Inspection apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

To provide an inspection device capable of setting according to the whole size of an image to be displayed.SOLUTION: The inspection device acquires a reference image serving as a reference of image inspection, displays the reference image, and receives at least one of setting of an inspection content for the reference image and setting of an inspection area where the image inspection is executed. The inspection apparatus acquires an inspection image and executes an image inspection in an inspection area in the inspection image according to an inspection content. In the inspection setting, when a first magnification that is a magnification of the reference image in a case where the entire reference image is displayed in the display region is less than a first threshold value, the inspection device enlarges the reference image at a second magnification larger than the first magnification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In commercial printing, printed matter produced by an image forming apparatus is inspected by an inspection device. Inspection contents include inspection for folded corners of sheets, inspection for foreign matter adhering to sheets, inspection for streak images, and inspection for black spot images. When a user sets the inspection contents in the inspection device, the inspection device inspects the printed matter according to the inspection contents and displays the inspection results on a display device. Patent Document 1 proposes enlarging and displaying the periphery of an abnormality in an image acquired by the inspection device to improve the visibility of the inspection results. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-140540 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the setting of the enlarged display according to the overall size of the image to be displayed has not been taken into consideration. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection device that allows the setting according to the overall size of the image to be displayed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is, for example, An inspection device that inspects a printed matter including a sheet and an image formed on the sheet, an image processing means for enlarging or reducing a reference image that serves as a reference for image inspection; a display means for displaying the reference image output from the image processing means; a receiving means for receiving at least one of a setting of an inspection content for the reference image and a setting of an inspection area where the image inspection is to be performed; an acquisition means for acquiring an inspection image generated by reading a printed matter including a sheet and an image formed on the sheet; an inspection means for performing the image inspection in the inspection area of ​​the inspection image according to the inspection content, The image processing means a magnification calculation means for calculating a first magnification, which is a magnification of the reference image when the entire reference image is displayed within the display area of ​​the display means; an enlargement unit that enlarges the reference image by a second magnification factor that is greater than the first magnification factor when the first magnification factor is less than a first threshold value; The present invention provides an inspection device having the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, an inspection device is provided that can be set according to the overall size of the image to be displayed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating an image forming system [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating a control device [Figure 3] Diagram explaining the inspection controller [Figure 4] Diagram explaining the loading controller [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a control method executed by the control device. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing an inspection method performed by an inspection device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a control method executed by the loading device. [Figure 8] Illustration explaining the print settings screen [Figure 9] Diagram explaining the inspection setting screen [Figure 10] Diagram explaining the full enlarged display [Figure 11] Flowchart showing test settings [Figure 12] Diagram explaining partial enlarged display B [Figure 13] Diagram explaining partial enlarged display A [Figure 14] Diagram explaining the result confirmation screen [Figure 15] Flowchart showing test settings [Figure 16] Aspect ratio diagram DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments 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 multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0009] First Embodiment 1. Image forming system As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes an operation unit 20, an image forming device 30, a control device 40, an inspection device 50, and stacking devices 60a and 60b. The image forming device 30, the inspection device 50, and the stacking devices 60a and 60b each have separate housings. The number of stacking devices 60 may be one or more. The image forming system 100 may also be called an image inspection system. In this example, the stacking device 60a may also be called a sheet stacker or a sheet conveying device. The stacking device 60b may also be called a post-processing device or a finisher with a post-processing function. The same reference numerals are used for multiple identical or similar components, but when describing matters common to these components, the final lowercase letters (e.g., a, b, etc.) may be omitted.

[0010] The operation unit 20 has a display device that outputs information to the user, and an input device (for example, a touch panel sensor) that receives instructions from the user.

[0011] The image forming device 30 forms a toner image on a sheet P in accordance with YMCK color signals supplied from the control device 40. The letters YMCK attached to the reference symbols represent the toner colors yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. When matters common to all four colors are explained, the letters YMCK are omitted from the reference symbols.

[0012] Photoconductor 1 is an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image and a toner image. Charging unit 2 uniformly charges the surface of photoconductor 1. Exposure unit 3 irradiates photoconductor 1Y with laser light corresponding to color signals supplied from control unit 40, forming an electrostatic latent image. Developer 4 develops the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a toner image. Primary transfer roller 5Y transfers the toner image from photoconductor 1 to intermediate transfer belt 6. Here, the YMCK toner images are superimposed to form a color image. Intermediate transfer belt 6 transports the toner image to secondary transfer unit 7.

[0013] Sheet cassette 11 is a storage container that stores a large number of sheets P. Conveyance rollers 12 feed sheets P stored in sheet cassette 11 and transport sheets P along a transport path. Image forming apparatus 30 may have two or more sheet cassettes.

[0014] The secondary transfer unit 7 transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 6 to the sheet P. The fixing unit 8 applies heat and pressure to the sheet P and the toner image to fix the toner image onto the sheet P. The discharge rollers 17 discharge the sheet P to the inspection device 50.

[0015] The inspection device 50 as a reading device is a device that reads an image formed on a sheet P and inspects the quality of the image. In other words, the inspection device 50 is a device that inspects whether or not the image formed on the sheet P meets the inspection standard. The sheet P on which the image is formed is sometimes called a printed matter.

[0016] The image on the sheet P being conveyed to the reading position by the conveyance roller 53 is read by the image sensors 54 and 55. The image sensors 54 and 55 each include a light source that illuminates the sheet P and a CMOS sensor. CMOS is an abbreviation for complementary metal oxide semiconductor.

[0017] The sheet P from which the image has been read is discharged to the stacking device 60a. Note that for a sheet P that has been determined to be NG (not meeting the inspection standard, which may also be called a reject) by the inspection device 50, the control device 40 may control the image forming device 30 to form the same image on a new sheet P. A sheet sensor 56 that detects the sheet P is provided at the entrance of the inspection device 50.

[0018] The stacking device 60a receives the sheets P discharged from the inspection device 50 at an entrance 64a, stacks (discharges) the sheets onto sheet trays 61a and 62a as stacking units, and discharges the sheets P from an exit 65a. A sheet sensor 66a that detects the sheets P is provided at the entrance 64a.

[0019] A conveying path P1a extending from an entrance 64a branches into a conveying path P2a and a conveying path P3a at a branching position where a flapper F1a is installed. A sheet P conveyed along the conveying path P1a is guided to the conveying path P2a or the conveying path P3a by the flapper F1a. A sheet tray 61a is provided at the exit of the conveying path P2a. The sheet tray 61a is a large-capacity sheet stacking means capable of stacking a large number of sheets P. For example, sheets P that have passed an image inspection (quality inspection) may be stacked on the sheet tray 61a.

[0020] The conveying path P3a branches into a conveying path P4a and a conveying path P5a at a branching position where a flapper F2a is installed. The sheet P conveyed along the conveying path P3a is guided to the conveying path P4a or the conveying path P5a by the flapper F2a.

[0021] A sheet tray 62a is provided at the exit of the conveying path P4a. For example, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable by the inspection device 50 may be stacked on the sheet tray 62a. However, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable may be discharged from the exit 65a to a downstream device (e.g., the stacking device 60c). Also, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be OK (meet the inspection standards; may also be called "pass") may be stacked on the sheet tray 62a. The conveying path P5a extends to the exit 65a.

[0022] A downstream stacking device 60b may be connected to the exit 65a. Also, like the stacking device 60b, a sheet tray 69 may be provided at the exit 65a. The sheet tray 69 can also hold sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable or acceptable. In this way, the types of sheets P to be discharged to the sheet trays 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, and 69 are determined in advance based on settings made by the user.

[0023] One or more conveying rollers 63a are provided on each of the conveying paths P1a, P2a, P3a, P4a, and P5a. The conveying rollers 63a convey the sheet P from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet P. The conveying rollers 63a may be a roller pair consisting of two rollers that sandwich and convey the sheet P.

[0024] The stacking device 60b receives the sheets P discharged from the stacking device 60a at an entrance 64b, and stacks (discharges) the sheets onto sheet trays 61b, 62b, and 69 serving as stacking units. A sheet sensor 66b for detecting the sheets P is provided at the entrance 64b.

[0025] A conveying path P1b extending from an entrance 64b branches into a conveying path P2b and a conveying path P3b at a branching position where a flapper F1b is installed. A sheet P conveyed along the conveying path P1b is guided to the conveying path P2b or the conveying path P3b by the flapper F1b. A sheet tray 61b is provided at the exit of the conveying path P2b. For example, sheets P that have passed an image inspection (quality inspection) may be stacked on the sheet tray 61b.

[0026] The conveying path P3b branches into a conveying path P4b and a conveying path P5b at a branching position where a flapper F2b is installed. The sheet P conveyed along the conveying path P3b is guided to the conveying path P4b or the conveying path P5b by the flapper F2b.

[0027] A sheet tray 62b is provided at the exit of the conveying path P4b. For example, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable by the inspection device 50 may be stacked on the sheet tray 62b. However, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be unacceptable may be discharged from the exit 65b to the sheet tray 69. Also, sheets P whose image quality has been determined to be OK (meeting the inspection standard, or which may also be called passing) may be stacked on the sheet tray 62b. The conveying path P5b extends to the exit 65b via the post-processing unit 68.

[0028] The sheet trays 61b, 62b, and 69 provided in the stacking device 60b may be referred to as an upper tray, a middle tray, and a lower tray, respectively. The post-processing unit 68 may include a binding processor that binds the sheets P discharged from the stacking device 60a to create a sheet bundle and staples the sheet bundle. The post-processing unit 68 may include a bookbinding processor that folds the sheet bundle in half. The post-processing unit 68 may include a trimming processor that cuts the sheet bundle.

[0029] One or more conveying rollers 63b are provided on each of the conveying paths P1b, P2b, P3b, P4b, and P5b. The conveying rollers 63b convey the sheet P from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet P. The conveying rollers 63b may be a roller pair consisting of two rollers that sandwich and convey the sheet P.

[0030] The number of stacking devices 60 connected downstream of the inspection device 50 may be one or more. The total number of sheet trays 61, 62, 69 provided in the stacking device 60 connected downstream of the inspection device 50 may be two or more. The number of flappers F1, F2 may be one or more. The flappers F1, F2 may also be called guide plates, guide members, or branch claws.

[0031] 2. Controller 2 shows the details of the control device 40. The CPU 201 executes a control program 213 stored in the memory 210 to realize multiple functions. The CPU 201 may include multiple processors or CPU cores. Some or all of the multiple functions realized by the CPU 201 may be realized by a hardware circuit different from the CPU 201. Examples of such hardware circuits include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and an image processor.

[0032] The memory 210 is a storage device including a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. The communication circuit 220 has a network interface for connecting to a local area network and a communication interface for communicating with the image forming device 30, the inspection device 50, and the loading device 60.

[0033] The CPU 201 communicates with the image forming device 30, the inspection device 50, and the loading device 60 through the communication circuit 220. The CPU 201 also communicates with a host computer 70, which is a type of information processing device, through the communication circuit 220. The host computer 70 may transmit a print job to the control device 40.

[0034] The operation unit 20 includes a display device 21 and an input device 22. The operation unit 20 may also have a voice circuit and a speaker for outputting messages to the user. The CPU 201 functions as an inspection control unit 205, a job processing unit 206, and a reference image management unit 207 in accordance with a control program 213.

[0035] The inspection control unit 205 acquires image inspection result information (e.g., pass / fail, scanned image, cause of failure) from the inspection device 50 via the communication circuit 220. The inspection control unit 205 displays the inspection results received from the inspection device 50 on the display device 21. The inspection control unit 205 may apply a method for enlarging a reference image, described below, to enlarge the inspection image included in the inspection results. The inspection control unit 205 may notify the inspection results by voice. The inspection control unit 205 may send the inspection results to the host computer 70 by email or the like. The inspection control unit 205 changes the discharge destination of the sheet P depending on the inspection results. For example, the inspection control unit 205 controls flappers F1 and F2 based on the inspection results to discharge the sheet P to one of sheet trays 61, 62, and 69 designated by the user.

[0036] The job processing unit 206 controls a print job for printing an image on a sheet P, a stacking job for stacking a sheet bundle on the stacking device 60a, and a post-processing job for the sheet bundle in the stacking device 60b. The job processing unit 206 may store job data (job information) required to execute these jobs in the memory 210.

[0037] The reference image management unit 207 controls the inspection device 50 in accordance with instructions input from the input device 22, reads the printed material (sheet P on which a reference image is printed), and generates reference image data 215. Here, the reference image is an image that is compared with the read image of the printed material (inspection image) and serves as a standard for passing the image inspection. The reference image management unit 207 generates the reference image data 215 based on image data input from the host computer 70 and stores it in the memory 210. When the reference image management unit 207 receives a reference image request from the inspection device 50 via the communication circuit 220, it transmits the reference image data 215 from the memory 210 to the inspection device 50.

[0038] The stacking device 60 drives a motor M1 to rotate a conveyance roller 63 in accordance with a control command from the job processing unit 206. The stacking device 60 drives solenoids SL1 and SL2 to switch flappers F1 and F2 in accordance with a control command from the job processing unit 206. This allows the sheet P to be guided and conveyed to either the sheet tray 61, the sheet tray 62, or a subsequent stacking device. For example, if the inspection result by the inspection device 50 is NG, the job processing unit 206 controls the stacking device 60 to discharge the sheet P determined to be NG to the sheet tray 62. The image forming device 30 also includes a solenoid that drives the flapper and a motor that drives the conveyance roller, but these are not shown.

[0039] 3. Inspection equipment 3 shows details of the inspection controller 51 provided in the inspection device 50. The CPU 301 executes a control program 313 stored in the memory 310 to realize multiple functions. Some or all of the multiple functions may be realized by a hardware circuit different from the CPU 301.

[0040] The memory 310 is a storage device including a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, and an HDD. The CPU 301 is connected to the control device 40 via a communication circuit 320, and receives various commands and data and transmits inspection results. The CPU 301 stores the reference image data 215 received from the control device 40 via the communication circuit 320 in the memory 310.

[0041] The inspection unit 302 performs image inspection in accordance with the setting data 314 stored in the memory 310, and transmits the inspection results to the control device 40. Note that the CPU 201 may perform the inspection, or an external PC (e.g., host computer 70) connected to the image forming system 100 may perform the inspection. PC is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0042] The inspection image data (read image data) 312 is image data created by the image sensors 54 and 55 reading the sheet P. The inspection image data 312 is also temporarily stored in the memory 310.

[0043] The setting unit 303 determines the inspection settings to be applied to the inspection image data 312, creates setting data 314 that defines the inspection settings, and stores the setting data 314 in the memory 310. The setting unit 303 may include, for example, a UI unit 331, a calculation unit 332, a determination unit 333, an image processing unit 334, and a determination unit 335. The UI unit 331 displays an inspection setting screen on the display device 21 of the operation unit 20 and accepts inspection settings input through the inspection setting screen and the input device 22. The UI unit 331 functions as a setting acceptance unit. The calculation unit 332 calculates a magnification factor Ma required to display the entire reference image in a predetermined display area based on the reference image data 215 and the size of the display area of ​​the inspection setting screen. The magnification factor Ma may be expressed in percentages. The determination unit 333 determines the magnification factor actually applied to the reference image by determining whether the magnification factor Ma acquired by the calculation unit 332 is less than a threshold value Mth. The determination unit 335 determines whether the specified data 316 is stored in the memory 310. The specified data 316 is input by the user through the operation unit 20 and indicates a specified magnification ratio Md to be applied to the reference image. The image processing unit 334 performs image processing to enlarge or reduce the reference image in order to display it in the display area. The image processing unit 334 may also be called an enlargement unit or a magnification unit. The calculation unit 341 and the determination unit 342 are optional and will be described in detail in the second embodiment.

[0044] The evaluation unit 304 determines whether the leading edge of the sheet P has reached the inspection device 50 based on the detection result of the sheet sensor 56. When the sheet P reaches the inspection device 50, the evaluation unit 304 controls the image sensors 54 and 55 via the reading control unit 307 to read the sheet P and acquire inspection image data 312. Based on the setting data 314, the evaluation unit 304 compares the reference image data 215 with the inspection image data 312 to determine whether the image formed on the sheet P and the shape of the sheet P meet the inspection criteria. Here, the inspection content, inspection area, and inspection criteria may be included in the setting data 314. For example, if the inspection content is "positional misalignment detection," the evaluation unit 304 may determine that the sheet P has passed if the amount of misalignment between the position of the image in the reference image data 215 and the position of the image in the inspection image data 312 is less than a predetermined value. Here, the position of the image refers to the position of the image formed on the sheet P. The evaluation unit 304 may determine that the sheet P has failed if the amount of misalignment exceeds a predetermined value. That is, the amount of deviation between the position of the image in the reference image data 215 and the position of the image in the test image data 312 being equal to or less than a predetermined value corresponds to satisfying the test standard, whereas the amount of deviation between the position of the image in the reference image data 215 and the position of the image in the test image data 312 being greater than the predetermined value corresponds to not satisfying the test standard.

[0045] When the inspection content is set to "black dot detection," the evaluation unit 304 may determine that the image is pass if the size of a black dot that is not present in the image of the reference image data 215 and that is present in the image of the inspection image data 312 is equal to or smaller than the judgment threshold. In other words, the black dot corresponds to a noise image that is not present in the image corresponding to the reference image data 215 and that is present in the image corresponding to the inspection image data 312 to which reduction processing has been applied. The evaluation unit 304 may determine that the size of a black dot exceeds the judgment threshold. In other words, the size of a black dot not exceeding the judgment threshold corresponds to meeting the inspection standard. Furthermore, the size of a black dot exceeding the judgment threshold corresponds to not meeting the inspection standard.

[0046] In this embodiment, "misalignment detection" and "black spot detection" are described as inspection contents, but these are merely examples. For example, "streak detection" may also be included as inspection contents. Streak detection refers to detecting streak-like images that do not exist in the original image. In other words, streaks correspond to noise images that are not present in the image corresponding to the reference image data 215 but are present in the image corresponding to the test image data 312 to which the reduction process has been applied. Streaks may occur when components involved in image formation require cleaning, replacement, or repair. In other words, a determination process may be performed to determine the degree of similarity between the image corresponding to the reference image data 215 and the image corresponding to the test image data 312 to which the reduction process (image processing) has been applied, indicating the presence of "streaks."

[0047] In this embodiment, when the inspection content is "positional deviation detection," the relative positions of the image in the reference image data 215 and the image in the inspection image data 312 are inspected, but this is merely an example. For example, the absolute position of the edge of the sheet P in the image in the inspection image data 312 may be inspected. In this case, if the distance between the absolute position of the image in the reference image data 215 and the absolute position of the image in the inspection image data 312 is equal to or less than a threshold, it is determined to pass. If the distance exceeds the threshold, it is determined to fail.

[0048] The evaluation unit 304 generates an inspection result indicating the judgment result and transmits the inspection result to the control device 40 via the communication circuit 320.

[0049] The conveyance control unit 306 drives the motor M2 to rotate the conveyance roller 53. The reading control unit 307 controls the image sensors 54 and 55 to read the sheet P and generate inspection image data 312. The image sensor 54 reads the first side of the sheet P, and the image sensor 55 reads the second side of the sheet P. This allows the present embodiment to perform image inspection on both sides of the sheet P.

[0050] 4. Loading device 4 shows details of the loading controller 67 provided in the loading device 60. The CPU 401 realizes a plurality of functions by executing a control program 413 stored in the memory 410. Some or all of the plurality of functions may be realized by a hardware circuit other than the CPU 401.

[0051] The memory 410 is a storage device including a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, an HDD, etc. The CPU 401 is connected to the control device 40 via a communication circuit 420, and receives various commands and data and transmits execution results.

[0052] The job control unit 402 executes job data 411 received from the control device 40 via the communication circuit 420. The job data 411 includes, for example, information indicating the content of the job. The job data 411 is temporarily stored in the memory 410.

[0053] The transport control unit 406 starts the rotation of the motor M1 in accordance with a rotation command received from the control device 40. The transport control unit 406 stops the rotation of the motor M1 in accordance with a stop command received from the control device 40. As a result, the transport roller 63 driven by the motor M1 rotates and stops.

[0054] The flapper control unit 407 drives the solenoids SL1 and SL2 to switch between the flappers F1 and F2 for each sheet P in accordance with a switching command received from the control device 40. This determines the discharge destination of the sheet P. The flappers F1 and F2 may be controlled based on the inspection results received from the inspection device 50 instead of the switching command received from the control device 40. For example, a sheet P determined to be unacceptable is discharged to the sheet tray 62a of the stacking device 60a. A sheet P determined to be acceptable is discharged to the sheet tray 61a or to the stacking device 60b.

[0055] 1, the loading device 60b is a post-processing device, and includes a post-processing control unit 408. The post-processing control unit 408 controls the post-processing unit 68 in accordance with a post-processing execution command received from the control device 40.

[0056] 5. Imaging examination flow chart 5 is a flowchart showing the printing process executed by the CPU 201 of the control device 40. When an instruction to start printing is given via the operation unit 20, the CPU 201 executes the following process.

[0057] In S501, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) creates job information including sheet information and discharge destination information, and transmits it to the inspection device 50. The sheet information includes the size and number of sheets P. The discharge destination information includes identification information of one of the stacking devices 60a and 60b that will be the discharge destination, and identification information of the OK tray and the NG tray. The OK tray is a sheet tray to which sheets P that have passed inspection are discharged. The NG tray is a sheet tray to which sheets P that have not passed inspection are discharged.

[0058] In S502, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) determines whether a request has been received from the inspection device 50. This request is a request signal for requesting the control device 40 to transmit the reference image data 215. If no request has been received, the CPU 201 advances the process to S504. If a request has been received, the CPU 201 advances the process to S503.

[0059] In S503, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) reads out the reference image data 215 from the memory 210 and transmits it to the inspection device 50.

[0060] In S504, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) determines whether or not the preparation completion has been notified by the inspection device 50. When the preparation completion has been notified by the inspection device 50, the CPU 201 advances the process to S505.

[0061] In S505, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) controls the image forming apparatus 30 to execute printing on the sheet P. The sheet P is discharged from the image forming apparatus 30 to the inspection apparatus 50.

[0062] In S506, the CPU 201 (inspection control unit 205) receives the inspection results from the inspection device 50 and displays the inspection results on the display device 21. For example, the inspection control unit 205 receives the inspection image data 312 from the inspection device 50 and displays the inspection image on the display device 21 based on the inspection image data 312. Furthermore, the inspection control unit 205 may display on the display device 21 which of the multiple inspection areas has failed, superimposed on the inspection image. The inspection control unit 205 may display on the display device 21 the reason for the failure (e.g., optical character recognition (OCR) failure, barcode decoding failure, occurrence of black spots, occurrence of black streak images, etc.). The inspection control unit 205 may enlarge the inspection image based on the inspection image data 312 and display it on the display device 21. The enlargement process for the reference image is used for the enlargement process for the inspection image.

[0063] In S507, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) creates a switching command according to the inspection result and sends the switching command to the stacking devices 60a, 60b. If the inspection result is a pass, a switching command is created to discharge the sheet P to an OK tray (e.g., sheet tray 61a). If the inspection result is a fail, a switching command is created to discharge the sheet P to an NG tray (e.g., sheet tray 62a). Note that if the inspection result indicates a fail, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) may re-execute the job for the failed page.

[0064] In S508, the CPU 201 (job processing unit 206) determines whether printing is complete based on the print job. That is, the CPU 201 determines whether printing is complete for all pages. If there are pages remaining to be printed, the CPU 201 proceeds to S505 and prints the next page. If there are no pages remaining to be printed, the CPU 201 ends the print job.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the inspection process executed by the CPU 301 of the inspection device 50.

[0066] In S601, the CPU 301 receives job information from the control device 40. The job information may be stored in the memory 310. Alternatively, the job information may be stored in the memory 310 as part of the setting data 314.

[0067] In S602, the CPU 301 transmits (transfers) job information to the loading device 60a connected as the downstream of the inspection device 50.

[0068] In S603, the CPU 301 analyzes the job information and determines whether the job information indicates that an inspection job should be executed. If an inspection job is not specified, the inspection device 50 executes a transport job to transport the sheet P to the subsequent stacking device 60a. If an inspection job is specified, the CPU 301 advances the process to S604.

[0069] In S604, the CPU 301 transmits a request to the control device 40 for the reference image data 215.

[0070] In S605, the CPU 301 receives the reference image data 215 from the control device 40. The reference image data 215 is stored in the memory 310.

[0071] In S606, the CPU 301 (setting unit 303) executes the test setting. Details of the test setting will be described later. In S607, the CPU 301 (setting unit 303) determines whether the test setting is complete. When the test setting is complete, the CPU 301 advances the process from S607 to S608.

[0072] In S608, the CPU 301 notifies the control device 40 of the completion of preparation. The preparation completion notification may also be transmitted to the subsequent stacking devices 60a to 60b.

[0073] In S609, the CPU 301 determines whether the sheet P has reached the inspection device 50 based on the detection signal output from the sheet sensor 56. The sheet P reaching the inspection device 50 means that the sheet sensor 56 has detected the leading edge of the sheet P. When the sheet P has reached the sheet sensor 56, the CPU 301 advances the process to S608.

[0074] In S610, the CPU 301 (reading control unit 307, inspection unit 302) executes the image inspection specified by the setting data 314. The reading control unit 307 reads the sheet P using the image sensors 54 and 55, and creates inspection image data 312. Furthermore, the inspection unit 302 inspects the inspection image data 312 in accordance with the inspection settings specified by the setting data 314. For example, the inspection unit 302 compares the inspection image data 312 with the reference image data 215 to determine whether the image formed on the sheet P meets the acceptance criteria.

[0075] In S611, the CPU 301 (inspection unit 302) transmits the inspection results to the control device 40. When the job information specifies the stacker 60a as the discharge destination, the inspection results may be transmitted at least to the stacker 60a.

[0076] In step S612, the CPU 201 determines whether the image inspection is complete based on the job information. If there are still pages to be inspected, the CPU 301 proceeds from step S612 to step S609 and waits for the arrival of the next sheet P. If there are no pages to be inspected, the CPU 301 ends the job.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the transport and discharge process executed by the CPU 401 of the stacking device 60.

[0078] In S701, the CPU 401 (job control unit 402) receives job information from the inspection device 50 or the upstream loading device 60. If a downstream loading device 60 exists, the CPU 401 advances the process from S701 to S702. If a downstream loading device 60 does not exist, the CPU 401 advances the process from S701 to S704.

[0079] In S702, the CPU 401 (job control unit 402) transmits job information to the downstream loading device 60. If the loading device 60 is the most downstream loading device 60, in S703, a response indicating successful reception of the job information is transmitted to the inspection device 50 or the upstream loading device 60. The upstream loading device 60 transfers the response to the inspection device 50.

[0080] In S704, the CPU 401 determines whether the stacking device 60 itself is designated as the discharge destination based on the job information. If the sheet P passes through the stacking device 60 itself and is discharged to a subsequent stacking device 60, the CPU 401 advances the process to S721.

[0081] In S721, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the sheet P has arrived based on the detection signal of the sheet sensor 66. When the sheet P has arrived, the CPU 401 advances the process to S722.

[0082] In S722, the CPU 401 (flapper control unit 407) controls the motor M1 and the solenoids SL1 and SL2 to discharge the sheet P onto the stacking device 60 at the subsequent stage.

[0083] In S723, the CPU 401 determines whether or not there are any sheets P to be discharged based on the job information. If there are any sheets P to be discharged, the CPU 401 proceeds to S721. If there are no sheets P to be discharged, the CPU 401 completes the transport job.

[0084] On the other hand, if the CPU 401 has been designated as the discharge destination, the CPU 401 advances the process from step S704 to step S705.

[0085] In S705, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the sheet P has arrived based on the detection signal of the sheet sensor 66. When the sheet P has arrived, the CPU 401 advances the process to S706.

[0086] In S706, the CPU 401 receives the inspection result or the switching command from the inspection device 50 or the control device 40.

[0087] In S707, the CPU 401 determines whether the sheet P has passed the inspection based on the inspection results. If the sheet P has passed the inspection, the CPU 401 proceeds to S708. If a switching command has been received instead of the inspection results, the CPU 401 proceeds to S708 or S710 based on the switching command.

[0088] In S708, the CPU 401 (conveyance control unit 406, flapper control unit 407) controls the motor M1 and solenoids SL1 and SL2 to discharge the sheet P to the OK tray. If the sheet P does not pass the inspection, the CPU 401 advances the process to S710. In S710, the CPU 401 controls the motor M1 and solenoids SL1 and SL2 to discharge the sheet P to the NG tray. The OK tray and NG tray are specified in advance by the job information.

[0089] In S709, the CPU 401 determines whether discharge is complete based on the job information. For example, if there are sheets P remaining to be discharged, the CPU 401 advances the process from S709 to S705. If there are no sheets P remaining to be discharged, the CPU 401 completes the discharge job.

[0090] 6. Inspection settings details 6-1.Print settings screen FIG. 8 shows the print setting screen SC1. The print setting screen SC1 may also be called a job input screen. The button 801a is a button for specifying the size (including the length of the sheet in the transport direction), basis weight, and sheet cassette 11 of the sheet P to be printed. The button 801c is a button for instructing transition from the print setting screen SC1 to a discharge destination setting screen. In the discharge destination setting screen, a discharge destination for NG sheets and a discharge destination for OK sheets are set. The button 801d is a button for instructing cancellation of the settings. When the button 801d is operated by the operator (user), transition occurs to a specified initial screen. The button 801e is a button for instructing start of printing. The specified magnification ratio Md may also be set through the print setting screen SC1.

[0091] 6-2. Inspection setting screen 9 shows the inspection setting screen SC2 displayed on the display device 21 by the UI unit 331 in S606. The inspection setting screen SC2 is a screen that accepts instructions from the operator to set an inspection area where quality inspection will be performed by the inspection device 50. A display area 900 displays a reference image 901, an inspection area 902, and the like. In this example, the reference image 901 and the inspection area 902 are displayed in an overlapping manner in the display area 900.

[0092] Scroll bars 931 and 932 may be arranged around the periphery of the display area 900. The scroll bar 931 is a control for moving the reference image 901 displayed in the display area 900 parallel to the main scanning direction. The scroll bar 932 is a control for moving the reference image 901 displayed in the display area 900 parallel to the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction is perpendicular to the main scanning direction. The button 933 is a button for discarding existing settings configured for the reference image 901. The enlarge button 934 is a button for enlarging the reference image 901 displayed in the display area 900. The reduce button 935 is a button for reducing the reference image 901 displayed in the display area 900.

[0093] The inspection area and exclusions are set via a mouse or touch panel that is part of the input device 22. The inspection area 902 is a priority area that is set by operating a button 912. A priority area is, for example, an inspection area where high-precision inspection is performed. In this example, the priority area is indicated by a dashed frame. The menu 922 is a pull-down menu for setting the inspection level (inspection accuracy) to be applied to the inspection area 902. A pull-down menu may also be called a drop-down list. In this example, inspection level 1 has the lowest inspection accuracy, and the inspection accuracy increases as the inspection level number increases.

[0094] Inspection area 902 may be a standard area set by operating button 913. A standard area is, for example, an inspection area where inspection of standard content is performed. Menu 923 is a pull-down menu for setting the inspection level (inspection accuracy) to be applied to inspection area 902. In this example, inspection level 1 has the lowest inspection accuracy, and the inspection accuracy increases as the inspection level number increases.

[0095] The inspection area 902 may be a variable area that is set by operating a button 914. A variable area is a variable area where variable elements are printed. A variable element is a print object that changes for each sheet P, such as numerical data in form printing and an address in address printing on an envelope. The variable area may be surrounded by a dashed line.

[0096] The exclusion area is set by operating button 915, and is an area where inspection is not performed. For example, a region surrounded by a two-dot chain line (e.g., background image) does not need to be inspected with high accuracy. Therefore, the background image may be set as the exclusion area.

[0097] In this way, the inspection level can be set for each area included in the print target. This allows the user to set appropriate pass criteria. Printed materials with acceptable quality are judged to pass, reducing unnecessary reprints and improving productivity. It also reduces unnecessary disposal of sheets P.

[0098] Button 918 is a button for instructing to return to the print setting screen SC1, which is the original screen. Button 918 may be implemented as a cancel button. In this case, when button 918 is pressed, the test settings input through the test setting screen SC2 are discarded. When button 918 is implemented as a cancel button, an OK button is also implemented for validating the test settings and returning to the print setting screen SC1. Button 919 is an OK button for completing the test settings. When button 919 is pressed, the setting unit 303 creates setting data 314 including information on the test content and test area input through the test setting screen SC2, and stores it in memory 310.

[0099] Sheet P comes in standard sizes (e.g., A4, B4, letter) and non-standard sizes (e.g., long size). A long size sheet is a sheet whose length in the sub-scanning direction is longer than a predetermined length. For example, the sub-scanning length of a long size sheet P is 487.7 mm. A long size sheet P may also be called long paper. Long paper is sometimes used, for example, as a banner advertisement such as a horizontal banner.

[0100] 9, reference image 901 is an image generated by scanning a long sheet of paper on which vertically written characters are printed. If the entire reference image or test image generated by scanning a printout made of long paper is displayed in display area 900, the characters contained in the image may be difficult for humans to see. As a result, it may be difficult for the user to correctly set test area 902.

[0101] FIG. 10 shows an example in which an A4R-sized (210 mm x 297 mm) reference image 901 is displayed in the display area 900 of the inspection setting screen SC2. In this example, a priority area 902a is set for each of the two human figures. The priority area 902a is an inspection area 902 that requires high inspection accuracy. A variable area 902c is set for each of the two-dimensional barcode and document. The variable area 902c is an inspection area 902 in which the image to be inspected may differ from page to page. An exclusion area 902d is set above one of the two human figures. The exclusion area 902d is an area that is explicitly designated as not to be inspected.

[0102] When button 933 is touched, the setting of the inspection area 902 that was last drawn is canceled, and the frame line indicating the inspection area 902 is erased. When enlargement button 934 is touched once, the enlargement ratio Ma of the reference image 901 increases by about one level. When reduction button 935 is touched once, the enlargement ratio Ma of the reference image 901 decreases by about one level. Scroll bars 931 and 932 may be enabled when the reference image 901 cannot fit in the display area 900.

[0103] The user operates the zoom-in button 934 and the zoom-out button 935 to appropriately adjust the magnification ratio Ma of the reference image 901 so as to make it easier to set the inspection area 902 in the reference image 901. If the initial magnification ratio Ma of the reference image 901 is appropriate, the user will not need to manually adjust the magnification ratio Ma, which will reduce the burden on the user. The user operates the scroll bars 931 and 932 to display a portion of the reference image 901 of interest in the display area 900 and set the inspection area 902 at the portion of interest.

[0104] In general, the magnification factor Ma that makes it easy for the user to set the inspection area 902 will be the magnification factor Max at which the main scanning length of the reference image 901 and the main scanning length of the display area 900 approximately match. Alternatively, the magnification factor Ma will be the magnification factor May at which the sub-scanning length of the reference image 901 and the sub-scanning length of the display area 900 approximately match. In this case, the user can display the area of ​​interest in the display area 900 by operating only one of the scroll bars 931 and 932.

[0105] Therefore, in this embodiment, the magnification ratio Ma of the reference image 901 is determined to a value that makes it easy for the user to set the inspection area 902, depending on the size of the reference image 901. This may make the enlargement button 934 substantially unnecessary. Alternatively, the number of times the user operates the enlargement button 934 may be reduced.

[0106] 6-3. Inspection setting flowchart 11 is a flowchart showing the details of S606. In S1101, the CPU 301 (setting unit 303) acquires the size of the reference image 901 based on the reference image data 215 stored in the memory 310. Alternatively, the CPU 301 may acquire the size information by sending a request to the CPU 201 of the control device 40. The size information may be information indicating a length, such as 210 mm (main scanning length X) × 297 mm (sub-scanning length Y). Alternatively, the size information may be information including the number of pixels in the main scanning direction and the number of pixels in the sub-scanning direction. The memory 310 may store a formula or table usable by the CPU 301 and capable of converting between length and number of pixels.

[0107] In S1102, the CPU 301 (calculation unit 332) calculates an enlargement factor Ma1 based on the display size of the display area 900 and the image size of the reference image 901, such that the entire reference image 901 fits within the display area 900. The calculation unit 332 is an example of a magnification calculation means that calculates a first magnification, which is the magnification of the inspection image when the entire inspection image is displayed within the display area of ​​the display means. For example, the calculation unit 332 calculates an enlargement factor Max in the main scanning direction such that the main scanning length X0 of the display area 900 coincides with the main scanning length X1 of the reference image 901. Similarly, the calculation unit 332 calculates an enlargement factor May in the sub-scanning direction such that the sub-scanning length Y0 of the display area 900 coincides with the sub-scanning length Y1 of the reference image 901. The calculation unit 332 determines the smaller of the two enlargement factors Max and My as the enlargement factor Ma1.

[0108] In S1103, CPU 301 (determination unit 333) determines whether magnification ratio Ma1 is less than threshold value Mth. Threshold value Mth is, for example, 100%. If magnification ratio Ma1 is equal to or greater than threshold value Mth, CPU 301 advances the process from S1103 to S1121. In S1121, CPU 301 (image processing unit 334, UI unit 331) executes full enlargement display (first mode) of reference image 901. For example, image processing unit 334 enlarges reference image 901 at magnification ratio Ma1. UI unit 331 displays the entire reference image 901 enlarged or reduced at magnification ratio Ma1 in display area 900. On the other hand, if magnification ratio Ma1 is less than threshold value Mth, CPU 301 advances the process from S1103 to S1121.

[0109] In S1104, the CPU 301 (determination unit 335) determines whether a designated magnification ratio Md (designated data 316) previously set by the user is stored in the memory 310. If a designated magnification ratio Md exists, the CPU 301 advances the process from S1104 to S1105.

[0110] In S1105, the CPU 301 (image processing unit 334) acquires the specified magnification ratio Md (specified data 316) from the memory 310. In S1106, the CPU 301 (image processing unit 334, UI unit 331) executes partial enlargement display A (second mode) for the reference image 901. For example, the image processing unit 334 enlarges the reference image 901 at the specified magnification ratio Md. The UI unit 331 displays a portion of the reference image 901 enlarged at the specified magnification ratio Md in the display area 900. On the other hand, if the specified magnification ratio Md does not exist, the CPU 301 advances the process from S1104 to S1111.

[0111] In S1111, the CPU 301 (calculation unit 332) calculates an enlargement factor Ma2 for partial enlargement. For example, the calculation unit 332 calculates an enlargement factor Ma2 (=Mx) in the main scanning direction such that the main scanning length X0 of the display area 900 matches the main scanning length X1 of the reference image 901.

[0112] In S1112, the CPU 301 (image processing unit 334, UI unit 331) executes partial enlarged display B (third mode). For example, the image processing unit 334 enlarges the reference image 901 at a magnification factor Ma2. In this way, when the first magnification factor is less than the first threshold, the image processing unit 334 functions as an enlargement means that enlarges the reference image at a second magnification factor greater than the first magnification factor. The UI unit 331 displays part or all of the reference image 901 enlarged at the magnification factor Ma2 in the display area 900.

[0113] 6-4. How to calculate the magnification ratio The magnification ratio Ma1 can be calculated using the following formula.

[0114] Mx=main scanning length X0 of display area 900 / main scanning length X1 of reference image 901×100 My = sub-scanning length Y0 of display area 900 / sub-scanning length Y1 of reference image 901 × 100 Ma1=min(Mx, My) Eq1 Here, min() is a function that selects the minimum value from multiple values. As an example, a method for calculating the enlargement factor Ma1 for the A4R-sized reference image 901 illustrated in FIG. 10 will be introduced. When the resolution is 1200 dpi, the maximum display range of the display area 900 is 330.2 mm (main scanning length X0) × 487.7 mm (sub-scanning length Y0). The A4R size is 210 mm (main scanning length X1) × 297 mm (sub-scanning length Y1). Therefore, the maximum enlargement factor Max in the main scanning direction is 330.2 mm / 210 mm × 100 = 157%. The maximum enlargement factor May in the sub-scanning direction is 487.7 mm / 297 mm × 100 = 164%. Therefore, the enlargement factor Ma1 is 157%. If the enlargement factor Ma1 exceeds 100%, the reference image 901 is enlarged. When the enlargement rate Ma1 falls below 100%, the reference image 901 is reduced.

[0115] 6-5. Enlarged view (S1121) As already illustrated in FIG. 10, the entire reference image 901 is displayed in the display area 900. If the size of the reference image 901 is smaller than the displayable size of the display area 900, the reference image 901 is enlarged as much as possible before being displayed. This makes it easier for the user to set up an examination. In this example, since the size of the reference image 901 is A4R size, the enlargement factor Ma1 is 157%. The UI unit 331 does not need to enable the scroll bars 931 and 932.

[0116] 6-6. Partially enlarged display B (S1112) FIG. 12 shows an example of partial enlargement display B. In this example, the size of reference image 901 is long. Therefore, reference image 901 is enlarged so that the main scanning length of reference image 901 is equal to the main scanning length X0 of the display area. As a result of this enlargement process, only a portion of reference image 901 in the main scanning direction is displayed in display area 900. In other words, other portions of reference image 901 exist outside display area 900 and are therefore not displayed in display area 900. Because the enlarged reference image 901 is larger than display area 900, UI unit 331 enables scroll bar 932. UI unit 331 changes the portion of reference image 901 displayed in display area 900 in response to a user's operation of scroll bar 932. In this way, partial enlargement display B is a display mode in which one of scroll bars 931, 932 is enabled and the other is disabled, thereby enlarging and displaying a portion of reference image 901.

[0117] Incidentally, the enlargement factor Ma1 in this example is calculated according to Eq1 (S1102).

[0118] Mx=330.2mm / 330.2mm×100=100% My=487.7mm / 1300mm×100=37.5% Ma1 = min(Mx, My) = 37.5% Here, it is assumed that the specified magnification ratio Md does not exist, so in S1111 the magnification ratio Ma2 is calculated as 100%, and in S1112 partial magnification display B is executed.

[0119] In this example, it is assumed that the UI unit 331 activates only the scroll bar 932 out of the scroll bars 931 and 932. However, the UI unit 331 may activate only the scroll bar 931. In this case, the sub-scanning length of the enlarged reference image 901 will match the sub-scanning length of the display area 900.

[0120] In this way, when the printed matter on which the reference image 901 is based is long paper, partial enlarged display B is used and only the scroll bar 932 is enabled. In the display area 900, the entire reference image 901 is displayed in the main scanning direction, and a portion of the reference image 901 is displayed in the sub-scanning direction. In the main scanning direction, the reference image 901 is enlarged to the maximum extent that it can be displayed in the display area 900.

[0121] The magnification factor Ma2 determined in S1111 is the magnification factor Max in the main scanning direction, which is the maximum magnification factor of 100%. Therefore, the magnification factor Ma2 (=100%) is also applied to the sub-scanning direction of the reference image 901. While it was difficult to visually recognize characters in the reference image 901 shown in FIG. 9, it is easy to visually recognize characters in the reference image 901 shown in FIG. 12. In other words, it becomes easier for the user to set the inspection area 902.

[0122] 6-7. Partially enlarged display A FIG. 13 shows an example of partial enlargement display A. Partial enlargement display A is a display mode in which the reference image 901 is enlarged at a specified magnification ratio Md preset by the user and displayed in the display area 900. Here, too, it is assumed that the reference image 901 is an image acquired from a long sheet of paper (330.2 mm × 1300 mm). In partial enlargement display A, one or both of scroll bars 931 and 932 are enabled depending on the specified magnification ratio Md. In the example of FIG. 13, since the specified magnification ratio Md is 200%, both scroll bars 931 and 932 are enabled. Note that the specified magnification ratio Md only needs to be input via the operation unit 20 and stored as specified data 316 in the memory 310 at the latest before the start of the examination setting (S606).

[0123] As described above, the image processing unit 334 enlarges the reference image 901 at the specified magnification ratio Md (e.g., 200%), and the UI unit 331 displays a portion of the enlarged reference image 901 in the display area 900. If the main scanning length of the enlarged reference image 901 exceeds the main scanning length X0 of the display area 900, the UI unit 331 enables the scroll bar 931. If the sub-scanning length of the enlarged reference image 901 exceeds the sub-scanning length Y0 of the display area 900, the UI unit 331 enables the scroll bar 932.

[0124] In the full enlarged display, the partial enlarged display B, and the partial enlarged display A, the starting point of the reference image 901 is one of the four vertices (corners) of the display area 900 (reference vertex 1300). In FIG. 13, the vertex of the reference image 901 closest to the reference vertex 1300 may be referred to as the upper left corner of the reference image 901. When a human looks at characters included in the reference image 901, the human can recognize the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the characters. Even when a human figure is present instead of characters, the user can recognize the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the human figure. Here, the sub-scanning direction of the reference image 901 is generally parallel to the direction (conveyance direction) in which the sheet P is inserted into the inspection apparatus 50. Therefore, of the four sides of the reference image 901, the side located downstream in the sub-scanning direction is the top side of the reference image 901. Of the four sides of the reference image 901, the side located upstream in the sub-scanning direction is the bottom side of the reference image 901. Of the four sides of the reference image 901, the side that is on the upstream side in the main scanning direction is the left side of the reference image 901. Of the four sides of the reference image 901, the side that is on the downstream side in the main scanning direction is the right side of the reference image 901. Therefore, the vertex closest to the reference point 1300 of the display area 900 is the intersection of the top and left sides of the reference image 901. In FIG. 13 , the top side of the display area 900 corresponds to the right side of the reference image 901. The bottom side of the display area 900 corresponds to the left side of the reference image 901. The left side of the display area 900 corresponds to the top side of the reference image 901. The right side of the display area 900 corresponds to the bottom side of the reference image 901. Therefore, the reference point 1300 is the intersection of the left and bottom sides of the display area 900.

[0125] The main scanning length X0 of the display area 900 is, for example, 330.2 mm, and the sub-scanning length Y0 is 487.7 mm. These dimensions do not refer to the physical length of the display area 900, but rather to the size of the image that can be displayed in the display area 900. However, these dimensions may coincide with the physical length of the display area 900. As shown in the example of FIG. 13, when the specified magnification ratio Md is 200%, the reference image 901 is enlarged and displayed in the display area 900 from 0 mm to 165.1 mm in the main scanning direction. Similarly, the reference image 901 is enlarged and displayed in the display area 900 from 0 mm to 243.8 mm in the sub-scanning direction.

[0126] In this way, in partial enlarged display A, the reference image 901 with a detailed layout is displayed in the display area 900 at the specified magnification ratio Md without the user having to operate the enlargement button 934. Particularly in cases where the user is familiar with the magnification ratio Ma (specified magnification ratio Md) that suits their preferences, partial enlarged display A will be useful.

[0127] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the UI unit 331 and the display device 21 may display part or all of the reference image in the display area 900 so that the top left corner of the reference image coincides with a corresponding one of the four corners of the display area (e.g., reference point 1300).

[0128] 6-8. Test result confirmation screen FIG. 14 shows an inspection result confirmation screen SC3 displayed on the display device 21 so that the user can confirm the inspection results of the inspection device 50. When the inspection control unit 205 receives the inspection results from the inspection device 50, it creates the inspection result confirmation screen SC3 based on the inspection results and displays it on the display device 21. Alternatively, the inspection control unit 205 displays the result confirmation screen SC3 created by the inspection device 50 on the display device 21. In this way, the result confirmation screen SC3 may be created by the inspection device 50 or by the control device 40. In the latter case, the inspection control unit 205 also implements a UI unit 331, a calculation unit 332, a determination unit 333, an image processing unit 334, a judgment unit 335, a calculation unit 341, and a judgment unit 342 to perform enlargement processing of the inspection image. The above description of the enlargement processing becomes a description of the inspection image on the result confirmation screen SC3 by replacing "reference image" with "inspection image."

[0129] Display area 1400 displays an inspection image 1401, an inspection area 1402 (e.g., a priority area 1402a, an exclusion area 1402d, and a variable area 1402c), etc. In this example, display area 1400 displays inspection image 1401 and inspection area 1402 in a superimposed manner. Inspection image 1401 is an image acquired by image sensor 54 reading the printed matter to be inspected.

[0130] Scroll bars 1431 and 1432 may be arranged around the periphery of the display area 1400. The scroll bar 1431 is a control for moving the inspection image 1401 displayed in the display area 1400 parallel to the main scanning direction. The scroll bar 1432 is a control for moving the inspection image 1401 displayed in the display area 1400 parallel to the sub-scanning direction. The button 1433 is a button for discarding existing settings configured for the inspection image 1401. The enlarge button 1434 is a button for enlarging the inspection image 1401 displayed in the display area 1400. The reduce button 1435 is a button for reducing the inspection image 1401 displayed in the display area 1400.

[0131] The method for enlarging and displaying the inspection image 1401 in the display area 1400 is the same as the method for enlarging and displaying the reference image 901 in the display area 900. That is, either full enlargement display, partial enlargement display A, or partial enlargement display B is applied depending on the size of the inspection image 1401. In Figure 14, the size of the printed matter to be inspected is A4R size, so full enlargement display is used.

[0132] The four enlarged display areas 1451-1454 correspond to one exclusion area 1402d, two priority areas 1402a, and one variable area 1402c, respectively, of the inspection image 1401. In this way, the enlarged display areas 1451-1454 display an enlarged version of the image within the inspection area 1402 of the inspection image 1401. This allows the user to compare the inspection results of the inspection device 50 with the user's visual inspection results. Of the enlarged display areas 1451-1454, any enlarged display areas that have actually failed may be highlighted (e.g., with a red frame, flashing, or a message indicating the reason for failure).

[0133] The button 1461 is a button for displaying the examination setting screen SC2. The user may display the examination setting screen SC2 on the display device 21 and increase or decrease the examination level depending on the comparison result. This can improve the examination accuracy. Alternatively, the user may increase or decrease the number of exclusion areas 902d or adjust the size of the exclusion areas 902d on the examination setting screen SC2.

[0134] Button 1462 is a button that instructs CPU 201 to return to the screen that was displayed on display device 21 before result confirmation screen SC3 was displayed. When button 1462 is touched, result confirmation screen SC3 may be erased, and the initial screen may be displayed on display device 21.

[0135] Button 1463 is a button that allows the user to manually determine, as pass, an inspection area 1402 that has been evaluated as failing by the inspection device 50 in the inspection image 1401. For example, if an abnormality contained in the inspection area 1402 that has been evaluated as failing is within the user's tolerance, the user presses button 1463. This changes the inspection area 1402 from failing to passing.

[0136] In this example, four enlarged display regions 1451 to 1454 are displayed, but this is merely an example. The number of enlarged display regions 1451 to 1454 may be adjusted depending on the number of inspection areas 1402. Alternatively, if the number of inspection areas 1402 exceeds a predetermined number, a predetermined number of enlarged display regions may be displayed, and the remaining enlarged display regions may be displayed in response to operation of a scroll bar. For example, the fifth enlarged display region in FIG. 14 may be scrolled.

[0137] Second Embodiment The second embodiment is a modified example of the first embodiment. In particular, in the second embodiment, the aspect ratio of the reference image 901 is taken into consideration when selecting a display mode (e.g., full enlarged display, partial enlarged display A, B) on the inspection setting screen SC2. Here, the aspect ratio is the ratio of the main scanning length X to the sub-scanning length Y of the image or sheet P. Note that the aspect ratio may be expressed normalized by the main scanning length X. Furthermore, the aspect ratio value R indicates the ratio of the main scanning length X to the sub-scanning length Y. In other words, the aspect ratio value R is obtained by dividing the main scanning length X by the sub-scanning length Y. The description of the first embodiment is used to explain matters common to the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0138] 1. Inspection content settings Figure 15 shows the inspection setting (S606) in the second embodiment. Steps shown in Figure 15 that are the same as or similar to steps shown in Figure 11 are given the same reference numerals. Compared to Figure 11, Figure 15 adds steps S1501 and S1502 related to the aspect ratio. This means that partial enlargement display can be applied even if the enlargement factor Ma1 of the reference image 901 is 100% or more.

[0139] If it is determined in S1103 that the magnification ratio Ma1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Mth, the CPU 301 advances the process from S1103 to S1501. In S1501, the CPU 301 (calculation unit 341) calculates the value R of the aspect ratio of the reference image 901. In other words, the calculation unit 341 functions as an aspect ratio calculation means that calculates the value of the aspect ratio of the reference image when the first magnification is equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

[0140] In S1502, the CPU 301 (determination unit 342) determines whether the aspect ratio value R of the reference image 901 is less than a threshold value Rth. The threshold value Rth may be, for example, the aspect ratio value (=1 / 1.48) of the display area 900. If the aspect ratio value R is equal to or greater than the threshold value Rth, the CPU 301 advances the process from S1502 to S1121. In S1121, the CPU 301 performs full enlargement display of the reference image 901.

[0141] On the other hand, if the aspect ratio value R is less than the threshold value Rth, the CPU 301 advances the process from S1502 to S1104. If the designated magnification ratio Md does not exist, a magnification ratio Ma2 for partial magnification is calculated in S1111, and partial magnification display B is executed in S1112. If the designated magnification ratio Md exists, partial magnification display A is applied in S1106.

[0142] Among the standard sizes, there are sizes where the difference between the main scanning length X and the sub-scanning length Y is large. The aspect ratio value R of such sizes is relatively small. For example, the size of an envelope called COM10 is 104.8 mm (main scanning length) x 241.3 mm (sub-scanning length). The normalized aspect ratio for COM10 is 1:2.3, and R is 1 / 2.3. The aspect ratio value R for COM10 is smaller than the threshold value Rth. Therefore, in the second embodiment, partial enlarged display B or partial enlarged display A is applied to COM10.

[0143] 2. Full enlarged display (first mode) 16A shows an example in which a reference image 1601 is enlarged and displayed in its entirety in the display area 900 according to the aspect ratio. The reference image 1601 is an image acquired from an A4R-sized print. Therefore, the aspect ratio of the reference image 1601 is 1:1.4, and R is 1 / 1.4.

[0144] The normalized aspect ratio of the display area 900 is 1:1.48. Therefore, the threshold value Rth is 1 / 1.48. Therefore, the aspect ratio value R (=1 / 1.4) of the reference image 1601 is greater than the threshold value Rth (=1 / 1.48). The image processing unit 334 enlarges the main scanning length X1 (=210 mm) of the reference image 1601 to the main scanning length X0 (=330.2 mm) of the display area 900. Similarly, the image processing unit 334 enlarges the sub-scanning length Y1 (297 mm) of the reference image 1601 by the same magnification (=1.4). This generates the enlarged reference image 1602. The main scanning length X2 of the enlarged reference image 1602 is equal to the main scanning length X0 of the display area 900. The sub-scanning length Y2 of the enlarged reference image 1602 is equal to 1.4 × Y1. As a result, the reference image 1602 is displayed as enlarged so that it fits entirely within the display area 900. Note that because the aspect ratio of the reference image 1602 and the aspect ratio of the display area 900 differ, a surplus area 1611 occurs in the display area 900.

[0145] 3. Partial enlargement display B FIG. 16(B) shows an example of a partial enlarged display B. The reference image 1603 is an image acquired from a No. 3 long object. The size of the No. 3 long object is 120 mm (main scanning length X3) × 235 mm (sub-scanning length Y3). Therefore, the normalized aspect ratio of the reference image 1603 is 1:1.96. The aspect ratio value R is 1 / 1.96.

[0146] 16(B), when reference image 1603 is enlarged so that the main scanning length X3 of reference image 1603 matches the main scanning length X0 of display area 900, an enlarged reference image 1604 is obtained. The main scanning length X4 of enlarged reference image 1604 is equal to the main scanning length X0 of display area 900. The sub-scanning length Y4 of enlarged reference image 1604 is greater than the sub-scanning length Y0 of display area 900. Therefore, a portion of reference image 1604 extends outside of display area 900 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0147] 16C shows an example in which the first embodiment is applied to a No. 3 rectangular image. In the first embodiment, when the magnification factor Ma1 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value Mth, full enlargement display is applied to the reference image 1603. In the case of a No. 3 rectangular image, the magnification factor May for displaying the entire reference image 1603 in the sub-scanning direction is smaller than the magnification factor Max for displaying the entire reference image 1603 in the main scanning direction. Therefore, the magnification factor May for displaying the entire reference image 1603 in the sub-scanning direction is determined as the magnification factor Ma1 for full enlargement display.

[0148] In full enlargement display, the reference image 1603 is enlarged so that the sub-scanning length Y3 of the reference image 1603 matches the sub-scanning length Y0 of the display area 900, and an enlarged reference image 1605 is generated. In this example, the enlargement factor Ma1 is Y0 (= 487.7 mm) / Y3 (= 235 mm) × 100. In other words, the sub-scanning length Y5 of the reference image 1605 enlarged by the image processing unit 334 becomes equal to Y0.

[0149] The image processing unit 334 further calculates the main scanning length X5 of the reference image 1605 using the main scanning length X3 of the reference image 1603 and the enlargement factor Ma1. The main scanning length X5 is 249 mm. As shown in FIG. 16(C), the UI unit 331 displays the enlarged reference image 1605 in the display area 900.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 16(B), when the second embodiment is applied to a No. 3 rectangular image, partial enlargement display A or partial enlargement display B is applied to the reference image 1603. When partial enlargement display B is applied, the reference image 1604 is displayed in the display area 900, allowing the user to check the entire reference image 1604 in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the user can check the entire reference image 1604 in the sub-scanning direction by operating the scroll bar 932. This reduces the operational burden on the user regarding the inspection settings. In the second embodiment as well, when a specified magnification ratio Md exists, the reference images 1601 and 1603 are enlarged and displayed using the specified magnification ratio Md (partial enlargement display A).

[0151] Comparing Figure 16(C) with Figure 16(B) reveals the following: The second embodiment can display a larger image of size 3 than the first embodiment. This will make it easier for the user to set up an examination.

[0152] According to the second embodiment, even if the magnification ratio Ma1 of the reference image is 100% or more, if the aspect ratio value R is less than the threshold value Rth, partial magnification display A or partial magnification display B is applied. A portion of an image with an aspect ratio value R smaller than the threshold value Rth may be difficult for the user to view, depending on the fineness of the layout. Therefore, partial magnification display A, B, or full magnification display is applied to the reference image 1603, taking into consideration the aspect ratio in addition to the magnification ratio Ma1.

[0153] The second embodiment describes a method for displaying reference images 1601 and 1603 on the examination setting screen SC2. However, this is merely an example. The second embodiment, like the first embodiment, describes the examination image on the result confirmation screen SC3 by replacing "reference image" with "examination image." In this case, the examination control unit 205 includes a UI unit 331, a calculation unit 332, a determination unit 333, an image processing unit 334, a determination unit 335, a calculation unit 341, and a determination unit 342 to perform enlargement processing of the examination image.

[0154] The entire inspection unit 302 of the first or second embodiment may be implemented in the CPU 201 of the control device 40. In this case, the inspection controller 51 controls the image sensors 54 and 55 to acquire a reference image or an inspection image and transfers it to the control device 40.

[0155] In the first and second embodiments, the display mode is switched based on the magnification factor Ma or the aspect ratio. However, this is merely an example. Any index similar to the magnification factor Ma or the aspect ratio can be used. For example, when an image to be displayed (e.g., a reference image or an inspection image) is displayed in the display area 900 at its original size, the CPU 301 calculates a first area, which is the area of ​​the margin remaining in the display area 900. Furthermore, the CPU 301 calculates a second area, which is the area of ​​the margin when the image to be displayed is enlarged so that the entire image fits within the display area 900. The first area being larger than the second area corresponds to the magnification factor Ma being less than the threshold value Mth. The first area being smaller than the second area corresponds to the magnification factor Ma exceeding the threshold value Mth. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the first area is larger than the second area, a partial enlarged display is applied. When the first area is smaller than the second area, a full enlarged display is applied. Furthermore, instead of the margin area, the ratio of the margin area to the area of ​​the display area 900 may be used.

[0156] <Technical concepts derived from the embodiments> (Item 1) The CPU 301, the communication circuit 320, or the image sensors 54 and 55 function as a first acquisition means for acquiring a reference image that serves as a reference for image inspection. The CPU 301 and the inspection unit 302 function as an image processing means. The UI unit 331 and the display device 21 function as a display means for displaying the reference image. The input device 22 functions as a receiving means for receiving at least one of the settings of the inspection content for the reference image and the settings of the inspection area where the image inspection is to be performed. The CPU 301 or the image sensors 54 and 55 are an example of a second acquisition means for acquiring an inspection image generated by reading a printed material. The CPU 301 and the evaluation unit 304 function as an inspection means for performing image inspection in accordance with the inspection content in the inspection area of ​​the inspection image. The calculation unit 332 functions as a magnification calculation means for calculating a first magnification (e.g., Ma1), which is the magnification of the reference image when the entire reference image is displayed within the display area of ​​the display means. The image processing unit 334 functions as an enlargement means for enlarging the reference image by a second magnification (e.g., Ma2, Md) greater than the first magnification when the first magnification is less than a first threshold (e.g., threshold Mth). This makes it easier for the user to set up the inspection, i.e., it allows the user to set up the inspection according to the overall size of the image to be displayed. (Items 2, 11) The second magnification (e.g., Ma2) may be a magnification such that the length of the reference image in a second direction (e.g., main scanning direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., sub-scanning direction) in which the printed material is fed into the inspection device 50 is equal to the length of the display area in the second direction, and the length of the reference image in the first direction is longer than the length of the display area in the first direction. This allows the reference image to be displayed larger, making it easier for the user to set up the inspection. (items 3, 12) The second magnification factor (eg, Ma2=Mx) may be calculated by dividing the length of the display area in the second direction by the length of the reference image in the second direction. (items 4, 13) The second magnification (for example, Md) may be a magnification that is input in advance by the operator and stored in a storage means (for example, memory 310). (items 5, 14) When a magnification factor input by the operator is stored in advance in the storage means, the image processing unit 334 may apply the magnification factor (e.g., Md) stored in the storage means as the second magnification factor. When a magnification factor input by the operator is not stored in the storage means in advance, the image processing unit 334 may calculate the second magnification factor (e.g., Ma2) by dividing the length of the display area in the second direction by the length of the reference image in the second direction. In this way, when the user has set a specified magnification factor Mad in advance, the specified magnification factor Mad may be applied preferentially. (Item 6) As illustrated in FIG. 9 and other figures, the display area 900 has a first side along a first direction (sub-scanning direction) and a second side along a second direction (main scanning direction). The input device 22 and scroll bar 932 are an example of a first operation means for scrolling the reference image parallel to the first direction. The input device 22 and scroll bar 931 are an example of a second operation means for scrolling the reference image parallel to the second direction. When the first operation means (scroll bar 932) is disabled, the second magnification may be determined so that the length of the reference image displayed in the display area in the first direction is equal to the length of the first side. When the second operation means (scroll bar 931) is disabled, the second magnification may be determined so that the length of the reference image displayed in the display area in the second direction is equal to the length of the second side. (Item 7) As illustrated in FIG. 13, the UI unit 331 and the display device 21 may display part or all of the reference image in the display area 900 so that the top left corner of the reference image coincides with a corresponding one of the four corners of the display area (e.g., reference point 1300). (Item 8) As described in the first embodiment, the first threshold (eg, Mth) may be 100%. (Item 9) As described in relation to S1121, when the first magnification is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the reference image may be displayed at the first magnification in the display area 900. This allows the entire reference image to be displayed in the display area 900, allowing the user to grasp the entire reference image. (Items 10, 17) When the first magnification is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the CPU 301, the inspection unit 302, and the calculation unit 341 may function as an aspect ratio calculation unit that calculates the value of the aspect ratio of the reference image. As illustrated in FIG. 16(B), there may be cases where the first magnification is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the aspect ratio value R is less than a second threshold (e.g., Rth). In this case, the image processing unit 334 may enlarge the reference image by a second magnification that is greater than the first magnification. As illustrated in FIG. 16(A), there may be cases where the first magnification is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the aspect ratio value is equal to or greater than the second threshold. In this case, the image processing unit 334 may enlarge the reference image by the first magnification. (Item 15) The second threshold may be equal to the aspect ratio value of the display area 900 . (Item 16) When the first magnification is less than the first threshold, the image processing unit 334 may enlarge the inspection image by a second magnification that is greater than the first magnification. The UI unit 331 and the display device 21 may display the enlarged inspection image. (Item 18) The full enlarged display is an example of a first mode in which the reference image is displayed as large as possible so that the entire reference image is displayed within the display area of ​​the display means. The partial enlarged display B is an example of a second mode in which the entire reference image is displayed in a first direction (main scanning direction) parallel to a first side of the four sides that make up the edge of the display area, and a portion of the reference image is displayed in a second direction (sub-scanning direction) perpendicular to the first direction. The partial enlarged display A is an example of a third mode in which the reference image is displayed in the display area at a magnification pre-specified by the user. The CPU 301 selects the first mode when the first magnification (e.g., Ma1) is equal to or greater than a first threshold (Mth). The CPU 301 selects the second mode when the first magnification is less than the first threshold and no pre-specified magnification exists. The CPU 301 selects the third mode when the first magnification is less than the first threshold and a pre-specified magnification exists.

[0157] As described in the first embodiment, the entire enlarged display and the partial enlarged displays A and B taking into account the magnification factor Ma1 may be applied to the inspection image and the inspection results. As described in the second embodiment, the entire enlarged display and the partial enlarged displays A and B taking into account the magnification factor Ma1 and the aspect ratio value R may be applied to the inspection image and the inspection results. (Items 19 and 20) The inspection control unit 205 or the inspection unit 302 may function as a magnification calculation means for calculating a first magnification, which is the magnification of the inspection image when the entire inspection image is displayed within the display area of ​​the display means, and as an enlargement means for enlarging the inspection image by a second magnification, which is larger than the first magnification, when the first magnification is less than a first threshold. Similarly, the inspection control unit 205 or the inspection unit 302 may function as a magnification calculation means for calculating a first magnification, which is the magnification of the inspection image when the entire inspection image is displayed within the display area of ​​the display means, an aspect ratio calculation means for calculating an aspect ratio value of the inspection image when the first magnification is equal to or greater than the first threshold, and as an enlargement means for enlarging the inspection image by a second magnification, which is larger than the first magnification, when the aspect ratio value is less than a second threshold. (Item 21) The image forming system (inspection system) may include the inspection device described in any one of items 1 to 20.

[0158] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 50: Inspection device, 301: CPU, 21: Display device, 22: Input device

Claims

1. An inspection device that inspects a printed matter including a sheet and an image formed on the sheet, an image processing means for enlarging or reducing a reference image that serves as a reference for image inspection; a display means for displaying the reference image output from the image processing means; a receiving means for receiving at least one of a setting of an inspection content for the reference image and a setting of an inspection area where the image inspection is to be performed; an acquisition means for acquiring an inspection image generated by reading a printed matter including a sheet and an image formed on the sheet; an inspection means for performing the image inspection in the inspection area of ​​the inspection image according to the inspection content, The image processing means a magnification calculation means for calculating a first magnification, which is a magnification of the reference image when the entire reference image is displayed within the display area of ​​the display means; an enlargement unit that enlarges the reference image by a second magnification factor that is greater than the first magnification factor when the first magnification factor is less than a first threshold value; An inspection device comprising:

2. 2. The inspection device described in claim 1, wherein the second magnification is a magnification such that the length of the reference image in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction in which the printed matter is fed into the inspection device is equal to the length of the display area in the second direction, and the length of the reference image in the first direction is longer than the length of the display area in the first direction.

3. The inspection device according to claim 2 , wherein the second magnification is calculated by dividing the length of the display area in the second direction by the length of the reference image in the second direction.

4. 3. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the second magnification is a magnification input in advance by an operator and stored in a storage means.

5. The image processing means If a magnification factor input by an operator is stored in advance in a storage means, the magnification factor stored in the storage means is applied as the second magnification factor; 3. The inspection device of claim 2, wherein if the magnification input in advance by the operator is not stored in the memory means, the second magnification is calculated by dividing the length of the display area in the second direction by the length of the reference image in the second direction.

6. the display area has a first side along a first direction and a second side along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The inspection device further comprises: a first operation means for scrolling and displaying the reference image in a direction parallel to the first direction; a second operation means for scrolling and displaying the reference image in a direction parallel to the second direction, when the first operation means is disabled, the second magnification is determined so that a length in the first direction of the reference image displayed in the display area is equal to a length of the first side; The inspection device of claim 1, wherein when the second operation means is disabled, the second magnification is determined so that the length of the reference image displayed in the display area in the second direction is equal to the length of the second side.

7. 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays part or all of the reference image in the display area so that the upper left corner of the reference image coincides with a corresponding one of four corners of the display area.

8. The inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the first threshold is 100%.

9. The inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the display area displays the reference image at the first magnification when the first magnification is equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

10. The image processing means further an aspect ratio calculation means for calculating an aspect ratio value of the reference image when the first magnification is equal to or greater than the first threshold value; The enlarging means enlarging the reference image by the second magnification factor that is greater than the first magnification factor when the first magnification factor is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the aspect ratio value is less than a second threshold value; The inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the reference image is enlarged by the first magnification when the first magnification is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the aspect ratio value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

11. The inspection device described in claim 10, wherein the second magnification is a magnification such that the length of the reference image in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction in which the printed matter is fed into the inspection device is equal to the length of the display area in the second direction, and the length of the reference image in the first direction is longer than the length of the display area in the first direction.

12. The inspection device according to claim 11 , wherein the second magnification is calculated by dividing the length of the display area in the second direction by the length of the reference image in the second direction.

13. 12. The inspection device according to claim 11, wherein the second magnification is a magnification input in advance by an operator and stored in a storage unit.

14. The image processing means If a magnification factor input by an operator is stored in advance in a storage means, the magnification factor stored in the storage means is applied as the second magnification factor; 12. The inspection device of claim 11, wherein if the magnification input in advance by the operator is not stored in the storage means, the second magnification is calculated by dividing the length of the display area in the second direction by the length of the reference image in the second direction.

15. The inspection device according to claim 10 , wherein the second threshold value is equal to an aspect ratio value of the display area.

16. the enlarging means enlarges the inspection image by the second magnification, which is larger than the first magnification, when the first magnification is less than a first threshold value; The display means displays the inspection image. The inspection device according to claim 1 .

17. An inspection device that inspects a printed matter including a sheet and an image formed on the sheet, an image processing means for enlarging or reducing a reference image that serves as a reference for image inspection; a display means for displaying the reference image output from the image processing means; a receiving means for receiving at least one of a setting of an inspection content for the reference image and a setting of an inspection area where the image inspection is to be performed; an acquisition means for acquiring an inspection image generated by reading a printed matter including a sheet and an image formed on the sheet; an inspection means for performing the image inspection in the inspection area of ​​the inspection image according to the inspection content, The image processing means a magnification calculation means for calculating a first magnification, which is a magnification of the reference image when the entire reference image is displayed within the display area of ​​the display means; an aspect ratio calculation means for calculating an aspect ratio value of the reference image when the first magnification is equal to or greater than a first threshold value; an enlargement unit that enlarges the reference image by a second magnification factor that is greater than the first magnification factor when the value of the aspect ratio is less than a second threshold value; An inspection device comprising:

18. An inspection device that inspects a printed matter including a sheet and an image formed on the sheet, an image processing means for enlarging or reducing a reference image that serves as a reference for image inspection; a display means for displaying the reference image output from the image processing means; a receiving means for receiving at least one of a setting of an inspection content for the reference image and a setting of an inspection area where the image inspection is to be performed; an acquisition means for acquiring an inspection image generated by reading a printed matter including a sheet and an image formed on the sheet; an inspection means for performing the image inspection in the inspection area of ​​the inspection image according to the inspection content, The display means a first mode in which the reference image is displayed as large as possible so that the entire reference image is displayed within the display area of ​​the display means; a second mode in which the entire reference image is displayed in a first direction parallel to a first side of the four sides constituting the edge of the display area, and a part of the reference image is displayed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a third mode in which the reference image is displayed in the display area at a magnification designated in advance by a user; The image processing means a magnification calculation means for calculating a first magnification, which is a magnification of the reference image when the entire reference image is displayed within the display area of ​​the display means; a selection means for selecting the first mode when the first magnification is equal to or greater than a first threshold, selecting the second mode when the first magnification is less than the first threshold and the pre-specified magnification does not exist, and selecting the third mode when the first magnification is less than the first threshold and the pre-specified magnification exists; An inspection device comprising:

19. An inspection device that inspects a printed matter including a sheet and an image formed on the sheet, an acquisition means for acquiring an inspection image generated by reading a printed matter including a sheet and an image formed on the sheet; an inspection means for performing an image inspection on the inspection image in accordance with predetermined inspection content; an image processing means for enlarging or reducing the inspection image; a display means for displaying an inspection result including the inspection image output from the image processing means, The image processing means a magnification calculation means for calculating a first magnification, which is a magnification of the inspection image when the entire inspection image is displayed within the display area of ​​the display means; an enlargement unit that enlarges the inspection image by a second magnification factor greater than the first magnification factor when the first magnification factor is less than a first threshold value; An inspection device comprising:

20. An inspection device that inspects a printed matter including a sheet and an image formed on the sheet, an acquisition means for acquiring an inspection image generated by reading a printed matter including a sheet and an image formed on the sheet; an inspection means for performing an image inspection on the inspection image in accordance with predetermined inspection content; an image processing means for enlarging or reducing the inspection image; a display means for displaying an inspection result including the inspection image output from the image processing means, The image processing means a magnification calculation means for calculating a first magnification, which is a magnification of the inspection image when the entire inspection image is displayed within the display area of ​​the display means; an aspect ratio calculation means for calculating an aspect ratio value of the inspection image when the first magnification is equal to or greater than a first threshold value; an enlargement unit that enlarges the inspection image by a second magnification factor that is greater than the first magnification factor when the aspect ratio value is less than a second threshold value; An inspection device comprising:

21. an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet; an inspection device that reads the sheet and a printed matter including the image formed on the sheet and performs an image inspection, 21. An image forming system, wherein the inspection device is the inspection device according to claim 1.

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