Image inspection device, image formation system, image inspection method, and image inspection program

Abstract

To provide an image inspection device, an image formation system, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program capable of ensuring inspection quality and at the same time preventing occurrence of unneeded error determination.SOLUTION: An image inspection device has: a display control section for displaying a first inspection area for performing inspection with a first inspection precision in a first color, displaying a second inspection area for performing inspection with a second inspection precision lower than the first inspection precision in a second color different from the first color, and displaying a third inspection area for performing inspection with a third inspection precision between the first inspection precision and the second inspection precision in a third color different from the first color and the second color; and an inspection section for inspecting the first inspection area with the first inspection precision when inspecting a read image of an image formed in a recording medium, inspecting the second inspection area with the second inspection precision, and inspecting the third inspection area with the third inspection precision. The third inspection precision can be changed within a range between the first inspection precision and the second inspection precision.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image inspection device, an image forming system, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is an image forming system in which an electrophotographic image forming device (such as a copier, printer, facsimile, or combination machine) that forms a toner image on paper and an image reading device equipped with a scanner or the like are connected inline or integrally.

[0003] Here, the image reading device reads the output (i.e., the image on paper, the same applies below) output by the image forming device using a scanner or the like, feeds back information on color and positional misalignment to the image forming device, and functions as a post-processing device to correct the image.

[0004] In recent years, image forming systems have been proposed that include, in addition to a system of an image forming apparatus and an output image reading apparatus, an in-line or integrated image inspection device (also called an automatic inspection device) that automatically inspects the image quality of the output material output by the image forming apparatus. In such systems, the image inspection device performs an inspection job based on inspection data (inspection image data) and performs inspection (inspection) to check for various abnormalities (image defects) such as fading, uneven density, and streaks in the image on the paper.

[0005] When executing an inspection job, the image inspection device acquires, as inspection image data, data of a reference image (also called a correct image) that has been created or registered in advance, and an image of the actual printed output (image data read by the image reading device).

[0006] The image inspection device then compares these images to determine whether there are any image defects in the image actually printed on paper, and inspects the quality of the image. This image forming system can automatically inspect (check) whether the output (image on paper) output by the image forming device is printed at the quality desired by the customer.

[0007] Furthermore, in recent image forming systems, coating materials such as transparent UV-curable varnishes are applied to specific locations on full-color prints to give the prints a three-dimensional or glossy appearance, or decorative images are added to the prints using the coating materials.

[0008] In one specific example, a coating image forming apparatus that forms an image using the above-mentioned coating material is connected to the downstream of an image forming apparatus that prints a full-color image on paper, and a coating image is formed on the paper of a full-color print. Hereinafter, for convenience, such an output product will be referred to as a "coated print product."

[0009] Alternatively, a coating image forming section that forms an image of a coating material is arranged downstream in the paper transport direction of the image forming section (hereinafter referred to as the "print image forming section" for the sake of distinction) of the image forming device, and a coating image is formed on the paper on which the print image has been formed by the print image forming section.

[0010] Along with the evolution of such printing techniques, in recent years, technology for image inspection (determining the presence or absence of image defects, etc.) of coating images on coated printed materials has also been advancing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0011] Conventionally, when automatically inspecting whether the printed image and coating image of a coated printed material have been printed correctly, the printed image is inspected once after the printed image is formed but before the coating image is formed, and then a second inspection is performed on just the coating image after the coating image is formed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-161469 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] On the other hand, in conventional technologies such as Patent Document 1, the accuracy of image inspection of coating images tends to be high (strict) overall, and there was a problem that even output products that were deemed to be fully acceptable from the perspective of both the producer and the orderer could be judged to have ``image defects in the coating image'' and classified as unacceptable products.

[0014] The present inventors have conducted extensive research into the above-mentioned problems related to the inspection of coated printed materials, and have come to the following findings.

[0015] Generally, coated images such as varnished images are light-transmitting and have low density, so that even slight image defects are often less noticeable than in full-color printed images.

[0016] On the other hand, coating images in recent years are formed in various positional relationships relative to the printed image, such as completely overlapping (matching) the printed image, partially overlapping the printed image, or being formed separately (separately) from the printed image.

[0017] If the coating image overlaps with the printed image, any image defects in the overlapping areas of the coating image are easily detected by the human eye. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly inspect the overlapping areas and inspect (check) the coating image with strict precision to ensure the quality of the image inspection and ultimately the quality of the printed matter delivered.

[0018] Conversely, if the coating image does not overlap with the printed image, image defects in the coating image will be less noticeable. Therefore, it is considered better to inspect (inspect) the coating image with a relatively low level of accuracy to avoid unnecessary error detection and increased printing costs.

[0019] In contrast, conventional technology does not inspect (check) the coating image based on the relationship between the formation position of the printed image and the formation position of the coating image, and instead applies the same precision across the board, which results in unnecessary error judgments or inability to ensure inspection quality.

[0020] An object of the present invention is to provide an image inspection device, an image forming system, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program that can ensure inspection quality while preventing unnecessary error judgments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0021] The image inspection device according to the present invention comprises: a display control unit that displays a first inspection area where inspection is to be performed with a first inspection accuracy in a first color, a second inspection area where inspection is to be performed with a second inspection accuracy lower than the first inspection accuracy in a second color different from the first color, and a third inspection area where inspection is to be performed with a third inspection accuracy between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy in a third color different from the first color and the second color; an inspection unit that, when inspecting a read image of an image formed on a recording medium, inspects the first inspection area with the first inspection accuracy, inspects the second inspection area with the second inspection accuracy, and inspects the third inspection area with the third inspection accuracy; and The third inspection accuracy can be changed within a range between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy.

[0022] The image forming system according to the present invention comprises: a display control unit that displays a first inspection area where inspection is to be performed with a first inspection accuracy in a first color, a second inspection area where inspection is to be performed with a second inspection accuracy lower than the first inspection accuracy in a second color different from the first color, and a third inspection area where inspection is to be performed with a third inspection accuracy between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy in a third color different from the first color and the second color; an inspection unit that, when inspecting a read image of an image formed on a recording medium, inspects the first inspection area with the first inspection accuracy, inspects the second inspection area with the second inspection accuracy, and inspects the third inspection area with the third inspection accuracy; and The third inspection accuracy can be changed within a range between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy.

[0023] The image inspection method according to the present invention comprises: a step of displaying a first inspection area to be inspected with a first inspection accuracy in a first color, a second inspection area to be inspected with a second inspection accuracy lower than the first inspection accuracy in a second color different from the first color, and a third inspection area to be inspected with a third inspection accuracy between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy in a third color different from the first color and the second color; When inspecting a read image of an image formed on a recording medium, inspecting the first inspection area with the first inspection accuracy, inspecting the second inspection area with the second inspection accuracy, and inspecting the third inspection area with the third inspection accuracy; and The third inspection accuracy can be changed within a range between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy.

[0024] The image inspection program according to the present invention comprises: a step of displaying a first inspection area to be inspected with a first inspection accuracy in a first color, a second inspection area to be inspected with a second inspection accuracy lower than the first inspection accuracy in a second color different from the first color, and a third inspection area to be inspected with a third inspection accuracy between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy in a third color different from the first color and the second color; When inspecting a read image of an image formed on a recording medium, inspecting the first inspection area with the first inspection accuracy, inspecting the second inspection area with the second inspection accuracy, and inspecting the third inspection area with the third inspection accuracy; and The third inspection accuracy can be changed within a range between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure inspection quality while preventing unnecessary erroneous judgments from occurring. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of a control system in the image forming system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing of an inspection job. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a specific example of a coated printed material that can be printed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5A shows a case where only an image of print data is formed on paper, and FIG. 5B shows a case where only an image of coating data is formed on paper. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of setting two levels of inspection accuracy for coating data images, where FIG. 6A shows an image to which a first inspection accuracy is applied, and FIG. 6B shows an image to which a second inspection accuracy is applied. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the control unit when the inspection accuracy of the coating data image is set to three levels. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of an image inspection process for a coating image according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a specific example of setting the inspection accuracy of the coated printed matter shown in FIG. 4 to three levels, where FIG. 9A shows an image subject to the first inspection accuracy, FIG. 9B shows an image subject to the second inspection accuracy, and FIG. 9C shows an image subject to the third inspection accuracy. [Figure 10] Figure 10A shows another specific example of a coated printed matter, Figure 10B shows a case where only the image of the print data is printed on paper, and Figure 10C shows a case where only the image of the coating data is printed on paper. [Figure 11] Figure 11A shows yet another specific example of a coated printed matter, Figure 11B shows a case where only the image of the print data is printed on paper, and Figure 11C shows a case where only the image of the coating data is printed on paper. [Figure 12] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration that allows a user to adjust the third inspection accuracy for the coated printed material shown in FIG. 4, showing an example of a user setting screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an outline of a process when setting up inspection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic overall configuration of an image forming system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows the main parts of a control system for explaining the flow of signals between the devices constituting the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0028] The image forming system 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a system that forms (outputs) an image on paper S using an image forming device 20, reads the image on paper S, compares the read image with a reference image, and inspects the quality of the image printed on paper S (whether or not an image defect has occurred).

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming device 20 that forms a full-color print image based on print image data and a transparent or translucent varnish image (coating image) based on coating image data on paper S.

[0030] The image forming system 1 also includes a paper feeder 10 that feeds paper S to the image forming device 20, an image reading device 30 that reads the image on the paper S discharged from the image forming device 20, and a post-processing device 40 having multiple paper discharge trays (42, 43).

[0031] In the image forming system 1, the sheet feeding device 10, the image forming device 20, the image reading device 30, and the post-processing device 40 are physically connected in this order (the device main bodies are connected to each other) from the upstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S, so that a transport path P for the sheet S is formed connecting these multiple devices. This transport path P is branched by the sorting section 41 of the post-processing device 40 into a path P1 connected to a lower sheet discharge tray 42 and a path P2 connected to an upper sheet discharge tray 43.

[0032] For the sake of simplicity, Fig. 1 shows the transport path P within the image forming apparatus 20 as a single line, but an actual image forming apparatus 20 is provided with a double-sided transport path for double-sided printing. Also, for the sake of simplicity, Fig. 1 shows two branches, P1 and P2, within the post-processing apparatus 40, but more branch paths can be provided depending on the number of paper output trays, etc.

[0033] The paper feeder 10 can store various sizes and types of paper S. The paper feeder 10 includes a paper feed roller for feeding the stored (stacked) paper S one sheet at a time, a motor for driving the paper feed roller, and the like.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 20 includes a print image forming section 21 that forms a full-color image on a sheet S based on input print image data (hereinafter also simply referred to as print data).

[0035] In one specific example, the print image forming unit 21 is an intermediate transfer type image forming unit that uses electrophotographic process technology. In this example, the print image forming unit 21 primarily transfers toner images of each color (Yellow, M, C, and K) formed on a photosensitive drum (not shown) onto an intermediate transfer belt (not shown), superimposes the four color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt, and then secondarily transfers the toner images onto paper S, thereby forming a toner image (full-color print image).

[0036] Further, downstream of the print image forming unit 21 in the transport direction of the paper S, there is disposed a fixing unit 22, which performs secondary transfer of the toner image and applies heat and pressure to the transported paper S to fix the toner image to the paper S. The print image forming unit 21 and the fixing unit 22 have known configurations, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0037] The method for forming a print image in the print image forming unit 21 is not limited to the above method, and various other methods can be applied, such as an inkjet method in which ink is ejected onto the paper S to form an image.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recording medium on which the image is formed is assumed to be paper S, i.e., a paper medium, but the recording medium on which the image is formed is not limited to this, and various other sheet-like media such as cloth or plastic can also be used.

[0039] In the image forming apparatus 20 of this embodiment, a coating image forming unit 23 is disposed downstream in the conveyance direction of the fixing unit 22. This coating image forming unit 23 has a function of applying a light-transmitting coating material to the paper S based on input coating image data (hereinafter simply referred to as coating data).

[0040] In one specific example, the coating image forming unit 23 forms a transparent or translucent coating image using UV-curable varnish on the paper S based on coating data that specifies (defines) an image separate from the print image data. In this case, the coating image forming unit 23 includes an application unit that applies UV-curable varnish (hereinafter simply referred to as varnish) to the paper S, and a UV irradiation unit that is located downstream of the application unit and irradiates the varnish applied to the paper S with ultraviolet (UV) rays to cure the varnish.

[0041] For ease of explanation, hereinafter, the image formed on the paper S by the print image forming unit 21 will be simply referred to as a "print image," and the image formed on the paper S by the coating image forming unit 23 will be referred to as a "coating image."

[0042] The main body of the image forming apparatus 20 is provided with an operation display unit 25. The operation display unit 25 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel, and functions as a display unit 26 and an operation unit 27.

[0043] In the operation display unit 25, the display unit 26 displays various operation screens, image states, operation statuses of various functions, etc., in accordance with display control signals input from the control unit 200, which will be described later. The operation unit 27 has various operation keys (so-called hardware switches) such as a numeric keypad and a start key, and accepts various input operations by the user and outputs operation signals to the control unit 200.

[0044] In addition, the display unit 26 displays various icons (so-called software switches) that can be selected with a cursor (pointer) or the like on various screens described below, accepts various input operations by the user, and outputs operation signals to the control unit 200.

[0045] 2, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a control unit 200 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 20. The control unit 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, etc., and controls the operations of the print image forming unit 21 and the fixing unit 22 described above, as well as the operations of each unit included in the image forming apparatus 20.

[0046] That is, the CPU 201 of the control unit 200 reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM 202, expands it into the RAM 203, and works in cooperation with the expanded program to centrally control the operation of the print image forming unit 21, the fixing unit 22, and other blocks within the image forming device 20.

[0047] Other blocks included in the image forming apparatus 20 include an image processing unit that performs various corrections such as gradation correction on input image data, a paper transport unit that drives multiple transport rollers that transport paper S, a communication unit that communicates with external devices via a communication network or the like, an operation display unit that accepts input operations from the user and displays the status of the apparatus, etc. These are well-known components, so illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0048] In this embodiment, the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20 controls each of the above-mentioned blocks and, as shown in Figure 2, communicates with the image inspection device 50 to collaboratively perform various processes that are primarily performed by the image inspection device 50.

[0049] 1 and 2, the image reading device 30 has an output image reading unit 31 that optically reads an image (toner image) on a sheet S discharged from the image forming device 20. Specifically, the output image reading unit 31 optically scans the sheet S, forms an image of reflected light from the sheet S on the light receiving surface of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor (not shown), reads images on both sides of the sheet S, and generates read image data based on the reading results. The read image data generated by the output image reading unit 31 is input to an image inspection device 50 (described later).

[0050] 1 and 2, post-processing device 40 includes a transport roller that transports paper S whose image has been read by image reading device 30, multiple paper output trays 42 and 43 that discharge paper S, and a sorting unit 41 that switches the discharge destination (transport route) of paper S. For simplicity, FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration with two paper output trays 42 and 43, but any number of paper output trays may be used, and more paper output trays may be provided. Sorting unit 41 includes a switching gate that switches the discharge destination (transport route) of paper S between path P1 and path P2, a drive source such as a solenoid that drives the switching gate, an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from image forming device 20 and image inspection device 50, and the like.

[0051] Additionally, post-processing device 40 can be equipped with various additional functions depending on the application, such as a cutter that cuts sheets S, a stapler that staples sheets S, and a folding mechanism that folds sheets S. These additional functions are well-known configurations, and therefore will not be illustrated or described here.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 1 includes an image inspection device 50 that inspects the quality of the output image formed (output) on the paper S (whether or not there is an image defect) based on the read image data generated by the image reading device 30.

[0053] This image inspection device 50 is equipped with a hardware processor such as a CPU, a ROM, a data storage unit 51 described later, and the CPU reads and executes a program stored in the ROM to perform a job (hereinafter referred to as an "inspection job") of inspecting the quality of the output image (presence or absence of image defects).

[0054] In this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 has the function of generating and registering a reference image (sometimes called a correct image) to be compared when performing image inspection, based on the scanned image generated by the image reading device 30.

[0055] In addition, the image inspection device 50 has the function of dividing the inspection target area (the area of ​​two-dimensional coordinates on the paper) to be subjected to image inspection for the registered reference image into predetermined area or pixel units, and setting the inspection accuracy (level) of the image inspection for each divided area.

[0056] Therefore, the image inspection device 50 functions as a "setting unit" that sets the above-mentioned inspection accuracy (level), and also functions as a "detection unit" that will be described later.

[0057] The image inspection device 50 functions as an "image inspection unit" that compares the read image generated by the image reading device 30 with a reference image to inspect for image defects. Details of each of these functions of the image inspection device 50 will be described later.

[0058] The image inspection device 50 can be physically incorporated into the housing of the image reading device 30, the post-processing device 40, or the image forming device 20, for example, or can be configured as a device that is physically independent from these devices. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the image inspection device 50 is the latter, i.e., a physically independent device, and is configured to be electrically connected to a control unit 200 (described later) of the image forming device 20, etc.

[0059] In addition, as shown in Figure 2, the image forming system 1 is equipped with a PC 60 that outputs print image data and image forming conditions for the print image (various user settings such as the number of pages of the printed matter, whether double-sided or single-sided printing, and the number of copies to be printed).

[0060] In this example, since the coating image is formed by the coating image forming unit 23, the coating image data and the image forming conditions for the coating image are also output from the PC 60.

[0061] Hereinafter, the above-mentioned various data output from the PC 60 will be collectively referred to as "reference data."

[0062] 2, the PC 60 supplies reference data to both the image forming apparatus 20 (control unit 200) and the image inspection apparatus 50. As another example, a relay device may be provided that branches the reference data sent from the PC 60 into two and sends them to the control unit 200 and the image inspection apparatus 50.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 1 includes data storage units 51 and 52 for storing various data such as the above-mentioned reference data.

[0064] Of these, the data storage unit 51 is a part of the image inspection device 50 and is used to temporarily store reference data. The data storage unit 51 also stores various data related to image defects analyzed by the image inspection device 50.

[0065] Furthermore, the data storage unit 51 saves and accumulates various settings related to image inspection as inspection profile data. Here, the inspection profile includes information indicating printing conditions such as the content of the print job in which the image to be inspected is printed, such as the size of the paper S used for printing, the number of sheets and copies to be printed, whether double-sided printing is performed, etc. Other contents of the inspection profile will be described later.

[0066] On the other hand, the data storage unit 52 is provided in the main body (housing) of the image forming apparatus 20, and is connected to the control unit 200 and the CPU of the image inspection device 50 via an interface (not shown). These data storage units 51 and 52 can use various data storage media such as HDDs and semiconductor memories.

[0067] In one specific example, first, the image forming device 20 stores print job setting information including information indicating the image formation conditions described above in the data storage unit 52. Thereafter, when creating an inspection profile, the image inspection device 50 reads the information indicating the image formation conditions from the data storage unit 52 and stores it in the data storage unit 51 as part of the inspection profile.

[0068] Next, an overview of the processing of an inspection job executed by the image inspection device 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 3. For simplicity, the flow shown in Fig. 3 is based on the premise that only a print image is formed on the paper S in the print job (a coating image is not formed).

[0069] In addition, here we assume that multiple copies (e.g., 100 copies) of a printed material consisting of multiple pages (e.g., four sheets of paper) are printed, and the quality of the images on the multiple copies is inspected, and new reference image data for this printed material (four sheets of paper) is created.

[0070] In step S10, the image inspection device 50 (CPU of the image inspection device 50 shown in FIG. 2, the same applies hereinafter) refers to the page number of the reference data described above, and registers (newly creates) the scanned image data for a portion (here, four sheets of paper) printed by the image forming device 20 and scanned by the image scanning device 30 as data for a reference image. The process of registering such a reference image is called a "reference job."

[0071] Specifically, in step S100, the image inspection device 50 temporarily stores a portion of the images (read image data) (corresponding to four sheets of paper) read and generated by the image reading device 30 in RAM or the like as candidates for the reference image.

[0072] At this time, the user visually checks the images of the actual printouts (four sheets), and if there are no problems, the temporarily saved data is stored (registered) as official reference image data in the data storage unit 51 through operation input on a reference image registration screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 26. At this time, the reference job is completed.

[0073] Thus, after the data of the formal reference image is registered, the image forming apparatus 20 starts the print job from the second copy of the printed matter.

[0074] For simplicity, the printing used to create new reference image data will be referred to as "proof printing," and the printing that is the subject of the inspection job will be referred to as "final printing." If there are any problems with the images in the actual printouts (four pages), the above-mentioned reference job processing will be repeated until the user determines that there are no problems with the reference images.

[0075] In step S200, the image inspection device 50 acquires read image data from the second copy (the fifth copy in this example) generated by the output image reading unit 31 of the image reading device 30 when actual printing is started by the image forming device 20. In this example, the image inspection device 50 receives the generated read image data directly from the image reading device 30 (see FIG. 2).

[0076] In step S300, the image inspection device 50 checks the identity of the reference image and the read image by comparing the read image data acquired in step S200 with the data of the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S100.

[0077] Next, the image inspection device 50 determines whether the image quality of the read image data is OK or not based on the inspection result of step S300 (step S400). The process of this determination differs depending on the items related to the degree of match between the reference image and the read image (type of image defect), the standard value (threshold value) for pass / fail, etc.

[0078] If the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality is OK (no image defects) (step S400, YES), it determines that the image quality of the print passes. In this case, the image inspection device 50 notifies the post-processing device 40 to discharge the paper S corresponding to this read image data into a preset first tray (for example, the paper discharge tray 42 in FIG. 1) (step S500).

[0079] Then, the image inspection device 50 repeats the processes of steps S200 to S500 until the print job related to the inspection is completed, and ends the process when the print job is completed. In this case, the image inspection device 50 notifies the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20 that "the image quality of all printed pages passed," for example.

[0080] On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the read image data has an image defect (step S400, NO), the process proceeds to step S600.

[0081] In step S600, the image inspection device 50 transmits a message such as "An image defect occurred on the 50th printed page" to the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20. At this time, the image inspection device 50 also transmits the type of the image defect, the position of the image defect on the sheet S, and the like to the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20. The image inspection device 50 also notifies the post-processing device 40 to discharge the sheet S corresponding to the scanned image data containing the image defect to a preset second tray (for example, the paper output tray 43 in FIG. 1).

[0082] When the post-processing device 40 receives notification from the image inspection device 50 about the presence or absence of image defects, it drives the switching gate of the sorting section 41 (see Figures 1 and 2) so that the target paper S is discharged to the appropriate paper output tray (42 or 43).

[0083] The image inspection device 50 repeats the processing of steps S100 to S600 described above until the inspection job is completed, and when the inspection job is completed (i.e., completed up to the last printed page), it saves the inspection results in the data storage unit 51 and ends the inspection job.

[0084] The above is an overview of the process for the first image inspection when only a printed image is formed on paper S. However, even when a coating image is formed on paper S on which a printed image has been formed, the second image inspection can be performed basically using the same procedure as that described in Figure 3.

[0085] As mentioned above, in order to give the printed image printed on the paper S a three-dimensional or glossy appearance, a coated printed matter may be produced in which the above-mentioned varnish coating image is formed on the printed image so that it is superimposed or partially overlapped on the printed image, or separately from the printed image.

[0086] An example of a coated printed matter will be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. On the paper S shown in Figure 4, the area on which the printed image is formed is indicated by the symbol PI, and the area on which the coated image is formed is indicated by the symbol CI. For ease of explanation, these will be referred to as the "printed image PI" and the "coated image CI" below.

[0087] The printed matter shown in Figure 4 is formed by printing the characters "ABC" and "123" as print images PI on the top and middle rows of paper S by the print image forming unit 21, and then forming the following coating images CI on the top, middle, and bottom rows of paper S by the coating image forming unit 23.

[0088] For ease of understanding, FIG. 5A shows the paper S at the stage where a print image PI has been formed by the print image forming unit 21. For comparison, FIG. 5B virtually shows only the coating image CI formed on the paper S by the coating image forming unit 23. In reality, the coating image CI shown in FIG. 5B is formed after the print image PI shown in FIG. 5A has been formed on the paper S (see FIG. 4).

[0089] That is, the coating image forming unit 23 forms the letters "ABC" as the coating image CI so as to overlap with "ABC" in the print image PI, and forms a rectangular solid image as the coating image CI at a position overlapping with "123" in the print image PI. Furthermore, the coating image forming unit 23 forms an image of five stars as the coating image CI in the lower part of the paper S on which the print image PI is not formed.

[0090] Thus, the reference image used in image inspection will be the best image among those printed on paper S with both the printed image PI and the coated image CI as described above (see Figure 4).

[0091] After the reference image is registered, image inspection can be basically performed according to the processing routine described above with reference to FIG.

[0092] On the other hand, when conventional routine image inspection is performed on coated printed materials on which both a printed image PI and a coated image CI are formed, the inspection results are stricter than the general requirements, resulting in poor productivity in printing and inspection.

[0093] This problem will be explained below based on the coated printed matter described above with reference to FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B.

[0094] As can be seen by comparing Figures 4, 5A, and 5B, in this example of a coated printed matter, the overlapping pattern (degree and condition of overlap, etc.) of the coating image CI with the printed image PI differs for each type (object) of the coating image CI.

[0095] Specifically, the coating image CI of the alphabet "ABC" is in a state in which it substantially matches the printed image PI of "ABC" (the character width is slightly wider), in other words, it has the highest degree of overlap with the printed image PI.

[0096] From another perspective, the shape or contour of the coating image CI of object "A" has a high similarity to the shape (contour) of "A," and the same is true for the coating images CI of "B" and "C."

[0097] Furthermore, the rectangular coating image CI formed in the middle of the paper S is a solid image having an area that surrounds the print image PI of "123," in other words, it has the second highest degree of overlap with the print image PI.

[0098] From another perspective, the shape (outline) of the rectangular coating image CI has a low similarity to the shapes (outlines) of the numbers "1," "2," and "3."

[0099] In contrast to these, the five-star coating image CI formed on the bottom of the paper S does not come into contact with any of the printed images PI and exists independently, so it has the lowest degree of overlap with the printed images PI, in other words, there is no overlap at all with the printed images PI.

[0100] Considering the above three examples (differences in overlapping patterns) comprehensively, in many cases, defects (such as distortions in the coating image CI) in the overlapping areas of the printed image PI and the coating image CI, especially in the outline of the letters "ABC" above, are easily discernible by the human eye.

[0101] On the other hand, it was found that in areas where the printed image PI and the coated image CI do not overlap, such as the background part of the five-star coated image CI in the above example (the part where the stars are blurred), slight distortion is not noticeable.

[0102] In view of the above-described circumstances, in this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 inspects the coating image CI according to an inspection level (inspection accuracy) set based on the overlapping state between the printing image PI and the coating image CI read by the image reading device 30.

[0103] That is, the image inspection device 50 is set so that the accuracy (inspection level) of the image inspection applied to the coating image CI is changed between the area where the printed image PI and the coating image CI overlap and the area where they do not overlap.

[0104] Furthermore, the image inspection device 50 performs a process of detecting non-overlapping portions of the coating image CI that do not overlap with the print image PI on the paper S, as a function of the "detection unit."

[0105] In one specific example, the image inspection device 50 acquires data (print image data and coating image data) for the print image PI and the coating image CI formed on the same side of a sheet of paper S, and detects the non-overlapping portions by comparing the formation positions (two-dimensional coordinates) of each image on the paper S.

[0106] It should be noted that the image inspection device 50 can also detect an overlapping portion of the coating image CI that overlaps the print image PI on the paper S during this detection process.

[0107] Next, the image inspection device 50 performs the following process as the function of the "setting unit."

[0108] That is, the image inspection device 50 sets the accuracy of the image inspection for the overlapping portion of the coating image CI that overlaps the print image PI on the paper S to the normal accuracy (first inspection accuracy).

[0109] In one specific example, the first inspection accuracy is set to an accuracy (inspection level) equivalent to that when an image inspection is performed on the printed image PI.

[0110] On the other hand, the image inspection device 50 sets the accuracy of image inspection for the non-overlapping portion of the coating image CI that does not overlap the printed image PI on the paper S to a second inspection accuracy that is lower (looser) than the normal accuracy (first inspection accuracy).

[0111] In one specific example, the second inspection accuracy is such that if the deviation in the formation pattern of the coating image CI on the paper S does not exceed a predetermined threshold (e.g., 0.5 mm), the image is judged to be "no image defect," and if the deviation exceeds the threshold, the image is judged to be "image defect."

[0112] Examples of deviations in the formation mode include deviations from the coordinate positions on the paper S where the mark is supposed to be formed (position deviations), and cases where the size of the mark formed on the paper S is larger or smaller than the original size (size deviations).

[0113] In this embodiment, after the above-mentioned settings, an image inspection is performed on the coating image CI on the paper S in the procedure described above with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0114] Thus, in this embodiment, the coating image CI is inspected (inspection job) using multiple different accuracies based on the relationship between the formation position of the print image PI and the formation position of the coating image CI, thereby ensuring both inspection quality and preventing unnecessary error judgments.

[0115] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency and productivity of inspection and printing on coated printed materials.

[0116] Hereinafter, the set level of image inspection accuracy with the highest (strictest) level will be referred to as the "first inspection accuracy," and conversely, the set level of inspection accuracy with the lowest level will be referred to as the "second inspection accuracy." For ease of explanation, the intermediate level between these two, i.e., the set level of inspection accuracy with stricter inspection accuracy than the second inspection accuracy but less stringent than the first inspection accuracy, will be referred to as the "third inspection accuracy."

[0117] The settings of each of the above-mentioned accuracies will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and subsequent figures, which show the separate components (objects) of the coating image CI shown in Fig. 5B. Here, Fig. 6A shows the objects of the coating image CI set to the first inspection accuracy, and Fig. 6B shows the objects of the coating image CI set to the second inspection accuracy.

[0118] 4, 5A, and 5B, the portion of the characters "ABC" almost perfectly matches (overlaps) between the printed image PI and the coating image CI, so any disturbance in the coating image CI is easily noticeable. For this reason, the first inspection accuracy is set for all portions of the coating image CI of the characters "ABC" (see FIG. 6A).

[0119] Furthermore, since the rectangular solid coating image CI overlaps with the numbers "123" in the print image PI, any disturbance in this rectangular image is easily noticeable. For this reason, the rectangular solid coating image CI is basically set to the first inspection accuracy (see FIG. 6A).

[0120] In contrast, the five star-shaped coating images CI do not overlap with any of the printed images PI, and because they have high transparency (low density), slight distortion in the image is unlikely to be noticeable. For this reason, the first inspection accuracy is set for all parts of the five star-shaped coating images CI (see Figure 6B).

[0121] On the other hand, from another perspective, the rectangular solid coating image CI covers the numbers "123" in the printed image PI from above, and is different from a form in which the shapes (outlines) are approximately the same, such as the letters "ABC."

[0122] For this reason, if the same inspection standards are applied (set) to a rectangular solid coating image CI as to a coating image CI of the letters "ABC," there is a risk that the printed matter (product) will be judged as failing due to overly strict inspection, even though it is at a level that would be satisfactory to the average person as a printed matter (product).

[0123] Therefore, in this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 does not uniformly apply the first inspection accuracy to objects of the coating image CI that overlap the printed image PI on the paper S, but rather determines the objects to be set to the third inspection accuracy (third level) based on the following criteria.

[0124] That is, as a function of the "detection unit," the image inspection device 50 detects, among the overlapping portions of the coating image CI that overlap the printed image PI on the paper S, overlapping similar portions (objects) that are similar to the contours of the overlapping printed image PI, and overlapping dissimilar portions (objects) that are not similar to the contours of the overlapping printed image PI.

[0125] Then, as a function of the "setting unit," the image inspection device 50 sets a first inspection accuracy for overlapping similar parts (objects) of the coating image CI, and sets a third inspection accuracy, which is lower than the first inspection accuracy and higher than the second inspection accuracy, for overlapping dissimilar parts (objects) of the coating image CI.

[0126] As a result, the "ABC" object in the coating image CI is treated as an overlapping similar portion (object), and the image inspection accuracy (level) is set to the first inspection accuracy (Fig. 9A). On the other hand, the rectangular solid object in the coating image CI is treated as an overlapping dissimilar portion (object), and the image inspection accuracy (level) is set to the third inspection accuracy (Fig. 9C).

[0127] It should be noted that the five star-shaped objects in the coating image CI are regarded as non-overlapping portions (objects), and the accuracy (level) of the image inspection is set to the second inspection accuracy (FIG. 9B).

[0128] 10A to 10C show another specific example in which it is considered advisable to set the image inspection accuracy (level) to the third inspection accuracy for the coating image CI. The illustrated example shows a coated printed matter in which seven star marks (see FIG. 10C) are formed as the coating image CI on a color printed image PI (see FIG. 10B) of the word "STAR" (actually written in red).

[0129] Referring to FIG. 10A, each of the star marks, which are objects constituting the coating image CI, partially overlaps the characters of the print image PI, and the remaining portions do not overlap the characters of the print image PI.

[0130] In such an overlapping state where the coating image CI (object) partially overlaps (does not completely overlap) the printed image PI, it is not necessarily easy to uniformly determine the level of accuracy to set for the image inspection of the coating image CI.

[0131] Taking into consideration the above-described circumstances, in this embodiment, the user can adjust (specify) the third inspection accuracy (level) so that it is set to any accuracy (level) between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy, and the specific configuration for this will be described later.

[0132] Next, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7, a process relating to the determination or setting of the inspection accuracy (level) for the coating image CI, which is executed by the image inspection device 50 mainly as a "detection unit," will be described in more detail.

[0133] Note that Figure 7 shows a specific example of the processing flow executed by the image inspection device 50 when the inspection accuracy of the coating image CI based on the coating data is set to three levels, and also shows the processing after the corresponding print data is sent from the image forming device 20 to the image inspection device 50.

[0134] In step S11, the image inspection device 50 selects and reads one object that constitutes the coating image CI from the coating data.

[0135] In one specific example, "one object" in the coated printed matter shown in Figure 4 corresponds to one character in the letters "ABC," and "one star mark" in the case of five stars. Similarly, "one object" in the coated printed matter shown in Figure 10A corresponds to "one star mark."

[0136] The image inspection device 50 reads the shape (outline) of one object, the position (coordinates) where it is to be formed on the paper S, the density of the image, and the like from the coating data of the printed matter.

[0137] In the next step S12, the image inspection device 50 determines the degree of overlap between the object and the corresponding print image PI, that is, whether or not there is an overlapping portion.

[0138] In one specific example, the image inspection device 50 reads the position (coordinates of the outline) of the print image PI to be formed on the paper S from the print data obtained from the image forming device 20, and compares it with the position (coordinates) of the shape (outline) of the above object to determine whether or not there is an overlapping portion.

[0139] Here, if the image inspection device 50 determines that there is no overlapping portion (overlap) with the printed image PI (step S12, NO), it determines (sets) the inspection accuracy of the coating image to the first inspection accuracy in step S16 and proceeds to step S18.

[0140] On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that there is an overlapping portion (overlap) with the print image PI (step S12, YES), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0141] In step S13, the image inspection device 50 determines whether or not the shape (outline) of the object in the coating image CI is similar to the shape (outline) of the print image PI.

[0142] In one specific example, in the case of the coated printed matter shown in Figure 4, each character (object) of the characters "ABC" is determined to be "similar," and each "star mark" is determined to be "dissimilar." Similarly, each "star mark" in the coated printed matter shown in Figure 10A is also determined to be "dissimilar."

[0143] Here, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the shapes (contours) of both images are not similar (step S13, NO), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0144] On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the shapes (contours) of both images are similar (step S13, YES), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0145] In step S14, the image inspection device 50 determines (sets) the inspection accuracy of the object in the coating image CI to the first inspection accuracy, and proceeds to step S18.

[0146] On the other hand, in step S15, the image inspection device 50 determines whether or not the object in the coating image CI is placed on a single-color solid (filled) print image PI.

[0147] Here, a "solid (filled) print image PI" means either that the surroundings (background) of the object in the coating image CI are a solid (filled) print image PI, or that the background color of the paper S, i.e., there is no print image PI.

[0148] Here, a specific example of the former, that is, the case where the periphery (background) of the object in the coating image CI is a monochrome filled image in the print image PI, is shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C.

[0149] Here, Fig. 11A shows a coated print in which a coating image CI consisting of seven star-shaped objects is formed on a print image PI with a dark background such as black. Fig. 11B shows a state in which only the print image PI based on the print data is formed on paper, and Fig. 11C shows a state in which only the coating image CI based on the coating data is formed on paper.

[0150] In the latter case, that is, when the surroundings (background) of the object in the coating image CI is the ground color of the paper S, that is, when there is no print image PI, the example of FIG. 4 described above applies (see also FIG. 6B).

[0151] Here, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the object in the coating image CI is placed on a solid (filled) print image PI (step S15, YES), it determines (sets) the inspection accuracy of the object in the coating image CI to the second inspection accuracy in step S16, and proceeds to step S18.

[0152] On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the object in the coating image CI is not placed on a solid (filled) print image PI (step S15, NO), it determines (sets) the inspection level (accuracy) of the object in the coating image CI to the third inspection accuracy in step S17, and proceeds to step S18.

[0153] In step S18, the image inspection device 50 determines whether or not reading of all objects of the coating image CI to be printed has been completed.

[0154] Here, if image inspection device 50 determines that reading of all objects has not yet been completed (step S18, NO), it returns to step S11 and repeats the processes of steps S11 to S18 described above.

[0155] On the other hand, if it is determined that reading of all objects has been completed (step S18, YES), image inspection device 50 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0156] By performing the above-described processing, the inspection accuracy is determined or set for each object, taking into consideration the relationship between the various objects that make up the coating image CI and the formation position of the print image PI, so that appropriate settings can be made in response to general requirements.

[0157] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to ensure inspection quality while preventing unnecessary erroneous judgments, thereby improving the productivity of coated printed materials.

[0158] Next, an outline of the image inspection process for the coating image CI in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0159] In step S20, the image inspection device 50 receives from the image reading device 30 the read image data generated by scanning the coated printed material with the output image reading unit 31 (see FIG. 2, etc.). Note that this step S20 corresponds to the processing of step S200 described above in FIG. 3.

[0160] In the following step S31, the image inspection device 50 determines whether the image quality of the coating portion set to the first inspection accuracy (see step S14 in Figure 7 and Figure 9A) among the scanned image data acquired in step S20 is good (quality OK) by comparing the coating portion with the data of the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S100 in Figure 3.

[0161] If the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality of the coated portion is not good (quality OK) (step S31, NO), it determines that the image quality of the printed matter is unacceptable, and proceeds to step S60. In this case, the image inspection device 50 notifies the post-processing device 40 to discharge the paper S of the printed matter into a preset second tray (for example, the paper discharge tray 43 in FIG. 1) (step S60).

[0162] On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality of the coating portion is good (quality OK) (step S31, YES), it determines that the image quality of the coating portion is acceptable, and proceeds to step S32.

[0163] In step S32, the image inspection device 50 determines whether the image quality of the coating portion set to the second inspection accuracy (see step S16 in Figure 7 and Figure 9B) among the scanned image data acquired in step S20 is good (quality OK) by comparing the coating portion with the data of the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S100 in Figure 3.

[0164] Here, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality of the coated portion is not good (quality OK) (step S32, NO), it determines that the image quality of the printed matter is unacceptable and executes the processing of step S60 described above.

[0165] On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality of the coating portion is good (quality OK) (step S32, YES), it determines that the image quality of the coating portion is acceptable, and proceeds to step S33.

[0166] In step S33, the image inspection device 50 determines whether the image quality of the coating portion set to the third inspection accuracy (see step S17 in Figure 7 and Figure 9C) among the scanned image data acquired in step S20 is good (quality OK) by comparing the coating portion with the data of the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S100 in Figure 3.

[0167] Here, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality of the coated portion is not good (quality OK) (step S33, NO), it determines that the image quality of the printed matter is unacceptable and executes the processing of step S60 described above.

[0168] On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality of the coated portion is good (quality OK) (step S33, YES), it determines that the image quality of the printed matter is acceptable, and proceeds to step S50. In this case, the image inspection device 50 notifies the post-processing device 40 to discharge the paper S of the printed matter into a preset first tray (for example, the paper discharge tray 42 in FIG. 1) (step S50).

[0169] According to the image inspection (quality check) processing routine described above, the coating image CI is inspected in accordance with an inspection level (accuracy) appropriate for each coating portion (object in this example) based on its positional relationship with the printed image PI. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to the conventional method, the number of rejected products is reduced, and important parts are inspected with high accuracy (strict standards) to leave good, passing products, improving printing productivity.

[0170] In addition, if the quality of the object requiring the strictest precision (in the example of Figure 4, the coating image CI of each letter of "ABC") is unacceptable (step S31, NO), the printed content of the paper S is treated as unacceptable regardless of the image quality of other objects (step S60), eliminating the need for unnecessary inspections and shortening the inspection process.

[0171] An example of a setting screen that allows the user to arbitrarily set the third accuracy is shown in Fig. 12. The example shown in Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example that allows the user to adjust the third inspection accuracy for the coated printed material shown in Fig. 4, and shows an example of a user setting screen that is displayed on the display unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 20 based on the control of the image inspection device 50.

[0172] As shown in Figure 12, in this example, the coated printed material is displayed on the left side of the user setting screen, and the accuracy setting section 260 and OK button 269 for the user to input operations are displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0173] In one specific example, the coated printed material displayed on the left side of the user setting screen is a reference image that has been registered in advance.

[0174] Furthermore, a volume 261 for setting (specifying) or changing the third inspection accuracy is displayed in the accuracy setting section 260. The volume 261 can be moved in several steps or continuously between the scales "1" and "2" according to the user's input operation.

[0175] Here, the scale "1" indicates an accuracy (strict level) that is approximately equal to the first inspection accuracy, and the scale "2" indicates an accuracy (lenient level) that is approximately equal to the second inspection accuracy.

[0176] The coated printed matter displayed on the left side of the user settings screen is displayed so that the color of the object varies for each level of inspection accuracy, based on the results of analysis of the coating data image by the image inspection device 50.

[0177] In one specific example, a coating image CI (object) to which the first inspection accuracy, which is the strictest inspection level, is applied is displayed in red (R: Red), and a coating image CI (object) to which the second inspection accuracy, which is the lenient inspection level, is applied is displayed in green (G: Green).

[0178] Furthermore, the coating image CI (object) to which the third inspection accuracy, which is an inspection level intermediate between the first and second inspection accuracy levels, is applied is displayed in yellow (Y).

[0179] Therefore, the color of the coating image CI in the coated printed material displayed on the user setting screen is different from the color of the coating material that is actually printed.

[0180] For ease of explanation, in FIG. 12, the red coating image CI is denoted by the symbol (R), the green coating image CI is denoted by the symbol (G), and the yellow coating image CI is denoted by the symbol (Y).

[0181] Thus, this embodiment, which displays the user setting screen described above, allows the third inspection accuracy to be adjusted as desired, making it possible to handle the inspection of various coated printed materials, including those with more complex patterns (printed images or varnished images), as well as the coated printed materials described in Figures 4, 10A, and 11A.

[0182] Furthermore, when the initial position of the volume 261 (the intermediate position between the scale marks "1" and "2") is changed by a user's input operation, the image inspection device 50 performs a process of changing the display color of the coating image CI(Y) according to the changed position.

[0183] In detail, the image inspection device 50 performs a process of changing the display color of the coating image CI(Y) so that the closer the position of the volume 261 is to the scale mark "1", the more the red (R) component is increased.

[0184] Conversely, the image inspection device 50 performs a process of changing the display color of the coating image CI(Y) so that the green (G) component increases as the position of the volume 261 approaches the scale mark "2."

[0185] When the display format is as described above, the user can easily intuitively imagine the level of the third inspection precision (degree of strictness or lenience).

[0186] For the sake of simplicity, FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a form in which only an image of a coated printed material is displayed on the user setting screen in a color corresponding to the inspection accuracy to be applied.

[0187] On the other hand, as mentioned above, the color of the coating image CI displayed on the user setting screen for the coated printed material differs from the color of the coating image that is actually formed. For this reason, it is conceivable that users would like to set the third inspection accuracy after understanding (confirming) the color that will actually be printed.

[0188] In view of the above, the image inspection device 50 displays a user setting screen as shown in FIG. 12 after displaying the print preview screen, or displays the user setting screen by incorporating it into the print preview screen.

[0189] Next, an outline of the process for setting inspection when the print preview screen and user setting screen described above with reference to FIG. 12 are displayed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0190] When a print job is executed, the image inspection device 50 acquires print data and coating data from the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20 (step S1).

[0191] Next, the image inspection device 50 detects the overlap between the print image PI and the coating image CI (presence or absence of an overlapping portion, and its position on the paper) from the acquired print data and coating data (step S2).

[0192] In the following step S3, the image inspection device 50 performs the processes of steps S11 to S18 described above with reference to FIG. 7, that is, the processes of determining the first, second, and third inspection accuracies.

[0193] Here, the image inspection device 50 determines the inspection accuracy of the coating image (object) that has been detected to overlap with the printing data to be the first inspection accuracy (strict level) (step S14), and sets the determined value in the setting data, judging it to be a final value.

[0194] On the other hand, for coating images (objects) for which no overlap with the printing data is detected, the image inspection device 50 determines the inspection accuracy to be the second inspection accuracy (step S16), which is a relaxed level, or the third inspection accuracy (step S17), which is an intermediate level, through the judgments of the above-mentioned steps S13 and S15.

[0195] The image inspection device 50 then determines that the second inspection accuracy (low level) is also a final value and sets it in the setting data. On the other hand, the image inspection device 50 determines that the third inspection accuracy (intermediate level) is not yet a final value.

[0196] In the following step S4, the image inspection device 50 executes a process of simultaneously displaying the above-mentioned print preview screen and the user setting screen described in FIG. 12 on the display unit 26 of the image forming device 20 based on the print data and varnishing data.

[0197] Here, the image inspection device 50 monitors the input signal from the operation display unit 25 and receives a user instruction regarding the third inspection accuracy. In this way, the user can specify the third inspection accuracy level for the object in the coating image CI(Y) described in FIG.

[0198] Thus, in step S5 after the user selects the OK button 269, the image inspection device 50 updates the setting data for the corresponding object in the coating image CI(Y) so that it is set to the level specified on the user setting screen.

[0199] Thereafter, the image inspection device 50 performs the inspection process as described in FIG. 8, thereby performing image inspection of the coated printed matter for each object of the coating image CI according to a preset inspection accuracy.

[0200] As described above, according to this embodiment, when inspecting the coating image CI of a coated printed material, the inspection accuracy is appropriately changed (selected) taking into account the positional relationship with the printed image PI, making it possible to ensure both inspection quality and prevent unnecessary error judgments from occurring.

[0201] For simplicity, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the image inspection device 50 sets and applies a single (one type) inspection accuracy (inspection level) for each object that constitutes the coating image CI (for example, for each star mark shown in Figure 10C).

[0202] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image inspection device 50 may be configured to set (apply) multiple types of inspection accuracy to one object that makes up the coating image CI. Specifically, for one star mark shown in Fig. 10C, a first inspection accuracy (high level) may be set for the portion that overlaps with the print image PI (characters), and a second inspection accuracy (low level) may be set for the portion that overlaps with the print image PI (characters).

[0203] In the above embodiment, a system using an image forming device 20 that forms each image of a coated printed material based on print image data and coding data received from a single PC (personal computer) 60 was described, but this is not limited to this.

[0204] As another example, the image forming apparatus 20 may be configured to receive the print image data and the coding data from separate terminals (such as a network server). Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 20 may be configured to include an automatic document feeder such as an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and a document image scanning device (scanner), both of which are not shown.

[0205] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the paper feeding device 10, the image reading device 30, and the post-processing device 40 are separate devices from the image forming device 20, but it goes without saying that these devices may also be integrated.

[0206] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be carried out in various forms without departing from the gist or main features thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0207] 1. Image forming system 10 Paper feeder 20 Image forming device 21 Print image forming unit 22 Fixing section 23 Coating image forming unit 25 Operation display section 26 Display section 27 Control section 30 Image reading device (image reading unit) 31 Output image reading unit 40 Aftertreatment device 41 Sorting Department 42,43 Output tray 50 Image inspection device (Image inspection department) 60 PC 51,52 Data storage section 80 Relay Device 200 Image forming device control unit 260 Accuracy setting section 261 Volume 269 ​​OK button PI Print Image CI coating image

Claims

1. a display control unit that displays a first inspection area where inspection is to be performed with a first inspection accuracy in a first color, a second inspection area where inspection is to be performed with a second inspection accuracy lower than the first inspection accuracy in a second color different from the first color, and a third inspection area where inspection is to be performed with a third inspection accuracy between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy in a third color different from the first color and the second color; an inspection unit that, when inspecting a read image of an image formed on a recording medium, inspects the first inspection area with the first inspection accuracy, inspects the second inspection area with the second inspection accuracy, and inspects the third inspection area with the third inspection accuracy; and The third inspection accuracy can be changed within a range between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy. Image inspection equipment.

2. the display control unit displays the objects in the first inspection area in the first color, the objects in the second inspection area in the second color, and the objects in the third inspection area in the third color. The image inspection device according to claim 1 .

3. the third color is changed in response to a change in the third inspection accuracy.

3. The image inspection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the display control unit displays the correspondence relationship between the inspection accuracy and the color. The image inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the display control unit causes the first inspection area to be displayed by being filled in with the first color, and the second inspection area to be displayed by being filled in with the second color; The image inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The inspection is performed by comparing the read image with a reference image. The image inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the object in the first inspection area, the object in the second inspection area, and the object in the third inspection area are displayed on a displayed reference image. The image inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The image is a coated print formed on a recording medium. The image inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. setting the inspection accuracy according to an overlapping state of the printed image and the coating image formed on the recording medium; The image inspection device according to claim 8 .

10. a display control unit that displays a first inspection area where inspection is to be performed with a first inspection accuracy in a first color, a second inspection area where inspection is to be performed with a second inspection accuracy lower than the first inspection accuracy in a second color different from the first color, and a third inspection area where inspection is to be performed with a third inspection accuracy between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy in a third color different from the first color and the second color; an inspection unit that, when inspecting a read image of an image formed on a recording medium, inspects the first inspection area with the first inspection accuracy, inspects the second inspection area with the second inspection accuracy, and inspects the third inspection area with the third inspection accuracy; and The third inspection accuracy can be changed within a range between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy. Image inspection system.

11. the display control unit displays the objects in the first inspection area in the first color, the objects in the second inspection area in the second color, and the objects in the third inspection area in the third color. The image inspection system of claim 10.

12. the third color is changed in response to a change in the third inspection accuracy.

12. An image inspection system according to claim 10 or 11.

13. the display control unit displays the correspondence relationship between the inspection accuracy and the color.

13. An image inspection system according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. the display control unit causes the first inspection area to be displayed by being filled with the first color, and the second inspection area to be displayed by being filled with the second color; 14. An image inspection system according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

15. The inspection is performed by comparing the read image with a reference image.

15. An image inspection system according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

16. the object in the first inspection area, the object in the second inspection area, and the object in the third inspection area are displayed on a displayed reference image.

16. An image inspection system according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

17. The image is a coated print formed on a recording medium.

17. An image inspection system according to any one of claims 10 to 16.

18. setting the inspection accuracy according to an overlapping state of the printed image and the coating image formed on the recording medium; 18. The imaging inspection system of claim 17.

19. a step of displaying a first inspection area inspected with a first inspection accuracy in a first color, a second inspection area inspected with a second inspection accuracy lower than the first inspection accuracy in a second color different from the first color, and a third inspection area inspected with a third inspection accuracy between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy in a third color different from the first color and the second color; When inspecting a read image of an image formed on a recording medium, inspecting the first inspection area with the first inspection accuracy, inspecting the second inspection area with the second inspection accuracy, and inspecting the third inspection area with the third inspection accuracy; and The third inspection accuracy can be changed within a range between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy. Imaging methods.

20. the displaying step displays the objects in the first inspection area in the first color, the objects in the second inspection area in the second color, and the objects in the third inspection area in the third color; The image inspection method according to claim 19.

21. the third color is changed in response to a change in the third inspection accuracy.

21. The image inspection method according to claim 19 or 20.

22. the displaying step displays the correspondence between the inspection accuracy and the color; 22. The image inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 21.

23. the displaying step displays the first inspection area by filling it with the first color, and the second inspection area by filling it with the second color; 23. The image inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 22.

24. The inspection is performed by comparing the read image with a reference image.

24. The image inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 23.

25. the object in the first inspection area, the object in the second inspection area, and the object in the third inspection area are displayed on a displayed reference image.

25. The image inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 24.

26. The image is a coated print formed on a recording medium.

26. The image inspection method according to any one of claims 19 to 25.

27. setting the inspection accuracy according to an overlapping state of the printed image and the coating image formed on the recording medium; The image inspection method according to claim 26.

28. a step of displaying a first inspection area inspected with a first inspection accuracy in a first color, a second inspection area inspected with a second inspection accuracy lower than the first inspection accuracy in a second color different from the first color, and a third inspection area inspected with a third inspection accuracy between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy in a third color different from the first color and the second color; When inspecting a read image of an image formed on a recording medium, inspecting the first inspection area with the first inspection accuracy, inspecting the second inspection area with the second inspection accuracy, and inspecting the third inspection area with the third inspection accuracy; and The third inspection accuracy can be changed within a range between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy. Image inspection program.

29. the displaying step displays the objects in the first inspection area in the first color, the objects in the second inspection area in the second color, and the objects in the third inspection area in the third color; 29. The image inspection program according to claim 28.

30. the third color is changed in response to a change in the third inspection accuracy.

30. An image inspection program according to claim 28 or 29.

31. the displaying step displays the correspondence between the inspection accuracy and the color; 31. The image inspection program according to any one of claims 28 to 30.

32. the displaying step displays the first inspection area by filling it with the first color, and the second inspection area by filling it with the second color; 32. The image inspection program according to any one of claims 28 to 31.

33. The inspection is performed by comparing the read image with a reference image.

33. An image inspection program according to any one of claims 29 to 32.

34. the object in the first inspection area, the object in the second inspection area, and the object in the third inspection area are displayed on a displayed reference image.

34. An image inspection program according to any one of claims 29 to 33.

35. The image is a coated print formed on a recording medium.

35. An image inspection program according to any one of claims 28 to 34.

36. setting the inspection accuracy according to an overlapping state of the printed image and the coating image formed on the recording medium; 36. The image inspection program according to claim 35.

Images