Inspection apparatus

Abstract

To easily set an inspection area in a multi-faced printed matter.SOLUTION: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an inspection apparatus includes a providing unit configured to display an image in which a plurality of pages are imposed, and provide a screen for receiving an arrangement of an inspection area based on a first instruction of a user in one of the pages imposed in the displayed image, and a control unit configured to perform control such that the inspection area arranged in the one of the pages is duplicated at a corresponding position in another page imposed in the displayed image. To select whether or not to perform.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device that inspects an image printed on a sheet for the presence or absence of printing defects. [Background technology]

[0002] There are devices that inspect sheets printed by a printing device to determine whether they have been printed properly by inspecting the images formed by the printing. In recent years, there have also been printing systems that incorporate such devices midway between the sheet that has just been printed by the printing device and the sheet being transported to the paper output tray, and that read the sheet during transport with a scanner or the like and analyze the image of the print result to determine whether the printing has been done properly.

[0003] Furthermore, when printing business cards, books, etc., multiple pages of images are laid out (imposed) and printed on a single large sheet of paper, and then the printed paper is cut by a cutter, and the cut paper is used to obtain the final product such as the business card, book, etc. When inspecting such a process, the paper immediately after multiple pages of images have been laid out and printed on a single large sheet of paper (i.e., the paper before cutting) is read and inspected while being transported to the paper output tray.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses that when inspecting a sheet of paper on which input images consisting of multiple pages are printed (imposed) on one side of the sheet, only the imposed portion corresponding to the page image specified by the user is compared with the correct image for inspection. In other words, Patent Document 1 focuses on the position on the sheet where each imposed page image is printed, and specifies whether or not to inspect each page image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-93425 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] On the other hand, depending on the type of printed material, a partial area within a page may be particularly important. For example, when printing character strings such as addresses, barcodes, or two-dimensional codes within a page, it is necessary to inspect whether the important parts, such as the character strings and barcodes, have been printed correctly. If such printed material is inspected on a page-by-page basis as in Patent Document 1, areas other than the important parts will also be inspected, resulting in unnecessary processing.

[0007] However, in Patent Document 1, whether or not to inspect a page is specified on a page-by-page basis, and in the case of a sheet of paper on which multiple pages are imposed, it is not possible to specify which partial area within each imposed page is to be inspected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the inspection device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a providing means for displaying an image in which multiple pages are imposed, and a screen for accepting the placement of an inspection area on one of the pages imposed in the displayed image based on a user's instructions; and a control means for controlling so that the inspection area placed on one of the pages is duplicated in a corresponding position on another page imposed in the displayed image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In a sheet on which a plurality of pages are imposed and printed, it is possible to easily set which part of each imposed page is to be inspected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device, an inspection device, and a printing device. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configurations of an information processing device, an inspection device, and a printing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of an information processing device, an inspection unit, a printing device, and a large-capacity stacker. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of the entire inspection process. [Figure 5A] UI for preview display screen when setting inspection area [Figure 5B] When setting the inspection area, the preview display screen shows the detailed margin settings. [Figure 6] Inspection settings flowchart [Figure 7] Coordinate calculation when duplicating inspection areas [Figure 8] Example of printed matter in the second embodiment [Figure 9] Flowchart of inspection settings in the second embodiment [Figure 10] Example of printed matter in the third embodiment [Figure 11] Flowchart of inspection settings in the third embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0012] <<First embodiment>> Here, we will explain a case where variable printing is performed, in which different data (variable data) is printed in a portion of each page, and multiple variable-printed pages are imposed and printed on a large sheet of paper. In the following example, a two-dimensional code or barcode is printed as the variable data, and whether the two-dimensional code or barcode was printed accurately is inspected. In such an inspection, the printed two-dimensional code or barcode can be actually read and decoded, and the decoded result can be compared with the correct data. In this embodiment, a two-dimensional code or barcode is described as the object of inspection, but this is not limited thereto. A character string can also be inspected, and the printed character string can be decoded using optical character recognition processing and compared with the correct data.

[0013] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device, an inspection device, and an image forming device in this embodiment. Note that, although the image forming device in this embodiment will be described using an electrophotographic image forming device, the image forming device in this embodiment may be an image forming device of a different image forming method, such as an inkjet method or an offset method.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 0101 is connected to an information processing apparatus 0109 via a cable 0112. The information processing apparatus 0109 is connected to a client computer 0110 and an inspection apparatus 0108 via a network 0113.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 0101 includes a UI (user interface) panel 0102, a paper feed deck 0103, and a paper feed deck 0104. An optional deck 0105 consisting of three paper feed decks is also connected to the image forming apparatus 0101. The image forming apparatus 0101 may be, for example, an electrophotographic or inkjet image forming apparatus. The UI panel 0102 is, for example, a user interface equipped with a capacitive touch panel.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 0101 also includes an inspection unit 0106 and a large-capacity stacker 0107. The inspection unit is connected to an inspection device 0108 via a cable 0114. The large-capacity stacker 0107 includes a main tray and a top tray to which printed paper is ejected, and the main tray can hold several thousand sheets of paper at a time.

[0017] A print job is generated by the client computer 0110, transmitted to the information processing device 0109 via the network 0113, and managed by the information processing device 0109. The print job is then transmitted from the information processing device 0109 to the image forming device 0101 via the cable 0112, and the image forming device 0101 performs processing to print on paper. Note that the print job may also be generated and managed by the information processing device 0109, transmitted to the image forming device 0101 via the network 0112, and managed by the image forming device 0101.

[0018] The client computer 0110, the information processing device 0109, and the inspection device 0108 may be connected to a cable 0112 to communicate with the image forming device 0101. That is, the connection configuration of the image forming device 0101, the information processing device 0109, and the client computer 0110 shown in this embodiment is just an example, and it goes without saying that there are various other connection configurations besides that shown in this embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 0101, the inspection apparatus 0108, the large-capacity stacker 0107, the information processing apparatus 0109, and the client computer 0110 in this embodiment.

[0020] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 0201 controls and performs calculations in each section of the image forming apparatus 0101 via a system bus 0212. The CPU 0201 executes programs stored in a storage unit 0205 and loaded into a RAM (Random Access Memory) 0202. The RAM 0202 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0201, and is used as a work area for the CPU 0201 or other temporary data storage area. The storage unit 0205 is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data, and also functions as a storage area and work memory when the image forming apparatus is operating.

[0021] The engine I / F 0209 controls communication with and control of the printer engine 02010. The paper feed deck I / F 0204 controls communication with and control of the paper feed deck 0211. The paper feed deck 0211 is a collective term for the paper feed decks 0103 and 0104 and the option deck 0105 as a hardware configuration. The UI panel 0203 is a hardware configuration of the UI panel 0102, and is a user interface for performing overall operations of the image forming apparatus 0101. In this embodiment, the UI panel 0203 is equipped with a capacitive touch panel.

[0022] The network interface (hereinafter referred to as NW I / F) 0207 is connected to the NW I / F 0238 of the information processing device 0109 via a cable 0213, and controls communication between the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101. In this example, the interfaces connected to the system buses 0212 and 0239 are directly connected to each other, but the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101 may also be connected via a network or the like, and the connection method is not limited thereto. The video I / F 0206 is connected to the video I / F 0233 via a video cable 0241, and controls communication of image data between the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101.

[0023] The connection interface between the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101 may be a combination of the functions of the NW I / F 0238 and the video I / F 0233. The connection interface between the image forming device 0101 and the information processing device 0109 may be a combination of the functions of the NW I / F 0207 and the video I / F 0206.

[0024] The accessory I / F 0208 is connected to the accessory I / F 0214 and the accessory I / F 0220 via a cable 0225. That is, the image forming apparatus 0101 communicates with the inspection unit 0106 and the large-capacity stacker 0107 via the accessory I / Fs 0208, 0214, and 0220.

[0025] The CPU 0216 executes programs stored in the memory 0247 and loaded into the RAM 0217 via the system bus 0219 to control and perform calculations in each section of the inspection unit 0106. The RAM 0217 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0216 and is used as a work area for the CPU 0216 or other temporary data storage area. The memory 0247 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the inspection unit is operating. The inspection device I / F 0215 is connected to the inspection device unit I / F 0231 via a cable 0248. That is, the inspection unit 0106 communicates with the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection device unit I / F 0231.

[0026] The photographing unit 0218 has a photographing function (image reading function) equipped with, for example, a conduct image sensor (hereinafter, CIS), photographs the paper passing through the inspection unit, and transmits the photographed image to the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215. Note that the CIS for the photographing unit 0218 is an example of a sensor, and may be another type of sensor such as a CCD image sensor, and the photographing method (reading method) is not limited.

[0027] The CPU 0221 executes programs stored in the memory unit 0248 and loaded into the RAM 0222 to control and calculate each unit in the large-capacity stacker 0107 via the system bus 0224. The RAM 0222 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0221, and is used as a work area for the CPU 0221 or as a temporary data storage area. The paper discharge unit 0223 monitors and controls the paper discharge operation to the main tray and top tray, and the loading status of each of the main tray and top tray.

[0028] The CPU 0226 executes programs stored in the memory unit 0228 and loaded into the RAM 0227 via the system bus 0230 to control and perform calculations in each component of the inspection device 0108. The RAM 0227 is a type of general volatile storage device directly accessible by the CPU 0226 and is used as the CPU's work area or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 0228 is a non-volatile storage medium that stores programs and also functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during inspection device operation. The PDL analysis unit 0229 reads PDL data, such as PDF, PostScript, and PCL, received from the client computer 0110 or the information processing device 0109 and performs interpretation processing. The display unit 0245 is, for example, a liquid crystal display connected to the inspection device, and accepts user inputs to the inspection device and displays the status of the inspection device.

[0029] The CPU 0234 executes programs stored in the storage unit 0236 and loaded into the RAM 0235 to control and perform calculations in each unit within the information processing device 0109 via a system bus 0239. The RAM 0235 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0234 and is used as a work area for the CPU 0234 or other temporary data storage areas. The network interface (hereinafter referred to as NW I / F) 0237 is connected to the NW I / Fs 0232 and 0240 via a network. The information processing device 0109 communicates with the inspection device 0108 via the NW I / F 0237 and NW I / F 0232. The information processing device 0109 also communicates with the client computer 0110 via the NW I / F 0237 and NW I / F 0240.

[0030] The CPU 0243 executes programs stored in the storage unit 0245 and loaded into the RAM 0242 via the system bus 0246 to control and perform calculations in each unit within the client computer 0110. The RAM 0242 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0243, and is used as a work area for the CPU 0243 or other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 0244 is a non-volatile storage medium that stores programs, and also functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the client computer is operating.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the printing device 0101, inspection unit 0106, and large-capacity stacker 0107. The printing device 0101 accepts user input and displays printing and device status via a UI panel 0102. Various types of paper can be stored in the paper feed decks 0103 and 0104. Each paper feed deck can separate only the topmost sheet of paper from the stack and transport it to a paper transport path 0305. Development stations 0301 to 0304 form color images by using Y, M, C, and K color toners, respectively. The toner images formed here are primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 0306. The intermediate transfer belt 0306 rotates clockwise in the figure, and the toner image is transferred to paper transported from the paper transport path 0305 at a secondary transfer position 0307. The fusing unit 0308 is equipped with a pressure roller and a heating roller, and as the paper passes between these rollers, the toner is melted and pressed to fix the toner image to the paper. After passing through the fusing unit 0308, the paper is transported to 0312 via paper transport path 0309. If further fusing and pressing is required for fusing depending on the type of paper, after passing through the fusing unit 0308, the paper is transported to the second fusing unit 0310 via the upper paper transport path, where additional fusing and pressing is performed, and then transported to 0312 via paper transport path 0311. If the image formation mode is double-sided, the paper is transported to the paper reversal path 0313, and after being reversed at 0313, is transported to the double-sided transport path 0314, where the image on the second side is transferred to the secondary transfer position 0307.

[0032] CISs 0315 and 0316 are arranged facing each other within the inspection unit 0106. CIS 0315 is a sensor for reading the top surface of the paper, and CIS 0316 is a sensor for reading the bottom surface of the paper. The inspection unit 0106 scans the paper using CISs 0315 and 0316 when the paper transported on the paper transport path 0317 reaches a predetermined position. The scanned image is sent to the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and inspection unit I / F 0231. The CPU 0226 determines whether the received image contains defects and notifies the inspection unit 0106 of the determination result via the inspection unit I / F 0231 and inspection device I / F 0215 again. The CPU 0216 notifies the received determination result to the large-capacity stacker 0107 via the accessory I / Fs 0214 and 0220.

[0033] Reference numeral 0107 denotes a large-capacity stacker capable of stacking a large volume of paper. The large-capacity stacker 0107 has a main tray 0324 as a tray for stacking paper. Paper that has passed through the inspection unit 0106 enters the large-capacity stacker 0107 via a paper transport path 0319. The paper travels from the paper transport path 0319 to a paper transport path 0322 and is then stacked on the main tray 0324. The large-capacity stacker 0107 also has a top tray 0320 as a paper output tray. The CPU 0221 ejects paper that has been detected as defective by the inspection device 0108 to the top tray 0320. When outputting to the top tray 0320, the paper is transported from the paper transport path 0319 to the top tray 0320 via a paper transport path 0321. Reference numeral 0323 denotes an inverting unit for inverting paper. This inverting unit 0323 is used when stacking paper on the main tray 0324. To ensure that the orientation of the incoming paper is the same as the orientation of the paper when it is loaded onto the main tray 0324, the paper is inverted once by the inverting unit 0323. When transporting paper to the top tray 0320, the paper is discharged as is without being flipped when it is loaded, so the inverting unit 0323 does not perform the inverting operation.

[0034] The following describes the processing that characterizes the present invention using flowcharts and screen examples. The image forming apparatus program associated with this flow is stored in the storage unit 0205 of the image forming apparatus 0101, read into the RAM 0202, and executed by the CPU 0201. The inspection apparatus program associated with this flow is stored in the storage unit 0228 of the inspection apparatus 0108, read into the RAM 0227, and executed by the CPU 0226. The information processing apparatus program associated with this flow is stored in the storage unit 0236 of the information processing apparatus 0109, read into the RAM 0235, and executed by the CPU 0234. The client computer program associated with this flow is stored in the storage unit 0245 of the client computer 0110, read into the RAM 0242, and executed by the CPU 0243.

[0035] The overall flow from the reference registration work before the start of the inspection to the execution of the inspection will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0036] First, in step S401, the inspection device registers a reference image. The inspection device 0108 generates and registers a reference image based on a print job sent from the client computer 0110. This reference image is generated by rasterizing the print job and is used when setting the inspection target area and inspection parameters. Note that the print job for the reference image is the same as the print job used when forming an image in the image forming device, but this is not limited to this and may be a print job generated using part of the data to be printed as sample data. Alternatively, the reference image may be an image obtained by rasterizing a print job in the client computer 0110 or the information processing device 0109, which is transmitted to the inspection device 0108 as a reference image and registered.

[0037] Next, in step S402, based on the user's instructions on the reference image, the inspection device performs inspection settings such as setting various inspection parameters and the position of the area to be inspected, as will be described in detail later.

[0038] Next, in step S403, the inspection unit 0106 reads the paper printed based on the print job to be inspected, and the inspection device 0108 performs an inspection of the read image based on the inspection settings set in S402. That is, when printing is performed, the inspection unit 0106 detects the paper conveyance and scans the paper with the CIS 0315, 0316, and the scanned image is saved in the RAM 303 of the inspection device 0108. The inspection device 108 inspects the inspection target area within the scanned image based on the inspection settings and outputs the inspection results. Note that if the inspection target area is an area where a QR code (registered trademark) or barcode is printed, the QR code or barcode within the area is decoded and the decoded result is compared with the correct data to perform a data matching inspection to determine whether or not they match. Also, if the inspection target area is an image, the image within the inspection target area may be compared with the correct image to perform an image matching inspection to determine whether or not they match.

[0039] Next, the details of the inspection setting in step S402 will be described with reference to Fig. 5A. The inspection setting starts with selecting the reference image registered in S401.

[0040] The preview display screen 0501 displays a reference image, and the user can specify an inspection area on this screen. The preview display screen 0501 is provided by the inspection device 0108 and can be displayed, for example, on the display unit 0245 of the inspection device to accept instructions from the user. The inspection device 0108 may provide the preview display screen 0501 as a WebUI so that a Web browser on a client computer can display the screen. In this case, the inspection device can accept instructions from the user of the client computer via the preview display screen displayed on the client computer as the WebUI. As will be described later, in this embodiment, an inspection area placed by a user in one of the page images imposed in the preview-displayed reference image can be duplicated in another imposed page image. When using a WebUI, this duplication process may involve transmitting position information of the inspection area placed by a user instructed by the client computer to the inspection device, and then having the inspection device duplicate the inspection area and provide feedback to the client computer. Furthermore, a script (written in JavaScript or the like) relating to the duplication process may be incorporated into the WebUI and transmitted to the client computer, and the client computer may execute the script to duplicate the inspection area.

[0041] If the print job used to generate the reference image is a print job instructed to print multiple pages imposed on one sheet, the image of the multiple pages imposed will be displayed as the reference image. For example, in the example of Figure 5A, four pages of images are imposed on one side of one sheet. If the print job contains more pages than can be imposed on one side of one sheet, the reference image of the next sheet can be displayed by switching the previewed reference image to the next sheet.

[0042] The inspection area 0502 is a frame indicating the inspection area placed on the preview image (shown by a dotted frame in FIG. 5A). The inspection area 0502 is set by the following operation. First, when the user selects the inspection area placement button 0503, a pull-down menu for selecting the type of inspection area is displayed, and the user selects the desired type from the menu. Thereafter, when the user operates the mouse on the preview image to select the range of the inspection area, the inspection area corresponding to the selected type is placed. Note that if the user wants to correct the position of an inspection area that has already been placed, the user can select the target inspection area by clicking the mouse, and then change the size and position by dragging the mouse. FIG. 5A shows an example in which an inspection area has been set at the position where a QR code will be printed.

[0043] When inspecting a QR code, a check is made to see if the result of decoding the QR code matches the correct data. 0504 is a setting item for selecting the file of correct data to be used for the check. In the case of a QR code check, the correct data for each QR code decoded on each page of layout printing is listed. For example, the data for the check is a reference CSV file that lists the correct data for each QR code to be used for the check, separated by commas.

[0044] 0505 is a setting item for the currently selected inspection area by user operation, and the individual setting values ​​for the selected inspection area are displayed when the user clicks on one of the inspection areas arranged on the preview display screen 0501.

[0045] Reference numeral 0506 denotes an imposition setting item. After the user sets one inspection area on the preview screen, the user inputs information about imposition that is required when automatically duplicating the set inspection area into other page images that have been imposed and previewed. When the user inputs information about items 0508 to 0510, the inspection area set by the user is duplicated in a corresponding position on other page images that have been imposed on the same sheet and previewed, based on the input. Note that the setting values ​​of the imposition setting items for each duplicated inspection area are the same as those for the original inspection area.

[0046] 0507 is a section for setting the barcode inspection, and when the inspection area selected on the preview image is an inspection area for a barcode or two-dimensional code, the user sets the details of the inspection content. When the inspection is executed, the inspection is performed based on the settings of items 0511 to 0515, which will be described later. Note that when the barcode inspection area is duplicated using the imposition setting item 0506, the information of each of the items 0511 to 0515 corresponding to the duplicated inspection area is calculated for each item and duplicated.

[0047] A check box 0508 is used to set whether or not to automatically duplicate the inspection area to other imposed pages. When this item is set to ON, the coordinates of the inspection area in the image portion of another page at the duplication destination are calculated based on the coordinate position of the inspection area at the duplication source and the imposition type 509. When this duplication is performed, the barcode inspection setting 0507 for the inspection area after duplication is duplicated based on the barcode inspection setting 0507 for the inspection area before duplication.

[0048] 0509 indicates the type of imposition. 0509 allows the user to select from a pull-down menu a format such as the orientation of each pre-registered imposed page image, the number of page images per sheet, and the imposition order. There are multiple types of imposition formats, including those with some faces rotated, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. For example, when creating a book or pamphlet, paper on which multiple pages have been imposed and printed is folded at the boundaries between the pages using a paper folder, and then cut using a cutter to remove the unnecessary parts, so some pages must be rotated before printing.

[0049] 0510 is the surface number on which the original inspection area is located. This indicates which surface the inspection area belongs to when duplicating the inspection area. When automatically duplicating, the inspection area information is duplicated so that the inspection area set for the part of the page image with surface number 0510, which is the source of duplication, is set in the corresponding location in the other imposed page images. The surface number 0510, which is the source of duplication, is linked to each inspection area, and it is possible to select, for example, to duplicate surface 1 for QR code inspection and surface 2 for name inspection.

[0050] 0511 is the angle of the barcode of the corresponding inspection area. This is manually input by the user if the selected inspection area is not a duplicated inspection area. In addition, in the case of a duplicated inspection area, the angle for the duplicated inspection area is automatically calculated based on the angle set for the original inspection area.

[0051] 0512 is the barcode type of the corresponding inspection area. This is manually input by the user if the selected inspection area is not a duplicated inspection area. In addition, in the case of a duplicated inspection area, the same barcode type as the type set for the original inspection area is input.

[0052] 0513 indicates the ID of the inspection area. This is the ID that is referenced when comparing the decoded results of the inspection area with the data in the reference CSV file. When the user sets an inspection area on the preview image, the ID corresponding to the set inspection area is automatically entered. In addition, in the case of a duplicated inspection area, the same ID as the original inspection area is automatically entered.

[0053] Reference numeral 0514 denotes a check box for specifying whether or not to perform an inspection by collating the decoded data with the correct data. If this check box is set to ON, the inspection is performed by comparing the decoded result of the inspection area with the data of the corresponding ID in the reference CSV file. Note that in the case of a duplicated inspection area, the check box 0514 reflects the same setting as that for the inspection area of ​​the original.

[0054] 0515 indicates the column to be compared. When comparing the data obtained from the inspection area with the correct data, this indicates the column in the reference CSV file in which the correct data is recorded. In the case of a duplicated inspection area, the same value as that of the original inspection area is entered.

[0055] An imposition detail input button 0516 is used. When the user presses this button, a window 0517 such as that shown in FIG. 5B opens, allowing the user to input detailed information about the imposition.

[0056] Numeral 0517 is an imposition input window. This window allows the user to set margins that occur in the imposition. Numeral 0518 is a margin setting diagram. The diagram illustrates an example of imposition specified in the imposition type 0509. The imposition numbers displayed in the imposition input window 0517 indicate the imposition order of each page image. The orientation of the imposition number values ​​corresponds to the orientation of the page images (for example, for imposition numbers 3 and 4, the page images are rotated 180 degrees before being imposed, so imposition numbers 3 and 4 are also displayed rotated 180 degrees). The imposition number of the surface that will be the source of duplication is highlighted (in the example of FIG. 5B, imposition number "1" is highlighted in bold as the source of duplication). This makes it easy to understand which surface will be the source of imposition. The settings entered by the user are visualized by reflecting the numerical value entered in the margin value 0519 in the diagram.

[0057] A margin value 0519 is used. Based on the value entered here, the coordinates of the page image to be imposed on each side are calculated and reflected in the margin setting diagram 0518 in real time.

[0058] A margin determination button 0520 is used. By selecting OK, the numerical value set in the margin value 0519 is recorded in the storage unit 0228. Thereafter, the imposition input window 0517 is closed.

[0059] An inspection setting decision button 0521 is used. By selecting OK, all the inspection settings set in FIG.

[0060] Next, the process for setting an inspection area will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 6. When setting an inspection area begins, a screen like that shown in Fig. 5A is displayed on the display unit 0245. A preview display screen 0501 displays an image in which the page images of the first four pages of the print job have been imposed as a reference image. The user refers to the previewed reference image, selects the inspection area placement button 0503, and then specifies the inspection area that they want to inspect.

[0061] In S601, after the user selects the inspection area placement button 0503, the CPU 0226 accepts input of the position of the inspection area 0502 designated by the user. In the case of barcode inspection, input of inspection settings 0511 to 0515 is also accepted.

[0062] Next, in S602, the CPU 0226 decodes the inspection area 0502 specified by the user in S601 according to the inspection settings input in S601.

[0063] In S603, the CPU 0226 determines whether the barcode type specified in the setting 0512 is correct based on the decoding result in S602. That is, if the inspection area can be decoded according to the barcode type specified in the setting 0512, it can be determined that the specified barcode type is correct. Furthermore, if the coordinates of the decoded barcode are not in the center of the coordinate-selected area or if a quiet zone cannot be secured, the CPU 0226 corrects the position coordinates of the inspection area specified by the user based on the position coordinates when the decoded barcode was detected, and saves the corrected position coordinates in the memory unit 0228.

[0064] In step S604, the CPU 0226 acquires print settings and waits for input of the imposition type 0509, the face number 0510 of the copy source, and detailed input 0516 of the imposition stored in the storage unit 0227. Note that although the imposition settings are received by user input in this embodiment, they may also be received from another system.

[0065] In S605, the CPU 0226 uses the inspection area set in S603 and the imposition settings acquired in S604 to duplicate the inspection area at appropriate coordinates of other imposed page image portions. In the example of FIG. 5A, the user set inspection area 0502 for the page image with surface number 1, so the inspection area is automatically duplicated for the other page images (page images with surface numbers 2 to 4) at positions calculated based on the imposition position and imposition direction of each page. Note that the appropriate coordinates of the destination inspection area differ depending on the imposition method. For example, in the case of a four-imposition layout as shown in FIG. 7, the relational expression between the upper left coordinate of the source inspection area 0702 and the destination inspection area 0703 is shown in Equation 0704. The imposition angle of the destination inspection area in FIG. 7 is determined by rotating the source inspection area 180 degrees. In addition, the same values ​​as those of the source inspection area are selected for the barcode type, inspection area ID, and collation column.

[0066] The details of Figure 7 will be explained. 0701 indicates the entire reference image, with its width being W and height being H. The original inspection area 0702 is assumed to be specified by the user at a position within the page image of imposition number 1 (top left coordinates are (x0, y0), width is w, and height is h). The position of the destination inspection area 0703 when this original inspection area 0702 is duplicated within the page image of imposition number 3 is assumed to be a position with top left coordinates of (x1, y1), width is w, and height is h. In this case, the top left coordinates of the destination inspection area are expressed by equation 0704. Note that Figure 7 explains an example in which inspection area 0702 is duplicated within the page image of imposition number 3, but it can also be duplicated within each of the page images of imposition numbers 2 and 4.

[0067] In step S606, the CPU 0226 decodes the duplication destination inspection area and checks whether the duplication destination inspection area is blank.

[0068] If the destination inspection area is not blank in S606, the CPU 0226 decodes the inspection area in S607. If the coordinates of the decoded barcode are not in the center of the selected area or if a quiet zone is not secured, the CPU 0226 calculates the exact coordinates of the inspection area from the coordinates of the decoded barcode. At this time, it is determined whether the destination inspection area is a specified size, and if it is smaller than the specified size, it expands the inspection area while maintaining the data in the center of the area, and sets it as the destination inspection area. The CPU 0226 stores the destination inspection area thus generated in the memory unit 0228.

[0069] If the destination inspection area is blank in S606, or after the processing in S607 is completed, the CPU 0226 displays the preview display screen 0501 with the duplicated inspection area entered on the display unit 0245 in S608, and prompts the user to confirm and correct each inspection area. Note that some print jobs may include pages on which QR codes are not printed, so in such cases, it is desirable for the user to leave the destination inspection area as it is so that they can check that no QR code is printed.

[0070] In step S609, the CPU 0226 stores the positions of all inspection areas, including those modified by the user in step S608, in the RAM 0227, and ends the inspection setting.

[0071] As described above, by duplicating the inspection area, the burden on the user when setting up the inspection can be reduced.

[0072] <<Second embodiment>> In the second embodiment, an embodiment in which the position is corrected if the inspection area is blank in S606 when duplicating the area will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Note that the description will omit parts that are common to the previous embodiment.

[0073] FIG. 8 shows a reference image for two-imposition printing and the inspection areas set on that reference image. In FIG. 8, it is assumed that a source inspection area 0801 is specified by the user. Furthermore, a destination inspection area 0802 is an inspection area that is duplicated in S605 based on the position of the source inspection area 0801. However, in the reference image, area 0802 is blank, with no data such as a barcode. In this case, in the first embodiment, the calculated coordinates are used as they are in S608 to present the inspection area, allowing for user corrections. However, in the second embodiment, the position is adjusted using surrounding objects before being presented as the destination inspection area. Note that corners 0803, 0804, 0805, and 0806 represent the four corners of the reference image. Furthermore, the first image printed by a print job may be used as the reference image, and the inspection areas 0801 and 0802 set on that reference image may be reused for the second and subsequent sheets of paper. In this case, the inspection areas are copied to the second and subsequent sheets of paper printed by the print job at the same positions as the inspection areas 0801 and 0802 set on the image of the first sheet.

[0074] Fig. 9 shows a flowchart for performing position adjustment. Note that the same step numbers are assigned to steps in which the same processes as in the flowchart in Fig. 6 are performed.

[0075] 9, if the CPU 0226 determines that the destination inspection area is blank, then in S901 the CPU 0226 measures the distance from the source inspection area to a known other object, such as the four corners of a piece of paper. In this embodiment, the CPU 0226 measures the distance from corners 0803 and 0804, which are among the four corners of the printed matter and exist on the same plane as the source inspection area 0801, to the source inspection area 0801.

[0076] In step S902, the CPU 0226 measures the distance of the duplication destination inspection area from a known object. Of the four corners of the print, the CPU 0226 measures the distance of the duplication destination inspection area 0802 from corners 0805 and 0806 that are on the same plane as the duplication destination inspection area 0802.

[0077] In S903, the CPU 0226 compares the distance measured in S901 with the distance calculated in S902. The coordinates of the destination inspection area are adjusted so that the distance between the source inspection area and a corner is equal to the distance between the corresponding destination inspection area and a corner. In this embodiment, the distance between the source inspection area 0801 and the corner 0803 corresponds to the distance between the destination inspection area 0802 and the corner 0806, and the distance between the source inspection area 0801 and the corner 0804 corresponds to the distance between the destination inspection area 0802 and the corner 0805.

[0078] As described above, it is possible to correct the coordinates even when the copy destination inspection area is blank. When correcting the inspection area using the distance to another object, the margin may be taken into consideration.

[0079] <<Third embodiment>> In the third embodiment, an embodiment in which the inspection area is prevented from being duplicated in a portion of the page image that is not the inspection target in S605 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0080] Figure 10 shows a reference image for four-imposition printing and the inspection areas set on that reference image. Here, we will explain the case where four source inspection areas are set by user instruction within the page image of imposition number 1, page 1001.

[0081] It is possible to duplicate the inspection area for each page image with imposition numbers 2 to 4, but if the inspection area is duplicated for imposition number 2 (side 1002), it will be duplicated at the position indicated by the dashed line. However, in the example of Fig. 10, the page image printed on side 1002 does not contain a decodable barcode or QR code, but contains other data (such as text).

[0082] Fig. 11 is a flowchart for the case where the data to be inspected is not included in the page image laid out on the copy destination side as shown in Fig. 10. Note that the same step numbers are assigned to steps where the same processing as in the flowchart in Fig. 6 is performed.

[0083] If it is determined in S606 that the target inspection area is blank, or after correcting the position of the target inspection area in S607, the CPU 0226 determines in S1101 whether the target surface is a surface to be inspected. The determination of whether a surface is a target surface is made by determining whether decoding of all target inspection areas within the target surface is successful when objects contained in the inspection area duplicated within the target surface are decoded. As shown by surface 1002 in FIG. 10 , the surface to be excluded from inspection has a layout significantly different from that of the target surface 1001. Therefore, even if the inspection area specified for surface 1001 is duplicated to surface 1002, the target inspection area cannot be decoded. Therefore, in this embodiment, if there is no target inspection area that has been successfully decoded on the surface to which the inspection area has been duplicated, the surface is determined to be excluded from inspection.

[0084] If a surface that should not be inspected is detected in S1101, all inspection areas copied to that surface are deleted in S1102, thereby excluding the page image of that surface from the inspection target. This configuration makes it possible to prevent inspection areas from being copied to page images that should not be inspected.

[0085] As described above, by duplicating the inspection area, the burden on the user when setting up the inspection can be reduced. Furthermore, it is naturally conceivable to combine the second and third embodiments.

[0086] <<Other Examples>> The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process: software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a computer-readable storage medium, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device executes the program.

Claims

[Claim 1] a providing means for displaying an image in which a plurality of pages are imposed, and for providing a screen for accepting placement of an inspection area in one of the pages imposed in the displayed image based on a first instruction from a user; control means for controlling the copying of an inspection area located on one of said pages to a corresponding position on another page imposed within said displayed image; a selection means for allowing the control means to select whether or not to copy the inspection area to a position corresponding to the other page; An inspection device comprising:

Images