Inspection device, inspection system, inspection method and program

Abstract

To inspect both abnormalities of a plate used for printing and defects generated in a printed matter.SOLUTION: An image construction unit 1 constructs an image IMG1 and an image IMG2 on the basis of image data DAT of an object on which a pattern is repeatedly printed in a conveyance direction. When there is a difference between the image IMG1 and the image IMG2, a defect detection unit 10 outputs defect detection notification N1 notifying of a defect in the pattern arranged on the object. When there is a difference between a reference image REF representing a reference pattern to be printed on an object and either of the image IMG1 and the image IMG2, a plate collation unit 20 outputs plate abnormality notification N2 notifying of an abnormality in the plate used for printing the object. A notification unit 2 notifies that the abnormality has occurred in printing on the object on the basis of at least one of the defect detection notification N1 and the plate abnormality notification N2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There are known methods for detecting printing defects inline when printing on a rolled sheet-like printing object, such as gravure printing or offset printing. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method that uses a combination of two imaging means to quickly and accurately adjust a printing device before numerous defects occur.

[0003] This method uses a first imaging device and a second imaging device to capture images of the printing surface. The second imaging device is located upstream and closer to the printing device than the first imaging device. The second imaging device captures images of the printing surface in greater detail and with higher resolution than the first imaging device. First, defects and their locations are identified from image information of the printing surface obtained by the first imaging device. Later, the second imaging device captures a more detailed image of the area on the printed surface corresponding to the defect's location. This allows for defect analysis and adjustment of the printing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6948051 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, printing not only involves defects on the printed surface, but also plate anomalies such as incorrectly set plates on the printing press or scratches on the plate. However, plate anomaly detection required manual work or required a separate device from the defect inspection device. This meant that plate confirmation work required a significant amount of time, limiting the speed of the printing process. Another problem was the difficulty of detecting plate anomalies in-line.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to inspect both abnormalities in a plate used for printing and defects that occur in printed matter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inspection device according to the present disclosure comprises: an image construction unit that constructs a first image of an object on which the same pattern is repeatedly printed in a conveying direction based on image data obtained by imaging the object, and constructs a second image of the pattern based on image data obtained after the image data used to construct the first image; a defect detection unit that outputs a first notification notifying of a defect in the pattern arranged on the object when there is a difference between the first image and the second image; a plate comparison unit that outputs a second notification notifying of an abnormality in the plate used to print the object when there is a difference between a reference image showing a reference pattern to be printed on the object and either the first or second image; and a notification unit that notifies of an abnormality in the printing on the object based on at least one of the first and second notifications.

[0008] The inspection system disclosed herein comprises an imaging device that images an object on which the same pattern is printed repeatedly in a conveying direction to acquire image data, and an inspection device that performs an inspection based on the pattern printed on the object based on the image data. The inspection device comprises: an image construction unit that constructs a first image of the pattern based on image data obtained by imaging with the imaging device, and constructs a second image of the pattern based on image data obtained after the image data used to construct the first image; a defect detection unit that outputs a first notification notifying of a defect in the pattern arranged on the object if there is a difference between the first image and the second image; a plate comparison unit that outputs a second notification notifying of an abnormality in the plate used to print the object if there is a difference between a reference image showing a reference pattern to be printed on the object and either the first or second image; and a notification unit that notifies of an abnormality in the printing on the object based on at least one of the first and second notifications.

[0009] The inspection method disclosed herein constructs a first image of the pattern based on image data obtained by capturing an image of an object on which the same pattern is repeatedly printed in a conveying direction, constructs a second image of the pattern based on image data obtained after the image data used to construct the first image, and if there is a difference between the first image and the second image, outputs a first notification notifying of a defect in the pattern arranged on the object, and if there is a difference between a reference image showing the reference pattern to be printed on the object and either the first or second image, outputs a second notification notifying of an abnormality in the plate used to print the object, and reports that an abnormality has occurred in the printing on the object based on at least one of the first and second notifications.

[0010] The program disclosed herein causes a computer to perform the following steps: constructing a first image of an object on which the same pattern is repeatedly printed in the conveying direction based on image data obtained by capturing an image of the object; constructing a second image of the pattern based on image data obtained after the image data used to construct the first image; outputting a first notification notifying of a defect in the pattern arranged on the object if there is a difference between the first image and the second image; plate comparison processing outputting a second notification notifying of an abnormality in the plate used to print the object if there is a difference between a reference image showing the reference pattern to be printed on the object and either the first or second image; and reporting that an abnormality has occurred in printing on the object based on at least one of the first and second notifications. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to inspect both abnormalities in the plate used for printing and defects that have occurred in the printed matter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an inspection system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern printed on a workpiece. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an inspection device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a defect detection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a version comparison unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of an inspection process in the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between an abnormality that occurs in a workpiece and an alarm that is issued. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an inspection device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a version comparison unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of an inspection process in the inspection device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a first modified example of the inspection process in the inspection device. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between an abnormality that occurs in the workpiece W and an alarm that is issued. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of a second modified example of the inspection process in the inspection device. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between an abnormality that occurs in the workpiece W and an alarm that is issued. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a computer for realizing an inspection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as necessary.

[0014] Embodiment 1 First, an inspection system that inspects the printed surface of a workpiece, which is an object printed by a printing press, will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram that schematically shows the configuration of an inspection system 1000 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection system 1000 has an inspection device 100 and an imaging device 110. The imaging device 110 images the printed surface S of the workpiece W that has been printed by a printing press 120. The inspection device 100 detects abnormalities that appear on the printed surface S of the workpiece W based on image data DAT obtained by imaging the printed surface S of the workpiece W with the imaging device 110.

[0015] In the printer 120, a sheet-like material, which is a printing object wound into a roll, is continuously supplied, and a predetermined pattern is printed on the sheet-like material by gravure printing or offset printing, which transfers ink attached to a drum. In the example of Fig. 1, the printer 120 has a sheet supply roll 121, a guide roller 122, a drum 123, a pressure roll 124, and a take-up roll 125.

[0016] The sheet supply roll 121 is attached with a roll on which a sheet-like material M, which is a printing object in the printing machine 120, is wound, and the sheet-like material M is fed out by the rotation of the sheet supply roll 121.

[0017] The sheet-like material M delivered from the sheet supply roll 121 is transported between a drum 123 and a pressure roll 124, for example, via one or more guide rollers 122. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, one guide roller is designated by the reference numeral 122 in Fig. 1, but similar rolls not designated by a reference numeral are also considered to be guide rollers. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of guide rollers shown in Fig. 1 are merely examples, and the number and arrangement of guide rollers may be changed as appropriate.

[0018] The drum 123 and the pressure roll 124 are disposed adjacent to each other, and a guide roller transports the sheet-like material M between the drum 123 and the pressure roll 124. Ink is supplied to the transfer surface on the outer periphery of the drum 123, and the pressure roll 124 brings the sheet-like material M into suitable contact with the transfer surface of the drum 123, thereby printing a predetermined pattern on the sheet-like material M. Hereinafter, the sheet-like material on which the predetermined pattern has been printed by the printing machine 120 will be referred to as a workpiece W.

[0019] The workpiece W is transported to a take-up roll 125 via one or more guide rollers 122. In this example, in order to capture an image of the workpiece W by the imaging device 110, the workpiece W is transported so as to pass through the imaging range of the imaging device 110. Hereinafter, the transport direction of the workpiece W within the imaging range of the imaging device 110 is referred to as a transport direction D1.

[0020] The take-up roll 125 takes up and stores the transported workpiece W.

[0021] 1 shows a simplified configuration for explaining the basic configuration of the printing press 120, but the configuration of the printing press 120 is not limited to this. For example, when multi-color printing is performed in the printing press 120, multiple sets of drums 123 and pressure rolls 124 may be provided. In addition, various mechanisms that are desirable to be provided in a printing press, such as a drying mechanism for drying the workpiece W after printing, may also be provided.

[0022] Next, the pattern printed on the printing surface S of the workpiece W will be described. Generally, a plurality of areas to be printed is arranged on the drum 123, which is a so-called imposition. For example, the drum 123 is configured with a pattern P in which a plurality of unit areas U are arranged in a matrix in the conveying direction D1 and the width direction D2 perpendicular to the conveying direction D1. Then, the pattern P is continuously printed as the sheet-like material M is conveyed in the conveying direction D1. The pattern P here refers to the pattern printed as the drum 123 makes one rotation.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern printed on the workpiece W. The length of the workpiece W in the transport direction D1 is defined as L, and the length in the width direction D2 is defined as W. For simplicity's sake, it is assumed here that nine unit areas U are arranged on the drum 123, three in the circumferential direction, i.e., in the transport direction D1, and three in the axial direction, i.e., in the width direction D2, and each of the unit areas U has the same pattern. In FIG. 2, the nine unit areas U are assigned the symbols U1 to U9 to distinguish them from one another. As shown in FIG. 2, a pattern P consisting of the unit areas U1 to U9 is printed repeatedly on the workpiece W in the transport direction D1.

[0024] Next, the inspection system 1000 will be described. The imaging device 110 captures images of the printed surface S of the workpiece W passing within its imaging range at a predetermined cycle. At this time, it is desirable that the sheet-like material M constituting the workpiece W be held in a sufficiently stretched state so that the imaging device 110 can capture an image of the pattern printed on the printed surface S of the workpiece W in a good condition. In this example, the imaging device 110 captures images of an imaging range 110A that traverses the workpiece W in the width direction D2 of the workpiece W at a predetermined cycle, and sequentially outputs the image data DAT obtained by imaging to the inspection device 100.

[0025] The imaging device 110 may be provided with, for example, multiple imaging units in the width direction D2, similar to imaging means used in general inspection devices, and may capture an image of an area spanning the entire width of the workpiece W. In this case, an image of the entire width of the workpiece W can be obtained by combining multiple images captured simultaneously by the multiple imaging units. The imaging device 110 may also be a line sensor in which multiple imaging elements, such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) sensors, are arranged in the width direction D2 of the workpiece W. A plurality of such line sensors may also be arranged in the conveying direction D1 of the workpiece W. The configuration of the imaging device is not limited to these examples, and various devices may be used as long as they can continuously capture an image of an area spanning the entire width of the workpiece W being conveyed in the conveying direction D1. Although not shown, various lighting means may be provided to illuminate the imaging range during imaging.

[0026] Hereinafter, the imaging device 110 outputs image data DAT of an imaging range of length L and width WD, which are imaged at different timings, to the inspection device 100 each time an image is taken. By taking images at suitable timings in synchronization with the conveying speed of the workpiece W, it is possible to image the entire surface of the workpiece W that has passed through the imaging range 110A. Note that the dimension L of the imaging range 110A in the conveying direction D1 is A may be shorter than the dimension of the unit area U in the conveying direction D1. If the conveying speed of the workpiece W is V, then, for example, the imaging period is L A By setting the value to / V or less, it becomes possible to capture an image of the entire surface of the workpiece W.

[0027] In this embodiment, the inspection system 1000 detects abnormalities that appear on the printed surface S of the workpiece W. For this reason, it is desirable that the imaging device 110 be able to image the printed surface S of the workpiece W as soon as possible after printing by the printing press 120. Therefore, it is desirable that the imaging device 110 be installed in a position as close as possible to the drum 123. This makes it possible to capture an image of any abnormalities that occur on the printed surface when the workpiece W comes into contact with the drum or immediately thereafter, before any effects such as drying of the ink or winding of the workpiece W occur.

[0028] The following describes the inspection device 100. Fig. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the inspection device 100 according to the first embodiment. The inspection device 100 includes an image construction unit 1, a notification unit 2, a defect detection unit 10, and a plate matching unit 20.

[0029] The image construction unit 1 can acquire an image showing the pattern P for one rotation of the drum 123 by linking the image data DAT periodically output from the imaging device 110 in the conveying direction D1. Note that if there is an overlapping portion between multiple sets of image data DAT output from the imaging device 110, the multiple sets of image data may be synthesized using a general method to acquire a single image.

[0030] The defect detection unit 10 performs a defect inspection to detect defects that appear on the printing surface S of the workpiece W. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the defect detection unit 10 according to the first embodiment. The defect detection unit 10 has a difference determination unit 11 and a defect detection notification unit 12.

[0031] The difference determination unit 11 compares two images of the workpiece W acquired at different times by the image construction unit 1. If the two images differ, the difference determination unit 11 determines that there was a defect in the printing of the workpiece W by the printing press 120, and outputs a determination result DET1.

[0032] Defect inspection does not determine which of the two compared images is correctly printed, but simply determines the differences between the two images. Based on the differences between the images, defects on the printing surface that appear in the print during the printing process, such as problems with ink supply to the drum, adhesion of foreign matter to the drum, or adhesion of foreign matter to the printed surface, can be detected.

[0033] The defect detection notifying unit 12 outputs a defect detection notification N1 when a defect is detected according to the determination result DET1.

[0034] The plate matching unit 20 performs so-called plate matching, which determines whether the pattern to be printed by the plate set on the drum 123 is correctly printed on the workpiece W. By performing plate matching, it is possible to detect plate errors, plate scratches, and other plate abnormalities. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the plate matching unit 20 according to the first embodiment. The plate matching unit 20 has a difference determination unit 21, a plate abnormality notification unit 22, and a memory unit 23.

[0035] The difference determination unit 21 compares a reference image REF, which indicates the pattern to be printed by the plate set on the drum 123, with an image indicating the pattern P printed on the workpiece W. In this example, the reference image REF is stored in advance in the memory unit 23, and the difference determination unit 21 reads the reference image REF from the memory unit 23 as needed.

[0036] The reference image REF may be set in advance before printing begins based on the editing data used to design the printing surface S. In this case, by comparing the reference image REF with the captured image, errors in the plate set in the printing press 120 can be detected. Generally, even if the design is the same, it is conceivable that only the characters, or only a portion of the color of the characters, etc., is changed to create the plate. In this case, the change in appearance of the plate is small, and even when visually inspected, it may be difficult to notice the difference between the pattern to be printed and the created pattern. In contrast, with this configuration, plate errors can be detected by image comparison, thereby improving the accuracy of plate error detection. The reference image REF may be generated based on the editing data used by the user to design the printing surface S, and the generated image may be provided to the inspection device 100. Alternatively, the reference image REF may be automatically generated by the plate comparison unit 20 based on the editing data used by the user to design the printing surface S.

[0037] The reference image REF may also be set using an actually printed workpiece W. In this case, first, a plate is set in the printing press 120 and a test print is performed to obtain the workpiece W, and the pattern P on the printing surface S is visually inspected by the user of the inspection device 100. Then, the user may set an image of the pattern P on the workpiece W, which has been printed exactly as the plate through visual inspection, as the reference image REF. In this case, plate defects and other abnormalities that occurred during printing can be detected. However, plate errors cannot be detected by the inspection device 100, so it is desirable to detect plate errors through visual inspection.

[0038] If the reference image REF and the target image differ, the difference determination unit 21 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the plate used in the printing press 120, and outputs a determination result DET2.

[0039] The plate abnormality notification unit 22 outputs a plate abnormality notification N2 when a plate abnormality is detected according to the determination result DET2.

[0040] Next, a description will be given of the inspection process of the inspection device 100. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the inspection process of the inspection device according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Step S1 The image construction unit 1 acquires an image IMG1 obtained by capturing an image of the workpiece W. The image construction unit 1 outputs the acquired image IMG1 to the defect detection unit 10 and the plate comparison unit 20. The image IMG1 is also referred to as a first image.

[0042] Step S2 The image construction unit 1 acquires an image IMG2 of the pattern P a predetermined time after the acquisition of the image IMG1. The image construction unit 1 outputs the acquired image IMG2 to the defect detection unit 10. The image IMG2 is also referred to as a second image.

[0043] The defect detection unit 10 performs defect inspection on the printing surface S of the workpiece W through the following steps S11 to S13.

[0044] Step S11 The difference determination unit 11 compares the images IMG1 and IMG2 acquired at different times and determines whether there is a difference between them. If there is no difference between the images IMG1 and IMG2, the defect detection unit 10 ends the process.

[0045] Step S12 If there is a difference between the image IMG1 and the image IMG2, the defect detection notification unit 12 outputs a defect detection notification N1, assuming that a defect has occurred on the printing surface of the workpiece W. The defect detection notification N1 is also referred to as a first notification.

[0046] Step S13 In response to the defect detection notification N1, the notification unit 2 issues a defect detection alarm ALM1 to the user.

[0047] The version comparison unit 20 performs version comparison through the following steps S21 to S23.

[0048] Step S21 The difference determination unit 21 compares the image IMG1 with the reference image REF to determine whether or not there is a difference. If there is no difference between the image IMG1 and the reference image REF, the version comparison unit 20 ends the process.

[0049] Step S22 If there is a difference between the image IMG1 and the reference image REF, the plate abnormality notification unit 22 determines that there is an abnormality in the plate and outputs a plate abnormality notification N2. The plate abnormality notification N2 is also referred to as a second notification.

[0050] Although image IMG1 is compared with reference image REF here, image IMG2 may be compared with reference image REF as needed. That is, the difference determination unit 21 may compare either image IMG1 or IMG2 with reference REF.

[0051] Step S23 In response to the version abnormality notification N2, the notification unit 2 issues a version abnormality alarm ALM2 to the user.

[0052] As described above, the notification unit 2 can notify the user of the inspection device 100 of the occurrence of an abnormality in the workpiece W through various notification means. In this case, the notification unit 2 may, for example, display the contents of one or both of the defect detection notification N1 and the plate abnormality alarm ALM2 on a display means such as a display so that the user of the inspection device 100 can visually confirm the contents. The notification unit 2 may also notify the user of the inspection device 100 of the contents of one or both of the defect detection notification N1 and the plate abnormality alarm ALM2 by voice using an audio output means such as a speaker. Furthermore, the notification unit 2 may print out the contents of one or both of the defect detection notification N1 and the plate abnormality alarm ALM2 using a printer or the like, automatically or upon request from the user. The notification unit 2 can be configured by various means for notifying the user of the contents of one or both of the defect detection notification N1 and the plate abnormality alarm ALM2, including the means described herein. The notification unit 2 may also be configured by combining multiple means for notifying the user using different methods.

[0053] The relationship between the alarm issued by the processing described above and an abnormality that has occurred in the work W will now be explained. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between an abnormality that has occurred in the work W and the alarm that is issued. Hereinafter, "1" indicates that an alarm is issued, and "0" indicates that an alarm is not issued.

[0054] Case A1 is a case where both the defect detection alarm ALM1 and the plate abnormality alarm ALM2 are issued. In this case, a plate abnormality occurs, and there is a risk that a defect on the printing surface S that is not caused by the plate abnormality may also occur. In this case, the user may identify the cause of the abnormality by checking the workpiece W.

[0055] Case A2 is a case where a defect detection alarm ALM1 is issued, but a plate abnormality alarm ALM2 is not issued. In this case, it is considered that a defect has occurred on the printing surface S, but no plate abnormality has occurred. Therefore, the user can focus on investigating the cause of the defect on the printing surface S.

[0056] Case A3 is a case where the defect detection alarm ALM1 is not issued, but the plate abnormality alarm ALM2 is issued. In this case, it is considered that a plate abnormality has occurred, although no defect has occurred on the printing surface S. Therefore, the user can focus on investigating the cause of the plate abnormality.

[0057] Case A4 is a case where neither the defect detection alarm ALM1 nor the plate abnormality alarm ALM2 is issued. In this case, no abnormality has occurred in the printing process, and printing can be continued.

[0058] As explained above, with this configuration, it is possible to detect defects on the printing surface and abnormalities in the plate simultaneously and separately based on the images captured by the imaging means. This makes it possible to efficiently perform defect inspection and plate verification, which have previously been performed separately, and to shorten the inspection work time.

[0059] Furthermore, since plate matching can be performed automatically based on images, the manpower and work time required for plate matching, which has often been performed manually, can be efficiently reduced.

[0060] Embodiment 2 As explained in the first embodiment, the pattern P printed on the workpiece W for one revolution of the drum 123 may have multiple unit areas U of the same design arranged therein. In the example of FIG. 3, nine unit areas U are arranged in the pattern P, but it is conceivable that a printing defect will occur in only one of the nine unit patterns before printing begins. In this case, if the image captured for the initial printing lot is set as the reference image REF in the first embodiment, the printing defect will also exist in one unit area U in the reference image REF, and therefore the printing defect will not be detectable in step S20.

[0061] Although it is assumed that the printing defects occur in one unit area, this is for the sake of simplicity, and the same applies to the case where printing defects occur in multiple unit areas.

[0062] Therefore, in this embodiment, an inspection device that can further detect differences between unit areas will be described. Fig. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an inspection device 200 according to the second embodiment. The inspection device 200 has a configuration in which the plate matching unit 20 of the inspection device 100 is replaced with a plate matching unit 30.

[0063] 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image matching unit 30 according to the second embodiment. The image matching unit 30 has a configuration in which an intra-image determination unit 31 is further provided in addition to the image matching unit 20. The configuration of the image matching unit 30 other than the intra-image determination unit 31 is the same as that of the image matching unit 20, and therefore a redundant description will be omitted.

[0064] The intra-image determination unit 31 is configured to determine whether there is a difference between two unit area patterns included in the pattern P for one rotation of the drum 123, and to output a determination result DET3.

[0065] Next, the inspection process in the inspection device 200 will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the inspection process in the inspection device according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 10, steps S21 to S23 are replaced with steps S31 to S34 compared to Fig. 6. Steps S1, S2, and S11 to S13 in Fig. 10 are the same as those in Fig. 6, and therefore redundant description will be omitted.

[0066] Step S31 Similar to step S21 in FIG. 6, the difference determining unit 21 compares the image IMG1 with the reference image REF and determines whether or not there is a difference.

[0067] Step S32 If there is no difference between image IMG1 and reference image REF, the intra-image determination unit 31 detects a difference between two unit areas U adjacent in the conveying direction D1, selected from the multiple unit areas U in the pattern P. The plate matching unit 20 performs this detection process for all pairs of two unit areas U that can be selected from the multiple unit areas U of the pattern P. Then, the plate matching unit 20 determines whether there is at least one pair in which a difference has been detected.

[0068] Step S33 If there is a difference between the image IMG1 and the reference image REF in step S31, or if there is at least one pair of unit areas U with a difference in step S32, the plate abnormality notification unit 22 issues a plate abnormality notification N2. If there is no pair of unit areas U with a difference, the plate comparison unit 30 ends the process.

[0069] Step S34 The notification unit 2 issues a plate abnormality alarm ALM2 to the user in response to the plate abnormality notification N2, similar to step S23 in FIG.

[0070] 2, the imaging device 110 periodically captures images of the workpiece W being transported in the transport direction D1. Therefore, there is a risk that the effects of aberrations in the optical system of the imaging device 110 will appear, particularly in the width direction, each time an image is captured. Therefore, in this embodiment, the effects of aberrations appearing in the width direction are suppressed by comparing two unit patterns adjacent in the width direction.

[0071] If sufficient comparison accuracy can be ensured, two unit patterns adjacent in the transport direction may be compared.

[0072] Furthermore, the comparison target is not limited to unit patterns. For example, if the pattern P has multiple rows each consisting of multiple unit patterns arranged in the width direction, two rows adjacent in the transport direction may be compared. For example, if the pattern P has multiple columns each consisting of multiple unit patterns arranged in the transport direction, two columns adjacent in the width direction may be compared.

[0073] As described above, with this configuration, even when multiple unit areas are imposed on a plate, it is possible to automatically detect abnormalities in each unit area of ​​the plate, thereby enabling more complex abnormalities in the plate to be detected efficiently.

[0074] Embodiment 3 In the first embodiment, the defect inspection by the defect detection unit 10 and the plate matching by the plate matching unit 20 are performed in parallel. However, the defect inspection and plate matching may be performed sequentially.

[0075] A first modified example of the inspection process in the inspection device 100 will now be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the first modified example of the inspection process in the inspection device 100. In FIG. 11, the plate comparison unit 20 makes a determination in step S21 depending on the determination result in step S11 by the defect detection unit 10. Specifically, if there is no difference between the images IMG1 and IMG2 in step S11, the difference determination unit 21 starts the process of step S21. The other processes are the same as in FIG. 6, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0076] Next, the relationship between an abnormality that occurs in the workpiece W and an alarm that is issued in the first modified example will be described. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between an abnormality that occurs in the workpiece W and an alarm that is issued.

[0077] Case B1 is a case where a defect detection alarm ALM1 is issued. In Modification 1, if it is determined in step S11 that there is a difference between image IMG1 and image IMG2, steps S21 to S23 related to issuing a plate abnormality alarm ALM2 are not executed. In this case, it is considered that at least a defect has occurred on the printing surface S that is not caused by a plate abnormality. Therefore, the user can focus on investigating the cause of the defect on the printing surface S.

[0078] Cases B2 and B3 are similar to cases A3 and A4 in FIG. 7, respectively, and therefore will not be described again.

[0079] Next, a second modified example of the inspection process in the inspection device 100 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the second modified example of the inspection process in the inspection device 100. In FIG. 13, the defect detection unit 10 makes a determination in step S11 depending on the determination result in step S21 by the plate comparison unit 20. Specifically, if there is no difference between the reference image REF and the image IMG2 in step S21, the difference determination unit 11 starts the processing in step S11. The other processing is the same as in FIG. 6, so redundant description will be omitted.

[0080] Next, the relationship between an abnormality that occurs in the workpiece W and an alarm that is issued in the second modified example will be described. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between an abnormality that occurs in the workpiece W and an alarm that is issued.

[0081] Case C1 is a case where a version abnormality alarm ALM2 is issued. In this case, there is a possibility that a version abnormality has occurred. Therefore, the user can focus on investigating the cause of the version abnormality.

[0082] Cases C2 and C3 are similar to cases A2 and A4 in FIG. 7, respectively, and therefore will not be described again.

[0083] As described above, the inspection device can perform defect inspection and plate matching in any order, or simultaneously, allowing the user of the inspection device to have the inspection device perform defect inspection and plate matching in the order desired.

[0084] Other embodiments Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the workpiece W is described as being printed by conveying a continuous strip of sheet material into contact with a drum, as in typical offset printing or gravure printing. However, the workpiece to be inspected is not limited to this. For example, the workpiece may be produced by printing on a sheet cut to a predetermined size. In this case, for example, by acquiring an image of all or part of each cut sheet, defect inspection and plate matching may be performed in parallel using the inspection device according to the first embodiment.

[0086] The printing method of the printing machine 120 may be not only offset printing and gravure printing, but also various printing methods.

[0087] The material of the workpiece W printed by the printing machine 120 may be various sheet-like materials such as paper, synthetic resin film, and aluminum foil, or any sheet-like material. In this case, by providing a transport mechanism for transporting the workpiece W to the imaging unit appropriately in accordance with the workpiece W, it is possible to perform defect inspection and plate matching in parallel using the inspection device according to the first embodiment described above.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, for simplicity, the boundary of the pattern P has been described as coinciding with the boundary of the unit area U included in the pattern P. However, this is merely an example, and if inspection processing by an inspection device is possible, the boundary of the pattern P may be set so as to cross one or more unit areas. Even in this case, the boundary may be made to coincide with the boundary of the unit area U included in the pattern P afterwards by performing correction processing as necessary.

[0089] The size, occupancy range, etc. of the pattern P may be set in advance by the user of the inspection device. Alternatively, the inspection device may detect repetition of the same pattern using image data of the workpiece W, and automatically determine the range of the pattern P according to the detection results.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the inspection device according to the present disclosure has been described primarily as a hardware configuration, but this is not limited thereto. The inspection device according to the present disclosure can also be realized by having a computer execute a computer program to perform any desired processing. These processes may be realized by having a computer including at least one processor (e.g., a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an MPU, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor)) execute the program. Specifically, one or more programs including instructions for causing a computer to perform these algorithms related to transmission signal processing or reception signal processing may be created, and the programs may be supplied to the computer.

[0091] A computer program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic storage media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical storage media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). The program may also be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer-readable media can supply the program to a computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire or optical fiber, or via a wireless communication path.

[0092] An example of the configuration of a computer for realizing the inspection apparatus is shown below. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer for realizing the inspection apparatus. The inspection apparatus can be realized by a computer 9000 such as a dedicated computer or a personal computer (PC). However, the computer does not need to be physically single, and may be multiple when performing distributed processing. As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 9000 has, for example, a processor 9001, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 9002, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 9003, a storage unit 9004, a communication interface 9005, and a user interface 9006.

[0093] The processor 9001, ROM 9002, RAM 9003, storage unit 9004, communication interface 9005, and user interface 9006 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 9007. Note that although explanation of OS software for operating the computer is omitted, it is also installed in the computer 9000 as appropriate.

[0094] The ROM is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, etc. The ROM 9002 stores information such as various programs used by the computer 9000.

[0095] The storage unit 9004 is configured by various storage devices such as a hard disk or a solid state disk. Furthermore, the storage unit 9004 is not limited to a storage device installed in the computer 9000, but may be a storage device external to the computer 9000. The external storage device may be a cloud storage connected to the computer 9000 via various communication means, for example, a network. The storage unit 9004 stores information such as various programs and data used by the computer 9000. For example, the above-mentioned storage unit 23 may be realized using the storage unit 9004.

[0096] The RAM 9003 is configured by a volatile semiconductor memory device, etc. Programs, data, and other information used by the processor 9001 are loaded into the RAM 9003 from one or both of the ROM 9002 and the storage unit 9004 as appropriate.

[0097] The processor 9001 may be configured with, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 9001 may also include not only a CPU but also a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). A GPU is suitable for performing routine processing in parallel, and when applied to processing in a neural network, for example, it can improve processing speed compared to a CPU. The processor 9001 executes various processes based on various programs stored in the ROM 9002 or various programs and data held in the RAM 9003, as appropriate. The processor 9001 may also store data generated by processing in the RAM 9003 or the storage unit 9004, as appropriate.

[0098] The communication interface 9005 is an interface that connects the computer 9000 to a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet via various wired communication means or wireless communication means, etc. This allows the computer 9000 to communicate with other devices, systems, sensors, etc. that are connected to the communication network.

[0099] The user interface 9006 includes, for example, a display unit that provides information so that the user can recognize it using a display device or the like, and an audio output unit that outputs audio. The user interface 9006 also includes an input unit that allows the user to input information to the computer 9000 by operating a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, or the like. The user interface 9006 may also include devices such as sensors that obtain information useful to the user.

[0100] For example, the above-mentioned notification unit 2 may be realized by the communication interface 9005, the user interface 9006, or a combination of these.

[0101] Although the computer 9000 has been described as a single device here, this is merely an example. The computer 9000 may be composed of multiple physically separated devices. Some of the multiple devices may be portable devices, and other devices may be stationary devices.

[0102] Each drawing is merely an example for describing one or more embodiments. Each drawing may relate not only to one particular embodiment, but also to one or more other embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create, for example, an embodiment not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessary to describe an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 Image Composition Section 2. Information Department 10 Defect detection section 11, 21 Difference judgment part 12 Defect detection notification section 20th and 30th edition collation section 22nd edition anomaly notification section 23 Memory section 31 Image Intra-judgment Unit 100, 200 inspection equipment 110 Imaging device 110A Imaging range 120 Printing machine 121 Sheet supply roll 122 Guide roller 123 Drums 124 Pressure Roll 125 take-up roll 1000 Inspection System 9000 computers 9001 processor 9002 ROM 9003 RAM 9004 Storage section 9005 Communication Interface 9006 User Interface 9007 Bus ALM1 Defect detection alarm ALM2 abnormal alarm D1 Conveying direction D2 Width direction DAT image data DET1~DET3 Judgment results IMG1, IMG2 images M sheet-shaped material N1 Defect detection notification N2 version error notification P pattern REF Reference Image S Print side U1~U9 unit area double work

Claims

1. an image construction unit that constructs a first image of the pattern based on image data obtained by capturing an image of an object on which the same pattern is repeatedly printed in a conveyance direction, and constructs a second image of the pattern based on image data obtained after the image data used to construct the first image; a defect detection unit that outputs a first notification indicating a defect in a pattern arranged on the object when there is a difference between the first image and the second image; a plate comparison unit that outputs a second notification that notifies of an abnormality in the plate used to print the object when there is a difference between a reference image showing a reference pattern to be printed on the object and either the first or second image; a notification unit that notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in printing on the object based on at least one of the first and second notifications, Inspection equipment.

2. the reference image is an image generated based on data indicating the reference pattern. The inspection device according to claim 1 .

3. the plate matching unit generates the reference image based on data indicating the reference pattern; The inspection device according to claim 2 .

4. The reference pattern includes a plurality of unit areas each having the same pattern arranged therein, the version comparison unit outputs the second notification when there is a difference between two of the unit areas selected from the plurality of unit areas. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the plate comparison unit determines a difference between the reference image and either the first image or the second image when the defect detection unit determines that there is no difference between the first image and the second image. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the defect detection unit determines a difference between the first image and the second image when the plate comparison unit determines that there is no difference between the reference image and either the first or second image. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the target object is a printed matter having a pattern printed on a printing surface of a sheet-like member, an image of the pattern printed on the printing surface of the object is captured while the sheet-like member is stretched; The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the object is transported, and different positions on the printing surface are periodically imaged, thereby constructing the first and second images; The inspection device according to claim 7.

9. an imaging device that captures an image of an object on which the same pattern is repeatedly printed in the conveyance direction to acquire image data; an inspection device that performs an inspection based on a pattern printed on the object based on the image data, The inspection device includes: an image construction unit that constructs a first image of the pattern based on image data obtained by imaging with the imaging device, and constructs a second image of the pattern based on image data obtained after the image data used to construct the first image; a defect detection unit that outputs a first notification indicating a defect in a pattern arranged on the object when there is a difference between the first image and the second image; a plate comparison unit that outputs a second notification that notifies of an abnormality in the plate used to print the object when there is a difference between a reference image showing a reference pattern to be printed on the object and either the first or second image; a notification unit that notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in printing on the object based on at least one of the first and second notifications, Inspection system.

10. constructing a first image of the pattern based on image data obtained by imaging an object on which the same pattern is repeatedly printed in a conveyance direction, and constructing a second image of the pattern based on image data obtained after the image data used to construct the first image; outputting a first notification indicating a defect in a pattern arranged on the object when there is a difference between the first image and the second image; outputting a second notification notifying of an abnormality in the plate used to print the object when there is a difference between a reference image showing a reference pattern to be printed on the object and either the first or second image; notifying the occurrence of an abnormality in printing on the object based on at least one of the first and second notifications; Testing method.

11. a step of constructing a first image of the pattern based on image data obtained by capturing an image of an object on which the same pattern is repeatedly printed in a conveyance direction, and constructing a second image of the pattern based on image data obtained after the image data used to construct the first image; outputting a first notification indicating a defect in a pattern arranged on the object when there is a difference between the first image and the second image; a plate comparison process for outputting a second notification notifying an abnormality in the plate used to print the object when there is a difference between a reference image showing a reference pattern to be printed on the object and either the first or second image; and causing the computer to execute a process of notifying the user that an abnormality has occurred in printing on the object based on at least one of the first and second notifications. program.

Images