Information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

This information processing system provides a method for ensuring that the inspection area of ​​the printed image on the imposed media does not become misaligned with the inspection area of ​​the correct data, compared to inspecting the printed image on the imposed media using correct data created based on the original page count and specifying the inspection area based on the original page count. [Solution] The information processing system includes a processor, which, when inspecting a printed image of a medium on which original pages are imposed by comparing it with correct data, acquires information that corrects the inspection area in the original to the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page on which the original pages are imposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a print inspection apparatus that inspects characters printed on a form by a printer, the print inspection apparatus including an acquisition unit, a conveyance unit, an image reading unit, an image extraction unit, a setting unit, a decoding unit, and a page determination unit. The acquisition unit acquires correct answer information that represents correct answer information of characters printed on a form by the printer, the correct answer information being associated with a plurality of print areas within one page on which a character string is printed and page information. The conveyance unit conveys the form in one direction. The image reading unit reads an image of the form conveyed by the conveyance unit. The image extraction unit extracts a plurality of areas from the image read by the image reading unit. The setting unit is a unit for presetting the plurality of areas extracted by the image extraction unit in correspondence with the print areas. The decoding unit decodes a character string within the plurality of areas from images of the plurality of areas extracted by the image extraction unit. The page determination unit determines, from the character strings of the plurality of areas decoded by the decoding unit and the correct answer information acquired by the acquisition unit, which page of the form the character strings of the plurality of areas decoded by the decoding unit are.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an information processing system that prevents misalignment between the inspection area of ​​the printed image on the imposed medium and the correct data created based on the original page. This is compared to inspecting a printed image on a medium imposed using correct data created based on the original page, with the inspection area specified based on the original page. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing system described in the first embodiment includes a processor, which, when inspecting a printed image of a medium on which original pages are imposed by comparison with correct data, acquires information that modifies the inspection area in the original to the designation of the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page on which the original pages are imposed.

[0006] The information processing system described in the second embodiment, in the information processing system described in the first embodiment, the processor performs an inspection by comparing the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed with the correct data corresponding to the original page of the original document that includes the inspection area and is included in the imposed page, based on the information modified to specify the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page.

[0007] The information processing system described in the third embodiment, in the information processing system described in the first embodiment, includes: acquiring correct data associated with the original document; acquiring inspection area specification information which modifies the inspection area in the original document to the specification of the inspection area on a page-by-page basis; calculating the number of the original document page included in each page based on the imposition job information; and performing an inspection by comparing the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original document pages are imposed with the correct data corresponding to the original document page included in the page based on the inspection area specification information, the correct data, and the number of the original document page included in each page.

[0008] The information processing system described in the fourth aspect is the information processing system described in the third aspect, wherein the processor specifies a document page placement number corresponding to the document page for each document placement area on the imposition page.

[0009] The information processing system described in the fifth aspect, in the information processing system described in the fourth aspect, includes a processor that, based on the original page placement number, determines which part of the correct data to compare the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed with the correct data.

[0010] The information processing system described in the sixth aspect, in the information processing system described in the first aspect, includes: acquiring correct data associated with the original document; designating the inspection area in the original document as the inspection area on a per-page basis; calculating the number and position of the original document pages included in each imposition page based on the imposition job information; calculating the arrangement of the inspection area on a per-page basis based on the inspection area on a per-page basis and the number and position of the original document pages included in each imposition page; and, when inspecting the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed, inspecting the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed by comparing it with the correct data corresponding to the original pages included in the imposition page based on the information regarding the arrangement of the inspection area on a per-page basis.

[0011] The information processing system described in the seventh aspect is the information processing system described in the first aspect, wherein the processor acquires inspection area specification information, which modifies the inspection area in the original document to the specification of the inspection area on a page-by-page basis, creates a reference image that reflects the imposition result based on a print image created from the information of the original document for printing, creates correct answer data from the reference image, and performs inspection by comparing the inspection area in the print image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed with the portion corresponding to the inspection area in the correct answer data, based on the inspection area specification information.

[0012] The information processing program described in the eighth aspect causes the computer to perform a process to acquire information that modifies the inspection area in the original document to the designation of the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page on which the original document pages are imposed, when the printed image of the imposed medium on which the original document pages are imposed is inspected by comparison with correct data.

[0013] The information processing program described in the ninth aspect causes the computer to perform a process of inspecting the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed, by comparing it with correct data corresponding to the original pages of the original documents that include the inspection area and are included in the imposed pages, based on the information modified in the information described in the eighth aspect to specify the inspection area corresponding to the imposed pages.

[0014] The information processing method described in the tenth aspect involves a computer performing a process to acquire information in which, when inspecting a printed image of a medium on which original pages are imposed by comparing it with correct data, the inspection area in the original document is modified to specify the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page on which the original pages are imposed.

[0015] The information processing method described in the 11th aspect is an information processing method described in the 10th aspect in which a computer performs a process of inspecting the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed, by comparing it with the correct data corresponding to the original page of the original document that includes the inspection area and is included in the imposed page, based on the information which has been modified to specify the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the information processing system described in the first embodiment, compared to the case where correct data created based on the original page is used to inspect the printed image of the imposed medium by specifying the inspection area based on the original page, it is possible to prevent misalignment between the correct data and the inspection area of ​​the printed image of the imposed medium.

[0017] According to the information processing system described in the second embodiment, compared to the case where correct data created based on the original page is used to inspect the printed image of the imposed medium by specifying the inspection area based on the original page, it is possible to inspect so that the inspection area of ​​the correct data and the printed image of the imposed medium do not become misaligned.

[0018] According to the information processing system described in the third embodiment, compared to inspecting printed images of imposed media using correct data created based on original page references and specifying inspection areas based on original page references, it is possible to inspect so that the inspection areas of the correct data and the printed images of the imposed media do not become misaligned.

[0019] According to the information processing system described in the fourth aspect, the process of associating inspection areas with pages in the correct answer data becomes simpler compared to the case where a manuscript page number is assigned to each inspection area in the imposed pages.

[0020] According to the information processing system described in the fifth embodiment, the process of associating inspection areas with pages in the correct answer data becomes simpler compared to the case where a manuscript page number is assigned to each inspection area in the imposed pages.

[0021] According to the information processing system described in the sixth aspect, compared to inspecting printed images of imposed media using correct data created based on original page references and specifying inspection areas based on original page references, it is possible to inspect so that the inspection areas of the correct data and the printed images of the imposed media do not become misaligned.

[0022] According to the information processing system described in the seventh aspect, compared to inspecting printed images of imposed media using correct data created based on original page references and specifying inspection areas based on original page references, it is possible to inspect so that the inspection areas of the correct data and the printed images of the imposed media do not become misaligned.

[0023] According to the information processing program described in the eighth aspect, compared with the case of inspecting the printed image of the medium face-attached by designating an inspection area based on the manuscript page using the correct data created based on the manuscript page, it is possible to prevent the inspection areas of the correct data and the printed image of the face-attached medium from shifting.

[0024] According to the information processing program described in the ninth aspect, compared with the case of inspecting the printed image of the medium face-attached by designating an inspection area based on the manuscript page using the correct data created based on the manuscript page, it is possible to inspect so that the inspection areas of the correct data and the printed image of the face-attached medium do not shift.

[0025] According to the information processing method described in the tenth aspect, compared with the case of inspecting the printed image of the medium face-attached by designating an inspection area based on the manuscript page using the correct data created based on the manuscript page, it is possible to prevent the inspection areas of the correct data and the printed image of the face-attached medium from shifting.

[0026] According to the information processing method described in the eleventh aspect, compared with the case of inspecting the printed image of the medium face-attached by designating an inspection area based on the manuscript page using the correct data created based on the manuscript page, it is possible to inspect so that the inspection areas of the correct data and the printed image of the face-attached medium do not shift.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a print server in an information processing system. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an inspection server in an information processing system. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printer in an information processing system. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of imposed pages in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of correct answer data in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows a first example of the layout of imposed pages in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9A] This figure shows a second example of the layout of imposed pages in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] This figure shows a second example of the layout of imposed pages in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9C] This figure shows a specific example of how to arrange a document relative to the fold of the imposed pages in the case of an 8-page saddle-stitched document in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows a third example of the layout of imposed pages in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the information processing flow handled by the print server of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the information processing flow handled by the inspection server of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of imposed pages in the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows the information processing flow handled by the print server of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart showing the information processing flow handled by the inspection server of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18]This is a flowchart showing the information processing flow handled by the print server of the information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart showing the information processing flow handled by the inspection server of the information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] This figure shows an example of an information processing system in a modified form, where the print server processes the correspondence between the inspection area for each imposed page, the original page number, and the correct data. [Figure 21] This diagram shows the schematic configuration of the information processing system in the comparative example. [Figure 22] This figure shows an example of pre-configuration of the inspection area in the information processing system of the comparative example. [Figure 23] This figure shows an example of correct data in the information processing system of the comparative example. [Figure 24] This figure shows an example of the arrangement of original image and imposed pages in the information processing system of the comparative example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0029] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment.

[0030] <Overall configuration of the image processing system> As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 includes a print server 10, a printer 30, and a test server 50. For example, the print server 10 and the test server 50 are configured as separate servers (e.g., separate information processing devices), but the print server 10 and the test server 50 may be configured as a single server (e.g., a single information processing device).

[0031] Information processing system 1 is a system in which a print server 10, an inspection server 50, and a printer 30 are connected via a network. The network may be the internet, a wired network, or a wireless network, but a wireless network is used as an example.

[0032] The print server 10 has the function of causing the printer 30 to execute printing processes based on jobs, and also has the function of managing the printer 30. For example, the print server 10 may be configured to provide a management service that manages the printer 30 using a network. For example, the print server 10 has an input unit 20 for various inputs, a display unit 21 for displaying information, and an information processing unit 22 for processing the information. The print server 10 also sends information to the inspection server 50 for inspection of the printed materials printed by the printer 30. The details of the processing performed by the print server 10 will be explained later.

[0033] The printer 30 has the function of printing images corresponding to image data onto a medium such as paper, based on a job. When inspecting printed materials, the printer 30 sends scanned images of the printed materials to the inspection server 50. The details of the processing performed by the printer 30 will be explained later.

[0034] The inspection server 50 has the function of inspecting scanned images according to the inspection information received from the print server 10. The details of the processing performed by the inspection server 50 will be explained later.

[0035] <Print Server Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of print server 10.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the print server 10 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, storage 14, a communication interface 15, an input unit 20, and a display unit 21. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 19 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0037] The CPU 11 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various parts. The CPU 51 is an example of a processor. Specifically, the CPU 11 reads a program from the ROM 12 or storage 14 and executes the program using the RAM 13 as a working area. The CPU 11 controls each of the above components and performs various calculations according to the program stored in the ROM 12 or storage 14. In the first embodiment, the ROM 12 or storage 14 stores an information processing program.

[0038] ROM12 stores various programs and data. RAM13 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage14 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data.

[0039] The communication interface 15 is an interface for communicating with the printer 30, the inspection server 50, and other devices (not shown), and standards such as Ethernet®, FDDI, and Wi-Fi® can be used.

[0040] The input unit 20 is used for various inputs by the operator. The input unit 20 includes, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard.

[0041] The display unit 21 displays various types of information. The display unit 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0042] <Hardware configuration of the inspection server> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the inspection server 50.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the inspection server 50 has a CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, storage 54, communication interface 55, input unit 56, and display unit 57. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 59 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0044] The CPU 51 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various parts. The CPU 51 is an example of a processor. Specifically, the CPU 51 reads a program from the ROM 52 or storage 54 and executes the program using the RAM 53 as a working area. The CPU 51 controls each of the above components and performs various calculations according to the program recorded in the ROM 52 or storage 54. In the first embodiment, a test program is stored in the ROM 52 or storage 54.

[0045] ROM 52 stores various programs and data. RAM 53 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage 54 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data.

[0046] The communication interface 55 is an interface for communicating with the print server 10 and the printer 30, and standards such as Ethernet®, FDDI, and Wi-Fi® are used. The input unit 56 is the same as the input unit 20 of the print server 10, and the display unit 57 is the same as the display unit 21 of the print server 10.

[0047] <Printer Hardware Configuration> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of printer 30.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the printer 30 comprises a CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, storage 34, communication interface 35, printing unit 36, scanner 37, and operation panel 38. These components are interconnected via a bus 39 for communication. The printer 30 may also have other components.

[0049] The configurations of the CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, storage 34, and communication interface 35 are the same as those of the print server 10.

[0050] The printing unit 36 ​​prints an image corresponding to the image data onto a medium such as paper, based on the job. For example, the printing unit 36 ​​prints the image onto the medium using an electrophotographic method. Alternatively, the printing unit 36 ​​may print the image onto the medium using an inkjet method instead of an electrophotographic method.

[0051] The scanner 37 optically reads the object to be read and acquires a scanned image (i.e., scanned data). For example, when inspecting printed materials printed by the printing unit 36, the scanner 37 reads the printed material and acquires a scanned image.

[0052] The control panel 38 has an input section 38A and a display section 38B. The input section 38A handles various inputs. The display section 38B is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various information. The display section 38B employs a touch panel system, and a portion of the display section 38B functions as the input section 38A.

[0053] <Configuration of the information processing system in the comparative example> Here, we will describe the information processing system 800, which is a comparative example.

[0054] Figure 21 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the comparative example information processing system 800. As shown in Figure 21, the comparative example information processing system 800 includes a print server 802, a printer 804, and an inspection server 806. The information processing system 800 has a function to decode barcodes and text portions as strings from scanned images read from printed materials printed by the printer 804 and perform inspection.

[0055] As shown in Figure 22, the print server 802 pre-specifies the inspection area 814 on the display screen 810 according to the location of the barcode on the original document 812. Specifying the inspection area 814 is a pre-configuration task.

[0056] The print server 802 obtains the correct data 820 shown in Figure 23 along with the job. For example, the correct data 820 is a list of decoded strings obtained from the barcode portion, which is the inspection area 832 of the original document 830 shown in Figure 24. In this example, the correct data 820 is a correct CSV. CSV stands for Comma Separated Values, which is text data where each item is separated by a comma (,). For example, the first page of the original document 830 has inspection areas 832, such as the first area 832A, the second area 832B, and the third area 832C (see Figure 24).

[0057] The print server 802 sends job information, inspection information, and correct answer data 820 to the inspection server 806 (see Figure 21).

[0058] The printer 804 prints an image onto a medium such as paper based on the original data, and obtains printed image data (i.e., scanned image) by scanning the printed material. The printer 804 sends the printed image data (i.e., scanned image) to the inspection server 806 (see Figure 21).

[0059] The inspection server 806 extracts and reads the inspection area from the printed image data (i.e., scanned image), compares it with the correct CSV file, and performs a comparative inspection to check if they match (see Figure 21). As an example, the comparison (i.e., matching) between the correct CSV file and the read inspection area is performed in real time.

[0060] In the comparative tests described above, the correct data 820 is often created based on the original page (logical page) (see Figure 23). This is because when creating the correct data 820 from the original data of the original document 830, it is inevitably based on the original page. On the other hand, when printing with the printer 804, the original document 830 may be imposed and arranged, in which case the original page will no longer match the imposed page (physical page) 840 (i.e., original page ≠ physical page).

[0061] As shown in Figure 24, for example, in the case of 2UP, pages 1 and 2 of the original document 830 are placed on page 1 of the imposition page (physical page) 840, and pages 3 and 4 of the original document 830 are placed on page 2 of the imposition page (physical page) 840. As a result, the page numbers of the correct data 820 and the scanned image may not match, and correspondence may not be possible.

[0062] Even if the page number of document 830 included in imposed page 840 is known, it may be impossible to determine which document 830 is located where (on the right or left side in Figure 24) because multiple document pages are arranged. This leads to a problem where the inspection area of ​​the correct data 820 and the printed material on the imposed medium are misaligned. For example, this problem can be solved by creating the correct data based on the imposed page, but this process is cumbersome.

[0063] In the first embodiment of the information processing system 1, processing is performed to ensure that the inspection area of ​​the printed material on the imposed medium does not become misaligned with the correct answer data. An example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 1 and the content of the processing are described below.

[0064] <Functional Configuration of Information Processing System> Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of information processing system 1.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, the print server 10 has a functional configuration consisting of a data receiving unit 61, a data management unit 62, an inspection area management unit 63, an imposition processing unit 64, and a data transmission unit 65. Each functional configuration is realized by the CPU 11 reading an information processing program stored in the ROM 12, expanding it into the RAM 13, and executing it. The print server 10 also has a user interface (UI) 60. The user interface 60 is an interface for exchanging information between computer users.

[0066] The printer 30 has a scanning processing unit 71 as part of its functional configuration. Although not shown in the figures, the printer 30 may also have other functional configurations such as a printing processing unit in addition to the scanning processing unit 71. Each functional configuration is realized when the CPU 31 reads an information processing program stored in the ROM 32, loads it into the RAM 33, and executes it.

[0067] The inspection server 50 has a functional configuration consisting of a decoding unit 81, a comparison processing unit 82, and a comparison result management unit 83. Each functional configuration is realized when the CPU 51 reads an information processing program stored in the ROM 52, expands it in the RAM 53, and executes it.

[0068] The data receiving unit 61 acquires various types of data. Specifically, the data receiving unit 61 receives document data and correct answer data associated with the document from an external source (see (1) in Figure 5). For example, the print server 10 is connected to a user terminal (not shown) via a network and receives document data and correct answer data associated with the document from the user terminal. For example, the data receiving unit 61 acquires job information.

[0069] Figure 7 shows the correct data 110 as the first embodiment. Figure 8 shows the imposed pages (physical pages) 120 with the pages of the original document 112 imposed, as the first embodiment. "Imposition" refers to the process of arranging the original data for each page in the correct order on a medium such as paper when creating a printed document with multiple pages. As shown in Figure 7, the correct data 110 is a list of strings obtained by decoding the barcode portion, which is the inspection area 114 (see Figure 8) of the original document 112. The correct data 110 is created based on the original page.

[0070] The data management unit 62 registers the data of the received document and the correct answer data associated with the document (see (1) in Figure 5). For example, in the first embodiment shown in Figure 7, the data management unit 62 registers the data of the document 112 and the correct answer data 110 associated with the document 112. The correct answer data 110 is registered (i.e., saved) in, for example, the storage 14 (see Figure 2).

[0071] The inspection area management unit 63 creates and edits inspection areas on a page-by-page (physical page) basis according to the document, either at the user's instruction or automatically, and registers the inspection areas for each page (see (2) in Figure 5). The inspection area is set to include all inspection target areas within the page (physical page). The processes in (1) and (2) in Figure 5 are examples of prior setup work. Note that the inspection area may also be received by the data receiving unit 61.

[0072] Figure 6 shows an example of an imposed page (physical page) 100 in which two pages of the original document 92 are imposed. The example shown in Figure 6 is when the correct data is based on the original page (a list of strings decoded from the barcode portion, which is the inspection area 94 of the original document 92), and the original document 92 is imposed. In this case, the inspection area management unit 63 obtains information 108 that modifies the inspection area 94 in the original document 92 to the designation of an inspection area 106 in units of imposed pages 100. Information 108 is an example of the designation information for the inspection area 106. At this time, the inspection area management unit 63 designates an original page placement number 107 corresponding to the original page for each inspection area 106 to be performed for comparative inspection in the placement area of ​​the original document 92 on the imposed page 100. The original page placement number 107 is a number used to associate with the original page number in the correct data, but it is a different value from the original page number in the correct data itself. In Figure 6, the leading 1 in "1:Area2" is the original page placement number 107. As a result, the inspection server 50 uses the original page placement number 107 to determine which page in the correct data to compare with the correct data.

[0073] Figure 8 shows an example of information 128 in which, as a first embodiment, the inspection area 114 in the original document 112 is modified to specify an inspection area 126 in units of imposed pages 120, in a 2x2 4UP or repeat arrangement. Information 128 is an example of information for specifying an inspection area 126. Repeat means placing the same original document page on one imposed page 120. The inspection area management unit 63 creates and edits the inspection area 126 in units of imposed pages 120 according to the registered original document 112, either by user instruction or automatically. The first embodiment is the case where the correct answer data 110 is based on the original page (a list of strings decoded from the barcode portion which is the inspection area 114 of the original document 112), and the original document 112 is imposed. For this reason, the original page placement number 127 is specified for each inspection area 126 in units of imposed pages 120. The inspection area management unit 63 registers information 128 that specifies inspection areas 126 in units of 120 imposed pages (including the specification of the original page placement number 127). The information 128 that specifies inspection areas 126 in units of 120 imposed pages (including the specification of the original page placement number 127) is, for example, registered (i.e., saved) in storage 14 (see Figure 2).

[0074] The imposition processing unit 64 initiates printing based on user input (see (3) in Figure 5). The imposition processing unit 64 also performs inspection of the printed material based on user input. The imposition processing unit 64 calculates the imposition layout based on job information (e.g., job settings) and calculates the original page numbers included in each imposition page (physical page). In the first embodiment shown in Figure 8, the imposition processing unit 64 calculates the page numbers of the originals 112 included in each imposition page 120. The imposition processing unit 64 transmits the page numbers of the originals 112 included in each imposition page 120 to the data transmission unit 65 (see (4) in Figure 5).

[0075] The data transmission unit 65 functions as a print control unit. Specifically, the data transmission unit 65 sends a print command along with the data to be printed (i.e., image data) to the printer 30 (see (5) in Figure 5). This triggers the printer 30 to perform the printing process.

[0076] Furthermore, the data transmission unit 65 transmits the inspection area for each imposed page (physical page), the correct answer data, and the original page number included in each imposed page (physical page) to the inspection server 50 (see (6) in Figure 5). Specifically, it transmits the inspection area for each imposed page (physical page) to the decoding unit 81, and the correct answer data and the original page number included in each imposed page (physical page) to the comparison processing unit 82. The inspection server 50 may also be equipped with a data receiving unit, and the inspection area, the correct answer data, and the original page number included in each physical page may be transmitted to the data receiving unit. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 8, the information 128 of the inspection area 126 (including the specification of the original page placement number 127) for each imposed page 120, the correct answer data 110, and the page number of the original 112 included in each imposed page (physical page) 120 are transmitted to the inspection server 50.

[0077] The information processing system 1 is configured with a data transmission unit 65, separating the system that receives job information and performs printing from the system that performs barcode inspection. The transmission of various data from the data transmission unit 65 to the inspection server 50 may be triggered by a print command to the printer 30. This allows the timing of printing and scanning by the printer 30 to be synchronized with the transmission of various data to the inspection server 50, making it suitable for real-time comparative inspection.

[0078] The scanning processing unit 71 scans the imposition page (physical page) on which the image is printed and sends the imposition page number (physical page number) and the scanned image to the decoding unit 81 of the inspection server 50 (see (7) in Figure 5).

[0079] The decoding unit 81 decodes each inspection area of ​​the scanned image based on the received inspection area in units of imposed pages (physical pages). The decoding unit 81 then transmits the imposed page number (physical page number) and the decoding result to the comparison processing unit 82 (see (8) in Figure 5).

[0080] In the first embodiment shown in Figure 8, the decoding unit 81 decodes the scan image of the inspection area 126 of "1:A". This results in a decoding result of, for example, "A001" (as shown in Figure 7, "A001" is the correct decoding result). The decoding unit 81 also decodes the scan image of the inspection area 126 of "2:A". This results in a decoding result of, for example, "A005" (as shown in Figure 7, it may also produce an incorrect decoding result of "A005").

[0081] The comparison processing unit 82 performs a check (i.e., a comparison check) that compares the decoded result with the correct data corresponding to the original pages included in the imposed pages. The comparison processing unit 82 notifies the comparison result management unit 83 of the results of the comparison check (see (9) in Figure 5). In the comparison check, the determination of the arrangement of originals within the imposed pages (physical pages) (for example, whether to place them on the right or left side as shown in Figure 8) may be made by, for example, sorting the original pages in ascending order and arranging them in ascending order of original page arrangement number.

[0082] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the comparison processing unit 82 compares and inspects the 7-page document 112 in 4UP or repeat format. For example, in 4UP imposition, it inspects the first page of imposed page 120 (for example, labeled "Imposed Page 1"), i.e., pages 1 to 4 of the document 112 (for example, labeled "Document Pages 1 to 4"). "1:A" is compared with the value of area A of the first page of the document in the correct data 110. "2:A" is compared with the value of area A of the second page of the document in the correct data 110. "3:A" is compared with the value of area A of the third page of the document in the correct data 110. "4:A" is compared with the value of area A of the fourth page of the document in the correct data 110. The same applies to area B.

[0083] For example, the comparison processing unit 82 compares the correct data "A001" for "1:A" with the decoded result "A001" and determines that it is OK. The comparison processing unit 82 compares the correct data "A002" for "2:A" with the decoded result "A005" and determines that it is NG. The same method is used to determine the results for other cases. The comparison processing unit 82 notifies the comparison result management unit 83 of the results of these comparison tests.

[0084] Next, in 4UP imposition, the second page of the imposition, i.e., pages 5-7 of the manuscript, is inspected. "1:A" is compared with the value of area A on page 5 of the manuscript from the 110 correct data points. "2:A" is compared with the value of area A on page 6 of the manuscript from the 110 correct data points. "3:A" is compared with the value of area A on page 7 of the manuscript from the 110 correct data points. "4:A" is excluded from inspection (in this example, it is not treated as an error). The same applies to area B.

[0085] For example, in a repeat (2x2) imposition, the first page of the imposition (i.e., page 1 of the original document) is inspected. "1:A", "2:A", "3:A", and "4:A" are compared with the value in area A of page 1 of the original document in the correct data 110. "1:B", "2:B", "3:B", and "4:B" are compared with the value in area B of page 1 of the original document in the correct data 110. Next, the second page of the imposition (i.e., page 2 of the original document) is inspected. "1:A", "2:A", "3:A", and "4A" are compared with the value in area A of page 2 of the original document in the correct data 110. "1:B", "2:B", "3:B", and "4:B" are compared with the value in area B of page 2 of the original document in the correct data 110. The same procedure is followed for the third page and subsequent pages of the imposition.

[0086] The comparison result management unit 83 manages the results of the comparison test. For example, the comparison result management unit 83 saves the results of the comparison test to the storage 54 and notifies the user of the comparison results.

[0087] Figures 9A and 9B show information 148 in which the inspection area 134 of the original document 132 has been modified to specify an inspection area 146 corresponding to the imposed pages (physical pages) 140 on which the data of the original document 132 has been imposed. In the second embodiment, the same correct data 110 as in Figure 7 is used. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, in the second embodiment, an 8-page original document 132 is comparatively inspected in saddle stitching. Even if the arrangement within the original document 132 is the same on the front and back, the arrangement of the imposed pages (physical pages) 140 is different on the front and back, so two patterns are created, one for the front and one for the back. Figure 9C shows a specific example of the arrangement of the original document relative to the folds of the imposed pages in the case of a saddle-stitched 8-page original document. As shown in Figure 9C, original page 1 and original page 8 are placed on both sides of the fold of the first imposed page (front), and original page 2 and original page 7 are placed on both sides of the fold of the second imposed page (back). Furthermore, pages 3 and 6 of the manuscript are placed on either side of the fold of page 3 (front), and pages 4 and 5 of the manuscript are placed on either side of the fold of page 4 (back).

[0088] As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, a document page placement number 147 is assigned to each inspection area 146 corresponding to the imposed pages (physical pages) 140. As shown in Figure 9A, the first imposed page (i.e., pages 1 and 8 of the document) sets the front pattern. "1" in "1:A" and "2" in "2:A" are document page placement numbers 147. "1:A" is compared with the value of area A on page 1 of the document in the correct data 110. "2:A" is compared with the value of area A on page 8 of the document in the correct data 110 (not shown in Figure 7). The second imposed page (i.e., pages 2 and 7 of the document) sets the back pattern. "1:A" is compared with the value of area A on page 2 of the document in the correct data 110. "2:A" is compared with the value of area A on page 7 of the document in the correct data 110.

[0089] As shown in Figure 9B, the third page of the imposition (i.e., pages 3 and 6 of the document) is set to the front pattern. "1:A" is compared with the value in area A of page 3 of the document from the correct data 110. "2:A" is compared with the value in area A of page 6 of the document from the correct data 110. The fourth page of the imposition (i.e., pages 4 and 5 of the document) is set to the back pattern. "1:A" is compared with the value in area A of page 4 of the document from the correct data 110. "2:A" is compared with the value in area A of page 5 of the document from the correct data 110. Note that the same pattern can also be used for perfect binding.

[0090] Figure 10 shows information 168 in a third embodiment in which the inspection area 154 of the original document 152 is modified to specify an inspection area 166 corresponding to the imposed pages (physical pages) 160 on which the data of the original document 152 is imposed. In the third embodiment, the same correct data 110 as in Figure 7 is used. As shown in Figure 10, in the third embodiment, a 600-page original document 152 is arranged in a 6-page cut and stack (double-sided) configuration for comparative inspection. Even if the arrangement within the original document 152 is the same on the front and back, the arrangement of the imposed pages (physical pages) 160 is different on the front and back, so two patterns are created, one for the front and one for the back. For each inspection area 166 corresponding to the imposed pages (physical pages) 160, an original page arrangement number 167 is specified. The comparative inspection method is the same as in Figures 9A and 9B. Note that if only one side is to be inspected, only one pattern is needed.

[0091] <How information processing systems work> Next, the operation of information processing system 1 will be explained.

[0092] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the information processing flow handled by the print server 10 of the information processing system 1. Information processing is performed when the CPU 11 reads the information processing program from the ROM 12, loads it into the RAM 13, and executes it.

[0093] The print server 10 performs the following preliminary setup tasks. The CPU 11 receives the original document data and the correct data associated with the original document from an external source and registers it in the data management unit 62 (see (1) in Figure 5). Furthermore, the CPU 11, either through user operation or automatically, creates and edits inspection areas on a page-by-page basis according to the original document, obtains information specifying the inspection area on a page-by-page basis, and registers it in the inspection area management unit 63 (see (2) in Figure 5).

[0094] For example, the CPU 11 receives data from the original document 112 and the correct answer data 110 (see Figure 7) associated with the original document 112, and registers them in the data management unit 62. The CPU 11 also receives job information. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the CPU 11 creates inspection areas 126 in units of imposed pages (physical pages) 120 according to the original document 112, and registers the information 128 of the inspection areas 126 in the inspection area management unit 63. At this time, for each inspection area 126 to be inspected, the CPU 11 specifies the original page placement number 127, and this original page placement number 127 is also included in the information 128. After that, the CPU 11 initiates printing and inspection based on user input.

[0095] As shown in Figure 11, when the print is revealed, the CPU 11 calculates the imposition layout (step S201). Specifically, the CPU 11 calculates the imposition layout based on the job information (e.g., job settings) and calculates the original page numbers included in each imposed page. For example, as shown in Figure 8, it calculates the page number of original document 112 included in each imposed page 120. The page number of original document 112 is the actual page number and is different from the original page placement number 127.

[0096] The CPU 11 generates print image data (step S202). For example, the CPU 11 generates print image data based on the original document and the original page numbers included in each imposed page.

[0097] The CPU 11 issues a print command to the printer 30 (step S203). The print command is issued for each page (in this example, for each imposed page). At this time, the CPU 11 sends the print image data (i.e., the data to be printed) to the printer 30 along with the print command.

[0098] The CPU 11 sends inspection data to the inspection server 50 (step S204). The inspection data includes the inspection area for each imposed page (physical page), the correct answer data, and the original page number included in each imposed page (physical page). For example, the information 128 of the inspection area 126 for each imposed page 120 shown in Figure 8, the correct answer data 110 shown in Figure 7, and the page number of the original document 112 included in each imposed page (physical page) 120 are sent to the inspection server 50.

[0099] CPU 11 determines whether processing of all pages has been completed (step S205). In this example, the pages are imposed pages.

[0100] If processing of all pages is not completed (step S205: NO), CPU 11 moves on to processing the next page (step S206). CPU 11 processes the next page sequentially, starting from step S201.

[0101] If processing of all pages is complete (Step S205: YES), the CPU 11 terminates processing based on the information processing program.

[0102] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the information processing flow handled by the inspection server 50 of the information processing system 1. The CPU 51 reads the inspection program from the ROM 52, loads it into the RAM 53, and executes it, thereby performing the information processing.

[0103] As shown in Figure 12, the CPU 51 receives data from the print server 10 and the printer 30 (step S211). The data from the print server 10 includes the inspection area for each imposed page (physical page), the correct answer data, and the original page number included in each imposed page (physical page). The data from the printer 30 includes scanned data (scanned image data) obtained by scanning the printed material.

[0104] The CPU 51 determines whether the scanned data for the imposed pages and the data from the print server 10 are complete (step S212). For example, if the CPU 51 receives scanned data for the imposed pages from the printer 30 and the inspection area, correct data, and original page numbers included in each imposed page from the print server 10, it determines that the data is complete.

[0105] If the scanned data for the imposed pages and the data from the print server 10 are not available (step S212: NO), the CPU 51 returns to the process in step S211 (i.e., waits until the data is available).

[0106] When the scanned data for the imposed pages and the data from the print server 10 are available (step S212: YES), the CPU 51 decodes the scanned data (step S213). For example, as shown in Figure 8, the CPU decodes the scanned data for each inspection area 126 based on an inspection area 126 of imposed pages (physical pages) 120 units.

[0107] The CPU 51 compares the decoded result with the correct data (step S214). For example, the CPU 51 compares the decoded result with the correct data corresponding to the inspection area of ​​the original page included in the imposed page to check if they match. For example, as shown in Figure 8, a original page placement number 127 is specified for each inspection area 126 to be compared. Based on this original page placement number 127, the CPU 51 decides which area of ​​the original page in the correct data 110 shown in Figure 7 to compare with.

[0108] The CPU 51 saves the comparison result (i.e., the result of the comparative test) (step S215). This terminates the processing based on the test program.

[0109] In the above-described information processing system 1, when the CPU 11 or CPU 51 inspects the printed image of the imposed media by comparing it with the correct data, it acquires information that corrects the inspection area in the original document to the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page on which the original page is imposed. For example, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, it is assumed that the printed image (e.g., scanned image) of the imposed media (e.g., the original document 112) is inspected by comparing it with the correct data 110. The CPU 11 acquires information 128 that corrects the inspection area 114 (e.g., area A, area B) in the original document 112 to the inspection area 126 corresponding to the imposed page 120 on which the original page is imposed (e.g., 1:A, 1:B in Figure 8).

[0110] Therefore, in the information processing system 1, compared to inspecting printed images of imposed media using correct data created based on the original page, with the inspection area specified based on the original page, it is possible to prevent misalignment between the correct data and the inspection area of ​​the printed images of the imposed media.

[0111] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, the CPU 51 of the inspection server 50 performs inspection by comparing the inspection area in the printed image of the imposed media with the correct data corresponding to the original page of the original document that includes the inspection area, based on the information corrected to specify the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page. For example, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the CPU 51 performs inspection by comparing the inspection area in the scanned image with the correct data 110 corresponding to the original page of the original document 112 that includes the inspection area 126, based on the information 128 corrected to specify the inspection area 126 corresponding to the imposed page 120.

[0112] Therefore, compared to using correct data created based on the original page and inspecting the printed image of the imposed medium with the inspection area specified based on the original page, the information processing system 1 can ensure that the inspection area of ​​the correct data and the printed image of the imposed medium do not become misaligned.

[0113] Furthermore, the CPU 11 of the print server 10 acquires correct data associated with the original document. The CPU 11 acquires inspection area specification information, which modifies the inspection area in the original document to specify an inspection area on a page-by-page basis. Based on the imposition job information, the CPU 11 calculates the original page numbers included in each imposition page. In addition, the CPU 51 of the inspection server 50 performs an inspection by comparing the inspection area in the printed image of the imposed media with the correct data corresponding to the original pages included in the imposition pages, based on the inspection area specification information, the correct data, and the original page numbers included in each imposition page.

[0114] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the CPU 11 obtains correct data 110 associated with the original document 112. As shown in Figure 8, the CPU 11 obtains information 128 in which the inspection areas 114 (e.g., area A, area B) in the original document 112 are specified as inspection areas 126 for each imposition page 120 (e.g., "1:A", "1:B" in Figure 8). Based on the imposition job information, the CPU 11 calculates the page numbers of the original document 112 included in each imposition page 120.

[0115] For example, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the CPU 51 performs an inspection by comparing the inspection area in the printed image of the imposed media with the correct data 110 corresponding to the original page contained in the imposed page 120, based on the information 128 of the inspection area 126 for each imposed page 120, the correct data 110, and the original page number included in each imposed page 120.

[0116] Therefore, compared to using correct data created based on the original page and inspecting the printed image of the imposed medium with the inspection area specified based on the original page, the information processing system 1 can ensure that the inspection area of ​​the correct data and the printed image of the imposed medium do not become misaligned.

[0117] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, the CPU 11 of the print server 10 specifies the document page placement number corresponding to each document page for each placement area of ​​the document on the imposition page. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the CPU 11 specifies the document page placement number 127 corresponding to each document page for each placement area of ​​the document 112 on the imposition page 120.

[0118] Therefore, in the information processing system 1, the process of associating inspection areas with pages in the correct data becomes simpler compared to assigning a manuscript page number to each inspection area in the imposed pages.

[0119] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, the CPU 51 of the inspection server 50 associates the inspection area in the printed image of the imposed media with the correct page portion of the correct data, based on the original page placement number. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the CPU 51 associates the inspection area in the printed image of the imposed media with the correct page portion of the correct data 110, based on the original page placement number 127.

[0120] Therefore, in the information processing system 1, the process of associating inspection areas with pages in the correct data becomes simpler compared to assigning a manuscript page number to each inspection area in the imposed pages.

[0121] In information processing system 1, the print server 10 and the inspection server 50 were separate, but instead, a configuration in which processing is performed by a single processor located on the same server is also acceptable.

[0122] [Variation] In the first embodiment, the CPU 51 of the inspection server 50 associates the inspection area in the printed image of the imposed media with the portion of the correct data from which the correct data should be compared, based on the original page placement number. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration.

[0123] In the modified information processing system, the CPU 11 of the print server 10 may perform a correspondence between the inspection area of ​​the imposed pages and the correct data, and send the result of this correspondence to the inspection server 50. As part of the correspondence process, when inspecting the second page of the imposed pages (pages 5-7 of the original document) in the 4UP imposition of the first embodiment, the CPU 11 creates, for example, the correspondence table shown in Figure 24. The CPU 11 of the print server 10 sends, for example, the data of the correspondence table shown in Figure 24 to the inspection server 50.

[0124] The CPU 51 of the inspection server 50 performs a comparative inspection by comparing the inspection area in the printed image of the imposed media with the correct data, based on the data in the correspondence table shown in Figure 24.

[0125] [Second Embodiment] Next, the information processing system according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that components identical to those in the first embodiment described above will be given the same numbers and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0126] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 300 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the information processing system 300 includes a print server 310, a printer 30, and a test server 320. The hardware configuration of the print server 310 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 2. The hardware configuration of the test server 320 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0127] The print server 310 has the following functional configuration: a data receiving unit 61, a data management unit 62, an inspection area management unit 313, an imposition processing unit 314, and a data transmission unit 65.

[0128] The inspection server 320 has a functional configuration that includes a placement calculation unit 321, a decoding unit 322, a comparison processing unit 82, and a comparison result management unit 83.

[0129] The inspection area management unit 313 creates and edits inspection areas on a page-by-page basis according to the document, either at the user's instruction or automatically, and registers the inspection areas for each page. Creating and registering inspection areas on a page-by-page basis is an example of the pre-configuration work.

[0130] Figure 14 shows an example of imposed pages (physical pages) 340 formed by imposing pages of the original document 332. As shown in Figure 14, the original document 332 has inspection areas 334 set on a per-page basis.

[0131] The imposition processing unit 314 performs the process of starting printing based on user operations from the user interface 60 and the process of inspecting the printed material. The imposition processing unit 314 also calculates the imposition arrangement based on job information (e.g., job settings) and calculates the original page numbers of all original pages included in each imposition page (physical page), the position (coordinates) of the original on the imposition page, and the scaling ratio and rotation information of the original.

[0132] The data transmission unit 65 transmits to the inspection server 320 information including the inspection area (in units of original pages), the correct answer data, the original page number included in each imposed page (physical page), the position (coordinates) of the original on the imposed page, and the scaling and rotation of the original. Specifically, the data transmission unit 65 transmits to the layout calculation unit 321 information including the inspection area (in units of original pages), the original page number included in each imposed page (physical page), the position (coordinates) of the original on the imposed page, and the scaling and rotation of the original. The data transmission unit 65 transmits the correct answer data to the comparison processing unit 82.

[0133] The scan processing unit 71 scans the imposition page (physical page) on which the image is printed and sends the imposition page number (physical page number) and the scanned image to the decode unit 322 of the inspection server 320.

[0134] The layout calculation unit 321 calculates the layout of the inspection area for each imposed page (physical page) based on the inspection area (in units of original pages), the original page number included in each imposed page (physical page), the position (coordinates) of the original on the imposed page, and information on the scaling ratio and rotation of the original. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the layout calculation unit 321 calculates the layout of the inspection area 346 for each imposed page (physical page) 340. As a result, information 348 is generated in which the inspection area 334 in the original 332 is modified to specify the inspection area 346 for each imposed page (physical page) 340.

[0135] The decoding unit 322 decodes each inspection area of ​​the scanned image (imposed page) based on the calculated inspection area 346 of imposed page (physical page) units 340. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the decoding unit 322 decodes each inspection area of ​​the scanned image (imposed page) based on the calculated inspection area 346 of imposed page (physical page) units 340. That is, the decoding unit 322 places the inspection area 346 on the imposed page (physical page) 340 so that the inspection area 346 matches the scanned image. Furthermore, the decoding unit 322 transmits the imposed page number (physical page number) and the decoding result to the comparison processing unit 82.

[0136] The comparison processing unit 82 performs a comparison (i.e., a comparative inspection) by comparing the decoded result of the scanned image of the imposed page with the correct data corresponding to the original page included in the imposed page. The comparison processing unit 82 notifies the comparison result management unit 83 of the results of the comparative inspection. The other components of the information processing system 300 are the same as those of the information processing system 1 in the first embodiment.

[0137] <How information processing systems work> Next, the operation of the information processing system 300 will be explained.

[0138] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the information processing flow handled by the print server 310 of the information processing system 300. Information processing is performed when the CPU 11 reads the information processing program from the ROM 12, loads it into the RAM 13, and executes it.

[0139] The print server 310 performs the following preliminary setup tasks. The CPU 11 receives the original document and its associated correct data from an external source and registers them in the data management unit 62. Furthermore, the CPU 11, either through user operation or automatically, creates and edits inspection areas on a page-by-page basis according to the original document and registers them in the inspection area management unit 313. Subsequently, the CPU 11 issues instructions to start printing and inspection based on user operation.

[0140] As shown in Figure 15, when the print is revealed, the CPU 11 calculates the imposition layout (step S401). Specifically, the CPU 11 calculates the imposition layout based on job information (e.g., job settings). The calculation of the imposition layout includes the original page number included in each imposed page (physical page), the position (coordinates) of the original on the imposed page, and information on the scaling and rotation of the original.

[0141] The CPU 11 generates print image data (step S402). For example, the CPU 11 generates print image data based on the original document and the original page numbers included in each imposed page.

[0142] The CPU 11 issues a print command to the printer 30 (step S403). The print command is issued page by page (in this example, imposition pages).

[0143] The CPU 11 sends inspection data to the inspection server 50 (step S404). The inspection data includes the inspection area (on a page basis), correct answer data, the original page number included for each imposed page (physical page), the position (coordinates) of the original on the imposed page, and information on the scaling and rotation of the original. For example, the inspection area 334 on a page basis for original 332, the correct answer data, the original page number included for each imposed page (physical page), the position (coordinates) of the original on the imposed page, and information on the scaling and rotation of the original are sent to the inspection server 320.

[0144] The CPU 11 determines whether processing of all pages has been completed (step S405). In this example, the pages are imposed pages.

[0145] If processing of all pages is not completed (step S405: NO), CPU 11 moves on to processing the next page (step S406). CPU 11 processes the next page sequentially, starting from step S401.

[0146] If processing of all pages is complete (Step S405: YES), the CPU 11 terminates processing based on the information processing program.

[0147] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the information processing flow handled by the inspection server 320 of the information processing system 300. Information processing is performed when the CPU 51 reads the inspection program from the ROM 52, loads it into the RAM 53, and executes it.

[0148] As shown in Figure 16, the CPU 51 receives data from the print server 310 and the printer 30 (step S411). The data from the print server 310 includes the inspection area (on a page basis), correct answer data, and information such as the page number of the original document, the position (coordinates) of the original document on the imposed page, and the scaling ratio and rotation of the original document for each imposed page (physical page). The data from the printer 30 includes scanned data (scanned image data) obtained by scanning the printed material.

[0149] The CPU 51 determines whether the scanned data for the imposed pages and the data from the print server 310 are complete (step S412). For example, if the CPU 51 receives scanned data for the imposed pages from the printer 30 and the above information contained in the inspection area (on a page basis), correct data, and each imposed page (physical page) from the print server 310, it determines that the data is complete.

[0150] If the scanned data for the imposed pages and the data from the print server 310 are not available (step S412: NO), the CPU 51 returns to the process in step S411 (i.e., waits until the data is available).

[0151] When the scanned data for the imposed pages and the data from the print server 310 are available (step S412: YES), the CPU 51 calculates the arrangement of inspection areas on an imposed page basis (step S413). Specifically, the CPU 51 calculates the arrangement of inspection areas on an imposed page basis (physical page basis) from the inspection area (on an original page basis), the original page number included in each imposed page (physical page), the position (coordinates) of the original on the imposed page, the scaling ratio and rotation information of the original, etc. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the CPU 51 calculates the arrangement of inspection areas 346 on an imposed page basis (physical page) basis (step S413).

[0152] The CPU 51 decodes the scan data (step S414). For example, as shown in Figure 14, the CPU 51 decodes each inspection area 346 of the scan image (imposed pages) based on the calculated inspection area 346 of imposed pages (physical pages) 340 units.

[0153] The CPU 51 compares the decoded result with the ground truth data (step S415). For example, the CPU 51 compares the decoded result for the scanned image of the imposed page with the ground truth data corresponding to the original page included in the imposed page to check if they match.

[0154] The CPU 51 saves the comparison result (i.e., the result of the comparative test) (step S416). This terminates the processing based on the test program.

[0155] In the above-described information processing system 300, the same effects can be obtained with the same configuration as the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0156] In the information processing system 300, when the CPU 51 of the inspection server 320 inspects the printed image of the imposed media by comparing it with correct data, it acquires information that corrects the inspection area in the original document to the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page on which the original pages are imposed. For example, as shown in Figure 14, it acquires information 348 that corrects the inspection area 334 (e.g., area 1, area 2, area 3) in the original document 332 to the inspection area 346 corresponding to the imposed page 340 on which the original pages 332 are imposed.

[0157] Therefore, the information processing system 300 can ensure that the inspection area of ​​the printed image on the imposed media does not become misaligned with the inspection area of ​​the correct data, compared to the case where the correct data created based on the original page is used to inspect the printed image of the imposed media by specifying the inspection area based on the original page.

[0158] Furthermore, in the information processing system 300, the CPU 51 of the inspection server 320 performs inspection by comparing the inspection area in the printed image of the imposed media with the correct data corresponding to the original page of the original document that includes the inspection area, based on the information corrected to specify the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the CPU 51 performs inspection by comparing the inspection area in the scanned image with the correct data corresponding to the original page of the original document 332 included in the imposed page 340, based on the information 348 of the inspection area 346 corresponding to the imposed page 340.

[0159] Therefore, the information processing system 300 can perform inspections so that the inspection area of ​​the printed image on the imposed media does not become misaligned with the inspection area of ​​the correct data, compared to the case where the correct data created based on the original page is used to inspect the printed image of the imposed media by specifying the inspection area based on the original page.

[0160] In the information processing system 300, the CPU 11 of the print server 310 acquires correct data associated with the original document 332 and designates the inspection area in the original document 332 as an inspection area 334 on a per-page basis. The CPU 11 also calculates the original page number and position included in each imposition page 340 based on the imposition job information. The CPU 51 of the inspection server 320 calculates the arrangement of inspection areas 346 for each imposition page 340 based on the inspection areas 334 for each original page and the original page numbers and positions included in each imposition page 340. Furthermore, when the printed image of the imposed media is inspected, the CPU 51 uses the information on the arrangement of inspection areas 346 for each imposition page 340 to inspect the inspection area in the printed image of the imposed media by comparing it with the correct data corresponding to the original page included in the imposition page 340.

[0161] Therefore, the information processing system 300 can perform inspections so that the inspection area of ​​the printed image on the imposed media does not become misaligned with the inspection area of ​​the correct data, compared to the case where the correct data created based on the original page is used to inspect the printed image of the imposed media by specifying the inspection area based on the original page.

[0162] In the information processing system 300, the print server 310 and the inspection server 320 were separate, but instead, a configuration in which processing is performed by a single processor located on the same server is also acceptable.

[0163] [Third Embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to the third embodiment will be described. Note that components identical to those in the first and second embodiments described above will be given the same numbers and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0164] Figure 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 500 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the information processing system 500 includes a print server 510, a printer 30, and a test server 520. The hardware configuration of the print server 510 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 2. The hardware configuration of the test server 520 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 4. The information processing system 500 differs from the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment in that it performs testing without inputting correct answer data (a list of correct answer strings).

[0165] The print server 510 has the following functional configuration: a data receiving unit 61, a data management unit 62, an inspection area management unit 63, an imposition processing unit 64, a reference image generation unit 512, and a data transmission unit 65.

[0166] The inspection server 520 has a functional configuration that includes a decoding unit 81, a comparison processing unit 82, and a comparison result management unit 83.

[0167] The data receiving unit 61 receives document data from an external source.

[0168] The inspection area management unit 63 creates and edits inspection areas on a page-by-page (physical page) basis according to the document, either at the user's instruction or automatically, and registers information specifying the inspection area for each page. The information specifying the inspection area for each page is an example of inspection area specification information. The creation, editing, and registration of inspection areas for each page are examples of prior setup work and are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0169] The imposition processing unit 64 calculates the imposition arrangement based on the job information (job settings).

[0170] The reference image generation unit 512 generates a reference image based on the RIP image generated for printing. The RIP image is an example of a print image created from the information of the original document for printing. The reference image reflects the imposition result. Here, RIP stands for raster image processor, which refers to the process of converting submitted print data into a raster image using specialized software and processing it into a format that can be used for printing.

[0171] The data transmission unit 65 sends the reference image and the inspection area (in units of imposition pages) to the decoding unit 81 of the inspection server 520.

[0172] The scanning processing unit 71 scans the imposition pages (physical pages) on which the images are printed, and sends the imposition page number (physical page number) and the scanned image to the decoding unit 81 of the inspection server 520.

[0173] The decoding unit 81 decodes each inspection area of ​​the reference image and the scanned image based on the received inspection area (on an imposition page basis). For example, the string obtained by decoding the barcode portion from the reference image is used as the correct data. This makes it possible to create correct data from a reference image that reflects the imposition result. The decoding unit 81 then sends the imposition page number (physical page number), the decoding result of the reference image, and the decoding result of the scanned image to the comparison processing unit 82. In this example, both the reference image and the scanned image are images of the imposition page (physical page) after the imposition has been reflected.

[0174] The comparison processing unit 82 performs an inspection (i.e., a comparison inspection) that compares the decoding result of the reference image with the decoding result of the scanned image. The comparison processing unit 82 notifies the comparison result management unit 83 of the results of the comparison inspection. The other components of the information processing system 500 are the same as those of the information processing system 1 in the first embodiment.

[0175] <How information processing systems work> Next, we will explain the operation of the information processing system 500.

[0176] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the information processing flow handled by the print server 510 of the information processing system 500. Information processing is performed when the CPU 11 reads the information processing program from the ROM 12, loads it into the RAM 13, and executes it.

[0177] The print server 510 performs the following preliminary setup tasks. The CPU 11 receives the document data from an external source and registers it in the data management unit 62. Furthermore, the CPU 11, either through user operation or automatically, creates and edits inspection areas for each imposed page according to the document, obtains information specifying the inspection areas for each imposed page, and registers it in the inspection area management unit 63. Subsequently, the CPU 11 issues instructions to start printing and inspection based on user operation.

[0178] As shown in Figure 18, when the print is revealed, the CPU 11 calculates the imposition layout (step S601). Specifically, the CPU 11 calculates the imposition layout based on the job information (e.g., job settings).

[0179] The CPU 11 generates print image data and a reference image (step S602). For example, the CPU 11 generates print image data and a reference image based on the original document and the original page numbers included in each imposed page. As an example, the CPU 11 generates a reference image based on the RIP image generated for printing.

[0180] The CPU 11 issues a print command to the printer 30 (step S603). The print command is issued page by page (in this example, imposition pages).

[0181] The CPU 11 sends inspection data to the inspection server 50 (step S604). The inspection data includes the inspection area (per imposed page), the reference image, and the original page number included in each imposed page (physical page).

[0182] The CPU 11 determines whether processing of all pages has been completed (step S605). In this example, the pages are imposed pages.

[0183] If processing of all pages is not completed (step S605: NO), CPU 11 moves on to processing the next page (step S606). CPU 11 processes the next page sequentially, starting from step S601.

[0184] If processing of all pages is complete (Step S605: YES), the CPU 11 terminates processing based on the information processing program.

[0185] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the information processing flow handled by the inspection server 520 of the information processing system 500. Information processing is performed when the CPU 51 reads the inspection program from the ROM 52, loads it into the RAM 53, and executes it.

[0186] As shown in Figure 19, the CPU 51 receives data from the print server 510 and the printer 30 (step S611). The data from the print server 510 includes the inspection area (on an imposed page basis) and the original page number included for each imposed page (physical page). The data from the printer 30 includes scanned data (scanned image data) obtained by scanning the printed material.

[0187] The CPU 51 determines whether the scanned data for the imposed pages and the data from the print server 510 are complete (step S612). For example, if the CPU 51 receives scanned data for the imposed pages from the printer 30 and information such as the inspection area (per imposed page) and the original page number contained in each imposed page (physical page) from the print server 510, it determines that the data is complete.

[0188] If the scanned data for the imposed pages and the data from the print server 510 are not available (step S612: NO), the CPU 51 returns to the process in step S611 (i.e., waits until the data is available).

[0189] When the scanned data for the imposed pages and the data from the print server 510 are available (step S612: YES), the CPU 51 decodes the reference image and the scanned image (step S613). Specifically, the CPU 51 decodes each inspection area of ​​the reference image and the scanned image based on the inspection area (unit of imposed pages). As an example, the string obtained by decoding the barcode portion from the reference image is used as the correct data.

[0190] The CPU 51 compares the decoding result of the reference image with the decoding result of the scanned image (step S614). For example, the CPU 51 compares the decoding result of the reference image (i.e., the ground truth data) with the decoding result of the scanned image to check if they match.

[0191] The CPU 51 saves the comparison result (i.e., the result of the comparative test) (step S615). This terminates the processing based on the test program.

[0192] In the above-described information processing system 500, the same effects can be obtained by using the same configuration as the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0193] In the information processing system 500, when the CPU 11 or CPU 51 inspects the printed image of the imposed media by comparing it with correct data, it acquires information that corrects the inspection area in the original document to the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page in which the original pages are imposed.

[0194] Therefore, the information processing system 500 can ensure that the inspection area of ​​the printed image on the imposed media does not become misaligned with the inspection area of ​​the correct data, compared to the case where the correct data created based on the original page is used to inspect the printed image of the imposed media by specifying the inspection area based on the original page.

[0195] Furthermore, in the information processing system 500, the CPU 51 of the inspection server 520 performs an inspection by comparing the inspection area in the printed image of the imposed media with the correct data corresponding to the original page of the original document that includes the inspection area and is included in the imposed page, based on the information corrected to specify the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page.

[0196] Therefore, the information processing system 500 can perform inspections so that the inspection area of ​​the printed image on the imposed media does not become misaligned with the inspection area of ​​the correct data, compared to the case where the correct data created based on the original page is used to inspect the printed image of the imposed media by specifying the inspection area based on the original page.

[0197] Furthermore, in the information processing system 500, the CPU 11 of the print server 510 acquires inspection area specification information, which modifies the inspection area in the original document to specify an inspection area on a page-by-page basis. The CPU 11 also creates a reference image that reflects the imposition result, based on the print image created for printing from the information of the original document. Furthermore, the CPU 51 of the inspection server 520 creates correct data from a reference image that reflects the imposition results. In addition, the CPU 51 performs inspection by comparing the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed with the corresponding portion of the inspection area in the correct data, based on the specified inspection area information.

[0198] Therefore, the information processing system 500 can perform inspections so that the inspection area of ​​the printed image on the imposed media does not become misaligned with the inspection area of ​​the correct data, compared to the case where the correct data created based on the original page is used to inspect the printed image of the imposed media by specifying the inspection area based on the original page.

[0199] In the information processing system 500, the print server 510 and the inspection server 520 were separate, but instead, a configuration in which processing is performed by a single processor located on the same server is also acceptable.

[0200] 〔others〕 The information processing systems disclosed herein are not limited to the information processing systems 1, 300, and 500 described in the first to third embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0201] Furthermore, the processing of the above-mentioned information processing systems 1, 300, and 500 can also be implemented using dedicated hardware circuits. In this case, the processing may be performed on a single piece of hardware or on multiple pieces of hardware.

[0202] Furthermore, the programs for operating information processing systems 1, 300, and 500 may be provided on computer-readable recording media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, flexible disks, or CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or they may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the programs recorded on the computer-readable recording media are usually transferred to and stored in memory or storage. These programs may also be provided, for example, as standalone application software, or they may be incorporated into the software of each device as a function of information processing system 1.

[0203] Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0204] [Note] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above. (((1))) Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, An information processing system that, when inspecting a printed image of a medium on which original pages are imposed by comparing it with correct data, acquires information that corrects the inspection area in the original to the specified inspection area corresponding to the imposed page on which the original pages are imposed.

[0205] (((2))) The aforementioned processor, The information processing system according to (((1))), which, based on the information modified to specify the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page, inspects the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original page is imposed by comparing it with the correct data corresponding to the original page of the original document that includes the inspection area and is included in the imposed page, which is included in the original page.

[0206] (((3))) The aforementioned processor, We obtain the correct answer data associated with the aforementioned manuscript, The inspection area in the aforementioned document is modified to specify the inspection area on a page-by-page basis in the imposition, and the specified inspection area information is obtained. Based on the imposition job information, the number of the original document page included in each imposition page is calculated, The information processing system according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein, based on the designation information of the inspection area, the correct answer data, and the number of the original page included in each of the imposed pages, the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed is inspected by comparing it with the correct answer data corresponding to the original page included in the imposed page.

[0207] (((4))) The aforementioned processor, The information processing system according to (((3))), which specifies the manuscript page placement number corresponding to the manuscript page for each placement area of ​​the manuscript on the imposition page.

[0208] (((5))) The aforementioned processor, The information processing system according to (((4))), which, based on the manuscript page layout numbers, associates the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the manuscript pages are imposed with the portion of the correct data from which the page is to be compared.

[0209] (((6))) The aforementioned processor, We obtain the correct answer data associated with the aforementioned manuscript, The inspection area in the aforementioned manuscript is defined as the inspection area on a page-by-page basis. Based on the imposition job information, the number of the original document page and the position of the original document page included in each imposition page are calculated. Based on the inspection area for each manuscript page, the number of the manuscript page included in each imposed page, and the position of the manuscript page, the arrangement of the inspection area for each imposed page is calculated. The information processing system according to (((1))) or (((2))) when inspecting a printed image of a medium on which the original pages are imposed, wherein, based on information about the arrangement of the inspection areas for each imposed page, the inspection is performed by comparing the inspection areas in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed with the correct data corresponding to the original pages included in the imposed pages.

[0210] (((7))) The aforementioned processor, The inspection area in the aforementioned document is modified to specify the inspection area on a page-by-page basis in the imposition, and the specified inspection area information is obtained. Based on the print image created for printing from the information of the aforementioned manuscript, a reference image reflecting the imposition result is created. Create ground truth data from the aforementioned reference image, The information processing system according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein, based on the designation information of the inspection area, the system performs an inspection by comparing the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed with the portion corresponding to the inspection area in the correct answer data.

[0211] (((8))) An information processing program that causes a computer to perform a process to acquire information that corrects the inspection area in the original document to the specified inspection area corresponding to the imposed page in which the original document pages are imposed, when the printed image of the imposed medium is inspected by comparison with correct data.

[0212] (((9))) The information processing program according to (((8))), which causes a computer to perform a process of inspecting the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed by comparing it with correct data corresponding to the original pages of the originals that include the inspection area and are included in the imposed pages, based on the information modified to specify the inspection area corresponding to the imposed pages.

[0213] (((10))) Computers An information processing method that, when inspecting a printed image of a medium on which original pages are imposed by comparing it with correct data, performs a process to acquire information that corrects the inspection area in the original to the specification of the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page on which the original pages are imposed.

[0214] (((11))) Computers The information processing method according to (((10))), which performs a process of inspecting the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed, by comparing it with correct data corresponding to the original pages of the originals that include the inspection area and are included in the imposed pages, based on information corrected to specify the inspection area corresponding to the imposed pages.

[0215] According to the information processing system described in (((1))), compared to inspecting printed images of imposed media using correct data created based on the original page, where the inspection area is specified based on the original page, it is possible to inspect so that the inspection area of ​​the correct data and the printed images of the imposed media do not become misaligned.

[0216] According to the information processing system described in (((2))), compared to inspecting printed images of imposed media using correct data created based on the original page, where the inspection area is specified based on the original page, it is possible to prevent misalignment between the correct data and the inspection area of ​​the printed images of the imposed media.

[0217] According to the information processing system described in (((3))), compared to inspecting printed images of imposed media using correct data created based on the original page, where the inspection area is specified based on the original page, it is possible to inspect so that the inspection area of ​​the correct data and the printed images of the imposed media do not become misaligned.

[0218] According to the information processing system described in (((4))), the process of associating inspection areas with pages in the correct data becomes simpler compared to assigning a manuscript page number to each inspection area in the imposed pages.

[0219] According to the information processing system described in (((5))), the process of associating inspection areas with pages in the correct data becomes simpler compared to assigning a manuscript page number to each inspection area in the imposed pages.

[0220] According to the information processing system described in (((6))), compared to inspecting printed images of imposed media using correct data created based on the original page, where the inspection area is specified based on the original page, it is possible to inspect so that the inspection area of ​​the correct data and the printed images of the imposed media do not become misaligned.

[0221] According to the information processing system described in (((7))), compared to inspecting printed images of imposed media using correct data created based on the original page, where the inspection area is specified based on the original page, it is possible to inspect so that the inspection area of ​​the correct data and the printed images of the imposed media do not become misaligned.

[0222] According to the information processing program described in (((8))), compared to inspecting printed images of imposed media using correct data created based on the original page, where the inspection area is specified based on the original page, it is possible to prevent misalignment between the correct data and the inspection area of ​​the printed images of the imposed media.

[0223] According to the information processing program described in (((9))), compared to inspecting printed images of imposed media using correct data created based on the original page, where the inspection area is specified based on the original page, it is possible to inspect so that the inspection area of ​​the correct data and the printed images of the imposed media do not become misaligned.

[0224] According to the information processing method described in (((10))), compared to inspecting printed images of imposed media using correct data created based on the original page, with the inspection area specified based on the original page, it is possible to prevent misalignment between the correct data and the inspection area of ​​the printed images of the imposed media.

[0225] According to the information processing method described in (((11))), compared to inspecting printed images of imposed media using correct data created based on the original page, where the inspection area is specified based on the original page, it is possible to inspect so that the inspection area of ​​the correct data and the printed images of the imposed media do not become misaligned. [Explanation of symbols]

[0226] 1. Information Processing System 10 Print Servers 11. CPU (an example of a processor) 30 Printers 50 Inspection Servers 51 CPU (an example of a processor) 92 Manuscript 94 Examination Areas 100 pages per page 106 Inspection Area (An example of an inspection area per imposed page) 107 Manuscript page placement number 108 Information (Example of information specifying the inspection area) 110 Correct Data 112 Manuscript 114 Examination Areas 120 pages per page 126. Inspection Area (An example of an inspection area per imposed page) 127 Manuscript page placement number 128 Information (Example of information specifying the inspection area) 132 Manuscript 134 Examination Areas 140 pages per page 146. Inspection Area (An example of an inspection area per imposed page) 147 Manuscript page placement number 148 Information (Example of information specifying the inspection area) 152 Manuscripts 154 Examination Areas 160 pages per page 166. Inspection Area (An example of an inspection area per imposed page) 167 Manuscript page placement number 168 Information (Example of information specifying the inspection area) 300 Information Processing Systems 310 Print Server 320 Inspection Servers 332 Manuscripts 334 Examination Areas 340 pages (imposed) 346 Inspection Area (An example of an inspection area per imposed page) 348 Information 500 Information Processing Systems 510 Print Server 520 Inspection Servers

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, An information processing system that, when inspecting a printed image of a medium on which original pages are imposed by comparing it with correct data, acquires information that corrects the inspection area in the original to the specified inspection area corresponding to the imposed page on which the original pages are imposed.

2. The aforementioned processor, The information processing system according to claim 1, which, based on the information modified to specify the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page, inspects the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original page is imposed by comparing it with correct data corresponding to the original page of the original document that includes the inspection area and is included in the imposed page.

3. The aforementioned processor, We obtain the correct answer data associated with the aforementioned manuscript, The inspection area in the aforementioned document is modified to specify the inspection area on a page-by-page basis in the imposition, and the specified inspection area information is obtained. Based on the imposition job information, the number of the original document page included in each imposition page is calculated, The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein, based on the designation information of the inspection area, the correct answer data, and the number of the original page included in each of the imposed pages, the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed is inspected by comparing it with the correct answer data corresponding to the original page included in the imposed page.

4. The aforementioned processor, The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein for each placement area of ​​the document on the imposition page, a document page placement number corresponding to the document page is specified.

5. The aforementioned processor, The information processing system according to claim 4, which, based on the original page layout numbers, associates the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed with the portion of the correct data from which the page layout numbers are to be compared.

6. The aforementioned processor, We obtain the correct answer data associated with the aforementioned manuscript, The inspection area in the aforementioned manuscript is defined as the inspection area on a page-by-page basis. Based on the imposition job information, the number of the original document page and the position of the original document page included in each imposition page are calculated. Based on the inspection area for each manuscript page, the number of the manuscript page included in each imposed page, and the position of the manuscript page, the arrangement of the inspection area for each imposed page is calculated. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein when an inspection is performed on a printed image of a medium on which the original pages are imposed, the inspection is performed by comparing the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed with the correct data corresponding to the original pages included in the imposed pages, based on information about the arrangement of the inspection area for each imposed page.

7. The aforementioned processor, The inspection area in the aforementioned document is modified to specify the inspection area on a page-by-page basis in the imposition, and the specified inspection area information is obtained. Based on the print image created for printing from the information of the aforementioned manuscript, a reference image reflecting the imposition result is created. Ground data is created from the aforementioned reference image. The information processing system according to claim 1, which performs an inspection by comparing the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed with the portion of the correct answer data that corresponds to the inspection area, based on the specified information of the inspection area.

8. An information processing program that, when inspecting a printed image of a medium on which original pages are imposed by comparing it with correct data, causes a computer to perform a process to acquire information that corrects the inspection area in the original to the specified inspection area corresponding to the imposed page on which the original pages are imposed.

9. The information processing program according to claim 8, which causes a computer to perform a process of inspecting the inspection area in a printed image of the medium on which the original pages are imposed, by comparing it with correct data corresponding to the original pages of the original documents that include the inspection area and are included in the imposed pages.

10. Computers An information processing method that, when inspecting a printed image of a medium on which original pages are imposed by comparing it with correct data, performs a process to acquire information that corrects the inspection area in the original to the specification of the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page on which the original pages are imposed.

11. Computers The information processing method according to claim 10, which performs an inspection process based on the information modified to specify the inspection area corresponding to the imposed page, by comparing the inspection area in the printed image of the medium on which the original page is imposed with the correct data corresponding to the original page of the original document that includes the inspection area and is included in the imposed page.

Images