Information processing system and information processing program

Abstract

To enable inspection of printing quality of a next printed material even in a case where a printed material is missing in a case where the printing quality of multiple printed materials is inspected in a printing order, on the basis of a normal image selected in sequence from multiple normal images.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes a processor. The processor is configured to: determine, in a case where normal page identification information in one normal image selected in sequence from multiple normal images matches inspection page identification information in an inspection image read from a printed material, printing quality of the inspection image by using the one normal image; and determine, in a case where the normal page identification information in the one normal image does not match the inspection page identification information in the inspection image, and there is another unused normal image having the normal page identification information that matches the inspection page identification information, the printing quality of the inspection image, on the basis of the other normal image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an image inspection device that has an image inspection control unit that inspects printed matter for abnormalities by comparing a pre-prepared correct image with an image obtained by scanning a printed image, and that generates multiple correct images based on a combination of reusable objects in variable printing and placement information for variable unique objects.

[0003] Patent Document 2 also discloses a printed matter inspection device that includes a master image generation unit that generates, for each original image of each page constituting a printed matter, a first master image and a second master image having a lower resolution than the first master image based on the original image; a reading unit that reads the printed matter and generates, for each page, a first test image and a second test image having a lower resolution than the first test image; a search unit that searches, for each second test image, for a second master image similar to the second test image from among the multiple second master images; and an inspection unit that compares, for each first test image, the first test image with a first master image of a second master image that is similar to the second test image of the first test image, and inspects the quality of the printed matter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-075666 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-061659 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To enable inspection of the print quality of the next printed matter even if a printed matter is missing when inspecting the print quality of a plurality of printed matters in print order based on a correct answer image selected in order from a plurality of correct answer images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing system according to the first aspect includes: a processor; The processor: If the correct page identification information in one correct image selected from the plurality of correct images matches the test page identification information in the test image read from the printed material, the correct image is used to determine the print quality of the test image; If the correct page identification information in the one correct image does not match the test page identification information in the test image, and there is another unused correct image that has correct page identification information that matches the test page identification information, the print quality of the test image is judged based on the other correct image.

[0007] An information processing system according to a second aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, The processor: The one correct image is registered as a missing page.

[0008] An information processing system according to a third aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, The processor: If the correct page identification information in the one correct image does not match the test page identification information in the test image, and there is another correct image that has already been used and has correct page identification information that matches the test page identification information, the one correct image is selected as the correct image for the subsequent printed material to be printed after the printed material.

[0009] An information processing system according to a fourth aspect is the information processing system according to the third aspect, The processor: The printed matter is registered as a duplicate page.

[0010] An information processing system according to a fifth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, The processor: If the correct page identification information in the one correct image does not match the inspection page identification information in the inspection image, and there is no other correct image having correct page identification information that matches the inspection page identification information, the one correct image is selected as the correct image for the subsequent printed material to be printed after the printed material.

[0011] An information processing system according to a sixth aspect is the information processing system according to the fifth aspect, The processor: The printed matter is registered as an error page.

[0012] An information processing system according to a seventh aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, The processor: A part of the image in the one correct answer image is used as the correct answer page identification information, A part of the inspection image read from the printed material is used as the inspection page identification information.

[0013] An information processing system according to an eighth aspect is the information processing system according to the seventh aspect, The processor: Among the test images read from the printed material, an image located at the same position as the correct page identification information is set as the test page identification information.

[0014] An information processing program according to a ninth aspect includes: On the computer, If the correct page identification information in one of the correct images selected in order from the plurality of correct images matches the test page identification information in the test image read from the printed material, the correct image is used to determine the print quality of the test image; If the correct page identification information in the one correct image does not match the test page identification information in the test image, and there is another unused correct image having correct page identification information that matches the test page identification information, the print quality of the test image is determined based on the other correct image. Execute the process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the first aspect, even if a printed product is missing, the print quality of the next printed product can be inspected.

[0016] According to the second aspect, if a printed matter is missing, the user can be notified of the missing pages.

[0017] According to the third aspect, even if there is an overlap of printed matter, the print quality of the next printed matter can be inspected.

[0018] According to the fourth aspect, if there is a duplication of printed matter, the user can be notified of the duplication of pages.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, even if there is an unnecessary printed material, it is possible to inspect the print quality of the next printed material.

[0020] According to the sixth aspect, if there is any unnecessary printed material, the user can be notified of the unnecessary pages.

[0021] According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to easily determine whether the correct page identification information and the test page identification information match, compared to when the entire correct image is used as the correct page identification information and the entire test image is used as the test page identification information.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to easily determine whether the correct page identification information and the test page identification information match, compared to when an image that is in a different position from the correct page identification information among the test images read from the printed material is used as the test page identification information.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect, even if a printed product is missing, the print quality of the next printed product can be inspected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an image forming system according to a comparative example. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an image forming system according to a comparative example. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming system shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram illustrating correct page identification information and check page identification information of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a correct answer information management table of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a diagram showing an example of an invalid page information management table of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of an inspection process of the image forming system shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] (Image Forming System Overview) 1 shows an image forming system 10 according to one embodiment. The image forming system 10 includes a printing device 20 and an inspection device 30. The image forming system 10 is an example of an information processing system and an information processing device.

[0027] (Printing device) The printing device 20 has a plurality of storage trays (paper feed trays) for storing paper. The printing device 20 has a printing function for printing images on paper supplied from the storage trays. The printing device 20 also supplies the paper on which the image is printed (hereinafter referred to as "printed matter") to the inspection device 30. The paper is an example of a recording medium.

[0028] (Inspection equipment) The inspection device 30 has an inspection function to sequentially receive printed materials with images printed thereon from the printing device 20 and inspect the print quality of the received printed materials. The inspection device 30 determines whether the printed materials received from the printing device 20 have any abnormalities such as bent corners, dirty print, or misalignment.

[0029] Specifically, the inspection device 30 has a discharge tray 30A for discharging printed matter and a purge tray 30B. The inspection device 30 also optically reads images of printed matter received from the printing device 20. The inspection device 30 then compares an inspection image based on the image read from the printed matter with a correct image based on image data to be printed on paper, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the printed matter.

[0030] As a result, if the inspection device 30 determines that the printed matter has an abnormality, the inspection device 30 determines that the inspection result is a failure and discharges the printed matter to the purge tray 30B. On the other hand, if the inspection device 30 determines that the printed matter has no abnormality, the inspection device 30 determines that the inspection result is a pass and discharges the printed matter to the discharge tray 30A.

[0031] The discharge tray 30A is an example of a discharge section for acceptable products, and the purge tray 30B is an example of a discharge section for unacceptable products.

[0032] (Continuous printing) The image forming system 10 has a continuous printing function. In this continuous printing, for example, a plurality of consecutive printed materials are continuously printed while inspecting the print quality. Specifically, in continuous printing, the printing device 20 prints an image on each of a plurality of sheets of paper supplied in order from a storage tray, and the print quality of the printed materials with the printed images is inspected in the order of printing by the inspection device 30. Then, printed materials that pass the inspection by the inspection device 30 are discharged onto the discharge tray 30A. On the other hand, printed materials that fail the inspection are discharged onto the purge tray 30B.

[0033] 2 shows, as an example, the comparison relationship between the correct image and the test image of the printed matter that are compared in the inspection device 30 during continuous printing. In the inspection device 30, the correct image received from the printing device 20 is generally compared with the test image based on the image read from the printed matter in the order of printing.

[0034] When inspecting such a series of multiple printed materials, if there are any missing or duplicated pages in the printed materials, a discrepancy occurs in the comparison relationship between the correct image and the inspection image.

[0035] Specifically, in Figure 2, as an example, among multiple printed items, the 3p printed item is not printed, and the 3p test image is missing. In this case, the 4p test image is compared with the 3p correct image. Therefore, the 4p test image is rejected regardless of whether there is an abnormality or not. Furthermore, the missing 3p test image causes a discrepancy in the comparison relationship between the test images of subsequently printed items and the correct image. Therefore, the test images (5p, 6p, etc.) of printed items printed after the missing test image are also rejected regardless of whether there is an abnormality or not.

[0036] Also, in Figure 3, as an example, among the multiple printed materials, the printed material 2p is printed overlapping. In this case, the overlapping inspection image of the 2p is compared with the correct image of the 3p. Therefore, the overlapping inspection image of the 2p will fail regardless of whether there is an abnormality or not. Furthermore, the overlapping of the inspection image of the 2p causes a discrepancy in the comparison relationship between the inspection image of the printed material printed subsequently and the correct image. Therefore, the inspection images of the printed materials (3p, 4p, etc.) printed after the overlapping inspection image will also fail regardless of whether there is an abnormality or not.

[0037] In this way, when inspecting a plurality of consecutive printed materials, if there are missing or duplicated pages or other incorrect pages in the printed materials, there is a possibility that the amount of printed materials to be discarded will increase.

[0038] Therefore, in the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment, during inspection by the inspection device 30, correct page identification information is set for the correct image, and inspection page identification information is set for the inspection image. Then, the image forming system 10 controls the comparison relationship between the correct image and the inspection image according to the result of matching the correct page identification information and the inspection page identification information. The image forming system 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0039] (Hardware configuration of image forming system) First, we will explain the hardware configuration of the image forming system 10. Note that, for the sake of convenience, the hardware configuration of the image forming system 10 will be explained below, but the printing device 20 and the inspection device 30 may each have a hardware configuration such as that shown in FIG.

[0040] 4, the image forming system 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 50, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 54, a storage 56, an input unit 58, a display unit 60, a communication interface (I / F) 62, an image reading unit 64, an image forming unit 66, and an inspection unit 68. Each of the components is connected to each other via a bus 72 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0041] The CPU 50 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. That is, the CPU 50 reads programs from the ROM 52 or storage 56 and executes the programs using the RAM 54 as a work area. The CPU 50 controls the above components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 52 or storage 56. The CPU 50 is an example of a processor.

[0042] The ROM 52 stores various information processing programs and various data. The RAM 54 serves as a work area for the CPU 50 and temporarily stores programs or data.

[0043] The storage 56 is configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various programs including an operating system and various data. The storage 56 also stores an inspection processing program.

[0044] The input unit 58 includes operation buttons and the like and is used to perform various inputs. The display unit 60 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various information. The display unit 60 may employ a touch panel system and function as an input unit.

[0045] The communication I / F 62 is an interface for communicating with other devices, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0046] The image reading unit 64 includes a scanner or the like, and optically reads image data from a document, etc. The image forming unit 66 prints the image data read by the image reading unit 64 or image data received from an operation terminal (not shown) onto a recording medium such as paper.

[0047] The inspection unit 68 includes a scanner and the like, and optically reads image data from the paper (printed matter) on which the image is printed by the image forming unit 66.

[0048] (Image formation system functions) Next, the functions of the image forming system 10 will be described.

[0049] When executing the information processing program described above, the image forming system 10 uses the above hardware resources to realize various functions of the printing device 20 and the inspection device 30.

[0050] (Printing device) Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the printing device 20 functionally includes a print request acquisition unit 22, a correct page identification information acquisition unit 24, a correct answer information storage unit 25, a printing unit 26, and a print control unit 28.

[0051] (Print request acquisition unit) The print request acquisition unit 22 acquires, for example, information (print data) of the print image input to the image forming system 10, and a print request (print job) such as paper size and number of copies.

[0052] (Correct page identification information acquisition unit) The correct page identification information acquisition unit 24 acquires the correct page identification information input to the image forming system 10. The correct page identification information is set by the user on a setting screen or the like displayed on the display unit 60 of the image forming system 10, for example.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows an example of correct page identification information X. In FIG. 6, a portion of the correct image is set as the correct page identification information X. In this case, the correct page identification information acquisition unit 24 reads the portion of the image set as the correct page identification information X from the correct image. At this time, if the correct page identification information X includes characters, the correct page identification information acquisition unit 24 may convert the characters into character codes and read them. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the correct page identification information acquisition unit 24 may read a portion of the area of ​​the correct image where the name is displayed as an image, or may convert the name displayed in that area into character codes and read it.

[0054] (Correct answer information storage unit) The correct answer information storage unit 25 stores a correct answer information management table for registering correct answer information of printed materials. An example of the correct answer information management table is shown in Fig. 7. The correct answer information management table has the following items: number of correct answer pages s, correct answer image, correct answer page identification information, use classification of the correct answer image, and incorrect classification.

[0055] The number of correct pages s is information indicating the number of pages of a plurality of correct images, and may be, for example, a serial number. The correct images are rasterized images generated based on print data, etc. The correct page identification information is identification information for identifying the pages of the correct images.

[0056] The usage category of the correct image is information indicating whether or not the correct image has been used in the inspection of the print quality of the printed matter by the inspection device 30. Examples of the usage category of the correct image include "unused" and "used." The initial value of the usage category of the correct image is "unused."

[0057] The fraud category is information that indicates the fraud pages of the printed material. Examples of the fraud category include "missing", "duplicate", and "error".

[0058] (Printing control unit) The print control unit 28 controls the overall operation of the printing device 20. The print control unit 28 also performs continuous printing, printing images on multiple sheets of paper stored in a storage tray and supplying the multiple printed sheets to the inspection device 30 in sequence.

[0059] Specifically, the print control unit 28 controls a paper feed device (not shown) based on the print request acquired by the print request acquisition unit 22, and causes the device to sequentially supply multiple sheets of paper from a storage tray to the printing unit 26. The print control unit 28 also transmits print data to be printed on the multiple sheets of paper to the printing unit 26. The print control unit 28 then causes the printing unit 26 to print an image based on the print data on each of the multiple sheets of paper supplied from the storage tray, and sequentially supplies the multiple printed sheets from the printing unit 26 to the inspection device 30.

[0060] In addition, the print control unit 28 generates a plurality of correct images such as rasterized images based on the print data of a plurality of printed materials, and registers the generated correct images in the correct information management table (see FIG. 7) in association with the number of correct pages s.

[0061] Furthermore, the print control unit 28 registers the correct page identification information X of each correct image in the correct information management table in association with each correct image.

[0062] (Inspection equipment) As shown in Figure 5, the inspection device 30 functionally includes an inspection image acquisition unit 32, an inspection page identification information acquisition unit 34, an incorrect page storage unit 35, a quality inspection unit 36, a discharge destination switching unit 38, and an inspection control unit 39.

[0063] (Inspection image acquisition section) The inspection image acquisition unit 32 optically reads an image from the printed matter printed by the printing unit 26, and generates an inspection image such as a rasterized image based on the read image.

[0064] (Inspection page identification information acquisition unit) The test page identification information acquisition unit 34 reads the test page identification information from the test image based on the correct page identification information X of the correct image. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, the test page identification information acquisition unit 34 reads, from the test image, an image located at the same position as the correct page identification information X of the correct image as test page identification information Y.

[0065] In this case, if the correct page identification information X is an image, the inspection page identification information acquisition unit 34 reads the inspection page identification information Y as an image. On the other hand, if the correct page identification information X is a character code, the inspection page identification information acquisition unit 34 converts the characters included in the inspection page identification information Y into character codes and reads them.

[0066] (Invalid page storage section) The invalid page storage unit 35 stores an invalid page information management table that registers invalid page information for printed materials. An example of the invalid page information management table is shown in Figure 8. The invalid page information management table has the number of pages inspected n and the invalidity category as its items.

[0067] The number of inspection pages n is information indicating the number of pages in a plurality of inspection images, and may be, for example, a serial number. The fraud classification is information indicating the fraudulent pages in the printed material. Examples of the fraud classification include "duplicate" and "error."

[0068] (Quality Inspection Department) The quality inspection unit 36 ​​first compares the inspection page identification information Y of the inspection image with the correct page identification information X of the correct image to determine whether the printed matter has any incorrect pages such as missing pages or duplicate pages. Specifically, if the inspection page identification information Y and the correct page identification information X match, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​determines that the printed matter has no incorrect pages such as missing pages or duplicate pages.

[0069] In this case, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​compares the test image with the correct image and determines whether the print quality of the printed matter passes or fails. Specifically, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​compares the test image with the reference image to determine whether there are any abnormalities such as bent corners, print stains, or misalignment. If the quality inspection unit 36 ​​determines that there are no abnormalities in the test image, it classifies the test image as passing, and if it determines that there are abnormalities in the test image, it classifies the test image as failing.

[0070] Furthermore, when the quality inspection unit 36 ​​compares the inspection image with the correct image, it changes the "usage classification" of the correct image in the correct information management table (see FIG. 7) to "used."

[0071] On the other hand, if the inspection page identification information Y and the correct page identification information X do not match, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​determines that the printed matter contains an incorrect page such as a missing page or a duplicate page.

[0072] Specifically, an example of a missing page in a printed material is shown in Fig. 9. In Fig. 9, when the number of test pages n is 3, the test image (3p) corresponding to the correct image (3p) of the correct page number s=3 is missing.

[0073] In this case, the inspection page identification information Y in the inspection image (4p) for inspection page number n=3 is compared with the correct page identification information X in the correct image (3p) for correct page number s=3, and the inspection page identification information Y does not match the correct page identification information X. Therefore, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​does not compare the inspection image for inspection page number n=3 with the correct image for correct page number s=3. Furthermore, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​does not change the usage classification of the correct image for correct page number s=3 to "used" in the correct information management table, but leaves it as "unused."

[0074] Next, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​searches the correct information management table for other correct page identification information X that matches the inspection page identification information Y for the inspection page number n=3. In other words, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​searches the correct information management table for other correct images that have correct page identification information X that matches the inspection page identification information Y for the inspection page number n=3.

[0075] Then, if other correct page identification information X is found that matches the inspection page identification information Y for the inspection page number n=3, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​inspects the inspection image for the inspection page number n=3 using the correct image corresponding to the other correct page identification information X.

[0076] 9, the inspection page identification information Y for the inspection page number n=3 matches the correct page identification information X for the correct page number s=4. Therefore, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​inspects the inspection image (4p) for the inspection page number n=3 using the correct image (4p) for the correct page number s=4, and changes the usage classification of the correct image for correct page 4 to "used" in the correct information management table. Furthermore, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​registers "missing" in the incorrect classification of the correct image for the correct page number s=3 in the correct information management table.

[0077] On the other hand, if no other correct page identification information X matching the inspection page identification information Y of the inspection page number n=3 is found, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​registers the inspection image of the inspection page number n=3 as an error page. Specifically, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​associates the inspection page number n (=3) with the incorrectness classification ("Error") and registers it in the incorrect page information management table (see FIG. 8).

[0078] Next, an example of page overlap is shown in Fig. 10. In Fig. 10, the test image (2p) with the test page number n=3 overlaps with the correct image (2p) with the correct page number s=2.

[0079] In this case, the inspection page identification information Y in the inspection image (p2) for inspection page number n=3 is compared with the correct page identification information X in the correct image (p3) for correct page number s=3, and the inspection page identification information Y does not match the correct page identification information X. Therefore, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​does not compare the inspection image (2p) for inspection page number n=3 with the correct image (3p) for correct page number s=3. Furthermore, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​does not change the usage classification of the correct image for correct page number s=3 to "used" in the correct information management table, but leaves it as "unused."

[0080] Next, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​searches the correct information management table for other correct page identification information X that matches the inspection page identification information Y for the inspection page number n=3. In other words, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​searches the correct information management table for other correct images that have correct page identification information X that matches the inspection page identification information Y for the inspection page number n=3.

[0081] Then, if other correct page identification information X is found that matches the inspection page identification information Y for the inspection page number n=3, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​registers "duplicate" in the incorrect classification of the correct image corresponding to the other correct page identification information X in the correct information management table.

[0082] 10, the inspection page identification information Y for the inspection page number n=3 matches the correct page identification information X for the correct page number s=2. Therefore, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​registers "duplicate" in the incorrect classification of the correct image (2p) for the correct page number s=2 in the correct information management table.

[0083] Furthermore, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​registers the inspection image of the inspection page number n=3 as a duplicate page. Specifically, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​associates the inspection page number n (=3) with the invalidity classification ("duplicate") and registers them in the invalid page information management table (see FIG. 8).

[0084] On the other hand, if no other correct page identification information X matching the inspection page identification information Y of the inspection page number n=3 is found, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​registers the inspection image of the inspection page number n=3 as an error page. Specifically, the quality inspection unit 36 ​​associates the inspection page number n (=3) with the incorrectness classification ("Error") and registers it in the incorrect page information management table (see FIG. 8).

[0085] (Discharge destination switching unit) The discharge destination switching unit 38 switches the discharge destination of the printed matter inspected by the quality inspection unit 36 ​​between the discharge tray 30A and the purge tray 30B.

[0086] (Inspection Control Unit) The inspection control unit 39 controls the overall operation of the inspection device 30. Specifically, the inspection control unit 39 causes the quality inspection unit 36 ​​to inspect the print quality of the printed matter. If the print quality of the printed matter is acceptable as determined by the quality inspection unit 36, the inspection control unit 39 causes the discharge destination switching unit 38 to switch the discharge destination of the printed matter to the discharge tray 30A.

[0087] On the other hand, if the print fails the inspection by the quality inspection unit 36, the inspection control unit 39 causes the discharge destination switching unit 38 to switch the discharge destination of the print to the purge tray 30B.

[0088] Furthermore, if there is a printed matter that has been determined to be an invalid page by the quality inspection unit 36, the inspection control unit 39 displays a message on the display unit 60 of the image forming system 10 indicating that there is an invalid page.

[0089] (Printing process of image forming system) Next, the inspection process performed by the image forming system 10 will be described.

[0090] In the image forming system 10, continuous printing of a plurality of printed materials is performed, and when the printed materials printed by the printing device 20 are supplied to the inspection device 30, the inspection process shown in Fig. 11 is performed in the image forming system 10. Note that the inspection process is an example of an inspection processing method.

[0091] First, in step S10, the CPU 50 initializes the number of inspection pages n and the number of correct pages s (N=1, S=1), respectively. The number of inspection pages n corresponds to the number of pages of the multiple printed materials to be inspected. The number of correct pages s corresponds to the number of pages of the multiple correct images.

[0092] Next, in step S12, the CPU 50 acquires the inspection page identification information Y for the inspection page number n. Specifically, the CPU 50 acquires the inspection page identification information Y (hereinafter referred to as "inspection page identification information Yn") from the inspection image of the printed matter for the inspection page number n read by the inspection device 30.

[0093] In step S12, the CPU 50 acquires the correct page identification information X of the correct page number s. Specifically, the CPU 50 acquires the correct page identification information X corresponding to the correct page number s (hereinafter referred to as "correct page identification information Xs") from the correct information management table.

[0094] Next, in step S14, the CPU 50 determines whether the check page identification information Yn matches the correct page identification information Xs. If the CPU 50 determines that the check page identification information Yn matches the correct page identification information Xs, the CPU 50 proceeds to step S16.

[0095] In step S16, the CPU 50 uses the correct image (hereinafter referred to as "correct image s") corresponding to the correct page identification information Xs to inspect the print quality of the test image (hereinafter referred to as "test image n") corresponding to the test page identification information Yn. Note that the correct image s is an example of one correct image.

[0096] Next, in step S18, the CPU 50 changes the use category of the supervised image s to "used" in the supervised image information management table (see FIG. 7).

[0097] Next, in step S20, the CPU 50 determines whether the inspection result of the inspection image n is pass or not. If the CPU 50 determines that the inspection result of the inspection image n is fail, the CPU 50 proceeds to step S22.

[0098] Next, in step S22, the CPU 50 stores the inspection result of the inspection image n as a failure in a predetermined storage area, ejects the printed material corresponding to the inspection image n onto the purge tray 30B, and proceeds to step S24.

[0099] On the other hand, if the CPU 50 determines in step S20 that the inspection result of the inspection image n is pass, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0100] Next, in step S24, the CPU 50 adds 1 to the number of correct pages s.

[0101] Next, in step S26, the CPU 50 determines whether or not there is a printed matter following the inspection page number n (hereinafter referred to as a "subsequent printed matter"). If the CPU 50 determines that there is a subsequent printed matter, the CPU 50 proceeds to step S28.

[0102] Next, in step S28, the CPU 50 adds 1 to the number of pages to be inspected n, and returns to step S12.

[0103] Here, in step S14 described above, if the CPU 50 determines that the check page identification information Yn and the correct page identification information Xs do not match, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0104] Next, in step S30, the CPU 50 searches for other correct page identification information (hereinafter referred to as "correct page identification information Xs'") that matches the check page identification information Yn. Specifically, the CPU 50 searches for the correct page identification information Xs' in the correct image information management table using the check page identification information Yn as a search key.

[0105] Next, in step S32, the CPU 50 determines whether or not there is other correct page identification information Xs'. If the CPU 50 determines that there is other correct page identification information Xs', the process proceeds to step S34.

[0106] Next, in step S34, the CPU 50 determines whether the use classification of the correct image corresponding to the other correct page identification information Xs' (hereinafter referred to as "correct image s'") is "unused." If the CPU 50 determines that the use classification of the correct image s' is "unused," the process proceeds to step S36. Note that the correct image s' is an example of the other correct image.

[0107] In step S36, the CPU 50 registers the incorrect category corresponding to the correct page identification information Xs as "missing" ("missing page") in the correct information management table.

[0108] Next, in step S38, the CPU 50 changes the number of correct pages s to the number of correct pages s' of the other correct page identification information Xs', and proceeds to step S16. As a result, in the next step S16, the CPU 50 inspects the test image n using the correct image s' corresponding to the other correct page identification information Xs'.

[0109] On the other hand, if the CPU 50 determines in step S34 that the use classification of the reference image s' is not "unused", that is, if the use classification of the reference image s' is "used", the process proceeds to step S40.

[0110] Next, in step S40, the CPU 50 associates the number of inspected pages n with the incorrect classification ("duplicate") and registers them in the incorrect page information management table (see FIG. 8). The CPU 50 also registers "duplicate" as the incorrect classification of another correct image s' in the correct information management table, and proceeds to step S26. In this case, the CPU 50 does not proceed to step S24, i.e., does not add 1 to the number of correct pages s, and selects the same correct image s (one correct image) as the correct image for the subsequent printed matter to be printed next.

[0111] Next, in step S32 described above, if the CPU 50 determines that there is no other correct page identification information Xs', the process proceeds to step S42.

[0112] Next, in step S42, the CPU 50 associates the number of inspected pages n with the incorrectness classification ("Error") and registers them in the incorrect page information management table, and then proceeds to step S26. In this case, the CPU 50 does not proceed to step S24, i.e., does not add 1 to the number of correct pages s, and selects the same correct image s (one correct image) as the correct image for the subsequent printed matter to be printed next.

[0113] Next, in step S26 described above, if the CPU 50 determines that there are no subsequent printed materials, the process proceeds to step S44.

[0114] Next, in step S44, the CPU 50 reads out missing, duplicated, and error information from the incorrect classification in the correct answer information management table and the incorrect page information management table, displays the information on the display unit 60 of the image forming system 10, and ends the process.

[0115] (Variation) Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0116] In the above embodiment, an image representing a name in the correct image is set as the correct page identification information X. However, the correct page identification information may be any information that can identify multiple correct images, such as a page number in the correct image, a numerical value, a symbol, or the like.

[0117] Furthermore, the image forming system 10 may add a page number, a numerical value, a symbol, a barcode, or a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) to the correct image as the correct page identification information. In this case, the image forming system 10 adds the page number, a numerical value, a symbol, a barcode, or a QR code as the inspection page identification information to the print data to be sent to the printing device 20, and causes the printing device 20 to print the information on the printed material.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the correct page identification information and the correct image are associated with each other and registered in the correct information management table. However, the image forming system 10 may not use the correct information management table, and when the inspection device 30 reads the inspection image and the inspection page identification information Y from the printed material, the image forming system 10 may generate the correct image based on the print data and read the correct page identification information X from the generated correct image.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, after the inspection of multiple printed materials is completed, information about the invalid page is displayed on the display unit 60 of the image forming system 10. However, for example, when an invalid page is discovered by the inspection device 30, information about the invalid page may be displayed on the display unit 60 of the image forming system 10.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an image in the test image that is located at the same position as the correct page identification information X is set as the test page identification information Y. However, the correct page identification information X and the test page identification information Y may be identification information that can be compared with each other, and for example, an image in the test image that is located at a different position from the correct page identification information may be set as the test page identification information.

[0121] In addition, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0122] Furthermore, the operations of the processor in the above embodiments may not only be performed by one processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate. Some or all of the processors may be configured on a cloud. At least each process described in the above embodiments may be executed by a processor on a cloud.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the programs are installed in a ROM or storage device, but this is not limiting. The programs according to the above embodiment may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the programs according to the above embodiment may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card. The programs according to the above embodiment may also be acquired from an external device via a communication I / F.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the processing in the image forming system 10 is described as being implemented by a software configuration using a computer by executing a program, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the processing in the image forming system 10 may be implemented by a hardware configuration or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

[0125] In addition, the configuration of the image forming system 10 described in the above embodiment is one example, and it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted or new parts may be added within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0126] Furthermore, the processing flow in the image forming system 10 described in the above embodiment is also an example, and it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged within the scope of the gist of this disclosure.

[0127] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiments.

[0128] (((1))) a processor; The processor: If the correct page identification information in one of the correct images selected in order from the plurality of correct images matches the test page identification information in the test image read from the printed material, the correct image is used to determine the print quality of the test image; If the correct page identification information in the one correct image does not match the test page identification information in the test image, and there is another unused correct image having correct page identification information that matches the test page identification information, the print quality of the test image is determined based on the other correct image. Information processing system. (((2))) The processor: registering the one correct image as a missing page; The information processing system according to (((1))). (((3))) The processor: If the correct page identification information in the one correct image does not match the test page identification information in the test image, and there is another used correct image having correct page identification information that matches the test page identification information, select the one correct image as the correct image for a subsequent printed product to be printed after the printed product. The information processing system according to (((1))) or (((2))). (((4))) The processor: registering the printed matter as a duplicate page; The information processing system according to (((3))). (((5))) The processor: If the correct page identification information in the one correct image does not match the test page identification information in the test image, and there is no other correct image having correct page identification information that matches the test page identification information, select the one correct image as the correct image for a subsequent printed product to be printed after the printed product. The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))). (((6))) The processor: registering the printed matter as an error page; The information processing system according to (((5))). (((7))) The processor: A part of the image in the one correct answer image is used as the correct answer page identification information, a part of the inspection image read from the printed material is used as the inspection page identification information; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))). (((8))) The processor: Among the test images read from the printed material, an image located at the same position as the correct page identification information is set as the test page identification information. The information processing system according to (((7))). (((9))) On the computer, If the correct page identification information in one of the correct images selected in order from the plurality of correct images matches the test page identification information in the test image read from the printed material, the correct image is used to determine the print quality of the test image; If the correct page identification information in the one correct image does not match the test page identification information in the test image, and there is another unused correct image having correct page identification information that matches the test page identification information, the print quality of the test image is determined based on the other correct image. An information processing program for executing processing.

[0129] According to (((1))), even if there is a missing print, the print quality of the next print can be inspected. According to (((2))), if there are missing pages in the printed matter, the user can be notified of the missing pages. According to (((3))), even if there is overlap of printed matter, the print quality of the next printed matter can be inspected. According to (((4))), if there is a duplication of printed matter, the user can be notified of the duplicate pages. According to (((5))), even if there is an unnecessary printed matter, the print quality of the next printed matter can be inspected. According to (((6))), if there is any unnecessary printed material, the user can be notified of the unnecessary pages. According to (((7))), it is possible to easily determine whether the correct page identification information and the test page identification information match, compared to when the entire correct image is used as the correct page identification information and the entire test image is used as the test page identification information. According to (((8))), it is possible to easily determine whether the correct page identification information and the test page identification information match, compared to when an image that is in a different position from the correct page identification information among the test images read from the printed material is used as the test page identification information. According to (((9))), even if there is a missing print, the print quality of the next print can be inspected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 10 Image forming system (information processing system, information processing device) 50 CPUs (processors)

Claims

1. a processor; The processor: If the correct page identification information in one of the correct images selected in order from the plurality of correct images matches the test page identification information in the test image read from the printed material, the correct image is used to determine the print quality of the test image; If the correct page identification information in the one correct image does not match the test page identification information in the test image, and there is another unused correct image having correct page identification information that matches the test page identification information, the print quality of the test image is determined based on the other correct image. Information processing system.

2. The processor: registering the one correct image as a missing page; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: If the correct page identification information in the one correct image does not match the test page identification information in the test image, and there is another used correct image having correct page identification information that matches the test page identification information, select the one correct image as the correct image for a subsequent printed product to be printed after the printed product. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. The processor: registering the printed matter as a duplicate page; The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. The processor: If the correct page identification information in the one correct image does not match the test page identification information in the test image, and there is no other correct image having correct page identification information that matches the test page identification information, select the one correct image as the correct image for a subsequent printed product to be printed after the printed product. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. The processor: registering the printed matter as an error page; The information processing system according to claim 5 .

7. The processor: A part of the image in the one correct answer image is used as the correct answer page identification information, a part of the inspection image read from the printed material is used as the inspection page identification information; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

8. The processor: Among the test images read from the printed material, an image located at the same position as the correct page identification information is set as the test page identification information. The information processing system according to claim 7 .

9. On the computer, If the correct page identification information in one of the correct images selected in order from the plurality of correct images matches the test page identification information in the test image read from the printed material, the correct image is used to determine the print quality of the test image; If the correct page identification information in the one correct image does not match the test page identification information in the test image, and there is another unused correct image having correct page identification information that matches the test page identification information, the print quality of the test image is determined based on the other correct image. An information processing program for executing processing.

Images