Inspection system, inspection device, its control method, and program

Abstract

During the inspection of printed materials, it was necessary to repeat the process of generating the printed material, reading it, and setting the inspection level until the desired inspection result was obtained, which required a lot of time and effort to determine the appropriate inspection level. [Solution] An inspection system comprising an image forming apparatus and an inspection apparatus for inspecting a printed material formed by the image forming apparatus, wherein the system reads the printed material to generate an inspection image, sets inspection conditions, compares the inspection image with a reference image, generates an inspection result for the inspection image based on the inspection conditions, and displays the inspection result on a display unit. Furthermore, the system allows the user to change the inspection level included in the inspection conditions and executes a confirmation mode that allows the user to confirm the inspection result corresponding to the inspection level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection system, an inspection apparatus and its control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an inspection system that reads a sheet on which an image is printed by a printer with a scanner or a camera arranged downstream of the printer, and compares the read image with a previously registered reference image to inspect the quality of the printed matter.

[0003] [[ID=I6]]Patent Document 1 describes a technique that enables a provisional inspection result at a plurality of candidate inspection levels different from the inspection level specified in the inspection to be displayed on a screen when a printing defect is determined in the inspection. Thereby, the user can reset the inspection level when a printing defect is determined.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document I

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1 above, inspection is performed at a certain inspection level, and if the inspection does not fail, the results at alternative inspection levels cannot be checked. Therefore, in order to determine whether the set inspection level is appropriate, it was necessary to repeatedly perform inspections and prints at different inspection levels. If the inspection level is set too high, it may cause over-detection, such as detecting areas that should not be detected as stains as image defects, or detecting slight color differences as image defects. However, it is desirable to set the inspection level as high as possible to reliably detect stains and other defects during printing, and for that purpose, it is necessary to find the optimal inspection level. However, it was difficult to easily check how the inspection results would change at each inspection level before the inspection.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the prior art described above.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that allows for easy confirmation of an appropriate inspection level in an inspection for determining the quality of printed materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, an inspection system according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, An inspection system comprising an image forming apparatus and an inspection apparatus for inspecting printed materials formed by the image forming apparatus, A reading means that reads the aforementioned printed material and generates an inspection image, A setting means for setting inspection conditions, An inspection means that compares the inspection image with a reference image and generates an inspection result for the inspection image based on the inspection conditions, A means for displaying the inspection results obtained by the aforementioned inspection means on a display unit, The system is characterized by having a control means that can change the inspection level included in the inspection conditions and execute a confirmation mode that allows the user to confirm the inspection result by the inspection means corresponding to the inspection level. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, in the inspection of printed materials to determine their quality, the appropriate inspection level can be easily confirmed, thereby enabling efficient inspection of printed materials.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numeral. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] The attached drawings are included in the specification and constitute part thereof, illustrating embodiments of the present invention and are used together with the description to explain the principles of the present invention. [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of each device in the inspection system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] A schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of a printing apparatus and equipment connected to the printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a job properties screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a job setting screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] A functional block diagram illustrating the functions of the inspection device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the main screen of the inspection tool displayed on the display unit of an inspection device related to the application method. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of a reference image creation screen displayed on the display unit of the inspection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the inspection settings screen displayed when the edit button in Figure 7 is pressed in the inspection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10]A diagram showing an example of an inspection screen displayed on the display unit of the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of an operation setting screen displayed on the inspection apparatus when an operation setting button is pressed on the screen of FIG. 9. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of a level check mode screen displayed on the display unit of the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of an operation screen in the level check mode displayed on the display unit of the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of an operation screen in the level check mode when the inspection level of the key inspection area is changed from level 8 to level 7 and reinspection is performed. [Figure 15] A flowchart for explaining the process when the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment executes the level check mode. [Figure 16] A flowchart for explaining the process in which the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment performs reinspection at the changed inspection level and displays the result after the inspection level is changed.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential for the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This inspection system includes an information processing apparatus 109, an inspection apparatus 108, a client computer 110, and a printing apparatus 101. Note that the printing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described by taking an electrophotographic printing apparatus as an example, but this printing apparatus may be a printing apparatus using a different image forming method such as an inkjet method or an offset method.

[0014] The printing device 101 is connected to the information processing device 109 via cable 112. The information processing device 109 is also connected to the client computer 110 via network 113.

[0015] The printing device 101 includes a UI panel 102, paper feed decks 103 and 104, and a manual feed tray 117. The UI panel 102 is a user interface equipped with, for example, a capacitive touch panel. Furthermore, the printing device 101 can be connected to an inspection unit 106, a high-capacity stacker 107, a relay transport unit 115, and a finisher 116 as optional accessories. The inspection unit 106 is connected to the inspection device 108 via a cable 114. The high-capacity stacker 107 includes a main tray 324 (Figure 3) and a top tray 320, and the main tray can hold several thousand sheets of paper at once. The relay transport unit 115 has paper cooling and decurling functions and also includes a top tray 325 on which printed paper can be loaded. The finisher 116 has finishing functions such as stapling and includes trays 341 and 342 for loading finished paper.

[0016] A print job is generated on the client computer 110, sent to the information processing device 109 via the network 113, and managed by the information processing device 109. The print job is then sent from the information processing device 109 to the printing device 101 via cable 112, and the printing device 101 performs the printing process on the paper. The information processing device 109 is, for example, a print controller. Alternatively, the print job may be generated and managed in the information processing device 109, sent to the printing device 101 via the network 112, and managed by the printing device 101.

[0017] The client computer 110, information processing device 109, and inspection device 108 may also be connected to the cable 112 so that they can communicate with the printing device 101. The inspection device 108 may also be connected to the information processing device 109 and client computer 110 via the network 113. In other words, the connection configuration of the printing device 101, information processing device 109, and client computer 110 shown in Figure 1 is just one example, and it goes without saying that there are various other connection configurations besides those shown in this embodiment. Furthermore, the printing device 101 may also be connected to other devices such as a folding machine and a bookbinding machine.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of each device in the inspection system according to the embodiment.

[0019] First, let's explain the configuration of the printing device 101.

[0020] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the printing device 101 via the system bus 212 by loading programs stored in the memory unit 205 into the RAM (Ramdom Access Memory) 202 and executing them. The RAM 202 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 201 and is used as the CPU 201's work area and other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 205 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the printing device 101.

[0021] The engine interface 209 is responsible for communication and control with the printer engine 210. The paper feed deck interface 204 is responsible for communication and control with the paper feed deck 211. The paper feed deck 211 is a collective term for the paper feed decks 103 and 104 in Figure 1 as a hardware configuration. The UI panel 203 is the hardware configuration of the UI panel 102 in Figure 1 and provides a user interface for general operation of the printing device 101. In this embodiment, the UI panel 203 is equipped with a capacitive touch panel.

[0022] The network interface (hereinafter referred to as NWI / F) 207 is connected to the NWI / F 238 of the information processing device 109 via cable 213 and is responsible for communication between the information processing device 109 and the printer 101. In this embodiment, the network interfaces connected to the system buses 212 and 239 are directly connected to each other, but the information processing device 109 and the printer 101 may be connected by a network, for example, and the connection method is not limited. The video I / F 206 is connected to the video I / F 233 via video cable 241 and is responsible for the communication of image data between the information processing device 109 and the printer 101.

[0023] Furthermore, the connection interface between the information processing device 109 and the printing device 101 may be a form that integrates the functions of NWI / F238 and video I / F233. Also, the connection interface between the printing device 101 and the information processing device 109 may be a form that integrates the functions of NWI / F207 and video I / F206.

[0024] Accessory I / F 208 connects to multiple accessory I / Fs 214, 220, 250, and 260 via cable 225. That is, the printing device 101 communicates with the inspection unit 106, the large-capacity stacker 107, the relay transport unit 115, and the finisher 116 via these accessory I / Fs.

[0025] Next, I will explain the configuration of the inspection unit 106.

[0026] The CPU 216 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the inspection unit 106 via the system bus 219 by loading and executing programs stored in the memory unit 247 into the RAM 217. The RAM 217 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 216 and is used as the CPU 216's work area and other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 247 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the inspection unit 106. The inspection device I / F 215 is connected to the inspection unit I / F 229 of the inspection device 108 via cable 248. That is, the inspection unit 106 communicates with the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215 and the inspection unit I / F 229.

[0027] The imaging unit 218 is equipped with an imaging function, for example, a contact image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CIS), and captures images of paper (printed material) passing through the inspection unit 106, and transmits the captured images to the inspection device 108 via the inspection device I / F 215. Note that the CIS for the imaging unit 218 is just one example of a sensor, and other types of sensors such as CCD image sensors may also be used, and the imaging method is not limited.

[0028] Next, we will explain the configuration of the large-capacity stacker 107.

[0029] The CPU 221 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the large-capacity stacker 107 via the system bus 224 by loading and executing programs stored in the memory unit 248 into the RAM 222. The RAM 222 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 221 and is used as the CPU 221's work area and other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 248 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the large-capacity stacker 107. The paper output unit 223 controls the paper output operation to the main tray 324 and the top tray 320, as well as monitoring and controlling the loading status of the main tray 324 and the top tray 320, respectively.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the relay transport unit 115 will be explained.

[0031] The CPU 251 controls and performs calculations in each part of the relay transport unit 115 via the system bus 255 by loading and executing programs stored in the memory unit 254 into the RAM 252. The RAM 252 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 251 and is used as the CPU 251's work area and other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 254 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the relay transport unit 115. The paper output unit 251 controls the paper output operation to the top tray 325 and monitors and controls the loading status of the top tray 325.

[0032] Next, we will explain the configuration of the finisher 116.

[0033] The CPU 261 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the finisher 116 via the system bus 265 by loading and executing programs stored in the memory unit 264 into the RAM 262. The RAM 262 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 261 and is used as the CPU 261's work area and other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 264 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the finisher 116. The post-processing unit 263 performs post-processing on printed materials, such as binding, folding, or stapling.

[0034] Next, the configuration of the inspection device 108 will be explained.

[0035] The CPU 226 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the inspection device 108 via the system bus 230 by loading and executing programs stored in the memory unit 228 into the RAM 227. The RAM 227 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 226 and is used as the CPU 226's work area and other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 228 functions as the memory area and work memory during the operation of the inspection device 108. The display unit 245 is, for example, a liquid crystal display connected to the inspection device 108 and is used to accept user input to the inspection device 108 and to display the status of the inspection device 108.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 109 will be explained.

[0037] The CPU 234 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the information processing device 109 via the system bus 239 by loading programs stored in the memory unit 236 into the RAM 235 and executing them. The RAM 235 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 234 and is used as the CPU 234's work area and other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 236 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the information processing device 109. The NWI / F 237 is connected to the NWI / F 240 of the client computer 110 via a network and communicates with the client computer 110. The PDL analysis unit 231 performs interpretation processing of PDL data such as PDF, PostScript, and PCL received from the client computer 110. The display unit 232 is, for example, a liquid crystal display connected to the information processing device 109 and is used to accept user input to the information processing device 109 and to display the status of the information processing device 109.

[0038] In this embodiment, the information processing device 109 and the inspection device 108 are described as not communicating directly, but this configuration is merely one example. For example, the inspection device 108 may have an NWI / F, and the information processing device 109 may communicate directly with the inspection device 108 via the NWI / F and NWI / F237.

[0039] Finally, I will explain the configuration of client computer 110.

[0040] The CPU 243 controls and performs calculations in various parts of the client computer 110 via the system bus 246 by loading and executing programs stored in the memory unit 244 into the RAM 242. The RAM 242 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU 243 and is used as the CPU 243's work area and other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 244 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the client computer 110.

[0041] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of the printing apparatus 101 and the equipment connected to the printing apparatus 101 according to this embodiment.

[0042] The printing device 101 accepts user input via the UI panel 102 and displays the printing and device status. Various types of paper can be stored in the paper feed decks 103 and 104. Each paper feed deck can separate only the top sheet of paper stored and transport it to the paper transport path 305. The developing stations 301 to 304 use colored toners Y, M, C, and K respectively to form a toner image in order to create a color image. The toner image formed here is first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 306. The intermediate transfer belt 306 rotates clockwise in Figure 3, and at the secondary transfer position 307, the toner image is transferred to the paper transported from the paper transport path 305. The fixing unit 308 is equipped with a pressure roller and a heating roller, and as the paper passes between the rollers, the toner is melted and pressed, fixing the toner image to the paper. The paper that has passed through the fixing unit 308 is transported through the paper transport path 309 to the transport path 312. If further melting and pressing are required for fixing depending on the type of paper, the paper that has passed through the fixing unit 308 is transported to the second fixing unit 310 via the upper paper transport path, where additional melting and pressing are performed, and then transported to the transport path 312 via the paper transport path 311. If the image formation mode is double-sided printing, the paper after fixing is transported to the paper inversion path 313, inverted in the inversion path 313, and then transported to the double-sided transport path 314, where the second image is transferred at the secondary transfer position 307.

[0043] Inspection unit 106 has CIS315 and 316 positioned opposite each other. CIS315 is a sensor for reading the top surface of the paper, and CIS316 is a sensor for reading the bottom surface of the paper. When the paper transported along the paper transport path 317 reaches a predetermined position, inspection unit 106 scans the paper using CIS315 and 316. The scanned image is transmitted to inspection device 108 via inspection device I / F215 and inspection unit I / F229. The CPU226 of inspection device 108 determines whether the received image has defects and notifies inspection unit 106 of the result of the determination again via inspection unit I / F229 and inspection device I / F215. The CPU216 of inspection unit 106 notifies the received determination result to the large capacity stacker 107, relay transport unit 115, and finisher 116 via accessory I / F214, 220, 250, and 260.

[0044] The high-capacity stacker 107 has a main tray 324 as a tray for stacking paper. Paper that has passed through the inspection unit 106 enters the high-capacity stacker 107 via the paper transport path 319, and is loaded onto the main tray 324 via the paper transport path 322. Furthermore, the high-capacity stacker 107 has a top tray 320 as an output tray. When outputting paper to the top tray 320, the CPU 221 of the high-capacity stacker 107 transports the paper from the paper transport path 319 to the top tray 320 via the paper transport path 321. The flipping unit 323 for flipping the paper is used when loading paper onto the main tray 324. When loading paper onto the main tray 324, the flipping unit 323 flips the paper once so that the orientation of the incoming paper is the same as the orientation of the paper when loaded. On the other hand, when transporting to the top tray 320, the paper is ejected without flipping during loading, so the flipping operation at the flipping unit 323 is not performed.

[0045] The relay transport unit 115 can eject paper inspected by the inspection unit 106 to the top tray 325 via the paper transport path 327. The top tray 325 can be fitted with an additional long tray 326. By installing the long tray 326, long paper, for example, 1 meter or longer, can be ejected and loaded without loading problems.

[0046] The finisher 116 specifically has finishing functions such as stapling (single-point or double-point binding), punching (two-hole or three-hole), and saddle-stitch binding. The finisher 116 is equipped with two output trays 341 and 342, and outputs to the output tray 341 via the sheet transport path 329. However, stapling and other processing cannot be performed on the sheet transport path 329. When stapling and other processing is required, the sheet is transported via the sheet transport path 340, and the finishing function specified by the user is executed in the processing unit 343, and output to the output tray 342. The output trays 341 and 342 can be raised and lowered, and it is also possible to lower the output tray 341 and load the sheets that have been finished in the processing unit 343 onto the output tray 341. In addition, a long tray 326 can be installed on the output tray 341. This allows long paper to be ejected and loaded without loading defects, similar to the relay transport unit 115.

[0047] Figure 4 shows an example of a job properties screen 401 for setting various conditions for a print job, which is displayed on the display unit 232 of the information processing device 109 when the information processing device 109 according to the embodiment is started up.

[0048] Job properties are stored as a data file in the storage unit 236 of the information processing device 109, and the CPU 234 loads them into RAM 235 when the screen is displayed or the job is executed. Then, according to the settings on the properties screen 401, the data in RAM 235 is updated, and finally the data file in the storage unit 236 is also updated. There are many job conditions, and buttons are displayed on the left side of the screen, categorized by type. In the properties screen 401 of Figure 4, the media button 402, which relates to the paper settings to be used for printing, is selected. This displays the paper settings screen corresponding to the print paper settings stored in RAM 235. The paper size to be printed is displayed in Output Paper Size 404, and in Figure 4, "A3" is selected. If you want to change the paper size on this screen, press the Output Paper Size Selection button 408. This displays a list of configurable paper sizes (not shown), and the user can select and set the paper size they want to use for printing from that list. When the OK button 406 is pressed, the settings made on this screen 401 are saved to RAM 235, and these settings are saved as job properties in the non-volatile memory area of ​​storage unit 236. If the user does not want to cancel all the values ​​entered on this screen and does not want to save them, the user presses the Cancel button 407.

[0049] Figure 5 shows an example of a job setting screen 501 that is displayed on the display unit 232 of the information processing device 109 when the information processing device 109 according to the embodiment is started up.

[0050] In Figure 5, the finishing button 502 on the left side of the screen is selected, and the settings screen 501 for the finishing process in the finisher 116 is displayed.

[0051] The output destination 503 displays the destination from which the printed paper will be ejected. In Figure 5, the output tray 341 of the finisher 116 is selected as the output destination. Therefore, "Tray (Upper))" is displayed in the output destination 503. If the user wishes to change the output destination, they press the output destination selection button 504 to display the output destination selection candidate list 505 and select an output destination from the list. The output destination selection candidate list 505 displays a list of trays from which the printer 101 can eject printed paper.

[0052] Next, the inspection function of the inspection device 108 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0053] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating the functions of the inspection device 108 according to this embodiment.

[0054] The equipment communication unit 601 communicates with the printing device 101 via the inspection unit I / F 229. The inspection unit 106 reads the printed material printed for inspection, and receives the image data obtained from the reading as the read image. The equipment communication unit 601 also notifies the printing device 101 of the inspection result of the read image, and changes the output destination of the inspected printed material according to the inspection result. The UI processing unit 602 displays the status of the inspection job and accepts input of inspection conditions from the user. The inspection setting data 603 is a value such as a threshold (corresponding to the inspection level) that determines whether the inspection passes or fails. The reference image 604 is the correct image data used for inspection. This reference image 604 can be obtained by reading a printed material with the correct image printed on it with the inspection unit 106, or it can be generated by the information processing device 109 and the RIP data used for printing by the printing device 101 can be received and used as the reference image.

[0055] The inspection image 605 is a read image obtained when the inspection unit 106 reads the printed material with the imaging unit 218. The inspection setting data 603, reference image 604, and inspection image 605 are stored as files in the non-volatile memory area, which is the storage unit 228 of the inspection device 108. The evaluation unit 606 compares the reference image 604 and the inspection image 605 to determine whether the image of the printed material meets the inspection criteria. For example, if the object of inspection is "stain (spot) detection," the evaluation unit 606 determines that the inspection is passed if the size of a spot that is not present in the reference image 604 but is present only in the inspection image 605 is below a threshold, and determines that the inspection is failed if its size exceeds the threshold. Note that the inspection image (read image) received from the inspection unit 106 may have tilt or misalignment due to the transport condition of the printed material, etc. The position correction unit 607 rotates and / or moves the coordinates of the read image to correct its position, and uses the corrected image data as the inspection image 605.

[0056] Next, I will explain the operation screen of the inspection device 108.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an example of the main screen 701 of the inspection tool displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection device 108 according to the embodiment.

[0058] In Figure 7, the already registered inspection data 703 is displayed in the center of the screen. In the example in Figure 7, the inspected data named "Poster 001" and the inspection data that has not yet been inspected named "Meeting Materials 002" are displayed. The inspected data includes the start and end dates and times of the inspection, the number of items inspected (100 in Figure 7), and the number of NGs (the number of printed materials judged to be unsatisfactory, which is 0 in Figure 7). To create new inspection data, the user presses the "Create New" button 702. This transitions to the screen in Figure 8, where the user begins the process by creating a reference image. To create inspection data by editing existing inspection data, the user selects the registered inspection data and presses the "Edit" button 704. To perform the inspection, the user presses the "Open Inspection Screen" button 705.

[0059] Figure 8 shows an example of the reference image creation screen 801 that is displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection device 108 when the new creation button 702 in Figure 7 is pressed.

[0060] When the reference image creation screen 801 is displayed, a file to store the new reference image is created in the RAM 227 of the inspection device 108. When the "Start Loading" button 802 is pressed, the system enters a state of waiting to load the reference image, and the scanned image obtained by scanning a sheet of paper with the correct answer image using the inspection unit 106 is acquired and used as the reference image. Alternatively, the reference image may be obtained by acquiring RIP data from the information processing device 109. The acquired reference image is displayed in the thumbnail view 803 and the reference image display field 804. If the user wishes to register it as a reference image, they press the registration button 805. This reference image is then linked to the new inspection data and saved as a file in the storage unit 228 of the inspection device 108 as the reference image for the new inspection data. That is, the file contains the inspection data and the corresponding reference image. If the user wishes to finish without registering new inspection data, they press the cancel button 806.

[0061] Figure 9 shows an example of the inspection setting screen 901 that is displayed when the edit button 704 in Figure 7 is pressed in the inspection device 108 according to this embodiment.

[0062] When inspection data is selected and the edit button 704 is pressed, the reference image data file associated with the selected inspection data is read from the storage unit 228 to the RAM 227, and the inspection setting screen 901 in Figure 9 is displayed. The reference image is displayed in the reference image display area 903. The user can specify the inspection area to be inspected by clicking on the displayed reference image with a pointing device. Here, it is possible to specify a priority inspection area 905 and a standard inspection area 904 as inspection areas. For each area, the inspection level for, for example, dot-shaped stains and streak-shaped stains can be set. Area 907 displays the inspection levels for dot-shaped stains and streak-shaped stains set for the priority inspection area 905 and the standard inspection area 904, respectively. In this example, the inspection levels for dot-shaped stains and streak-shaped stains in the priority inspection area 905 are both set to level 8, and the inspection levels for dot-shaped stains and streak-shaped stains in the standard inspection area 904 are both set to level 3. Here, the inspection level can be set to an integer value in the range of 1 to 9. When the inspection level value is high, the inspection device 108 performs a more rigorous inspection, determining even small dots or thin streaks as failures. The inspection area is represented by coordinate values, and the inspection level is stored as a numerical value as part of the inspection data on RAM 227. When the OK button 908 is pressed, the setting data set on this screen 901 is stored as part of the inspection data on RAM 227 and saved as a file in the non-volatile memory of the storage unit 228. Here, for example, the threshold value corresponding to inspection level 9 is the smallest value, and the threshold value increases as the inspection level value decreases. Therefore, in the case of inspection level 9, if the difference between the read image and the reference image is greater than the smallest threshold value, it is determined that there is a defect in the printed image, resulting in the strictest inspection level.

[0063] When the level check button 911 is pressed, the system transitions to the level check mode screen, where the inspection results for the selected inspection level for the inspection area can be viewed. The level check mode screen will be described later with reference to Figure 13. The operation setting button 910 allows the user to view and change the settings related to the operation of the inspection device 108 during inspection. These settings are part of the inspection data and have already been loaded into the RAM 227.

[0064] Figure 11 shows an example of the operation setting screen 1101 displayed on the inspection device 108 when the operation setting button 910 in Figure 9 is pressed.

[0065] The operation settings screen 1101 allows you to change and confirm settings related to the inspection operation. Escape mode is a mode for separating paper that fails inspection from paper that passes inspection. When the escape mode switch 1102 is selected as ON, paper that passes inspection and paper that fails inspection can be output to specified output destinations. When the escape mode switch 1102 is OFF, paper that fails inspection is output to the same output destination as paper that passes inspection. The inspection error (inspection failure) paper output destination display unit 1103 displays the tray to which paper that has been determined to fail inspection will be output. In the example in Figure 11, when escape mode is ON, the top tray 320 of the large-capacity stacker 107 is selected as the output destination for paper that fails inspection. To change the output destination, the user presses the output destination change button 1104 to display the list of candidate output destinations for inspection error paper 1105, and selects the desired output destination from the list of candidate destinations 1105.

[0066] The paper size 1106 is the paper size of the reference image used for comparison during inspection, and in Figure 11, "A3" size is selected. When the OK button 1107 is pressed, the various settings set on this screen 1101 are successively overwritten with the inspection data in the RAM 227 of the inspection device 108. The data stored in RAM 227 is then saved as a file in the non-volatile memory of the storage unit 228.

[0067] Figure 10 shows an example of an inspection screen 1001 displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection device 108 according to the embodiment.

[0068] Figure 10 shows the state before the inspection begins. When the inspection start button 1002 is pressed, the inspection state is activated, and a comparative inspection is performed between the reference image 903 and the scanned image obtained by reading the printed material. The results display area 1007 displays the number of pages inspected and the number of failed items detected. Since the inspection has not yet started, the number of inspected pages and the number of NGs are all 0. The close button 1008 closes this screen and returns to the previous screen.

[0069] Figure 12 shows an example of the level check mode screen 1201 that is displayed on the display unit 245 of the inspection device 108 according to the embodiment, when the level check button 911 of the inspection setting screen 901 in Figure 9 is pressed.

[0070] The reference image display area 1203 displays the reference image that has been registered with the inspection device 108 prior to the inspection as the reference image for the inspection. The page-turning button 1208 is a button for switching between pages of the reference image. The user has specified the priority inspection area 1204 and the standard inspection area 1205 on the reference image, with the priority inspection area 1204 being indicated by a solid line frame and the standard inspection area 1205 by a dashed line frame. Area 1206 displays the inspection levels for dot-like stains and streak-like stains set for the priority inspection area 1204 and the standard inspection area 1205, respectively. These inspection levels can be changed between inspection levels 1 to 9, similar to area 907 in Figure 12. Here, level 5 is set as the inspection level for the standard inspection area 1205, and level 8 is set as the inspection level for the priority inspection area 1204. Pressing the exit button 1210 exits the level check mode and returns to the inspection setting screen 901 in Figure 9. On this screen, the Start Check button 1202 is enabled. When the Start Check button 1202 is pressed, the system starts reading the printed material to be inspected in order to check the inspection results based on the inspection level set on this screen. If the reference image is a RIP image, the inspection device 108 may acquire and store the image data of the job stored together with the information processing device 109 as the reference image when registering the job with the information processing device 109.

[0071] Furthermore, when multiple printed materials are generated and inspected at this time, reference images corresponding to these multiple printed materials are also registered in advance and are stored in the storage unit 228 of the inspection device 108, along with the scanned images of the multiple printed materials, in association with those scanned images.

[0072] Figure 13 shows an example of the operation screen 1301 in level check mode (confirmation mode) displayed on the display unit 243 of the inspection device 108 according to the embodiment. In this screen, the check start button 1202 is disabled.

[0073] The print image is read by the inspection unit 106, and the display unit 245 displays the status of the comparative inspection between the read image and the reference image. Unlike the display area 1203 in Figure 12, the read image is displayed in the display area 1303. The page-turning button 1308 is used to advance the pages of read images when multiple read images are stored as inspection targets. The display area 1303 then displays the comparison results between the reference image and the read image based on the inspection level specified by the user. In the example in Figure 13, there are no defective areas judged as failing in the standard inspection area 1305 of the read image. On the other hand, in the focus inspection area 1304 of the read image, two failing areas (defective areas) 1309, which were judged to have a predetermined difference (corresponding to the inspection level) between the read image and the reference image, are clearly displayed. Specifically, in this inspection, for example, the read image and the reference image are compared pixel by pixel, and pixel areas where the percentage of pixels whose difference is determined to be greater than a predetermined difference (corresponding to the inspection level) is greater than a predetermined value (which may be set in accordance with the inspection level) are determined to be defective.

[0074] Area 1306 displays the inspection levels for dot-like stains and streak-like stains, set for the priority inspection area 1204 and the standard inspection area 1205, respectively, as well as the failure result display unit 1312. The failure result display unit 1312 indicates that one stain (dot) and one stain (streak) were detected in the failure area. The inspection level displayed in area 1306 can be changed between inspection levels 1 and 9, similar to area 1206 in Figure 12.

[0075] Here, the user, for example, looks at the read image displayed in the display area 1303 and, if they believe the detection result is an overdetection, changes the inspection level in the priority inspection area 1304 to a lower level. After changing the inspection level, the user presses the "Inspect and Save History" button 1211 to instruct a comparison between the reference image and the read image. As a result, the detection result based on the changed inspection level is displayed in the display area 1303. This allows the user to check the difference in inspection results corresponding to the change in inspection level without having to reprint to generate a new printout. Here, for example, the inspection level of the priority inspection area 1304 is changed from level 8 to level 7 and a re-inspection is performed.

[0076] Although not shown in Figure 13, for example, a comparative inspection of the read image with a reference image may be performed based on each of the inspection levels 1 to 9, and the areas that failed and the number of such areas may be stored. Alternatively, the inspection results for each inspection target area may be displayed according to the inspection level.

[0077] Alternatively, for each of the inspection levels 1 through 9, only the inspection levels in which a failure was determined may be displayed, for example, in correspondence with the inspection area.

[0078] Furthermore, if there are any areas that fail, the system may display the inspection level at which the level changes from pass to fail, or from fail to pass.

[0079] Alternatively, the test results for each area corresponding to multiple test levels may be displayed side-by-side for easier viewing.

[0080] Figure 14 shows an example of the operation screen 1401 in level check mode when the inspection level of the priority inspection area 1304 is changed from level 8 to level 7 and a re-inspection is performed. In this screen as well, the check start button 1202 is disabled.

[0081] Here, a comparison is performed between the reference image and the inspection image based on the changed inspection level, and the inspection results are displayed. In the display area 1303, the unacceptable area 1309, which was considered an over-detection as shown in Figure 13, has disappeared. Also, the unacceptable result display section 1312 shows that the stains (dots) and stains (streaks) have disappeared. As a result, the user can determine that there are no areas that would be judged as defective if the inspection level of the priority inspection area 1304 were 7, and that the image of the priority inspection area 1304 in the read image is also fine from the read image (inspection image) displayed in the display area 1303. In other words, while over-detection occurred due to excessively strict inspection at inspection level 8, it can be determined that over-detection was prevented by lowering the inspection level to 7. Once the optimal inspection level has been confirmed, the user can press the finish button 1210 to update and save the inspection level of the priority inspection area in the inspection setting data 603.

[0082] Furthermore, when the "Save Inspection History and Exit" button 1402 is pressed, the system compares the target inspection image 605, which is already stored in the inspection device 108, with the reference image 604 based on the updated inspection level. Then, as explained in Figure 7, the inspection data and its inspection results can be added as inspection history. In this way, the user can obtain inspection results based on the updated inspection level and record them as inspection history without having to print again to generate a printed document or read the printed document again. This allows the user to find out which papers were rejected based on the inspection history, and to instruct the removal or reprinting of the printed documents that were judged to be rejected.

[0083] Next, the process when the level check mode is started in the inspection device 108 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0084] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the process when the inspection device 108 according to this embodiment executes the level check mode. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 226 of the inspection device 108 loading the program stored in the memory unit 228 into the RAM 227 and executing it. The process shown in this flowchart starts when the level check button 911 in Figure 9 is pressed and the level check mode screen in Figure 12 is displayed. At this time, the inspection data and associated reference image selected by the user are read from the memory unit 228 into the RAM 227, and the reference image is displayed in the reference image display area 1203.

[0085] First, in S1501, the CPU 226 disables the check start button 1202. This is because the settings for the inspection area and other parameters may not be complete. Next, in S1502, the CPU 226 waits for the user to set the inspection conditions, such as the inspection area and inspection level, using the reference image. The process for setting the inspection conditions, such as the inspection area, is as described above, with reference to Figure 9. In S1502, it can be determined whether the conditions have been set, for example, by whether the OK button 908 in Figure 9 has been pressed. Once it is determined that the inspection conditions have been set, the process proceeds to S1503, and the CPU 226 enables the check start button 1202. Then, in S1504, the CPU 226 waits for the check start button 1202 to be pressed, that is, for an instruction to start the check.

[0086] In S1504, the CPU 226 detects that the check start button 1202 has been pressed and that the start of the inspection has been instructed, and proceeds to S1506, instructing the information processing device 109 to start the print job. Then, in S1506, while waiting for the job executed by the information processing device 109 to finish, the CPU 226 stores the scanned images of each page of the printed material received from the inspection unit 106 in the RAM 227 in S1507. Once the job is finished and the scanned images of all pages have been received and stored in the RAM 227, the scanned images are also saved as files in the storage unit 228 so that they can be used again.

[0087] Then, in S1506, the CPU 226 determines that the job executed by the information processing device 109 has finished, and proceeds to S1508. The CPU 226 then compares the reference image and the read image based on the currently set inspection level and inspects the read image. Then, in S1509, the CPU 226 displays the inspection result on the display unit 245 and terminates this process. Figure 13 shows an example of the display of the inspection result at this time.

[0088] Next, the process of updating the inspection result by changing the inspection level in the level check mode of the inspection device 108 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0089] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the process by which the inspection device 108 according to the embodiment performs a re-inspection at the changed inspection level after the inspection level has been changed and displays the result. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 226 of the inspection device 108 loading the program stored in the memory unit 228 into the RAM 227 and executing it. The process shown in this flowchart starts after the process at the start of the level check mode described in Figure 15 has been completed and the operation screen of Figure 13 is displayed. At this time, it is assumed that the reading image selected by the user and the corresponding reference image have been read from the memory unit 228 into the RAM 227.

[0090] First, in S1601, the CPU 226 determines whether the exit button 1210 has been pressed. If the exit button 1210 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1609, where the level check mode is terminated and this process is finished. If the exit button 1210 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S1602, where the CPU 226 determines whether the "Inspect and Save History" button 1211 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Inspect and Save History" button 1211 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1608, where the CPU 226 performs an inspection of the read image using the reference image and the read image loaded into RAM 227, based on the currently set inspection level stored in RAM 227. After the inspection is completed, the inspection results are added to the history file stored in the storage unit 228, and the process proceeds to S1609.

[0091] If the "Inspect and Save History" button 1211 is not pressed, the process proceeds to S1603, where the CPU 226 determines whether the inspection level has been changed. If it determines that the inspection level has been changed, the process proceeds to S1605; otherwise, it proceeds to S1604. In S1604, the CPU 226 determines whether the displayed page, i.e., the page-turning button 1308, has been operated and the image being inspected has been changed. If it determines that the displayed page has been changed, the process proceeds to S1605; otherwise, it proceeds to S1601.

[0092] In S1605, the CPU 226 reads the reference image and the read image corresponding to the selected page that has been loaded into the RAM 227. Then, proceeding to S1606, the CPU 226 functions as the evaluation unit 606 and performs an inspection by comparing the reference image and the inspection image based on the set inspection level. Then, proceeding to S1607, the CPU 226 functions as the UI processing unit 602 and draws the inspection image in the display area 1303. If there are any areas in the inspection image that are judged to be unsatisfactory, it draws a dashed frame around those areas. Furthermore, it displays the number of defects (dots, streaks, etc.) that were found to be unsatisfactory in the failure result display unit 1304. The CPU 226 repeats the series of processes from S1601 until it detects a termination instruction from the user.

[0093] As described above, according to the embodiment, it becomes possible to easily confirm the effect of the inspection level during the inspection of read images. Furthermore, it becomes possible to set an inspection level for each inspection area of ​​the read image and easily confirm the differences in inspection results due to the inspection level for each area. As a result, it has the effect of reducing the user operation time and effort required to set the inspection level, and allowing the user to set the desired inspection level.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the inspection of printed materials was performed using the inspection device 108 and the inspection unit 106, but this may also be achieved with a single inspection device equipped with these functions.

[0095] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0096] This specification and drawings disclose the following inspection systems, inspection devices, their control methods, and programs.

[0097] [Item 1] An inspection system comprising an image forming apparatus and an inspection apparatus for inspecting printed materials formed by the image forming apparatus, A reading means that reads the aforementioned printed material and generates an inspection image, A setting means for setting inspection conditions, An inspection means that compares the inspection image with a reference image and generates an inspection result for the inspection image based on the inspection conditions, A means for displaying the inspection results obtained by the aforementioned inspection means on a display unit, Control means that can change the inspection level included in the inspection conditions and execute a confirmation mode that allows the user to confirm the inspection result by the inspection means corresponding to the inspection level, An inspection system characterized by having the following features.

[0098] [Item 2] The control means is A storage means for storing the aforementioned inspection images, A means for accepting changes to the inspection level by the user, A means for displaying the inspection results of the target inspection image stored by the storage means and the reference image, based on the changed inspection level, on the display unit, The inspection system according to item 1, characterized by having the following features.

[0099] [Item 3] The control means further, The inspection system according to item 2, characterized in that it has means for storing the inspection results of the target inspection image and the reference image, based on the changed inspection level, as an inspection history.

[0100] [Item 4] The inspection system according to item 3, characterized in that, when the storage means stores a plurality of inspection images, the control means stores the inspection results of each of the plurality of inspection images and the corresponding reference image based on the changed inspection level as an inspection history.

[0101] [Item 5] The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that the inspection conditions include a region to be inspected in the reference image and an inspection level corresponding to the region.

[0102] [Item 6] The inspection system according to item 2, characterized in that, in the display of the inspection results, the region of the inspection image that was determined to be defective in the inspection results is displayed in an identifiable manner.

[0103] [Item 7] The inspection system according to item 6, characterized in that the display of the inspection results includes a region of the inspection image determined to be defective in the inspection results, and a display of the inspection level corresponding to that region.

[0104] [Item 8] The inspection system according to item 2, characterized in that the display of the inspection results includes the number of locations determined to be defective in the inspection results.

[0105] [Item 9] The setting means displays a setting screen for setting the inspection conditions on the display unit, The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that the setting means accepts the area to be inspected in the reference image and the inspection level for the area to be inspected via the setting screen.

[0106] [Item 10] The setting means displays a setting screen for setting the inspection conditions on the display unit, The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that the control means executes the confirmation mode by pressing a predetermined button included in the setting screen.

[0107] [Item 11] The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 10, further comprising registration means for registering reference images corresponding to the aforementioned inspection images.

[0108] [Item 12] An inspection device for inspecting printed materials formed by an image forming apparatus, A reading means that reads the aforementioned printed material and generates an inspection image, A setting means for setting inspection conditions, An inspection means that compares the inspection image with a reference image and generates an inspection result for the inspection image based on the inspection conditions, A means for displaying the inspection results obtained by the aforementioned inspection means on a display unit, Control means that can change the inspection level included in the inspection conditions and execute a confirmation mode that allows the user to confirm the inspection result by the inspection means corresponding to the inspection level, An inspection device characterized by having the following features.

[0109] [Item 13] The control means is A storage means for storing the aforementioned inspection images, A means for accepting changes to the inspection level by the user, A means for displaying the inspection results of the target inspection image stored by the storage means and the reference image, based on the changed inspection level, on the display unit, The inspection apparatus according to item 12, characterized by having the following features.

[0110] [Item 14] The control means further, The inspection apparatus according to item 13, characterized in that it has means for storing the inspection results of the target inspection image and the reference image, based on the changed inspection level, as an inspection history.

[0111] [Item 15] The inspection apparatus according to item 14, characterized in that, when the storage means stores a plurality of inspection images, the control means stores the inspection results of each of the plurality of inspection images and the corresponding reference image based on the changed inspection level as an inspection history.

[0112] [Item 16] The inspection apparatus according to item 12, characterized in that the inspection conditions include a region to be inspected in the reference image and an inspection level corresponding to the region.

[0113] [Item 17] The inspection apparatus according to item 13, characterized in that, in the display of the inspection results, the region of the inspection image that was determined to be defective in the inspection results is displayed in an identifiable manner.

[0114] [Item 18] The inspection apparatus according to item 17, characterized in that the display of the inspection results includes a region of the inspection image determined to be defective in the inspection results, and a display of the inspection level corresponding to that region.

[0115] [Item 19] A control method for controlling an inspection device that inspects printed materials formed by an image forming apparatus, The reading means of the inspection device includes a reading step of reading the printed material and generating an inspection image, The setting means for the inspection device includes a setting step for setting inspection conditions, The inspection means of the inspection apparatus includes an inspection step of comparing the inspection image with a reference image and generating an inspection result of the inspection image based on the inspection conditions, The means of the inspection apparatus include a step of displaying the inspection results obtained in the inspection process on a display unit, The control means of the inspection device is capable of changing the inspection level included in the inspection conditions and includes a control step that executes a confirmation mode that allows the user to confirm the inspection result of the inspection process corresponding to the inspection level, A control method characterized by having the following features.

[0116] [Item 20] A program characterized by causing a computer to execute all of the steps of the control method described in item 19.

[0117] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to make the scope of the invention public. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 101...Printing device, 106...Inspection unit, 108...Inspection device, 109...Information processing device, 232...Display unit, 245...Display unit

Claims

1. An inspection system comprising an image forming apparatus and an inspection apparatus for inspecting printed materials formed by the image forming apparatus, A reading means that reads the aforementioned printed material and generates an inspection image, A setting means for setting inspection conditions, An inspection means that compares the inspection image with a reference image and generates an inspection result for the inspection image based on the inspection conditions, A means for displaying the inspection results obtained by the aforementioned inspection means on a display unit, Control means that can change the inspection level included in the inspection conditions and execute a confirmation mode that allows the user to confirm the inspection result by the inspection means corresponding to the inspection level, An inspection system characterized by having the following features.

2. The control means is A storage means for storing the aforementioned inspection images, A means for accepting changes to the inspection level by the user, A means for displaying the inspection results of the target inspection image stored by the storage means and the reference image, based on the changed inspection level, on the display unit, The inspection system according to claim 1, characterized by having the following features.

3. The control means further, The inspection system according to claim 2, further comprising means for storing the inspection results of the target inspection image and the reference image, based on the changed inspection level, as an inspection history.

4. The inspection system according to claim 3, wherein, when the storage means stores a plurality of inspection images, the control means stores the inspection results of each of the plurality of inspection images and the corresponding reference image based on the changed inspection level as an inspection history.

5. The inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the inspection conditions include a region to be inspected in the reference image and an inspection level corresponding to the region.

6. The inspection system according to claim 2, characterized in that the display of the inspection results shows the region of the inspection image that was determined to be defective in the inspection results in an identifiable manner.

7. The inspection system according to claim 6, characterized in that the display of the inspection results includes a region of the inspection image determined to be defective in the inspection results, and a display of the inspection level corresponding to that region.

8. The inspection system according to claim 2, characterized in that the display of the inspection results includes the number of locations determined to be defective in the inspection results.

9. The setting means displays a setting screen for setting the inspection conditions on the display unit, The inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting means accepts the area to be inspected in the reference image and the inspection level for the area to be inspected via the setting screen.

10. The setting means displays a setting screen for setting the inspection conditions on the display unit, The inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means executes the confirmation mode by pressing a predetermined button included in the setting screen.

11. The inspection system according to claim 1, further comprising registration means for registering reference images corresponding to the aforementioned inspection images.

12. An inspection device for inspecting printed materials formed by an image forming apparatus, A reading means that reads the aforementioned printed material and generates an inspection image, A setting means for setting inspection conditions, An inspection means that compares the inspection image with a reference image and generates an inspection result for the inspection image based on the inspection conditions, A means for displaying the inspection results obtained by the aforementioned inspection means on a display unit, Control means that can change the inspection level included in the inspection conditions and execute a confirmation mode that allows the user to confirm the inspection result by the inspection means corresponding to the inspection level, An inspection device characterized by having the following features.

13. The control means is A storage means for storing the aforementioned inspection images, A means for accepting changes to the inspection level by the user, A means for displaying the inspection results of the target inspection image stored by the storage means and the reference image, based on the changed inspection level, on the display unit, The inspection apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by having the following features.

14. The control means further, The inspection apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising means for storing the inspection results of the target inspection image and the reference image, based on the changed inspection level, as an inspection history.

15. The inspection apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, when the storage means stores a plurality of inspection images, the control means stores the inspection results of each of the plurality of inspection images and the corresponding reference image based on the changed inspection level as an inspection history.

16. The inspection apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the inspection conditions include a region to be inspected in the reference image and an inspection level corresponding to the region.

17. The inspection apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the display of the inspection results shows the region of the inspection image that was determined to be defective in the inspection results in an identifiable manner.

18. The inspection apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the display of the inspection results includes a region of the inspection image determined to be defective in the inspection results, and a display of the inspection level corresponding to said region.

19. A control method for controlling an inspection device that inspects printed materials formed by an image forming apparatus, The reading means of the inspection device includes a reading step of reading the printed material and generating an inspection image, The setting means for the inspection device includes a setting step for setting inspection conditions, The inspection means of the inspection apparatus includes an inspection step of comparing the inspection image with a reference image and generating an inspection result of the inspection image based on the inspection conditions, The means of the inspection apparatus include a step of displaying the inspection results obtained in the inspection process on a display unit, The control means of the inspection device includes a control step that can change the inspection level included in the inspection conditions and executes a confirmation mode that allows the user to confirm the inspection result of the inspection process corresponding to the inspection level, A control method characterized by having the following features.

20. A program characterized by causing a computer to execute all of the steps of the control method described in claim 19.

Images