Inspection system, inspection device, control method therefor, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem that when a number of regions mutually different in inspection level are arranged when setting inspection regions, there is difficulty determining which inspection region corresponds to which inspection level and confirmation of inspection setting takes time, and a setting mistake tends to occur due to the largeness of setting numbers.SOLUTION: The present invention acquires a scan image read from printed matter by an image read unit, and inspects the printed matter on the basis of the scan image and a reference image. The present invention sets an inspection region which is the object of this inspection and an inspection level to the inspection region, causes a first inspection region to which a first inspection level thus set is set to be displayed by being enclosed in a frame line of first thickness, and causes a second inspection region to which a second inspection level is set to be displayed by being enclosed in a frame line of a thickness different from the first thickness.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Traditionally, inspections (quality checks) to check whether printed matter is printed correctly have been performed manually, but in recent years, inspection devices that perform inspections automatically as part of post-processing for printing presses have been used. In such inspection devices, correct reference image data is registered in advance. Then, an image forming device prints a printed matter on paper based on the submitted image data, and a sensor located inside the inspection device reads the image printed on the printed matter. Defects in the printed matter are then detected by comparing the image data read by this sensor with the registered reference image data. Hereinafter, inspections that detect defects in the image portion of printed matter will be referred to as print image inspection.

[0003] In print image inspection, the required quality varies depending on the user's business model and the printed material, so it is important to conduct inspections that are sufficient to meet the inspection requirements. If the inspection standards are too lenient, printed materials containing defects will be shipped, but if the inspection standards are too strict, printed materials that should not have been deemed defective will be deemed defective. This can result in an increase in the amount of paper discarded, and the user will have to go through the trouble of visually inspecting printed materials that have been determined to be defective for defects.

[0004] In order to solve such problems, Patent Document 1 describes a method for inspecting a printed image by arranging a plurality of inspection areas with different inspection levels on a printed matter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-78082 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the method of Patent Document 1, in order to distinguish the inspection levels of a plurality of inspection areas, the inspection areas are drawn by changing the color of the frame of the inspection area in accordance with the inspection level corresponding to the inspection area. However, with this method, when a large number of inspection areas with different inspection levels are arranged, there is a problem in that it is difficult to distinguish the inspection levels from the color of the frame of the inspection area.

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

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can easily determine which inspection level is applied to each inspection area, even when a large number of inspection areas with different inspection levels are arranged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, an inspection device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: an acquisition means for acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printed matter using an image reading unit; an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on the scanned image and a reference image; a setting means for setting an inspection area to be inspected by the inspection means and an inspection level for the inspection area; and a display control means for displaying a first inspection area, to which a first inspection level set by the setting means is set, surrounded by a frame line of a first thickness, and for displaying a second inspection area, to which a second inspection level set by the setting means is set, surrounded by a frame line of a thickness different from the first thickness. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, even when a large number of inspection areas with different inspection levels are arranged, it is possible to easily determine which inspection level is applied to each inspection area.

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

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an inspection system including an inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an inspection device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of an inspection process performed by the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a job management screen displayed on a UI unit of the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of an inspection setting screen displayed on a UI unit of the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart for explaining the test setting process in S403 of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of an inspection area displayed in a reference image on an inspection setting screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which inspection level information is superimposed on the upper right of the inspection area in the first embodiment, and the frame of the inspection area and the display form of the inspection area are changed depending on the inspection level. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a test result confirmation screen displayed after test execution is completed in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection setting screen displayed on a UI unit of the inspection device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12]10 is a flowchart illustrating an examination setting process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart for explaining the display form allocation process in S1201 of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of allocation of display forms of inspection regions according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0014] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an inspection system including an inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] This inspection system has an image forming system including an image forming apparatus 100, an inspection apparatus 110, and a finisher 120, and a client PC 130 and a print server 140 are connected to this image forming system via a network 150.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 100 prints an image or the like on paper based on various input data, such as print data sent from a client PC 130 or a print server 140, and outputs the printed matter.

[0017] In the embodiment, the image forming apparatus will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be any recording apparatus (printing apparatus) that records (prints) on a recording medium. It may also be a recording apparatus that records on metal, for example.

[0018] The inspection device 110 receives the printed matter output from the image forming device 100 and inspects the received printed matter for defects. Here, a defect is anything that reduces the quality of the printed matter, and includes, for example, stains that occur when coloring material adheres to unintended locations during printing, and color loss that occurs when insufficient coloring material adheres to intended locations.

[0019] Furthermore, in variable prints that include variable area portions such as character strings and barcodes, the inspection device 110 inspects these variable area portions. This inspection includes, for example, a data readability inspection to check whether the character strings and barcodes are readable, and a data verification inspection to verify the results of reading the character strings and barcodes with the correct answers. In other words, the inspection device 110 can perform print image inspection to detect defects in the image portions of printed matter, and data inspection including a data readability inspection and a data verification inspection. Note that the inspection device 110 does not necessarily need to have an internal inspection processing unit that performs print image inspection and data inspection; for example, an inspection PC (not shown) connected to the inspection device 110 so that it can communicate with the inspection device 110 can perform these inspection processes.

[0020] The finisher 120 receives the printed matter inspected by the inspection device 110 and switches the discharge destination of the printed matter based on the inspection results of the inspection device 110. For example, if the inspection is OK, the printed matter is discharged to discharge tray 1 (not shown), and if the inspection is not OK, the printed matter is discharged to discharge tray 2 (not shown). In addition, if necessary, post-processing (bookbinding, stapling, etc.) is performed before discharging the printed matter.

[0021] Image forming apparatus 100 is connected to client PC 130 and print server 140 via network 150, and is further connected to inspection apparatus 110 and finisher 120 via communication cables. In addition to image forming apparatus 100, inspection apparatus 110 is also connected to finisher 120 via communication cables. In the embodiment, an inline inspection machine that performs image formation (printing), inspection (testing), post-processing, and paper discharge in an integrated manner will be described as an example, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0023] The controller 200 receives image data and document data from the network 150 and converts the received image data and document data into print data. The printer unit 210 generates a printout by printing the print data on a recording sheet (paper, sheet). The UI unit 220 displays a screen and receives instructions from the user to the image forming apparatus 100, such as selecting paper information. The image forming apparatus 100 has the above-mentioned controller 200, printer unit 210, and UI unit 220.

[0024] Next, the configuration of the controller 200 will be described.

[0025] A network I / F (interface) unit 201 transmits and receives data to and from the client PC 130 and the print server 140 via the network 150. A CPU 202 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. A RAM 203 is used as a loading area for programs executed by the CPU 202 and as a work area when the CPU 202 executes various commands. A ROM 204 stores program data executed by the CPU 202 at startup, setting data for the controller 200, and the like. An image processing unit 205 performs RIP (Raster Image Processing) processing to convert image data and document data received from the network 150 into print data. Note that the RIP processing does not have to be performed by the image processing unit 205; for example, an information processing device (not shown) communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 100 may perform the RIP processing. The functions of the image processing unit 205 may also be realized by the CPU 202 loading a program stored in the ROM 204 into the RAM 203 and executing it.

[0026] An engine I / F (interface) unit 206 transmits print data to a printer unit 210 and notifies the CPU 202 of the status of the printer unit 210. A communication I / F unit 207 communicates with the inspection device 110 and finisher 120 via the aforementioned communication cable. Here, inspection-related information such as inspection results and paper discharge control communication are performed. The above-mentioned units of the controller 200 are connected via an internal bus (system bus) 208.

[0027] Image data and document data created on client PC 130 or print server 140 are transmitted as PDL data to image forming apparatus 100 via network (e.g., local area network) 150. Note that print jobs such as image data and document data may be transmitted to an information processing device (not shown) via the network and managed by the information processing device. The print job may then be transmitted from the information processing device to image forming apparatus 100 via network 150, and the image forming apparatus 100 may perform processing to print the data on paper.

[0028] PDL data transmitted from the client PC 130 or the print server 140 is stored in RAM 203 via the network I / F unit 201. A print instruction from the user via the UI unit 220 is also stored in RAM 203 via the internal bus 208. A print instruction from the user includes, for example, a selection of a paper type. The image processing unit 205 acquires the PDL data stored in RAM 203 and performs image processing to convert it into print data. The image processing to convert it into print data includes, for example, rasterizing the PDL data, converting it into multi-value bitmap data, and then converting it into binary bitmap data by performing screen processing or the like. The binary bitmap data obtained by the image processing unit 205 is sent to the printer unit 210 via the engine I / F unit 206.

[0029] The printer unit 210 prints the received binary bitmap data on paper using color materials. The CPU 202 issues instructions to the printer unit 210 based on the user's print instructions stored in the RAM 203. For example, if the user instructs the printer unit 210 to print on coated paper, the CPU 202 instructs the printer unit 210 to output paper from a paper cassette (not shown) in the image forming apparatus 100 that stores coated paper. The CPU 202 controls various processes from receiving the PDL data to printing on paper, as described above, to form a full-color image on paper.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the inspection device 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0031] The inspection control unit 300 controls the overall inspection device 110 and the inspection process for inspecting printed materials for defects. The image reading unit 310 reads printed materials conveyed from the image forming device 100. The image reading unit 310 generates scanned image data (hereinafter referred to as a scanned image) by reading the printed materials. The UI unit 320 is a UI unit that allows a user to configure the inspection device 110 and displays the inspection results to the user. Note that the configuration of the inspection device 110 performed by the user includes the inspection items that specify the type of defects to be inspected when inspecting printed materials. The defect types include, for example, round defects (dots) and linear defects (streaks). The inspection device 110 includes the inspection control unit 300, the image reading unit 310, and the UI unit 320. Note that in the first embodiment, the UI unit 320 includes a display unit that displays a screen and a display control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit. In addition, the settings of the inspection device 110 and the display of the inspection results performed by the UI unit 320 may be performed by an external device such as the UI unit 220 of the image forming device 100 described above, an inspection PC (not shown), or an information processing device (not shown).

[0032] Next, the configuration of the test control unit 300 will be described.

[0033] The communication I / F (interface) unit 301 transmits and receives data to and from the image forming apparatus 100, the finisher 120, and the inserter 160 via a communication cable. The CPU 302 controls the entire inspection device 110. The RAM 303 is used as a work area when the CPU 302 executes various commands. The ROM 304 stores programs and data executed by the CPU 302 at startup, as well as setting data for the inspection control unit 300. The inspection processing unit 305 inspects whether or not there are defects in the printed matter. These components of the inspection control unit 300 are connected via an internal bus 306. The functions of the inspection processing unit 305 may be realized by the CPU 302 loading a program stored in the ROM 304 into the RAM 303 and executing it.

[0034] Next, an overview of the print image inspection performed by the inspection device 110 will be described. The inspection device 110 uses the image reading unit 310 to read the printed material conveyed from the image forming device 100 and acquire a scanned image of the printed material to be inspected. The scanned image thus acquired is stored in RAM 303. Next, the inspection device 110 uses the inspection processing unit 305 to compare the scanned image to be inspected with reference image data (hereinafter referred to as the reference image) that has been stored in advance in RAM 303 as a correct image, and acquire a difference value.

[0035] Next, the inspection device 110 performs an inspection by comparing the difference value with the inspection threshold value (contrast, size, etc.) for each inspection item for each pixel. Information indicating the results of the inspection is saved in RAM 303. This information includes, for example, information on whether or not there is a defect in the printed matter, the type of defect detected (such as a dent or streak), and information on the position of the defect when displayed on the UI unit 320.

[0036] Next, an outline of the data inspection performed by the inspection device 110 will be described.

[0037] The inspection device 110 acquires a scanned image of the object to be inspected by reading the printed material conveyed from the image forming device 100 using the image reading unit 310. The scanned image thus acquired is stored in RAM 303. Next, the inspection device 110 uses the inspection processing unit 305 to inspect whether the character string or barcode can be read using a pre-set character font for optical character recognition (OCR) and barcode specifications. If the character string or barcode can be read, a "OK" judgment is made, and if the character string or barcode cannot be read, a "NG" judgment is made. A data comparison inspection can also be performed to check whether the read character string or barcode matches the corresponding data (correct data) in a pre-prepared correct data CSV file. Again, if the comparison results in a match, a "OK" judgment is made, and if the data do not match, a "NG" judgment is made. The inspection results are stored in RAM 303, including, for example, the inspection results of the character string or barcode read from the printed material, the comparison results with the correct data, and the position information of the read character or barcode when displayed on the UI unit 320.

[0038] Next, the inspection device 110 instructs the UI unit 320, via the CPU 302, to display the inspection results stored in the RAM 303. The inspection results are thus displayed on the UI unit 320, allowing the user to recognize the inspection results.

[0039] Furthermore, when a defective printed product occurs or a certain number of defective printed products occur consecutively, the inspection device 110 causes the CPU 302 to transmit this information to the image forming device 100 via the communication I / F unit 301 .

[0040] In image forming apparatus 100, controller 200 receives information that a defective printed matter has been generated via communication I / F unit 207. When controller 200 receives this information, CPU 202 instructs printer unit 210 to stop printing. In this way, image forming apparatus 100 stops the printing operation.

[0041] Furthermore, the inspection device 110 also transmits information to the finisher 120 via the communication I / F unit 301 based on the inspection results stored in the RAM 303 by the CPU 302. The information transmitted to the finisher 120 includes information on whether or not there are defects in the printed matter. Using the received information, the finisher 120 discharges printed matter without defects to a normal paper discharge tray, and discharges printed matter with defects to an escape tray separate from the normal paper discharge tray.

[0042] Next, the overall processing flow from the registration work before the start of the inspection to the execution of the inspection in the inspection device 110 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0043] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of inspection processing by the inspection device 110 according to embodiment 1. The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 302 expanding program code stored in the ROM 304 into the RAM 303 and executing the program code.

[0044] In S401, the CPU 302 registers a character font. The registered character font is used during data inspection. A character font is data that associates character character images with character codes, which are required for character recognition (OCR) performed during data inspection.

[0045] The character font creation procedure begins with the inspection device 110 waiting in character font image reading mode and receiving a print job for creating a character font from the client PC 130. Upon receiving the character font job from the client PC 130, the image forming device 100 prints the character font image on paper based on the character font job and ejects the printed paper (printed material). When the inspection device 110, waiting in character font image reading mode, detects a printed material printed and ejected by the image forming device 100, it scans the printed material with the image reading unit 310, acquires the scanned image, and stores it in RAM 303. The inspection device 110 then extracts characters to be OCR-enabled one by one from the scanned image. The user can then input character codes for the extracted character images via the UI unit 320 to create a character font. The character font created in this manner is stored in RAM 303 of the inspection device 110. While the character font creation method according to the first embodiment has been described here, any method that can create data in which character codes are associated with each character image extracted from a scanned image may be used. Note that there may be cases where only print image inspection is performed without data inspection, and in such cases, the process of S401 may be skipped and the process may proceed to S402.

[0046] In S402, CPU 302 registers a reference image that will be the correct image for inspection. At this time, image forming apparatus 100 and inspection apparatus 110 are on standby in reference image reading mode, and image forming apparatus 100 receives and executes a print job for registering the reference image from client PC 130. In this way, image forming apparatus 100 prints and ejects the reference image. When inspection apparatus 110, which is on standby in reference image reading mode, detects the conveyance of a printed matter on which the reference image is printed, it scans the printed matter with image reading unit 310 to obtain a scanned image of the reference image. Then, the scanned image is stored in RAM 303 of inspection apparatus 110 as the reference image, thereby registering the reference image.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the reference image is registered by scanning a printed matter on which the reference image is printed using the image reading unit 310, but this is not limiting. For example, the image data RIP-processed by the print server 140 or the image processing unit 205 of the image forming apparatus 100 may be registered as the reference image.

[0048] Next, the process proceeds to S403, where the CPU 302 stores various inspection setting values, such as the inspection area and inspection level, in the RAM 303 of the inspection device 110 in accordance with the inspection settings made by the user via the UI unit 320. Details of S403 according to the first embodiment will be described later. Here, the inspection level represents an inspection standard based on the required quality of the printed matter.

[0049] Next, the process proceeds to S404, where the CPU 302 executes an inspection process based on the inspection job from the client PC 130. In this inspection process, when the transport of a printed material is detected, the image reading unit 310 scans the printed material, and the resulting scanned image is stored in the RAM 303 of the inspection device 110. Then, a print image inspection is performed using the scanned image and the reference image registered in S402, using the inspection setting values ​​set in S403. If the inspection job includes a data inspection, the data inspection is performed using the character font registered in S401 and the inspection setting values ​​set in S403. The CPU 302 then notifies the CPU 202 of the inspection result, and the CPU 202 switches the paper discharge control of the finisher 120 depending on the inspection result. If the inspection result is OK, the printed material is discharged to Tray 1 (not shown), and if the inspection result is NG, the printed material is discharged to Tray 2 (not shown). In this embodiment, a method of switching the paper discharge destination depending on whether the inspection result is OK or NG is described, but the paper discharge destination may also be switched depending on the inspection content, for example. For example, the paper output destination may be allocated to multiple trays depending on whether the inspection level is OK / NG. Also, the output destination may be switched depending on whether the print image inspection is OK / NG and whether the data inspection is OK / NG. For example, printed materials that pass the inspection may be output to tray 1 (not shown), those that fail the print image inspection may be output to tray 2 (not shown), and those that fail the data inspection may be output to tray 3 (not shown). This completes the processing shown in this flowchart.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen 500 displayed on the UI unit 320 of the inspection device 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0051] The job management screen 500 is displayed when the inspection device 110 is started up, or when an application is started up by a user operation from the UI unit 320. From this job management screen 500, it is possible to transition to each of the following processes: font registration, reference image registration, inspection settings, and inspection.

[0052] The close button 501 is a button for hiding (closing) the display of the screen 500. The new button 502 is a button for creating a new inspection job, and pressing this new button 502 moves to registering a reference image. The duplicate button 503 is a button for duplicating an inspection job that has already been created. When an inspection job is selected in the inspection job list 508 and the duplicate button 503 is pressed, the selected inspection job is duplicated. By duplicating an inspection job in this way, it is possible to duplicate the reference image and inspection settings and create and execute a new inspection job. The delete button 504 deletes the inspection job selected in the inspection job list 508. Here, it is also possible to delete multiple inspection jobs simultaneously by selecting multiple inspection jobs in the inspection job list 508 and pressing the delete button 504.

[0053] The Inspection Settings button 506 performs inspection settings for an inspection job for which reference image registration has been completed. This inspection setting is executed in S403 of FIG. 4. When the Inspection Settings button 505 is pressed, the screen transitions to the inspection settings screen shown in FIG. 6. The Inspection button 506 is a button that instructs the system to perform an inspection according to an inspection job for which reference image registration and inspection settings have been completed. The Font Registration button 507 registers the character font described above.

[0054] Next, the test settings will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection setting screen 600 displayed on the UI unit 320 of the inspection device 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0056] A change reference image button 601 is pressed when the operator wishes to change the registered reference image. A button 602 is an inspection area selection button, which is pressed by the operator when the operator wishes to select an inspection area that has already been set. A button 603 is an inspection area deletion button, which is pressed by the operator when the operator wishes to delete the inspection area selected with the button 602. A button 604 is a button for rotating the reference image 606 displayed in the area 605.

[0057] An area 605 is a display area for displaying the read reference image. If there are multiple sheets to be read, the reference image to be displayed can be switched using a button 612. The front and back sides of the read sheets can also be switched using the button 612.

[0058] The OK button 613 is a button for saving the settings of this examination setting screen 600 and transitioning to the job management screen 500 shown in Fig. 5. Pressing the OK button 613 may also transition to an examination screen (not shown) so that the examination can be performed. The cancel button 614 is a button for transitioning to the job management screen 500 shown in Fig. 5 without saving the settings of the examination setting screen 600.

[0059] Button 621 is pressed by the operator when setting a new inspection area for print image inspection. After pressing button 621, the operator can set the inspection area for the reference image 606 displayed in area 605. Areas 607, 608, 609, 610, and 611 show examples of setting inspection areas for print image inspection.

[0060] Button 622 is pressed by the operator when setting a new area for character inspection or barcode inspection. After pressing button 622, the operator can set an inspection area for data inspection for the reference image 606 displayed in area 605. Button 623 is pressed by the operator when setting a new area for serial number inspection. After pressing button 623, the operator can set an inspection area for serial number inspection for the reference image 606 displayed in area 605. The serial number inspection is a data inspection performed based on predetermined rules. The predetermined rules include the start number, end number, increment / decrement value, etc.

[0061] Setting item 631 is for setting the tolerance for misalignment inspection, and sets the amount of allowable misalignment of the print position from the reference image. In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the operator sets the amount of misalignment in the vertical and horizontal directions to be detected as a defect if it is 2 mm or more. In other words, the value set by the operator here corresponds to the threshold value used to determine whether or not there is a defect in misalignment detection. If a misalignment equal to or greater than the threshold value set here (here, 2 mm or more) is detected, the inspection will be determined to be NG.

[0062] The setting area 632 is a group of UIs for configuring the currently selected inspection area in area 605. The setting items 633 configure the scope of the selected inspection area. If nothing is selected, the selected inspection area will be placed only on the page currently displayed in area 605. If "Same side as current page" is selected, the selected inspection area will be placed on the page on the same side as the selected inspection area, depending on whether it is placed on the front or back side of the sheet. If "All pages" is selected, the selected inspection area will be placed on all pages included in the inspection job.

[0063] Setting item 634 is for setting the inspection level (hereinafter referred to as "inspection level"), and sets the inspection level for the selected inspection area. The inspection level is a parameter set in stages for determining the size of a defect for each feature of a detected defect. For example, there are nine levels, from level 1 to level 9, with level 9 being stricter than level 1 and capable of detecting thinner and smaller defects.

[0064] Next, the test setting process in S403 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0065] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection setting process of S403 in Fig. 4. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 302 of the inspection device 110 expanding the program code stored in the ROM 304 into the RAM 303 and executing it.

[0066] In S701, the CPU 302 receives a notification of a user's UI operation from the UI unit 320. Next, the process proceeds to S702, where the CPU 302 determines whether an inspection setting has been made. Specifically, the process determines whether a new inspection area has been set or whether the setting of an already set inspection area has been changed. If it is determined that an inspection setting has been made, the process proceeds to S703, and if it is determined that an operation other than the inspection setting has been made, the process proceeds to S706.

[0067] In S703, the CPU 302 determines whether the inspection area set in S702 is an inspection area for print image inspection. If it is determined to be an inspection area for print image inspection, the process proceeds to S704; if it is determined to be an inspection area other than an inspection area for print image inspection, the process returns to S701 and waits for notification of a UI operation. In S704, the CPU 302 acquires inspection level information stored in the ROM 304 that corresponds to the inspection area determined in S703. The process then proceeds to S705, where the CPU 302 updates the display of that inspection area based on the inspection level acquired in S704.

[0068] Figure 8 shows an example of an inspection area in a reference image displayed in area 605 of the inspection setting screen 600 in Figure 6. Here, it shows an example of a display when multiple inspection areas with different inspection levels are set in a printed image inspection.

[0069] In print image inspection, the required quality can vary depending on the area where the stain is located. For example, at the overall inspection level, it is desirable to detect stains of a certain size (e.g., about 0.5 mm), but because stains on images of people are noticeable, it may be desirable to be able to detect even the smallest stains. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to set the inspection level according to the content to be printed. However, when multiple inspection areas with different inspection levels are arranged, it becomes difficult to determine which inspection level is applied to each inspection area.

[0070] 8(a) shows an example of a display in which area 801 is set to inspection level 9, area 802 to inspection level 4, inspection area 803 to inspection level 5, inspection area 804 to inspection level 2, and inspection area 805 to inspection level 1. In this example, inspection level information is superimposed on the top right of each inspection area and displayed on the reference image. By displaying the corresponding inspection level for each inspection area in this way, it becomes easy to confirm at which inspection level each inspection area will be inspected.

[0071] Fig. 8(b) shows an example of the display of inspection areas when the print image inspection allows for setting inspection levels for each type of defect, such as round defect shapes (dots), linear defect shapes (streaks), etc., on the inspection setting screen 600 in Fig. 6. Here, an example is shown in which the inspection level information set for each defect type is displayed superimposed above each inspection area.

[0072] 8(a) and 8(b), the inspection level information is displayed within the frame of each inspection area set in Fig. 6, but it may also be displayed outside the frame of the inspection area, as shown in Fig. 8(c), for example. The point is that the inspection level information should be displayed in a nearby position where it can be confirmed that it is linked to each inspection area.

[0073] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which, in addition to superimposing inspection level information on the upper right corner of the inspection area in the first embodiment, the frame of the inspection area and the display form of the inspection area are changed according to the inspection level.

[0074] FIG. 9(a) shows an example in which the density of the border lines of the inspection area frames is changed depending on the inspection level. In the example of FIG. 9(a), the lower the inspection level, the smaller the proportion of black lines in the dashed lines indicating the border, and the higher the inspection level, the larger the proportion of black lines. Specifically, the borders of level 1 inspection areas are represented by dotted lines, and the borders of level 2 inspection areas are represented by slightly longer dashed black lines. The borders of level 3 inspection areas are represented by dashed lines, the borders of level 4 inspection areas are represented by longer dashed black lines than the black lines of the borders of level 3, and the borders of level 9 inspection areas are represented by solid lines. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the borders may be displayed so that the proportion of black lines decreases as the inspection level decreases.

[0075] FIG. 9(b) shows an example in which the number of border lines of the inspection area frame is changed depending on the inspection level. Here, the number of border lines increases as the inspection level increases, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of border lines may increase as the inspection level decreases. Furthermore, when there are many inspection levels set, the thickness of the border lines may be changed for each predetermined level. FIG. 9(b) shows an example in which the border at inspection level 3 is displayed as a thick line instead of three lines.

[0076] 9(c) shows an example in which the inspection area is framed by a dashed line and the transmittance within the inspection area is changed according to the inspection level. In FIG. 9(c), the transmittance decreases as the inspection level increases, and increases as the inspection level decreases. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the transmittance may be displayed so that it decreases as the inspection level decreases.

[0077] FIG. 9(d) shows an example in which the inspection area is framed by a dashed line and the halftone dot ratio within the inspection area is changed according to the inspection level. Here, the halftone dot ratio is represented by drawing a dot pattern or the like within the inspection area and changing the size of the black pixels in the dot pattern. As the halftone dot ratio increases, the size of the black pixels in the dot pattern increases. FIG. 9(d) shows an example in which the halftone dot ratio increases as the inspection level increases and decreases as the inspection level decreases. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the halftone dot ratio may be displayed as increasing as the inspection level decreases.

[0078] Furthermore, the frame of the inspection area and the display form of the inspection area are not limited to the above examples, and any display form that allows the inspection level to be recognized by gradually changing according to the inspection level may be used. Furthermore, the display form is not limited to one of these, and multiple display forms may be combined to display the inspection level.

[0079] As described above, in addition to the layered display of inspection level information described in Figure 8, by changing the frame of the inspection area and the display format of the inspection area according to the inspection level as shown in Figure 9, it becomes easy to recognize at what inspection level each inspection area will be inspected.

[0080] Returning to the explanation of FIG.

[0081] In S705, the CPU 302 changes the display format in accordance with the inspection level, and then returns to S701 to wait for notification of a UI operation.

[0082] If the input of the examination setting is not being made in S702, the process proceeds to S706, where the CPU 302 determines whether the setting of the examination area has been completed. Here, this determination is made based on whether the OK button 613 shown in FIG. 6 has been pressed. If it is determined that the OK button 613 has been pressed, the process determines that the examination setting has been completed, and proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if it is determined in S706 that the OK button has not been pressed, the process returns to S701 and waits for notification of a UI operation. In S707, the CPU 302 saves the setting values ​​set on the examination setting screen 600 in the RAM 303, and ends this process. This concludes the description of the examination setting flow in S403.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a test result confirmation screen displayed after the test execution in S404 is completed in the first embodiment.

[0084] Area 1001 is a display area that displays the loaded inspection image 1002. Area 1003 shows the area where a defect was detected. On this inspection result confirmation screen, the inspection area and inspection level are displayed overlaid on the inspection image, making it easy to determine at what inspection level the area where a defect was detected was inspected.

[0085] In addition, in embodiment 1, display examples are shown on the inspection setting screen and the inspection result confirmation screen, but this is not limited to these. For example, when outputting an image to a file such as an inspection report, the inspection level and inspection area may be displayed in the display format described above.

[0086] As described above, according to the first embodiment, even when a plurality of inspection areas with different inspection levels are arranged, it is possible to easily determine which inspection level is set in each inspection area.

[0087] [Embodiment 2] In the above-described first embodiment, an example was described in which it is possible to easily determine which inspection level is applied to each inspection area even when multiple areas with different inspection levels are arranged. However, with the method of the first embodiment, changing the display of the inspection level information, the frame of the inspection area, and the display format of the inspection area may make it difficult to confirm the image portions of the reference image and the inspection image. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an example will be described in which it is possible to change whether or not to display the inspection level information, the display position, and the display format. Note that the system and device configuration of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection setting screen 600 displayed on the UI unit 320 of the inspection device 110 according to the second embodiment.

[0089] Radio button 1101 is a button for switching the display of the inspection level ON / OFF, and when checked, it becomes possible to turn the inspection level information ON / OFF and change the display format. When radio button 1101 is unchecked, the inspection level information is no longer displayed, and it becomes possible to check the reference image portion that was hidden.

[0090] Setting item 1102 is an item for selecting whether to display the inspection level information inside or outside the inspection area. If displaying the inspection level information inside the inspection area is selected, the inspection level information is displayed inside the inspection area as shown in Figure 8(a). If displaying it outside is selected, the inspection level information is displayed outside the inspection area, in contact with or close to the inspection area as shown in Figure 8(c).

[0091] A setting item 1103 is an item for selecting whether the display position of the inspection level information is to be displayed at the top right, top left, bottom right, or bottom left of the inspection area.

[0092] In this way, by changing the display position of the inspection level information using the setting items 1102 and 1103, it becomes possible to check the reference image portion that was hidden.

[0093] Setting item 1104 is a setting item for switching the display mode of the inspection area. If "None" is selected here, the display mode will not change according to the inspection level. In Figure 11, "Border Line Density" is selected. In this case, the density of the black lines of the inspection area border will vary depending on the inspection level, as shown in Figure 9(a). If "Number of Border Lines" is selected, the number of lines or thickness of the inspection area border will vary depending on the inspection level, as shown in Figure 9(b). If "Transmittance" is selected, the transmittance of the inspection area will vary depending on the inspection level, as shown in Figure 9(c). If "Dot Ratio" is selected, the size of the black pixels in the dot pattern of the inspection area will vary depending on the inspection level, as shown in Figure 9(d). By switching the display mode of the inspection area using setting item 1104 in this way, it is possible to switch to a display that makes it easier to distinguish the inspection level of each inspection area and to check the reference image.

[0094] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to change and display the display of the inspection level information, the frame of the inspection area, and the display format of the inspection area. As a result, even if it is difficult to check the image parts of the reference image or the inspection image due to the display of the inspection level information, it is possible to easily switch the display and check the reference image or the inspection image.

[0095] [Embodiment 3] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which it is easy to determine which inspection level is set in each inspection area even when a large number of inspection areas with different inspection levels are arranged. However, with the method of the first embodiment, it is difficult to determine the inspection level, for example, when the number of actually set inspection levels is small compared to the settable number of inspection levels and only inspection areas with similar inspection levels are set. Therefore, in the third embodiment, an example is described in which the display form of the inspection area is changed depending on the set number of inspection levels. Note that the system and device configuration of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] The flow of test setting in the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0097] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection setting process of S403 according to the third embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 302 of the inspection device 110 loading program code stored in the ROM 304 into the RAM 303 and executing the program code. In Fig. 12, the same processes as those shown in Fig. 7 above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0098] When the inspection level information corresponding to the inspection area determined in S703 is acquired, the process proceeds to S1201, and the CPU 302 assigns a display form based on the number of stages of the set inspection level.

[0099] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the display mode allocation process in S1201 of FIG.

[0100] In S1301, the CPU 302 calculates the total number of inspection levels set on the inspection setting screen 600. For example, if inspection area 1 is set to inspection level 3, inspection area 2 to inspection level 5, inspection area 3 to inspection level 8, and inspection area 4 to inspection level 3, the total number of inspection levels will be three: inspection level 3, inspection level 5, and inspection level 8. Here, the total number of inspection levels is the total number within one displayed page, but it may also be calculated as the total number of inspection levels for the entire inspection job, for example.

[0101] Next, the process proceeds to S1302, where the CPU 302 initializes the index i and the dispindex indicating the identification number of the display mode. At this time, the initial value of dispindex is the maximum value max. The index i and the identification number dispindex are stored in the RAM 303.

[0102] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation of display forms of the inspection area according to the third embodiment.

[0103] Figure 14(a) shows an example of a display mode pattern in which the transmittance is changed for each inspection level. The number of display mode patterns in Figure 14(a) is 9 levels, from 1 to 9, and the transmittance pattern to be displayed is associated with the display mode identification number dispindex. In this example, the maximum value max is "9".

[0104] Next, the process proceeds to step S1303, and the CPU 302 substitutes dispindex into a table Disp[i] that associates the examination level with the display format. This table Disp is also stored in the RAM 303.

[0105] Fig. 14(b) shows an example of the correspondence table. Fig. 14(b) shows an example of the correspondence table Disp[i] of the display mode when three types of inspection levels, namely inspection level 4, inspection level 3, and inspection level 2, are set and the total number of levels is "3". In this example, dispindex=9 is set for Disp[0] in S1302.

[0106] Next, the process proceeds to S1304, where the CPU 302 determines whether the total number of inspection levels calculated in S1301 is greater than 1. If it is determined that the total number of inspection levels is greater than 1, the process proceeds to S1305, and if it is determined that the total number of inspection levels is 1 or less, the process ends. In S1305, the CPU 302 calculates the number of steps s. Here, the number of steps s indicates the interval at which the display pattern shown in FIG. 14(a) is displayed. The step s is calculated as (maximum number of inspection levels - 1) / (total number of inspection levels - 1), and any decimal places are rounded up. In the third embodiment, if the maximum number of inspection levels = 9 and the total number of inspection levels = 3, then (9 - 1) / (3 - 1) = 4, so the step s is 4.

[0107] Next, the process proceeds to S1306, where the CPU 302 determines whether index i is smaller than (total number of inspection levels - 1). That is, here, it determines whether index i is smaller than (3 - 1 =) 2. If it is determined that index i is smaller than (total number of inspection levels - 1), the process proceeds to S1307. On the other hand, if it is determined that index i is equal to or greater than (total number of inspection levels - 1), it is determined that the allocation of display forms to all inspection levels has been completed, and this process ends.

[0108] In S1307, the CPU 302 increments the index i, assigns a display form for the next inspection level, and returns to S1306. In S1307, the number of steps s is subtracted from the dispindex to update the dispindex. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14(b), when i=1, dispindex=9-4=5, and Disp[1]=5 is set. When i=2, dispindex=5-4=1, and Disp[2]=1 is set.

[0109] FIG. 14(c) is a diagram showing a comparison between an example in which a fixed display format is assigned according to the inspection level and the assignment of display formats according to the third embodiment.

[0110] Reference numeral 1401 indicates a case where a fixed display form is assigned according to the inspection level. Reference numeral 1402 indicates an example where a display form is assigned according to the number of stages using the method of embodiment 3. In this way, when the total number of inspection levels is less than the maximum number of inspection levels, it is possible to make it easier to determine the inspection level by increasing the number of display stages of the display form pattern for one inspection level.

[0111] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the display form of the inspection area is changed to be more easily distinguishable depending on the number of set stages of the inspection level, thereby making it easier to distinguish the inspection level. This has the effect of making it easier to distinguish the inspection level.

[0112] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0113] This specification and drawings disclose the following inspection system, inspection device, and control method and program thereof.

[0114] [Item 1] an acquisition means for acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printed matter using an image reading unit; an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on the scanned image and a reference image; a setting means for setting an inspection area to be inspected by the inspection means and an inspection level for the inspection area; a display control means for displaying a first inspection area to which a first inspection level set by the setting means is set, surrounded by a frame line of a first thickness, and for displaying a second inspection area to which a second inspection level set by the setting means is set, surrounded by a frame line of a thickness different from the first thickness; An inspection device comprising:

[0115] [Item 2] 2. The inspection device according to item 1, wherein the setting means sets the inspection area with respect to the reference image.

[0116] [Item 3] 3. The inspection device according to item 2, wherein the setting means can set a plurality of inspection areas for the reference image, and when a plurality of inspection areas are set, an inspection level is set for an inspection area selected from the plurality of inspection areas.

[0117] [Item 4] 4. The inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the setting means can further set the inspection level in association with the type of defect to be inspected.

[0118] [Item 5] 5. The inspection device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the display control means changes and displays the line density of the border lines of the first inspection area and the second inspection area.

[0119] [Item 6] 5. The inspection device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the display control means changes and displays the number of border lines of the first inspection area and the second inspection area.

[0120] [Item 7] 7. The inspection device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the display control means changes the transmittance of the border of the first inspection area and the second inspection area when displaying them.

[0121] [Item 8] 7. The inspection device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the display control means changes and displays the border of the first inspection area and the halftone dot rate of the second inspection area.

[0122] [Item 9] 7. The inspection device according to any one of items 1 to 6, further comprising a means for selecting whether to change the display form of the border line of the first inspection area and the frame of the second inspection area.

[0123] [Item 10] The inspection device according to any one of items 5 to 8, wherein the display control means further changes the display form of the frame of the inspection area or the display stage of the transmittance or halftone rate of the inspection area for one of the inspection levels, based on the maximum number of inspection levels that the setting means can set for the inspection area and the number of inspection levels set by the setting means.

[0124] [Item 11] an image forming apparatus that executes printing according to a job to generate a printed matter; an inspection device that receives and inspects the printed material, The inspection device includes: an acquisition means for acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printed matter using an image reading unit; an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on the scanned image and a reference image; a setting means for setting an inspection area to be inspected by the inspection means and an inspection level for the inspection area; a display control means for displaying a first inspection area to which a first inspection level set by the setting means is set, surrounded by a frame line of a first thickness, and for displaying a second inspection area to which a second inspection level set by the setting means is set, surrounded by a frame line of a thickness different from the first thickness; An inspection system comprising:

[0125] [Item 12] The inspection device further comprises: a display means for displaying the inspection result by the inspection means; the display means displays the scanned image and the inspection area as the inspection result; Item 12. The inspection system according to item 11, wherein the display control means changes the border of the inspection area displayed by the display means in accordance with the inspection level set for the inspection area.

[0126] [Item 13] A control method for controlling an inspection device that receives and inspects printed matter, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printed matter using an image reading unit; an inspection step of inspecting the printed matter based on the scanned image and a reference image; a setting step of setting an inspection area to be inspected by the inspection step and an inspection level for the inspection area; a display control step of displaying a first inspection area to which the first inspection level set in the setting step is set, surrounded by a frame line of a first thickness, and displaying a second inspection area to which the second inspection level set in the setting step is set, surrounded by a frame line of a thickness different from the first thickness; A control method comprising:

[0127] [Item 14] an acquisition means for acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printed matter using an image reading unit; an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on the scanned image and a reference image; a setting means for setting an inspection area to be inspected by the inspection means and an inspection level for the inspection area; a display control means for displaying the value of the first inspection level set by the setting means in the vicinity of a first inspection area to which the first inspection level is set, and for displaying the value of the second inspection level in the vicinity of a second inspection area to which the second inspection level set by the setting means is set; An inspection device comprising:

[0128] [Item 15] Item 15. The inspection device according to item 14, wherein the display control means displays the value of the first inspection level in the first inspection area in an overlapping manner.

[0129] [Item 16] Item 15. The inspection device according to item 14, wherein the display control means displays information indicating the value of the first inspection level outside the first inspection area, in contact with or close to the frame of the first inspection area.

[0130] [Item 17] 17. The inspection device according to item 14 or 16, further comprising a means for selecting whether an area for displaying information indicating the value of the first inspection level is inside the first inspection region or outside the first inspection region.

[0131] [Item 18] 17. The inspection device according to item 14 or 16, further comprising a means for selecting whether the area for displaying information indicating the value of the first inspection level is to be at the top right, bottom right, top left, or bottom left of the first inspection area.

[0132] [Item 19] A program that causes a computer to function as each of the means of the inspection device described in any one of items 1 to 10.

[0133] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 100...image forming apparatus, 110...inspection apparatus, 120...finisher, 130...information processing apparatus, 302...CPU (inspection apparatus), 303...RAM (inspection apparatus), 304...ROM (inspection apparatus), 305...inspection processing section, 310...image reading section, 320...UI section

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printed matter using an image reading unit; an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on the scanned image and a reference image; a setting means for setting an inspection area to be inspected by the inspection means and an inspection level for the inspection area; a display control means for displaying a first inspection area to which a first inspection level set by the setting means is set, surrounded by a frame line of a first thickness, and for displaying a second inspection area to which a second inspection level set by the setting means is set, surrounded by a frame line of a thickness different from the first thickness; An inspection device comprising:

2. 2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting means sets the inspection area with respect to the reference image.

3. The inspection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the setting means can set a plurality of inspection areas for the reference image, and when a plurality of inspection areas are set, an inspection level is set for an inspection area selected from the plurality of inspection areas.

4. 2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said setting means further sets the inspection level in association with the type of defect to be inspected.

5. 2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means changes the line density of the frame lines of the first inspection area and the frame lines of the second inspection area when displaying them.

6. 2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means changes the number of border lines of the first inspection area and the second inspection area when displaying the area.

7. 2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means changes the transmittance of the frame of the first inspection area and the second inspection area when displaying them.

8. 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means changes the frame line of the first inspection area and the halftone dot rate of the second inspection area before displaying them.

9. 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising a means for selecting whether or not to change the display form of the border line of said first inspection area and the frame of said second inspection area.

10. The inspection device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the display control means further changes the display form of the frame of the inspection area or the display level of the transmittance or dot rate of the inspection area for one level of the inspection level based on the maximum number of inspection levels that the setting means can set for the inspection area and the number of inspection levels set by the setting means.

11. an image forming apparatus that executes printing according to a job to generate a printed matter; an inspection device that receives and inspects the printed material, The inspection device includes: an acquisition means for acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printed matter using an image reading unit; an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on the scanned image and a reference image; a setting means for setting an inspection area to be inspected by the inspection means and an inspection level for the inspection area; a display control means for displaying a first inspection area to which a first inspection level set by the setting means is set, surrounded by a frame line of a first thickness, and for displaying a second inspection area to which a second inspection level set by the setting means is set, surrounded by a frame line of a thickness different from the first thickness; An inspection system comprising:

12. The inspection device further comprises: a display means for displaying the inspection result by the inspection means; the display means displays the scanned image and the inspection area as the inspection result; 12. The inspection system according to claim 11, wherein the display control means changes the frame line of the inspection area displayed by the display means in accordance with the inspection level set for the inspection area.

13. A control method for controlling an inspection device that receives and inspects printed matter, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printed matter using an image reading unit; an inspection step of inspecting the printed matter based on the scanned image and a reference image; a setting step of setting an inspection area to be inspected by the inspection step and an inspection level for the inspection area; a display control step of displaying a first inspection area, to which the first inspection level set in the setting step is set, surrounded by a frame line of a first thickness, and displaying a second inspection area, to which the second inspection level set in the setting step is set, surrounded by a frame line of a thickness different from the first thickness; A control method comprising:

14. an acquisition means for acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printed matter using an image reading unit; an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on the scanned image and a reference image; a setting means for setting an inspection area to be inspected by the inspection means and an inspection level for the inspection area; a display control means for displaying the value of the first inspection level set by the setting means in the vicinity of a first inspection area to which the first inspection level is set, and for displaying the value of the second inspection level in the vicinity of a second inspection area to which the second inspection level set by the setting means is set; An inspection device comprising:

15. 15. The inspection apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the display control means displays the value of the first inspection level in the first inspection area in an overlapping manner.

16. 15. The inspection device according to claim 14, wherein the display control means displays information indicating the value of the first inspection level outside the first inspection area, in contact with or close to the frame of the first inspection area.

17. 17. The inspection device according to claim 14, further comprising means for selecting whether an area for displaying information indicating the value of the first inspection level is inside the first inspection area or outside the first inspection area.

18. The inspection device according to claim 14 or 16, further comprising means for selecting whether the area for displaying information indicating the value of the first inspection level is to be at the top right, bottom right, top left, or bottom left of the first inspection area.

19. A program causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 13.

Images