Printing system and printed matter inspection method

Abstract

To improve efficiency of inspection work by shortening inspection time of a printed matter.SOLUTION: A printing system 100 includes: a printing unit 23 that prints an image on a recording material by an ink jet method; a reading unit 24 that reads the image of the recording material printed by the printing unit 23; a control unit 201 that stores read images of a plurality of reference candidates read by the reading unit 24 as reference candidate images without waiting for ink stabilization of the plurality of reference candidates for inspecting a printed matter printed by the printing unit 23, and registers a selected reference candidate image as a reference image; and an inspection unit 202 that collates the read image of the printed matter with the reference image and inspects the printed matter without waiting for ink stabilization.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system and a method for inspecting printed matter. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in an inspection system installed in an inkjet printer, the printing condition settings for a reference image are changed, and the reference image is printed and output under multiple printing condition settings. The ink on the image output on the printing paper by the inkjet printer does not stabilize until several tens of minutes have passed. Therefore, after the ink in the multiple printed reference images stabilizes, a reference image for inspection is selected from the multiple reference images with stabilized ink. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which the drying time is set longer than the ink color stabilization time, and color measurement begins after waiting for the drying time to elapse.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes acquiring the color stabilization time of the ink to be used. It also describes setting the drying time to be at least longer than the color stabilization time. It also describes waiting for the drying time to elapse after a color image is printed before starting color measurement by the color measurement device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-241061 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, conventional techniques have been disclosed that wait for the ink to dry before starting color measurement. However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 waits for the ink in multiple printed reference images to dry before determining a reference image. The technique described in Patent Document 1 then waits for the ink in the printed matter to dry and then performs color measurement using the determined reference image. This results in a problem of longer inspection times for printed matter, reducing the efficiency of the inspection work.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to shorten the time required to inspect printed matter and improve the efficiency of the inspection work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the printing system of the present invention comprises a printing unit that prints an image on a recording material using an inkjet method, a reading unit that reads the image on the recording material printed by the printing unit, a control unit that stores the read images of the multiple reference candidates read by the reading unit as reference candidate images without waiting for the ink of the multiple reference candidates for inspecting the printed matter printed by the printing unit to stabilize, and registers the selected reference candidate image as a reference image, and an inspection unit that inspects the printed matter by comparing the read image with the reference image without waiting for the ink to stabilize. The above-described printing system is one aspect of the present invention, and a printed matter inspection method that reflects one aspect of the present invention is configured in the same manner as the above-described printing system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention having the above configuration, it is possible to shorten the time required to inspect printed matter and improve the efficiency of the inspection work. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an inkjet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a job selection screen in the printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of an inspection mode setting screen in the printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a reference image setting reminder screen in the printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for selecting a reference candidate image in the printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of an inspection mode setting screen in the printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a job setting screen for inspection printing in the printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting change warning screen displayed in the printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a reminder screen for registering a reference image with stable ink in the printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for registering an ink-stable reference image in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for a reference candidate image registration process in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a reference image selection process in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for a printed matter inspection process in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functions or configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] <One embodiment> First, the schematic configuration of a printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a printing system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the printing system 100 includes a printer controller 1 and an inkjet printer 2. The printer controller 1 and the inkjet printer 2 are connected to each other via a network (not shown).

[0012] The printer controller 1 is a terminal device used by an operator to perform printing work, inspection work, etc. The printer controller 1 has a user interface that allows the operator to perform various settings. The user interface allows the operator to perform print job settings (printing condition settings) and select reference candidate images for inspecting printed materials, etc. The printer controller 1 sends information such as the print job and inspection settings set by the operator to the inkjet printer 2.

[0013] The inkjet printer 2 receives information such as print jobs and inspection settings from the printer controller 1. The inkjet printer 2 then prints images on recording materials such as paper using the inkjet method according to the printing conditions set in the print job. The inkjet printer 2 also performs an automatic inspection process (see Figure 14, described below) on the output printout.

[0014] [Inkjet printer hardware configuration example] Next, we will explain an example of the hardware configuration of the inkjet printer 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the inkjet printer 2.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, the inkjet printer 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 21, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22, all of which are connected to a bus B. The inkjet printer 2 also includes a printing unit 23, a reading unit 24, non-volatile storage 25, and a network interface 26. Note that Fig. 2 shows only the components related to the present invention, and illustration and description of the other components are omitted.

[0016] The CPU 20 reads out the program code of the software that realizes each function of the inkjet printer 2 from the ROM 21, loads it into the RAM 22, and executes it. Variables and parameters that arise during the calculation processing of the CPU 20 are temporarily written to the RAM 22, and these variables and parameters are read out by the CPU 20 as appropriate. However, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) may be used instead of the CPU 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 20 realizes the functions of a control unit 201 and an inspection unit 202.

[0017] The control unit 201 controls the operation of each component of the inkjet printer 2, such as the printing unit 23 and reading unit 24. The control unit 201 controls the printing process in the printing unit 23. The control unit 201 also stores, as reference candidate images, scanned images of multiple reference candidates scanned by the reading unit 24 without waiting for the ink in the multiple reference candidates for inspecting printed materials printed by the printing unit 23 to stabilize. The control unit 201 also registers the selected reference candidate images as reference images. The reference candidate image registration process and the reference image selection process will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, respectively.

[0018] The inspection unit 202 inspects the printed matter by comparing the scanned image of the printed matter with a reference image of the printed matter, without waiting for the ink on the printed matter to stabilize.

[0019] The printing unit 23 has a function of printing an image on a recording material using an inkjet method. The reading unit 24 is an example of an image reading device that includes an image sensor or the like, and reads an image printed on a recording material and outputs the read image.

[0020] The nonvolatile storage 25 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, or a nonvolatile memory. This nonvolatile storage 25 stores an operating system (OS), various parameters, and programs for operating the inkjet printer 2. The ROM 21 and nonvolatile storage 25 store programs, data, and the like required for the CPU 20 to operate. The ROM 21 and nonvolatile storage 25 are used as examples of computer-readable, non-transitory storage media that store programs.

[0021] For example, a network interface card (NIC) or the like is used as the network interface 26. The network interface 26 is capable of transmitting and receiving various types of data between devices via a local area network (LAN), a dedicated line, or the like connected to a terminal of the NIC.

[0022] 2 shows an example configuration in which the function of inspecting printed materials is an internal function of the inkjet printer 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a device including components other than the printing unit 23 shown in FIG. 2 may be provided outside the inkjet printer 2, and used as a printed material inspection device that inspects printed materials.

[0023] [Example of various user setting screens] Next, various user interfaces in the printing system 100, i.e., display examples of various user setting screens, will be described. The various user setting screens are displayed on the display device of the printer controller 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of a job selection screen M1 in the printing system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0024] The "Print Job" display area on the left side of the job selection screen M1 displays the name of the management file for the print job of each printed material stored on the HDD of the printer controller 1. The "Print Job" display area displays file names such as "File A" and "File B," i.e., identification information for each printed material. The management file contains management information for each print job that has not yet been performed, has been performed, and is currently being performed for the original image of the printed material.

[0025] When one of the management files displayed on the job selection screen M1 is selected, management information for each print job linked to the printed material is displayed in the center of the screen. In this embodiment, each print job linked to the printed material is a print job linked to each of multiple reference candidates for selecting a reference image for inspection. Each reference candidate is a document image printed with adjusted printing condition settings.

[0026] 3, "Printer α," which is the identification information of the printer specified for the print job, is displayed in the center of the job selection screen M1. Note that the printer identification information is not limited to the printer name, and may be the printer's ID (Identification), IP (Internet Protocol) address, etc.

[0027] As shown in the figure, management information for pending print jobs is displayed in the "Hold" display area below the printer's identification information. The "Hold" display area displays the "No.", "User Name," "File Name," and "Page" information for each pending print job. "No." is the print job's management number (an example of identification information), and "User Name" is the name of the user who set the print job (an example of identification information). "File Name" is identification information for the printed material linked to the corresponding print job, and "Page" is the number of print pages set for the print job.

[0028] Below the "Hold" display section, the "History" display section displays management information for completed print jobs. The "History" display section displays the "No.", "User Name," "File Name," and "Page" information for each completed job. The above information is the same as the information displayed in the "Hold" display section, so a duplicate explanation will be omitted. Furthermore, the "History" display section displays the "Copies," "Date," and "Auto Inspection" information for each completed print job. "Copies" is the number of copies set for the print job. "Date" is the date and time when the print job was completed. "Auto Inspection" is, for example, setting information for performing automatic inspection (e.g., "Yes"), or setting information for not performing automatic inspection (e.g., "No").

[0029] Below the "History" display section, the "Active" display section displays management information for print jobs currently being performed. The "Active" display section displays the "Status," "User Name," "File Name," and "Page" information for each print job currently being performed. The above information other than "Status" is the same as the information displayed in the "History" display section, so a duplicate explanation will be omitted. "Status" is information that indicates the progress of each print job currently being performed.

[0030] Next, we will explain each setting screen related to the new registration of a reference candidate image. In this embodiment, to select a reference image for inspection, the operator first sets the inkjet printer 2 to inspection mode. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the inspection mode setting screen M2 in the printing system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0031] The inspection mode setting screen M2 displays an automatic inspection setting section (the "Auto Inspection" check box shown in the figure). When the "Auto Inspection" check box is selected, automatic inspection is set.

[0032] An inspection mode setting section ("Inspection Mode") is displayed below the automatic inspection setting section. The inspection mode setting section includes a new registration setting section ("Create New" radio button) and an inspection setting section for using a registered reference image. The inspection setting section has a "Use Registered Reference Image" radio button and a reference image selection section.

[0033] When an operator registers a new reference candidate image, he or she selects the "Create New" radio button and presses the "OK" button, which displays the print job settings screen (see Figure 8 described below). On the print job settings screen, the operator adjusts the printing condition settings and executes printing in order to inspect the printed material. The control unit 201 manages multiple printing condition settings for inspecting the printed material and switches the multiple printing condition settings to automatic. The control unit 201 also controls the printing unit 23 so that multiple reference candidates are printed. The reading unit 24 of the inkjet printer 2 also reads the images of the printed reference candidates without waiting for the ink in the reference candidates to stabilize. The control unit 201 then links the reference candidate images and the printing condition settings used when printing the reference candidate images to the printed material and registers them in the non-volatile storage 25.

[0034] In this embodiment, the user interface displays a reminder to select a reference image after a predetermined time has passed until the ink of multiple reference candidates has stabilized. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the display of a reference image setting reminder screen M3 in the printing system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the reference image setting reminder screen M3 displays a message prompting the user to set a reference image, such as "Printed Image has been dried. Please proceed to define "Reference Image". When the "OK" button on the reference image setting reminder screen M3 is pressed, a reference candidate image selection screen M4 shown in FIG. 6 (described later) is displayed. The reference image setting reminder screen M3 is closed. When the "No" button is pressed, the reference image setting reminder screen M3 is closed.

[0035] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display of a reference candidate image selection screen in the printing system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the names of the management files for the print jobs of each printed material are displayed on the left side of the reference candidate image selection screen M4. When one of the displayed management files is selected, the reference candidate image selection screen M4 displays reduced images of the multiple reference candidate images associated with the printed material on the right side.

[0036] The operator checks the reference candidates whose ink is stable (see "File A-Ref_4" at the bottom left) and selects, for example, the fourth reference candidate ("Ref_4") as the reference for inspection. In this embodiment, the control unit 201 controls the printing unit 23 so that the identification information of the reference candidate is printed in the margin of the reference candidate, as shown in "File A-Ref_4" at the bottom left. Based on the identification information printed in the margin of the selected reference candidate, the operator can accurately select a candidate image on the reference candidate image selection screen M4. The identification information of the reference candidate is, for example, the ID of the print job of the reference candidate. The identification information of the reference candidate may be any information as long as it corresponds to the identification information of the reference candidate image displayed on the reference candidate image selection screen M4.

[0037] The operator then selects the reference candidate image "Ref_4" on the reference candidate image selection screen M4 and presses the "Register" button. When the "Register" button is pressed, a deletion notice screen M5 is displayed, as indicated by the dashed arrow. The deletion notice screen M5 is a screen that notifies the operator that all reference candidate images other than the registered reference candidate image will be deleted. The deletion notice screen M5 displays a message such as "Remaining Image will be deleted." When the "OK" button on the deletion notice screen M5 is pressed, all reference candidate images other than the selected one are deleted. Furthermore, the selected reference candidate image ("Ref_4") is registered as a reference image for inspection. When the reference image is registered, the reference image and the printing condition settings for printing the image are linked to the identification information of the printed material and stored. When the "No" button on the deletion notice screen M5 is pressed, the display screen returns to the reference candidate image selection screen M4.

[0038] Next, each inspection setting screen in this embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of the inspection mode setting screen M2 in the printing system 100 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the inspection mode setting screen M2 shown in Fig. 7 is the same as the configuration described in Fig. 4, so a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0039] After a reference image for inspecting printed materials has been registered, when inspecting the material, the operator selects the "Auto Inspection" checkbox, as shown in Figure 7. The operator also selects the "Use Registered Reference Image" radio button. The operator then selects the management file for the print job of the printed material to be inspected in the reference image selection area. When the "select..." button is pressed in the reference image selection area, the storage location of the management file for the print job of each printed material opens. When the management file to be inspected is selected from that list, the name of the selected management file is reflected in the text box. Then, when the "OK" button is pressed, the inspection print job setting screen is displayed.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the inspection printing job setting screen M6 in the printing system 100 according to this embodiment. The setting items on the inspection printing job setting screen M6 are similar to those on conventional print jobs, and therefore will not be described in detail here. In this embodiment, the control unit 201 automatically sets the printing condition settings for the reference candidate image selected as the reference image. Therefore, the printing condition settings for the selected reference candidate image are automatically written and displayed on the inspection printing job setting screen M6. If the operator confirms each item on the inspection printing job setting screen M6 and does not wish to make any changes, the operator presses the "OK" button. The printing unit 23 then prints using the automatically set printing condition settings and outputs the printed material. Furthermore, the printed material is automatically inspected based on the reference image associated with the management file name selected on the inspection mode setting screen M2.

[0041] When the operator checks each item on the inspection printing job setting screen M6, changes the printing condition settings, and presses the "OK" button, a setting change warning screen is displayed. That is, the user interface displays a warning if the printing condition settings at the time of printing the printed material differ from the automatically set printing condition settings. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the setting change warning screen M7 displayed in the printing system 100 according to this embodiment. The setting change warning screen M7 displays a warning message such as, "The settings are different from the saved settings." If the operator presses the "OK" button, the changed printing condition settings are applied. If the operator presses the "Undo" button, the setting changes are canceled, and the display screen returns to the inspection printing job setting screen M6.

[0042] After the settings on the various user setting screens described above are configured, the automatic inspection process for printed materials begins. In this embodiment, the user interface displays a reminder to register an ink-stable reference image after inspecting the printed material. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the ink-stable reference image registration reminder screen M8 in the printing system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 10, a reminder message such as "Do you register "Dried Image"?" is displayed on the reminder screen M8 for registering a reference image with stable ink. When the operator presses the "OK" button, the post-drying reference image registration screen M9 shown in Fig. 11 is displayed.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the ink-stable reference image registration screen M9 in the printing system 100 according to this embodiment. The name of the management file for the print job of each printed material is displayed on the left side of the dried reference image registration screen M9. When one of the displayed management files is selected, the right side allows the user to select and display either the pre-drying reference image ("Real Time Image") or the dried reference image ("Dried Image") associated with the printed material. FIG. 11 displays a reduced image of the dried reference image. When the operator presses the "Register" button, the dried reference image is associated with the printed material and registered. By registering the ink-stable reference image, the ink-stable reference image can be used to inspect printed materials from other inkjet printers.

[0045] [Procedure for registering reference candidate images] Next, the procedure for the reference image registration process in the printing system 100 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the reference candidate image registration process in the printing system 100 according to this embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the operator has selected a print job on the job selection screen M1 (see FIG. 3). It is also assumed that the operator has set multiple print jobs in order to print multiple reference candidates by adjusting the printing condition settings. When the operator performs the new registration operation described in FIG. 4 on the inspection mode setting screen M2 (see FIG. 4), the following process begins.

[0046] First, the control unit 201 of the inkjet printer 2 determines whether the inspection mode setting is a new registration (S10).

[0047] When the control unit 201 determines that the inspection mode setting is not new registration (NO in S10), the reference candidate image registration process ends.

[0048] On the other hand, when the control unit 201 determines that the inspection mode setting is a new registration (YES in S10), it acquires the set print jobs in order (S11).

[0049] Next, the control unit 201 of the inkjet printer 2 sets the printing conditions in accordance with the print job, and the printing unit 23 executes printing (S12).

[0050] Next, the reading unit 24 of the inkjet printer 2 reads the printed reference candidate image and registers the read image as a reference candidate image (S13).

[0051] Next, the control unit 201 of the inkjet printer 2 determines whether there is an unexecuted print job (S14).

[0052] If the control unit 201 determines that there is an unexecuted print job (YES in S14), the control unit 201 returns to the process of step S1 and repeats the processes of steps S10 to S14.

[0053] On the other hand, if the control unit 201 determines that there is no unexecuted print job (NO in S14), or if the result in S10 is NO, the reference candidate image registration process ends.

[0054] [Reference image selection process] Next, the procedure for the reference image selection process in the printing system 100 will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the reference image selection process in the printing system 100 according to this embodiment. The process described below starts when a predetermined time has elapsed after the reference candidate image registration process shown in Fig. 12 has been completed. Note that the predetermined time is set, for example, to the time required for the ink on the printing paper to dry and stabilize.

[0055] First, the printer controller 1 issues a reference image setting reminder (S20). In this process, the printer controller 1 displays a reference image setting reminder screen M3 (see FIG. 5). When the operator presses the "OK" button on the reference image setting reminder screen M3, a reference candidate image selection screen M4 (see FIG. 6) is displayed.

[0056] Next, the inkjet printer 2 determines the reference candidate image selected by the operator as the reference image for inspection (S21). In this process, the operator selects a reference image from multiple reference candidate images on reference candidate image selection screen M4 (see FIG. 6). The inkjet printer 2 determines the selected reference candidate image as the reference image and automatically sets the printing conditions for printing the reference candidate image.

[0057] Next, the inkjet printer 2 deletes all images other than the selected reference candidate image (S22). After the processing of S22, the reference image selection processing ends.

[0058] [Printed material inspection processing procedure] Next, the procedure for the print inspection process in the printing system 100 will be described. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the print inspection process in the printing system 100 according to this embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the reference image selection process shown in Fig. 13 has already been executed. It is also assumed that the operator has selected a print job on the job selection screen M1 (see Fig. 3). Then, when the operator sets automatic inspection using a registered reference image on the inspection mode setting screen M2 (see Fig. 4), the following process begins.

[0059] First, the control unit 201 of the inkjet printer 2 determines whether automatic inspection using a registered reference image is set (S30).

[0060] If the control unit 201 determines that automatic inspection using a registered reference image is not set (NO in S30), the print inspection process ends.

[0061] On the other hand, if the control unit 201 determines that automatic inspection using a registered reference image is set (YES in S30), it acquires the selected print job (S31). In this process, the control unit 201 acquires the print job selected by the operator on the job selection screen M1 (see FIG. 3).

[0062] Next, the control unit 201 automatically sets the printing condition settings for the reference image associated with the print job (S32).

[0063] Next, the printing unit 23 of the inkjet printer 2 executes printing using the automatically set printing conditions (S33).

[0064] Next, the reading unit 24 of the inkjet printer 2 reads the printed image and outputs the read image (S34).

[0065] Next, the inspection unit 202 of the inkjet printer 2 compares the scanned image of the printed material with the reference image linked to the print job of the printed material (S35). The inspection unit 202 also outputs the comparison result to the control unit 201.

[0066] Next, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the collation result is problematic (S36).

[0067] If the control unit 201 determines that the collation result is problematic (YES in S36), the control unit 201 outputs the printed matter to the normal paper output tray (S37).

[0068] On the other hand, if the control unit 201 determines that the collation result is acceptable (NO in S36), it outputs the printed matter to a paper discharge tray for disposal (S38).

[0069] If NO in S30, after the processing of S37, or after the processing of S38, the print inspection processing ends.

[0070] [effect] As described above, the printing system 100 of the present invention prints reference candidates each time the printing condition settings are adjusted in order to determine a reference image for inspection. Furthermore, the printing system 100 scans the printed images of multiple reference candidates without waiting for the ink to stabilize and registers the scanned images as reference candidate images. The operator visually inspects each reference candidate whose ink has stabilized and selects a reference image for inspection on a reference candidate image selection screen. The selected reference image and the printing condition settings for that image are registered in association with the print job for the printed material. Therefore, when inspecting the printed material, the printing system 100 automatically sets the printing condition settings for the reference image and executes printing. Furthermore, the printing system 100 scans the image of the printed material without waiting for the ink to stabilize. The printing system 100 then performs inspection by comparing the scanned image of the printed material with the registered reference image. The printing system 100 shortens the inspection process time by reducing the number of times to wait for ink stabilization in the process of registering reference images for inspection and in the automatic inspection process using reference images. Therefore, the printing system 100 of the present invention shortens the inspection time for printed materials and improves the efficiency of the inspection work.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various other applications and modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims. For example, the above-described embodiment provides a detailed and specific description of the configuration of a printing system in order to clearly explain the present invention. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of the embodiment described here with the configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, it is also possible to add the configuration of one embodiment to the configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, it is also possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of an embodiment with another configuration. In addition, the control lines and information lines shown are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and do not necessarily show all the control lines and information lines in the product. In reality, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1... printer controller, 2... inkjet printer, 23... printing unit, 24... reading unit, 100... printing system, 201... control unit, 202... inspection unit

Claims

1. a printing unit that prints an image on a recording material using an inkjet method; a reading unit that reads the image on the recording material printed by the printing unit; a control unit that stores scanned images of the plurality of reference candidates read by the reading unit as reference candidate images without waiting for ink stabilization of the plurality of reference candidates for inspecting the printed matter printed by the printing unit, and registers the selected reference candidate image as a reference image; an inspection unit that inspects the printed matter by comparing the read image of the printed matter with the reference image without waiting for the ink to stabilize. Printing system.

2. The control unit manages a plurality of printing condition settings for inspecting the printed matter, switches the plurality of printing condition settings to automatic, and controls the printing unit so that a plurality of the reference candidates are printed. The printing system of claim 1 .

3. The control unit registers the plurality of reference candidate images and printing condition settings for printing the plurality of reference candidate images in association with the printed matter. The printing system according to claim 2 .

4. The control unit controls the printing unit so that identification information of the reference candidate is printed in a margin of the reference candidate. The printing system according to claim 3 .

5. the control unit automatically sets printing condition settings for the reference candidate image selected as the reference image, The printing unit performs printing under the printing condition settings automatically set by the control unit, and outputs the printed matter. The printing system according to claim 3 .

6. A user interface is provided for setting the printing conditions and selecting the reference candidate images. The printing system according to claim 2 .

7. The user interface displays reduced images of the plurality of reference candidate images. The printing system according to claim 6 .

8. The user interface displays a reminder to select the reference image after a predetermined time for ink stabilization of the plurality of reference candidates. The printing system according to claim 6 .

9. The user interface displays a reminder to register the ink-stable reference image after inspecting the print. The printing system according to claim 6 .

10. The user interface displays a warning when the printing condition settings at the time of printing of the printed matter differ from the printing condition settings automatically set by the control unit. The printing system according to claim 6 .

11. A method for inspecting printed matter in a printing system including a printing unit that prints an image on a recording material by an inkjet method and a reading unit that reads the image on the recording material printed by the printing unit, a step of storing, as reference candidate images, read images of the plurality of reference candidates read by the reading unit without waiting for ink stabilization of the plurality of reference candidates for inspecting the printed matter printed by the printing unit; registering the selected reference candidate image as a reference image; and inspecting the printed matter by comparing the read image with the reference image without waiting for the ink to stabilize. How to inspect printed materials.

Images