Inspection equipment and inspection systems

Abstract

If the comparative inspection between the reference image and the scanned image is not performed in part, requiring the user to configure settings to combine multiple inspection areas would complicate the operation. [Solution] The system is characterized by comprising: a reading means for reading a recording medium on which an image has been formed and acquiring a scanned image; a registration means for registering a reference image; an inspection means for inspecting the scanned image by comparing the reference image and the scanned image; an inspection setting means for setting an inspection area to be inspected in the inspection by the inspection means; and a deletion means for deleting a part of the inspection area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus and an inspection system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, inspection (product inspection) to confirm whether a printed matter is correctly printed has been performed manually. However, in recent years, an apparatus that automatically performs product inspection as a post-treatment of a printing machine has been used. In such an inspection apparatus, correct image data is registered in advance. Then, the input image data is printed and output on a sheet by an image forming apparatus, and the image printed and output on the sheet is read by a sensor disposed inside the inspection apparatus. By comparing the image data read by the sensor with the correct image data registered first, an abnormality of the printed matter is detected. Hereinafter, an inspection for detecting an abnormality in a pattern portion of a printed matter is referred to as a printed image inspection.

[0003] In printed image inspection, since the required quality differs depending on the user's work mode and the printed matter, it is important to perform a necessary and sufficient inspection for the inspection requirements. If the inspection criteria are too loose, printed matters including defects will be shipped. However, if the inspection criteria are too strict, printed matters that do not need to be defective products will become defective products, resulting in an increase in the number of discarded sheets or an increase in the labor for the user to visually confirm again whether there are no defects among the defects.

[0004] In order to solve such problems, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of performing a printed image inspection by arranging a plurality of inspection areas on a printed matter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems that the Invention is to Solve

[0006] If the comparative inspection between the reference image and the scanned image is not performed in part, requiring the user to configure settings to combine multiple inspection areas would complicate the operation.

[0007] Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to improve the operability of the inspection settings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is characterized by comprising: a reading means for reading a recording medium on which an image is formed and acquiring a scanned image; a registration means for registering a reference image; an inspection means for inspecting the scanned image by comparing the reference image with the scanned image; an inspection setting means for setting an inspection area to be inspected in the inspection by the inspection means; and a deletion means for deleting a part of the inspection area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability of the inspection settings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] An example diagram showing an example of a system configuration including the inspection device of this embodiment. [Figure 2] An example of an internal configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. [Figure 3] An example of an internal configuration diagram of the inspection device in this embodiment. [Figure 4] An example of a flowchart of the entire inspection process in this embodiment [Figure 5] An example of a UI screen for job management in this embodiment [Figure 6] An example of a UI screen for inspection settings in this embodiment [Figure 7] An example of a flowchart for the inspection settings in step S403 in this embodiment. [Figure 8] An example of partial deletion of the inspection area in this embodiment [Figure 9]An example of partial deletion of the inspection area in this embodiment [Figure 10] An example of inspection area setting in this embodiment [Figure 11] An example of the flowchart of the inspection setting in step S403 in Embodiment 2 [Figure 12] An example of partial deletion of the inspection area in Embodiment 2

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in each embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention. In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus will be used as an example of the information processing apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an inspection system including an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system configuration diagram includes an image forming apparatus 100, an inspection apparatus 110, a finisher 120, a client PC 130, a print server 140, and a network 150.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 performs print output based on various input data, for example, print data sent from the client PC 130 or the print server 140.

[0014] In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any apparatus that prints on a recording medium may be used. For example, an apparatus that prints on metal may also be used.

[0015] The inspection device 110 receives the printed matter output from the image forming device 100 and inspects whether there are any defects in the received printed matter. Here, a defect refers to something that degrades the quality of the printed matter. For example, it is dirt that occurs when a coloring material adheres to an unintended location during printing, or color bleeding that occurs when insufficient coloring material adheres to the intended location.

[0016] Furthermore, the inspection device 110 performs inspection of the variable area portion in variable printing including a variable area portion such as a character string or a barcode. For example, a data readability inspection for checking whether a character string or a barcode can be read, and a data collation inspection for collating the read result of a character string or a barcode with the correct answer are performed. That is, the inspection device 110 performs a print image inspection for detecting abnormalities in the pattern portion of the printed matter, and a data inspection including a data readability inspection and a data collation inspection. Note that it is not always necessary for the inspection device 110 to have an inspection processing unit that performs a print image inspection or a data inspection inside. For example, a configuration in which the inspection processing is performed by an inspection PC (not shown) communicably connected to the inspection device 110 may be used.

[0017] The finisher 120 receives the output paper inspected by the inspection device 110, switches the paper discharge destination based on the inspection result of the inspection device 110, performs post-processing (such as bookbinding and stapling) as necessary, and discharges the paper.

[0018] The image forming device 100 is connected to the client PC 130 and the print server 140 via the network 150, and is further connected to the inspection device 110 and the finisher 120 via a communication cable. The inspection device 110 is also connected to the finisher 120 via a communication cable in addition to the image forming device 100. In this embodiment, as an example, an inline inspection machine that consistently performs image formation, inspection, post-processing, and paper discharge will be described, but it is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming device 100 in this embodiment.

[0020] The controller 200 receives images and documents from the network 150 and converts the received images and documents into print data. The printer unit 210 generates printed materials by printing the print data onto a recording sheet (paper, sheet). The UI unit 220 displays the screen and receives instructions from the user to the image forming apparatus 100, such as the selection of paper information. The image forming apparatus 100 consists of the controller 200, printer unit 210, and UI unit 220 described above.

[0021] The controller includes a network interface unit 201, a CPU 202, RAM 203, ROM 204, an image processing unit 205, an engine interface unit 206, a communication interface unit 207, and an internal bus 208.

[0022] The network interface unit 201 sends and receives data to and from the client PC 130 and the print server 140 via the network 150. The CPU 202 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100.

[0023] RAM203 is the work area where the CPU202 executes various instructions, and ROM204 stores program data executed by the CPU202 at startup, controller200 configuration data, etc.

[0024] The image processing unit 205 performs RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing to convert image and document data received from the network 150 into print data. In this embodiment, it is not necessary for the image processing unit 205 to perform the RIP processing; for example, the RIP processing may be performed by an information processing device (not shown) that is communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0025] The engine interface unit 206 transmits print data to the printer unit 210. The communication interface unit 207 communicates with the inspection device 110 and the finisher 120. The internal bus 208 is the communication path.

[0026] Images and documents created on a client PC 130 or print server 140 on network 150 are transmitted as PDL data to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network (e.g., Local Area Network). Alternatively, print jobs such as images and documents may be transmitted via the network to an information processing device (not shown) and managed by the information processing device. The print jobs may then be transmitted from the information processing device to the image forming apparatus 100 via network 150, and the image forming apparatus 100 may perform the printing process on paper.

[0027] The transmitted PDL data is stored in RAM 203 via the network interface unit 201. RAM 203 also stores user print instructions from the UI unit 220 via the internal bus 208. User print instructions include, for example, the selection of paper type.

[0028] The image processing unit 205 acquires the PDL data stored in the RAM 203 and performs image processing to convert it into print data. Image processing to convert to print data includes, for example, rasterizing the PDL data to convert it into multi-level bitmap data, and then performing screen processing to convert it into binary bitmap data. The binary bitmap data obtained by the image processing unit 205 is transmitted to the printer unit 210 via the engine I / F unit 206.

[0029] The printer unit 210 prints the received binary bitmap data onto a recording sheet using colorants. The CPU 202 issues instructions to the printer unit 210 based on the user's print instructions stored in the RAM 203. For example, if the user instructs to print on coated paper, the CPU 202 instructs the printer unit 210 to output paper from a paper cassette (not shown) in the image forming apparatus 100 where coated paper is stored. The various processes from the reception of the PDL data to printing on the paper are controlled by the CPU 202, so that a full-color toner image is formed on the paper.

[0030] Figure 3 shows the internal configuration of the inspection device 110.

[0031] The inspection control unit 300 controls the entire inspection device 110 and the inspection process to determine whether or not there are defects in the printed material.

[0032] The image reading unit 310 reads the printed material transported from the image forming apparatus 100. The image reading unit 310 generates a scanned image (read sheet) by reading the printed material.

[0033] The UI unit 320 is a user interface (UI) unit for the user to configure the inspection device 110 and display inspection results. The user's configuration of the inspection device 110 refers to the items to be inspected for defects when inspecting printed materials. These inspection items include, for example, round defects (dots) and linear defects (streaks). The inspection device 110 consists of the inspection control unit 300, the image reading unit 310, and the UI unit 320. In this embodiment, the UI unit 320 consists of a display unit that displays a screen and a display control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit. Furthermore, the configuration of the inspection device 110 and the display of inspection results performed by the UI unit 320 may be configured to receive and display instructions from external devices such as the UI unit 220 of the image forming apparatus 100, an inspection PC (not shown), or an information processing device (not shown).

[0034] The inspection control unit 300 includes a communication interface unit 301, a CPU 302, RAM 303, ROM 304, an inspection processing unit 305, and an internal bus 306.

[0035] The communication interface unit 301 transmits and receives data with the image forming apparatus 100, finisher 120, and inserter 160. The CPU 302 controls the entire inspection apparatus 110. The RAM 303 is the work area when the CPU 302 executes various instructions, and the ROM 304 stores program data executed by the CPU 302 at startup, as well as setting data for the inspection control unit 300. The inspection processing unit 305 inspects whether or not there are defects in the printed material. The internal bus 306 is the communication path.

[0036] The following describes the overview of the print image inspection performed by the inspection device 110. The inspection device 110 reads the printed material transported from the image forming apparatus 100 using the image reading unit 310 and acquires the scanned image (read image) of the object to be inspected. The acquired scanned image of the object to be inspected is stored in the RAM 303. Next, the inspection device 110, using the inspection processing unit 305, acquires a difference value between the scanned image of the object to be inspected and a reference image that has been previously stored in the RAM 303 as a correct image.

[0037] Next, the inspection device 110 performs the inspection by comparing the calculated difference value with the inspection threshold (such as contrast or size) for each inspection item for each pixel. The results of the inspection are stored in the RAM 303, which stores information such as whether or not there is an abnormality in the printed material, the type of abnormality detected (such as a dot or streak), and the location information of the abnormality when displayed on the UI unit 320.

[0038] The following describes the data inspection performed by the inspection device 110. The inspection device 110 reads the printed material transported from the image forming apparatus 100 using the image reading unit 310 and acquires a scanned image of the object to be inspected. The acquired scanned image of the object to be inspected is stored in the RAM 303. Next, the inspection device 110 uses the inspection processing unit 305 to check whether the strings of characters or barcodes are readable using pre-set character recognition (OCR) fonts and barcode standards. If they are readable, an OK judgment is made; if they are not readable, an NG judgment is made.

[0039] Furthermore, it is possible to perform data matching checks to verify whether the read string or barcode results match the corresponding data (correct data) in a pre-prepared correct CSV file. Here as well, if the matching results show a match, an OK judgment is made; otherwise, an NG judgment is made. The results of the checks are stored in RAM303, and for example, the results of reading strings or barcodes from printed materials, the results of matching with the correct data, and the position information of the read characters or barcodes when displayed in UI unit 320 are stored there.

[0040] Next, the inspection device 110 instructs the UI unit 320 via the CPU 302 to display the inspection results stored in the RAM 303. The user then recognizes the inspection results when they are displayed on the UI unit 320.

[0041] Furthermore, if a defective printed material is generated, or if a certain quantity of defective printed materials are generated consecutively, the inspection device 110 transmits the above information to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication interface unit 301 using the CPU 302.

[0042] The controller 200 receives information via the communication interface 207 that a defective printout has been generated. Upon receiving this information, the CPU 202 instructs the printer unit 210 to stop printing. The image forming apparatus 100 stops printing when the printer unit 210 is instructed to stop printing.

[0043] Furthermore, the inspection device 110, based on the inspection results stored in the RAM 303 via the CPU 302, also transmits information to the finisher 120 via the communication I / F unit 301. The information transmitted to the finisher 120 is whether or not there are defects in the printed material. Using the received information, the finisher 120 ejects printed materials without defects to the normal output tray, and printed materials with defects to a tray separate from the normal output tray.

[0044] Next, the overall flow from the registration process before the start of inspection to the execution of inspection in the inspection device 110 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0045] The flowchart is implemented when the CPU 302 loads the program code stored in the ROM 304 into the RAM 303, and then reads and executes the program code loaded into RAM.

[0046] In step S401, CPU302 registers the glyph font. The glyph font registered here is used during data inspection. A glyph font is data that associates the glyph image of a character with its character code, which is necessary for optical character recognition (OCR) performed during data inspection.

[0047] The procedure for creating a glyph font is as follows: First, the inspection device 110 waits in glyph font image reading mode and receives a print job for glyph font creation from the client PC 130. The inspection device 110 receives the glyph font job from the client PC 130 and reads the glyph font image. When printing is executed, the inspection device 110 detects the transport of the printed material from the image forming apparatus 100, scans the printed material with the image reading unit 310, and saves the scanned image to the RAM 303 of the inspection device 110. The inspection device 110 can create a glyph font by cutting out each character to be OCR from the scanned image and having the user input the character code for the cut-out character image. The inspection device 110 saves the created glyph font to the RAM 303. This embodiment describes the method for creating a glyph font, but it is not limited to this method; any method that can create data associating character codes with each character image cut out from the scanned image may be used. Note that it is also possible to perform only print image inspection without data inspection. In this case, S401 is not performed, and the process moves on to S402.

[0048] In step S402, the CPU 302 registers a reference image that will be the correct image for inspection. The inspection device 110 waits in reference image reading mode and executes a print job for reference image registration from the client PC 130. When printing is executed, the inspection device 110 detects the transport of the printed material, scans the printed material with the image reading unit 310, and the scanned image is saved as the reference image in the RAM 303 of the inspection device 110.

[0049] In this embodiment, registration is performed by scanning a reference image with the image reading unit 310, but this is not the only method. For example, an image processed by RIP in the print server 140 or the image processing unit 205 of the image forming apparatus 100 may be registered as the reference image.

[0050] In step S403, the CPU 302 saves various inspection settings, such as the inspection area and inspection level, for the reference image in the RAM 303 of the inspection device 110, according to the user's inspection settings. Details of S403 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0051] In step S404, the CPU 302 receives a print job for inspection from the client PC 130, detects the paper transport, scans the paper with the image reading unit 310, and saves the scanned image to the RAM 303 of the inspection device 110. Then, the CPU 302 performs a print image inspection using the scanned image of the inspection job, the reference image registered in S402, and the inspection settings set in S403. In addition, data inspection is performed using the glyph font registered in step S401 and the inspection settings set in step S403. This completes the processing of this flowchart.

[0052] Figure 5 shows an example of the job management screen 500 displayed on the UI unit 320.

[0053] The job management screen 500 is displayed when the inspection device 110 is started. Alternatively, it is displayed when an application is launched by user operation from the UI unit 320.

[0054] From the Job Management Screen 500, it is possible to transition to each of the following processes: font registration, reference image registration, inspection settings, and inspection.

[0055] Button 501 is used to hide the display on screen 500. Button 502 is used to create a new inspection job and register the reference image. Button 503 is used to duplicate an already created inspection job. It duplicates the inspection job selected in the inspection job list 508. Button 503 allows you to duplicate the reference image and inspection settings and perform a new inspection. When button 503 is pressed, the selected inspection job is duplicated and added to the inspection job list 508.

[0056] Button 504 is the delete button, which deletes the inspection job selected in the inspection job list 508. It is also possible to select multiple inspection jobs and press button 504 to delete multiple inspection jobs simultaneously.

[0057] Button 505 is the inspection settings button, which is used to configure the inspection settings for inspection jobs for which the reference image registration has been completed. Pressing button 505 will take you to the inspection settings screen shown in Figure 6. Button 506 is the inspection button, which performs an inspection for inspection jobs for which the reference image registration and inspection settings have been completed. Button 507 is the font registration button, which is used to register a glyph font.

[0058] Area 509 is a display area that displays the reference image 510 registered in the inspection job selected in the inspection job list. If there are multiple registered reference images, the displayed image can be switched using button 511. The front and back sides of the loaded sheet can also be switched using button 511. Although only the reference image is displayed here, the system may also be configured to display the inspection area.

[0059] Next, we will explain the inspection settings using Figure 6.

[0060] Figure 6 shows an example of the inspection setting screen 600 displayed on the UI section 320 of the inspection device 110 for setting inspection parameters.

[0061] Button 601 is a button for changing the reference image, and is used when changing the reference image. Button 602 is a button for undoing the last action performed.

[0062] Button 603 is used to redo the process that was returned by button 602. The processes targeted by buttons 602 and 603 are all or some of the operations on the inspection settings screen 600. Button 604 is an inspection area selection button, which is pressed by the operator when they want to select an already set area.

[0063] Button 605 is the delete button for the inspection area, and is pressed by the operator when they want to delete the selected area. Button 606 is for rotating the image displayed in area 605.

[0064] Button 607 is pressed by the operator when creating a new print image inspection area. After pressing the button, the operator sets the inspection area for the reference image 622 displayed in area 621. Areas 623, 624, and 625 show examples of print image inspection area settings. Area 623 shows an inspection area set to inspection standard = easy, area 624 shows an inspection area set to inspection standard = standard, and area 625 shows an inspection area set to inspection standard = strict. If there are multiple registered reference images, the displayed image is switched using button 626. Button 626 also switches the front and back sides of the loaded sheet. Setting item 627 is a setting item that switches the display / hide of the inspection area.

[0065] Button 608 is pressed by the operator when deleting a portion of an area. After pressing button 608, the operator selects an area within the configured inspection area, thereby deleting a portion of that area. Further details will be provided later.

[0066] Button 609 is pressed by the operator when creating a new area for character inspection or barcode inspection. After pressing button 609, the operator sets the inspection area for the reference image 622 displayed in area 621. Button 611 is a registration button for registering the currently set inspection settings. By pressing button 611, the inspection settings are saved to RAM 303. When registering inspection settings, an inspection setting registration screen (not shown) may be opened to allow the operator to specify the inspection setting name, paper size, number of sheets, etc., before registration.

[0067] Button 612 is used to load registered inspection settings and set the inspection area for the reference image 622. When button 612 is pressed, an inspection settings list screen (not shown) is opened. The inspection settings selected on the inspection settings list screen are then set for the reference image 622. Loading inspection settings may replace inspection settings already set on the reference image 622 with the loaded inspection settings, or it may be configured to allow for the addition of settings.

[0068] Button 613 is an OK button that saves the settings on screen 600 and transitions to the job management screen 500 shown in Figure 5. Alternatively, pressing button 613 may transition to an inspection screen (not shown) and allow the inspection to be executed. Button 614 is a Cancel button that does not save the settings on screen 600 and transitions to the job management screen 500 shown in Figure 5.

[0069] The setting area 631 is a group of UI elements for configuring print image inspection settings. Setting item 632 is for positional misalignment inspection settings, which sets the acceptable amount of misalignment of the print position from the reference image. In this embodiment, an example is shown where the operator specifies the value when detecting a misalignment of 2 mm or more. In other words, the value specified here by the operator corresponds to the threshold for positional misalignment detection. If a misalignment exceeding the threshold set here is detected, the inspection is judged as NG (Not Resulting).

[0070] Setting item 633 is for setting the inspection level for print image inspection. While the inspection criteria are set to strict, standard, and easy, this item sets the detection level. The detection level is a parameter that specifies the size threshold for each type of defect to be considered defective. For example, there are nine levels, from level 1 to level 9, where level 9 can detect thinner and smaller defects than level 1.

[0071] The settings area 634 is a group of UI elements that allow you to configure detailed settings for the area currently selected in area 622.

[0072] Setting item 635 sets the scope of application for the selected area. If nothing is selected, the selected inspection area will only be placed on the page currently displayed in area 621. If "Same side as current page" is selected, the selected inspection area will be placed on the same side of the sheet, depending on whether the selected inspection area is located on the front or back of the sheet. If "All pages" is selected, the selected inspection area will be placed on all pages of the inspection job.

[0073] Setting item 636 is for setting inspection criteria, and it sets the inspection criteria for the selected area. Here, you can set it from the inspection criteria shown in setting item 633: strict, standard, or easy.

[0074] Next, the flow of the inspection settings for S403 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 7. This flowchart is realized when the CPU 302 of the inspection device 110 loads the program code stored in ROM 304 into RAM 303, and then reads and executes the program code loaded into RAM.

[0075] In step S701, the CPU 302 receives notification of a user UI operation from the UI unit 320. In step S702, the CPU 302 determines whether or not an inspection setting has been made. Specifically, the CPU 302 determines whether a new inspection area has been created, whether a part of an area has been deleted, or whether the settings of an already created inspection area have been changed. If an inspection setting has been made (YES in step S702), the process proceeds to step S703. If the operation is anything other than an inspection setting (NO in step S702), the process proceeds to step S709.

[0076] In step S703, the CPU 302 determines whether the area for which inspection settings were made in step S702 is a print image inspection area. If a print image inspection area is set (YES in step S703), the process proceeds to step S704. If an area other than a print image inspection area is set (NO in step S703), the process proceeds to step S706.

[0077] In step S704, the CPU 302 retrieves the inspection criteria stored in the RAM 303. In step S705, the CPU 302 updates the display of the inspection area based on the inspection criteria retrieved in step S705. For example, if the inspection criterion is "strict," it is displayed in red; if the inspection criterion is "standard," it is displayed in blue; if the inspection criterion is "easy," it is displayed in green, and so on, changing the color for each inspection criterion. Alternatively, the display may be changed by changing the density, transmittance, or pattern instead of color. The display of the inspection area is transparent so that the reference image can be seen. However, it is not limited to this, and it may also be displayed with 0% transmittance. These highlightings for identifying the inspection criteria may be combined.

[0078] In step S706, CPU 302 determines whether partial deletion of the area was configured in step 702. If partial deletion of the area is configured (YES in step S706), the process proceeds to step S707. If partial deletion of the area is not configured (NO in step S706), CPU 302 returns to step S701 and waits for notification of a UI operation. Partial deletion of the area is explained in detail in Figure 8.

[0079] In step S707, the CPU 302 updates the inspection area information according to the specification made by partially deleting the area. For example, if the CPU 302 holds the inspection area as image coordinate information, it divides the printed image inspection area other than the range specified by the partial deletion into multiple areas and updates the inspection area information. Alternatively, the CPU 302 may not be limited to coordinate information, but may hold the inspection area information as layer data and update it by deleting the range specified by the partial deletion from the inspection area layer data. In step S708, the CPU 302 updates the display of the inspection area based on the inspection area information updated in step S707.

[0080] Figure 8 shows an example of partial deletion of the inspection area. For example, when registering one reference image and setting the inspection settings to perform inspection on multiple copies, if the printed image inspection is performed on parts that vary from page to page, such as variable data, the inspection will fail because the reference image and the image will be different. Therefore, it is necessary to delete the variable data parts from the inspection area. Thus, by partially deleting the inspection area as shown in Figure 8, it is possible to improve the usability of the inspection settings.

[0081] Figure 8(a) shows the state where the inspection area is hidden, and Figure 8(b) shows the state where the inspection area is displayed. In Figure 8(b), area 801 is the inspection area set to inspection standard = easy, area 802 is the inspection area set to inspection standard = standard, and area 803 is the inspection area set to inspection standard = strict. Figure 8(c) shows an example in Figure 8(b) where a part of inspection area 801 has been deleted. Variable barcode data is printed in the deleted part 804, and by specifying the delete part of the area button 608 from inspection area 801, a part of inspection area 801 is deleted, becoming inspection area 806.

[0082] Figure 8(d) is an overview of the area settings in Figure 8(b), showing an example of the arrangement of inspection area 801, inspection area 802, and inspection area 803. Figure 8(e) is an overview of the area settings in Figure 8(c), showing the case where a part of inspection area 801 is deleted. By deleting the inspection area for variable data such as barcodes in this way, the occurrence of inspection failures can be prevented.

[0083] In this embodiment, inspection areas set to inspection criteria = strict, standard, and easy may overlap, and the inspection area set to inspection criteria = strict should be processed with the highest priority. Alternatively, inspection settings may be maintained in an exclusive state to prevent overlap of inspection areas with different inspection criteria. Furthermore, if the entire inspection area is specified using the partial deletion button 608, the operation may be to delete the inspection area itself. In this case, the operation will be the same as when an inspection area is selected and the delete button 605 is pressed.

[0084] As another example, Figure 9 shows an example of inspection settings when using 16 business card sheets in a 4x4 grid with pre-placed perforations. For example, in RIP inspection, the RIP image is used as the reference image, but the RIP image does not contain information about the perforations on the paper. On the other hand, the inspection image read during inspection contains information about the perforations on the paper. Therefore, if a comparative inspection is performed using a reference image without perforations and an inspection image with perforations, the perforated areas will be detected as inspection failures.

[0085] Figure 9(a) shows the state where the inspection area is hidden, and Figure 9(b) shows the state where the inspection area is displayed. In Figure 9(b), the inspection area 900 is set, and the area other than the edges of the paper is set as the inspection area. Here, the edges of the paper are set as an inspection area slightly inside the paper to prevent inspection failures due to shadows on the paper, etc. In Figure 9(c), the perforated areas 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, and 906 are removed from the inspection area compared to Figure 9(b). By removing a part of the inspection area from the inspection area, it is possible to achieve this with a total of 7 operations: 1 inspection area creation and 6 partial deletions of the inspection area, whereas normally it is necessary to create the inspection area 16 times. In this embodiment, the reference image is displayed in the parts where the inspection area is not placed or where the inspection area has been partially deleted, but the parts where the inspection area is not placed and the parts where the inspection has been partially deleted may be displayed with a different color, transparency, pattern, etc.

[0086] Figure 10 shows the editing operation of an inspection area in which a portion has been deleted. As shown in Figure 10(a), an inspection area in which a portion has been deleted can be moved (the location changed) while maintaining its shape. Also, as shown in Figure 10(b), it is possible to enlarge or reduce the area while maintaining its shape. Therefore, even if the shape of the inspection area is the same but the paper size is changed to a different size, the inspection area can be easily readjusted. Note that if you delete a portion of the inspection area and save the inspection settings, and then want to specify the deleted portion or a portion of the deleted portion as an inspection area again, you need to add a new inspection area setting to the deleted portion or a portion of the deleted portion.

[0087] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7, once the display update is complete in step S708, the process returns to step S701, and the CPU 302 waits for a notification of UI operation. Next, in step S709, the CPU 302 determines whether the inspection area settings are complete. Specifically, the CPU 302 makes this determination based on whether the OK button 613 shown in Figure 6 has been pressed. If the OK button 613 has been pressed (YES in step S709), the process determines that the inspection settings are complete and proceeds to step S710. If the OK button has not been pressed (NO in step S709), the process returns to step S701 and waits for a notification of UI operation.

[0088] In step S710, the CPU 302 saves the settings configured on the inspection settings screen to the RAM 303 and terminates the inspection settings process. This concludes the explanation of the inspection settings flow in step S403.

[0089] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an inspection system that can improve the operability of inspection settings.

[0090] In this embodiment, a portion of area 801 in Figure 8(c) is deleted to become inspection area 806, and the data from inspection area 801 is not erased but is retained, for example, in RAM 303. Then, when button 602 is selected, it is possible to return the inspection area from inspection area 806 to inspection area 801 using the retained data. The data from inspection area 806 is also retained, for example, in RAM 303. Then, after returning to inspection area 801 by button 602, when button 603 is selected, it is possible to change the inspection area from inspection area 801 to inspection area 806 using the retained data.

[0091] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 1 described a method for improving the operability of inspection settings by deleting a portion of the inspection area. This embodiment describes a method for deleting a portion of the inspection area when the inspection area is applied to pages other than the currently displayed page.

[0092] The flow of the inspection settings in Embodiment 2 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 11. The flowchart shown in Figure 11 is realized when the CPU 302 of the inspection device 110 expands the program code stored in the ROM 304 into the RAM 303, and then reads and executes the program code expanded into the RAM.

[0093] The processes in steps S701 to S706 and S709 to S710 shown in Figure 11 are the same as those shown in Figure 7, so their explanation is omitted.

[0094] In step S1101, the CPU 302 determines whether the inspection area for which partial deletion is specified is an inspection area set to "All Pages" in setting item 635 shown in Figure 6. If it is an inspection area set to "All Pages" (YES in step S1101), proceed to step S1103. If it is not an inspection area set to "All Pages" (NO in step S1101), proceed to step S1102.

[0095] In step S1102, the CPU 302 determines whether the inspection area for which partial deletion is specified is an inspection area set to "Same side as the current page" in setting item 635 shown in Figure 6. If it is an inspection area set to "Same side as the current page" (YES in step S1102), the process proceeds to step S1104. If it is not an inspection area set to "Same side as the current page" (NO in step S1102), the process proceeds to step S1105.

[0096] In step S1103, CPU 302 applies the specification of partial deletion of the region to all pages and updates the inspection region information for all pages. Updating the inspection region information for all pages means, for example, if the inspection job has multiple pages, updating the inspection region information for each reference image on each of the multiple pages. In other words, it applies partial deletion to the inspection region for each reference image.

[0097] In step S1104, the CPU 302 applies the specification by partial deletion of the area to the same plane as the current page and updates the inspection area information on the same plane as the current page. Updating the inspection area information on the same plane as the current page means, for example, if the inspection job has multiple pages and the current page is a predetermined page, updating the inspection area information for the reference image of the predetermined page, but not updating the information for the other pages. In other words, it applies partial deletion to the inspection area of ​​the reference image of the predetermined page, but not to the inspection area of ​​the other reference images. In this explanation, one page is synonymous with one plane image that forms the unit of imposition.

[0098] In step S1105, the CPU 302 applies the specification of partial deletion of the area to the current page and updates the information of the inspection area for the current page. In step S1106, the CPU 302 updates the display of the inspection area based on the information of the inspection area updated in steps S1103, S1104, and S1105.

[0099] Figure 12 shows an example of partial deletion of the inspection area in this embodiment. In Figure 12(a), inspection area 1201 and inspection area 1202 are set. Inspection area 1201 is set to "all pages," and the inspection area is placed on all pages. Inspection area 1202 is set to "same side as the current page," and in Figure 12(a), the inspection area is placed on the surface.

[0100] Figure 12(b) shows an example of the range to be partially deleted from the inspection area using the partial deletion button 608 shown in Figure 6. Here, the variable data portion of the barcode is deleted. The deletion portion 1203 specifies the area that includes both inspection area 1201 and inspection area 1202.

[0101] Figure 12(c) shows the case where the deleted portion 1203 shown in Figure 12(b) is determined to be the inspection area portion set in step S1101 as "all pages", and a portion of the inspection area is deleted from all pages. By performing partial deletion of the area according to the setting of the scope of application of the inspection area to be partially deleted in this way, it is possible to simplify the operation of partially deleting the area on a page-by-page basis.

[0102] The above is a description of the inspection setting flow in step S403 in Embodiment 2.

[0103] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an inspection system that can improve the operability of inspection settings by deleting a portion of the area according to the setting of the applicable range of the inspection area.

[0104] (Other embodiments) Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions herein.

[0105] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Inspection device 302 CPU 303 RAM 310 Image reading unit 320 UI section

Claims

1. A reading means that reads a recording medium on which an image has been formed and acquires a scanned image, A registration means for registering a reference image, An inspection means for inspecting the scanned image by comparing the aforementioned reference image with the aforementioned scanned image, An inspection setting means for setting the inspection area to be inspected in the inspection by the aforementioned inspection means, A deletion means for deleting a portion of the aforementioned inspection area, An inspection system characterized by having the following features.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, based on the deletion means deleting a part of the inspection area, the inspection setting means sets a different inspection area from which the part has been deleted as the inspection target.

3. The inspection setting means is characterized by setting a region relative to the reference image, as described in claim 2.

4. Having a means of display, The aforementioned display means is If the deletion of a portion by the deletion means has not been performed, the reference image and the inspection area are displayed. The inspection system according to claim 3, characterized in that when the deletion of a portion is performed by the deletion means, the reference image and the different inspection area are displayed.

5. The aforementioned display means is If the deletion of a portion of the area by the deletion means has not been performed, the area where the inspection area is set will be highlighted, and the area where the inspection area is not set will not be highlighted. The inspection system according to claim 4, characterized in that when the deletion of a portion is performed by the deletion means, the areas in which different inspection areas are set are highlighted, and the areas in which no inspection areas are set are not highlighted.

6. The inspection system according to claim 5, characterized in that the highlighting is at least one of the following displays: a display using color, a display using a pattern, a display that changes the transmittance, and a display that changes the density.

7. The inspection system according to claim 2, characterized in that the inspection setting means is capable of performing at least one of the following processes: a process of moving while maintaining the shape or a process of enlarging or shrinking the shape relative to the different inspection areas.

8. The inspection system according to claim 2, characterized in that the inspection setting means can return to the state in which the inspection area was set as the inspection target after setting the different inspection areas as the inspection target.

9. The inspection system according to claim 3, characterized in that it has setting means capable of setting a first setting which sets the region setting for the reference image by the inspection setting means for all pages of the inspection job, and a second setting which sets the region setting for the reference image by the inspection setting means for a predetermined page of the inspection job.

10. Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium, The system includes a transport means for transporting the paper formed by the image forming means, The inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the reading means reads an image of a recording medium transported by the transport means.

11. A reading means that reads a recording medium on which an image has been formed and acquires a scanned image, A registration means for registering a reference image, An inspection means for inspecting the scanned image by comparing the aforementioned reference image with the aforementioned scanned image, An inspection setting means for setting the inspection area to be inspected in the inspection by the aforementioned inspection means, A deletion means for deleting a portion of the aforementioned inspection area, An inspection device characterized by having the following features.

12. The inspection apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, based on the deletion means deleting a part of the inspection area, the inspection setting means sets a different inspection area from which the part has been deleted as the inspection target.

13. The inspection apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the inspection setting means sets a region relative to the reference image.

14. Having a means of display, The aforementioned display means is If the deletion of a portion by the deletion means has not been performed, the reference image and the inspection area are displayed. The inspection apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that when the deletion of a portion is performed by the deletion means, the reference image and the different inspection area are displayed.

15. The aforementioned display means is If the deletion of a portion of the area by the deletion means has not been performed, the area where the inspection area is set will be highlighted, and the area where the inspection area is not set will not be highlighted. The inspection apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that when the deletion of a portion is performed by the deletion means, the areas in which different inspection areas are set are highlighted, and the areas in which no inspection areas are set are not highlighted.

16. The inspection apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the highlighting display is at least one of the following displays: a display using color, a display using a pattern, a display that changes the transmittance, and a display that changes the density.

17. The inspection apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the inspection setting means is capable of performing at least one of the following processes: a process of moving while maintaining the shape or a process of enlarging or shrinking the different inspection areas.

18. The inspection apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the inspection setting means can return to the state in which the inspection area was set as the inspection target after setting the different inspection areas as the inspection target.

19. The inspection apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that it has setting means capable of setting a first setting which sets the region setting for the reference image by the inspection setting means for all pages of the inspection job, and a second setting which sets the region setting for the reference image by the inspection setting means for a predetermined page of the inspection job.

Images