes a serial number inspection for inspecting serial numbers that are consecutive numbers and the imposition information indicates single-sided printing; The inspection device is characterized in that, when the serial number inspection is set, the inspection means performs a data verification inspection by comparing the number set in the inspection setting with a verification value.

9. The inspection device according to claim 8, wherein the control means, when the inspection settings include the serial number inspection and the imposition information indicates double-sided printing, replicates the inspection area set in the inspection settings for each odd-numbered page or each even-numbered page.

10. 9. The inspection device according to claim 8, further comprising a selection unit that, when the inspection setting includes the serial number inspection and the imposition information indicates double-sided printing, can select whether the inspection area is to be replicated for every odd-numbered page, every even-numbered page, or for all pages.

11. The inspection device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the control means further determines whether the page on which the inspection area is to be duplicated is a blank page, and if it is determined to be a blank page, controls so that the inspection area is not duplicated on the blank page.

12. The method further includes a means for setting numbers to be excluded from the serial numbers in the serial number check, 11. The inspection device according to claim 8, wherein the control means controls so as not to copy the inspection area for a page where the collation value corresponds to the number to be excluded.

13. The method further includes a setting unit for setting the sequential number to skip incrementing or decrementing when there is a page that is not subject to the sequential number check, The inspection device described in claim 8, characterized in that when the setting means is set to skip increasing or decreasing the consecutive numbers, the control means controls so that the matching value corresponding to a page that does not include the inspection area is assigned to the page following that page, and the matching values ​​for the subsequent pages and thereafter are shifted and assigned sequentially.

14. The inspection device according to claim 13, characterized in that the pages that are not subject to the serial number inspection are pages that correspond to a collation value corresponding to a number set by a means for setting numbers to be excluded from the serial number in the serial number inspection, or pages that do not include the inspection area.

15. 9. The inspection device according to claim 8, wherein the inspection settings include at least an area in which the serial numbers are printed, whether the serial numbers are to be printed in ascending or descending order, a starting number of the serial numbers, and an offset which is a value by which the serial numbers are to be increased or decreased.

16. 9. The inspection device according to claim 8, wherein the control means creates and stores a collation value table including the collation values ​​corresponding to each page based on the inspection settings.

17. The inspection device according to claim 8, wherein the data matching test includes character recognition processing of an area in the scanned image where the serial number is printed, and checking whether the number obtained by the character recognition processing matches the matching value.

18. A control method for controlling an inspection apparatus, comprising: an acquisition step in which an acquisition means of the inspection device receives and reads a printed matter generated in accordance with a print job including print data and imposition information, thereby acquiring a scanned image of the printed matter; an inspection setting step in which an inspection setting means of the inspection device performs inspection setting for a reference image; an inspection step in which an inspection means of the inspection device compares the scanned image with the reference image for inspection; a control step in which a control means of the inspection device controls the inspection area set in the inspection setting to be replicated on all pages when the inspection setting includes a serial number inspection for inspecting serial numbers that are consecutive numbers and the imposition information indicates single-sided printing; A control method characterized in that the inspection step, when the serial number inspection is set, performs a data verification inspection in which the number set in the inspection setting is compared with a verification value.

19. A program causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 18.

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