Inspection device, printing device, program, and inspection method

Abstract

Identify the printing process step that caused the abnormal print result. [Solution] An inspection device for inspecting print results, comprising: a comparison unit that compares image data generated from data obtained in each of three or more steps of the printing process; a quality determination unit that determines whether the image data is good or bad based on the comparison results; and an output unit that outputs the result of the determination, wherein the quality determination unit identifies the step in which a difference occurred in the image data and determines that a cause for a "bad" result has occurred in the identified step.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for determining the quality of a printed matter created based on a master image have been conventionally known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for comparing a master image with a read image of a printed matter created based on the master image and inspecting the quality of the printed matter.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] For example, a conventional inspection apparatus for inspecting a printing result compares a correct image such as a master image with an image of the printing result, and inspects the quality of the printing result based on the difference between the correct image such as the master image and the image of the printing result. However, when a difference is detected between the correct image such as the master image and the image of the printing result, the conventional inspection apparatus can determine that the printing result is abnormal, but it has been difficult to determine in which process from the first process to the last process of the printing process the abnormality occurred. Note that Patent Document 1 does not disclose such problems.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an inspection apparatus, a printing apparatus, a program, and an inspection method for specifying a process of a printing process in which a cause of an abnormal printing result occurs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is an inspection device for inspecting printing results, comprising: a comparison unit that compares image data generated from data obtained in each of three or more steps of the printing process; a quality determination unit that determines whether the image data is good or bad based on the results of the comparison; and an output unit that outputs the result of the determination, wherein the quality determination unit identifies the step in which a difference occurred in the image data and determines that a cause for a "bad" result has occurred in the identified step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to this disclosure, it is possible to identify the printing process step in which the cause of the abnormal print result occurred. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of the inspection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of Computer 500. [Figure 3] This is a functional configuration diagram of an example of an inspection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a functional configuration diagram of an example of an inspection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of an example of the processing procedure of the inspection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of a printing process involving three or more steps. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of an example of the process in step S10. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in steps S12 and S14. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in steps S12 and S14. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in steps S12 and S14. [Figure 11] This is an example table for displaying the cause of the problem on the inspection results screen. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process that outputs a list of pixel coordinates where differences were detected, along with reference location information. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of reference information. [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data used for analysis. [Figure 15] This is an illustrative image of an example of a test results screen. [Figure 16] This is an illustrative image of an example of a test results screen. [Figure 17] This is an illustrative image of an example of a test results screen. [Figure 18] This is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the inspection device 10. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for an inspection system including the inspection device 10 with the functional configuration shown in Figure 18. [Figure 20] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the printing device 14A. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0009] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the inspection system according to the first embodiment.

[0010] The inspection system shown in Figure 1 comprises an inspection device 10, a user terminal 12, a printing device 14, and an imaging device 16. The inspection device 10, user terminal 12, printing device 14, and imaging device 16 are connected to each other via a communication network N. The communication network N is, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0011] Furthermore, at least part of the data transfer between the inspection device 10, the user terminal 12, the printing device 14, and the imaging device 16 may be performed using a recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0012] The user terminal 12 is an information processing terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone that accepts user operations. The user terminal 12 is equipped with an application such as document creation software for creating print data.

[0013] The printing device 14 is a device that performs printing on paper according to print data. For example, the printing device 14 is a printer such as a laser printer or an inkjet printer. Also, the printing device 14 may be a multifunction device having a printing function and a scanning function.

[0014] The imaging device 16 has a scanning function or a camera function and captures an image of the printing result performed by the printing device 14. Note that the imaging device 16 may be omitted if the printing device 14 is a multifunction device having a scanning function.

[0015] The inspection device 10 is a device that inspects the printing result. The inspection device 10 is an information processing device such as a PC or a workstation. The inspection device 10 determines at which process from the first process to the last process of the printing process a cause for an abnormal printing result has occurred and outputs the determination result. Note that the inspection device 10 may display the determination result on its own display or cause it to be displayed on the display of the user terminal 12.

[0016] Note that the configuration of the inspection system shown in FIG. 1 is an example. For example, the inspection system may include other devices. Also, the inspection device 10 may be realized by a plurality of computers or may be realized as a cloud service.

[0017] The inspection device 10 in FIG. 1 is realized by, for example, a computer 500 having the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2. Also, the user terminal 12 may be realized by a computer 500 having the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2.

[0018] Computer 500 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, HD (Hard Disk) 504, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F 508, network I / F 509, data bus 510, keyboard 511, pointing device 512, drive 514, and media I / F 516.

[0019] The CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire computer 500 according to the program. The CPU 501 is an example of a processor and may have devices such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as an IPL (Initial Program Load). The RAM 503 is used as the work area for the CPU 501.

[0020] HD504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data to HD504 according to the control of the CPU 501.

[0021] The display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection interface 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The network interface 509 is an interface for data communication using the communication network N. The data bus 510 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting various components such as the CPU 501.

[0022] The keyboard 511 is a type of input device equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, or various instructions. The pointing device 512 is a type of input device for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, or moving a cursor. The drive 514 controls the reading or writing of various data to the removable recording medium 513. The recording medium 513 is, for example, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable). Note that the recording medium 513 is not limited to DVD-RW, but may also be a DVD-R, etc. The media interface 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to the recording medium 515, such as flash memory.

[0023] Note that the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2 is just one example; a configuration may be one that lacks some of the components shown in Figure 2, or one that includes components other than those shown in Figure 2.

[0024] The inspection system according to the first embodiment is realized, for example, by the functional configuration shown in Figures 3 and 4. Figures 3 and 4 are functional configuration diagrams of an example of the inspection system according to the first embodiment. The functional configuration diagrams shown in Figures 3 and 4 omit configurations that are unnecessary for the explanation of the first embodiment as appropriate.

[0025] The inspection device 10 and the user terminal 12 realize the functional configurations shown in Figures 3 and 4 by executing programs such as the OS (Operating System) and applications.

[0026] The user terminal 12 realizes the functional configuration shown in Figure 3 by running an application 20, such as document creation software, to create print data. The user terminal 12 in Figure 3 has a PDF (Portable Document Format) data output unit 22, a PDL (Page Description Language) data output unit 24, an image data output unit 26, and an application-specific data output unit 28.

[0027] The PDF data output unit 22 outputs PDF data, which is an example of print data, to the inspection device 10. The PDF data output unit 22 outputs PDF data using, for example, a printer driver.

[0028] The PDL data output unit 24 outputs PDL data, which is an example of print data, to the inspection device 10. The PDL data output unit 24 outputs PDL data using, for example, a printer driver. In Figure 3, the PDL data is output from the user terminal 12 to the printing device 14 via the inspection device 10, but the PDL data may also be output directly from the user terminal 12 to the printing device 14.

[0029] The image data output unit 26 outputs image data generated by converting from print data to the inspection device 10. The image data output unit 26 outputs image data generated from print data by an image output function such as the preview function provided by the application 20. The image data can be any image file format such as jpeg or bmp.

[0030] The application-specific data output unit 28 outputs data in the format of application 20. If application 20 is word processing software, the data format of application 20 is the file format in which the user saves the content created using application 20.

[0031] The printing device 14 realizes the functional configuration shown in Figure 3 by executing a program such as a control program that controls the printing process. The printing device 14 in Figure 3 has a RIP (raster image processor) processing unit 30 and a printing unit 32.

[0032] The RIP processing unit 30 generates image data from PDL data through RIP processing (hereinafter referred to as RIP processing). The image data generated by the RIP processing unit 30 is output to the inspection device 10. The image data generated by the RIP processing unit 30 is also printed on paper by the printing unit 32. The printed material produced by the printing unit 32 is the printing result.

[0033] The imaging device 16 captures an image of the print result from the printing unit 32 and outputs the generated PDF data to the inspection device 10. For example, the imaging device 16 outputs PDF data obtained by scanning or photographing a printed document printed by the printing unit 32. Note that the data format output from the imaging device 16 is not limited to PDF data, but may also be image data such as JPEG / TIFF / BMP / GIF / PNG. Figure 3 shows an example where the data format output from the imaging device 16 is PDF data.

[0034] The inspection device 10 achieves the functional configuration shown in Figure 4 by executing a program that controls the inspection process. The inspection device 10 in Figure 4 includes a first PDF data imaging unit 40, a PDL data imaging unit 42, a proprietary data imaging unit 44, an analysis unit 46, a second PDF data imaging unit 48, a comparison unit 50, a pass / fail determination unit 52, and an output unit 54.

[0035] The first PDF data image conversion unit 40 acquires the PDF data output from the PDF data output unit 22 and converts the PDF data into an image. The first PDF data image conversion unit 40 outputs the image data obtained by converting the PDF data into an image to the comparison unit 50. The first PDF data image conversion unit 40 can, for example, use Adobe's Adobe PDF Library to convert the PDF data into a bitmap image. Alternatively, the first PDF data image conversion unit 40 may, for example, use SKYCOM's SKYPDF to convert the PDF data into image data such as JPEG / TIFF / BMP / GIF / PNG.

[0036] The PDL data imaging unit 42 acquires the PDL data output from the PDL data output unit 24 and converts the PDL data into an image. The PDL data imaging unit 42 outputs the image data obtained by imaging the PDL data to the comparison unit 50. For example, if the format is Postscript, the PDL data imaging unit 42 can convert the Postscript file into ppm format image data by using Ghostscript.

[0037] The custom data image conversion unit 44 acquires the custom data output from the application's custom data output unit 28 and converts the custom data into an image. The custom data image conversion unit 44 outputs the image data of the custom data to the comparison unit 50. The custom data image conversion unit 44 can, for example, use Antenna House's Office Server Document Converter to convert doc / docx files into image data such as JPEG / PNG / TIFF. Alternatively, the custom data image conversion unit 44 may, for example, use the Spire.Doc for Python library to convert doc / docx / docm / dot / dotx / odt files into image data such as JPEG / PNG / TIFF. Alternatively, the custom data image conversion unit 44 may, for example, use Antenna House's Office Server Document Converter to convert xls / xlsx files into image data such as JPEG / PNG / TIFF.

[0038] The second PDF data image conversion unit 48 acquires the PDF data output from the imaging device 16 and converts the PDF data into an image. The second PDF data image conversion unit 48 outputs the image data obtained by converting the PDF data to the comparison unit 50. The process of converting the PDF data into an image is the same as that of the first PDF data image conversion unit 40. Note that if the data format output from the imaging device 16 is image data such as JPEG / TIFF / BMP / GIF / PNG, the process of converting the PDF data into an image in the second PDF data image conversion unit 48 is unnecessary.

[0039] Furthermore, the analysis unit 46 acquires the PDL data output from the PDL data output unit 24 and the proprietary data output from the application proprietary data output unit 28. By analyzing the acquired PDL data and proprietary data, the analysis unit 46 generates the analysis data described later and outputs it to the comparison unit 50.

[0040] The comparison unit 50 acquires image data output by the image data output unit 26 of the user terminal 12 and image data output by the RIP processing unit 30 of the printing device 14. The comparison unit 50 acquires image data output by the first PDF data imaging unit 40, image data output by the PDL data imaging unit 42, image data output by the proprietary data imaging unit 44, image data output by the second PDF data imaging unit 48, image data output by the image data output unit 26, and image data output by the RIP processing unit 30. The comparison unit 50 may acquire image data output by the imaging device 16 instead of image data output by the second PDF data imaging unit 48.

[0041] The image data acquired by the comparison unit 50 is an example of image data generated from data obtained in each of the three or more printing processes. The data obtained in each of the three or more printing processes has a different data format. Therefore, the inspection device 10 is equipped with a function to convert the data format of the data obtained in each of the three or more printing processes into image data such as a bitmap. Thus, the comparison unit 50 can compare the image data generated from the data obtained in each of the three or more printing processes as described below.

[0042] The quality determination unit 52 identifies the process in which a difference occurred in the image data, based on the results of comparing the image data generated from the data obtained in each of the three or more processes of the printing process, as described below. The quality determination unit 52 can then determine that the cause of the abnormality occurred in the identified process.

[0043] The output unit 54 outputs the result of the judgment made by the pass / fail judgment unit 52. An example of the output from the output unit 54 will be described later. The output from the output unit 54 may be displayed on the display 506 of the inspection device 10, on the display 506 of the user terminal 12, printed by the printing device 14, or sent by email, etc.

[0044] The inspection system according to the first embodiment inspects the print results, for example, by the procedure shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example of the processing procedure of the inspection system according to the first embodiment.

[0045] The processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 5 may be performed automatically by a management program that manages the entire inspection system, using the various functions shown in Figures 3 and 4. The management program may be installed on the inspection device 10, on the user terminal 12, or distributed across the inspection device 10 and the user terminal 12.

[0046] Alternatively, the flowchart in Figure 5 may be initiated by the user storing the application 20 file in a designated hot folder of the inspection system in which they wish to inspect the print results. The flowchart in Figure 5 may also be initiated by the user manually performing some of the operations in step S10.

[0047] In step S10, the inspection system generates image data for comparison. In step S10, image data is generated from data obtained in each of three or more steps of the printing process.

[0048] Three or more steps in the printing process are, for example, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of three or more steps in the printing process. In Figure 6, steps A to G are shown as an example of three or more steps in the printing process.

[0049] Process A is the process of obtaining data in the format of application 20. Process B is the process of instructing application 20 to print. Process C is the process of application 20 outputting print data. Process D is the process of application 20 outputting image data. Process E is the process of the printing device 14 performing RIP processing. Process F is the process of the printing device 14 printing on paper. Process G is the process of the imaging device 16 capturing an image of the printed material, which is the printing result. Note that three or more of the printing processes may include a process for generating master image data, which will be described later.

[0050] In step S10, the inspection system generates image data from data obtained from three or more printing processes, for example, using the procedure shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of the process in step S10.

[0051] In step S20, the proprietary data imaging unit 44 of the inspection device 10 generates image data (hereinafter referred to as the first image data) from the data of process A shown in Figure 6 and outputs it to the comparison unit 50. In step S22, the first PDF data imaging unit 40 or PDL data imaging unit 42 of the inspection device 10 generates image data (hereinafter referred to as the second image data) from the print data of process C shown in Figure 6 and outputs it to the comparison unit 50.

[0052] In step S24, the image data output unit 26 of the application 20 generates the image data of process D shown in Figure 6 (hereinafter referred to as the third image data) and outputs it to the comparison unit 50. In step S26, the RIP processing unit 30 of the printing device 14 generates image data (hereinafter referred to as the fourth image data) by the RIP processing of process E shown in Figure 6 and outputs it to the comparison unit 50.

[0053] In step S28, the second PDF data imaging unit 48 of the inspection device 10 generates image data (hereinafter referred to as the fifth image data) from the data of process G shown in Figure 6 (PDF data of printed materials imaged by the printing unit 32, etc.) and outputs it to the comparison unit 50.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7, the comparison unit 50 of the inspection device 10 can acquire image data to be compared (first to fifth image data) from the data obtained in each of the three or more steps of the printing process.

[0055] Returning to Figure 5, the inspection device 10 repeatedly performs steps S12 and S14 for each combination of image data to be compared for the first to fifth image data generated in step S10. Here, we will describe an example where the combinations of image data to be compared are the first and second image data, the second and third image data, the second and fourth image data, and the fourth and fifth image data. Note that the above-mentioned combinations of image data to be compared are just examples, and other combinations of image data may also be used. The image data to be compared may also include master image data that has been generated in advance through a similar path to the fifth image data.

[0056] In step S12, the comparison unit 50 compares the first to fifth image data generated in step S10 for each combination of image data to be compared. In step S14, the quality determination unit 52 determines whether the image data is good or bad based on the comparison results in step S12. Based on the comparison results in step S12, the quality determination unit 52 identifies the process in which a difference occurred in the image data and determines that a cause for a "bad" result in the image data has occurred in the identified process.

[0057] The processes in steps S12 and S14 will be explained further. Figures 8 to 10 are flowcharts of an example of the processes in steps S12 and S14.

[0058] The processes in steps S40 to S54 are for identifying whether the source of the difference in image data is process A or process C. In step S40, the comparison unit 50 compares the first and second image data.

[0059] In step S42, the comparison unit 50 determines whether or not it has detected a difference between the first and second image data. If no difference is detected between the first and second image data, the quality determination unit 52 proceeds to step S54. In step S54, the quality determination unit 52 outputs a result indicating that there are no abnormalities in processes A and C, and proceeds to step S56.

[0060] When a difference is detected between the first and second image data, the inspection device 10 proceeds to step S44. In step S44, the PDF data output unit 22 and PDL data output unit 24 of the application 20 generate the print data for process C shown in Figure 6 in multiple ways. For example, the PDF data output unit 22 and PDL data output unit 24 of the application 20 output print data in multiple data formats by utilizing multiple printer drivers.

[0061] The first PDF data imaging unit 40 or PDL data imaging unit 42 of the inspection device 10 generates a plurality of second image data from the print data of process C generated in step S44 by a plurality of methods.

[0062] In step S46, the comparison unit 50 compares the multiple second image data generated in step S44 using multiple methods with the first image data. In step S48, the comparison unit 50 determines whether or not it has detected any difference between all of the multiple second image data generated using multiple methods and the first image data.

[0063] If differences are detected between the first image data and all of the multiple second image data generated by multiple methods, the quality determination unit 52 proceeds to step S50. In step S50, the quality determination unit 52 outputs that process A is the cause of the difference and proceeds to step S56. Although Figure 8 shows an example where processing continues from step S56 onwards even after outputting that process A is the cause of the difference, processing may also be terminated in step S50. The processing in step S50 is performed when it is determined that the cause of the difference (causing process) is application 20.

[0064] If no difference is detected between at least one of the multiple second image data generated by multiple methods and the first image data, the quality determination unit 52 proceeds to step S52. "No difference is detected between at least one of the multiple second image data generated by multiple methods and the first image data" means that there is a mixture of second image data where a difference is detected between the first image data and second image data where no difference is detected. The quality determination unit 52 outputs the result that process C is the cause of the difference and proceeds to step S56. Note that Figure 8 shows an example where processing continues from step S56 onwards even after the result that process C is the cause of the difference is output, but processing may also end at step S52. The processing in step S52 is performed when it is determined that the printer driver is the cause of the difference.

[0065] The processes in steps S56 to S62 are for identifying whether process D is the cause of the difference in the image data. In step S56, the comparison unit 50 compares the second and third image data.

[0066] In step S58, the comparison unit 50 determines whether or not it has detected a difference between the second and third image data. If no difference is detected between the second and third image data, the quality determination unit 52 proceeds to step S62. In step S62, the quality determination unit 52 outputs a result indicating that there is no abnormality in process D, and proceeds to step S64.

[0067] When a difference is detected between the second and third image data, the inspection device 10 proceeds to step S60. In step S60, the pass / fail determination unit 52 outputs a result indicating that process D is the cause of the difference, and proceeds to step S64. Although Figure 9 shows an example where processing continues from step S64 onwards even after outputting a result indicating that process D is the cause of the difference, processing may also be terminated in step S60. The processing in step S60 is performed when it is determined that the cause of the difference is the image data output unit 26 of application 20.

[0068] The processes in steps S64 to S70 are for identifying whether process E is the cause of the difference in the image data. In step S64, the comparison unit 50 compares the second and fourth image data.

[0069] In step S66, the comparison unit 50 determines whether or not it has detected a difference between the second and fourth image data. If no difference is detected between the second and fourth image data, the quality determination unit 52 proceeds to step S70. In step S70, the quality determination unit 52 outputs a result indicating that there is no abnormality in process E, and proceeds to step S72.

[0070] If a difference is detected between the second and fourth image data, the inspection device 10 proceeds to step S68. In step S68, the pass / fail determination unit 52 outputs a result indicating that process E is the cause of the difference, and proceeds to step S72. Although Figure 9 shows an example where processing continues from step S64 onwards even after outputting a result indicating that process E is the cause of the difference, processing may also be terminated in step S68. The processing in step S68 is performed when it is determined that the cause of the difference is the RIP processing of the printing device 14.

[0071] The processes in steps S72 to S86 are for identifying whether the source of the difference in the image data is process F or process G. In step S72, the comparison unit 50 compares the fourth and fifth image data.

[0072] In step S74, the comparison unit 50 determines whether or not it has detected a difference between the fourth and fifth image data. If no difference is detected between the fourth and fifth image data, the quality determination unit 52 proceeds to step S86. In step S86, the quality determination unit 52 outputs a result indicating that there are no abnormalities in processes F and G.

[0073] If a difference is detected between the fourth and fifth image data, the inspection device 10 proceeds to step S76. In step S76, the imaging device 16 prepares multiple imaging methods for process G shown in Figure 6 and generates PDF data of the printed material using multiple methods. For example, the imaging device 16 outputs image data such as PDF data using multiple methods, such as scanning with a scanner or taking pictures with a camera.

[0074] The second PDF data imaging unit 48 of the inspection device 10 generates a plurality of fifth image data from the image data of process G generated in step S76 using a plurality of methods.

[0075] In step S78, the comparison unit 50 compares the multiple fifth image data generated in step S76 using multiple methods with the fourth image data. In step S80, the comparison unit 50 determines whether or not it has detected a difference between all of the multiple fifth image data generated using multiple methods and the fourth image data.

[0076] If differences are detected between the fourth image data and all of the fifth image data generated by multiple methods, the quality determination unit 52 proceeds to step S82. In step S82, the quality determination unit 52 outputs the result that process F is the cause of the difference. The processing in step S82 is performed when it is determined that the cause of the difference is during printing performed by the printing unit 32 of the printing device 14.

[0077] If no difference is detected between at least one of the multiple fifth image data generated by multiple methods and the fourth image data, the quality determination unit 52 proceeds to step S84. The statement that no difference is detected between at least one of the multiple fifth image data generated by multiple methods and the fourth image data means that there is a mixture of fifth image data where a difference is detected between the fifth image data and the fourth image data, and fifth image data where no difference is detected between the fifth image data and the fourth image data. The quality determination unit 52 outputs the result that process G is the cause of the difference. The processing in step S84 is performed when it is determined that the cause of the difference is during imaging performed by the imaging device 16.

[0078] According to the flowcharts in Figures 8 to 10, a comparison is made for each of the multiple combinations of image data from two processes included in processes A to G. It can then be determined that the cause of the difference lies in one of the two processes in any combination where a difference in image data occurs.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the flowchart processing shown in Figures 8 to 10, based on the results of comparing multiple image data generated in multiple ways from data obtained in one of the two processes included in processes A to G with image data generated in one way from the other data, it is possible to identify the process in the two processes where the cause of the difference occurred.

[0080] According to the flowcharts in Figures 8 to 10, by comprehensively comparing the image data generated from the data obtained in each of the three or more printing processes, it is possible to identify which process is causing the discrepancy.

[0081] Returning to Figure 5, the output unit 54 of the inspection device 10 outputs the result of the judgment by the pass / fail judgment unit 52 in step S16. The output unit 54 can display the name of the process in which the discrepancy occurred on the inspection result screen by using, for example, a table as shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 is an example of a table for displaying the cause process on the inspection result screen.

[0082] The table in Figure 11 records the correspondence between the image data to be compared, the judgment criteria, and the causative process. The item "Causative Process" records the name of the process identified as the cause of the difference.

[0083] By using the table shown in Figure 11, the output unit 54 of the inspection device 10 can display the name of the cause process on the inspection result screen based on the combination of image data of the differing comparison targets and the judgment criteria.

[0084] Through the processing described above, the inspection system according to the first embodiment can compare image data generated from data obtained in each of the three or more steps of the printing process and identify the step that caused the difference in the image data. In addition to identifying the step that caused the difference, the inspection system according to the first embodiment may also output which part of the data before image conversion (PDF data or PDL data, etc.) was drawn to cause the difference.

[0085] Figure 12 is a flowchart of an example of a process that outputs a list of the coordinates of the pixels where differences were detected, along with reference location information.

[0086] In step S90, the comparison unit 50 of the inspection device 10 compares the master image data with the fifth image data. The master image data is the correct image data. For example, the master image data may be good quality standard image data that is generated in advance through the same process as the fifth image data.

[0087] In step S92, the comparison unit 50 determines whether or not it has detected a difference between the master image data and the fifth image data. If no difference is detected between the master image data and the fifth image data, the pass / fail determination unit 52 terminates the process shown in Figure 12. On the other hand, if a difference is detected between the master image data and the fifth image data, the pass / fail determination unit 52 proceeds to the process shown in step S94.

[0088] In step S94, the quality determination unit 52 detects the coordinates of pixels where a difference has occurred between the master image data and the fifth image data, and lists all the coordinates of the pixels where a difference has been detected.

[0089] In step S96, the quality determination unit 52 lists reference location information using the list of pixel coordinates in which differences were detected and the analysis data. The analysis data describes the correspondence between each pixel coordinate and the reference location information of the print data that is drawing on or influencing that coordinate.

[0090] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of reference location information. Figure 14 is a configuration diagram of an example of analysis data. Figure 13(A) is an image diagram of an example of master image data. In the case of the master image data in Figure 13(A), as shown in Figure 13(B), instructions for drawing are written for each character and object. Alternatively, in the case of the master image data in Figure 13(A), instructions for drawing may be written for each pixel, as shown in Figure 13(C).

[0091] The analysis unit 46 of the inspection device 10 analyzes PDL data or proprietary data and generates, for example, the analysis data shown in Figure 14. The analysis data in Figures 14(A) and 14(B) includes, for example, the file name of the print data, the coordinates of the pixels where differences were detected, a reference location indicating the line number in the print data where the instruction is described, and the content of the instruction. The file name of the print data, the line number in the print data where the instruction is described, and the content of the instruction are examples of reference location information.

[0092] The analysis data in Figure 14 shows the correspondence between the coordinates of pixels and the reference location information of the command being drawn to those coordinates. The quality determination unit 52 can identify the reference location information that caused the difference for each pixel in which a difference was detected, by combining the pixel coordinates described in the analysis data in Figure 14 with the reference location information corresponding to those coordinates.

[0093] Returning to Figure 12, in step S98, the output unit 54 outputs a list of the coordinates of the pixels in which a difference was detected, and the reference location information that caused the difference.

[0094] The output unit 54 of the inspection device 10 displays the result of the judgment made by the pass / fail judgment unit 52 on an inspection result screen as shown in Figures 15 to 17.

[0095] Figures 15 to 17 are illustrative images of an example of an inspection result screen. Here, we will explain the inspection result screen 1000 in Figure 15. The inspection result screen 1000 in Figure 15 includes message 1001. Message 1001 is an example message that reads, "A difference was detected in the 'difference occurrence file name'."

[0096] The inspection result screen 1000 in Figure 15 includes the first file name 1002 and the second file name 1003 of the comparison data from the comparison unit 50, the print job name 1004, the page number 1005, the file name 1006 that caused the difference, the name of the process that caused the difference 1007, the coordinates 1008 of the pixel where the difference was detected, the reference location 1009 corresponding to the pixel where the difference was detected, the command content 1010 corresponding to the pixel where the difference was detected, and the comparison image 1011. If the name of the process that caused the difference 1007 is output as the cause of the difference in Figures 8 to 10, multiple process names may be displayed, or only the name of the process that was first output as the cause of the difference may be displayed.

[0097] The inspection results screen 1000 in Figure 15 includes a button 1012 that accepts a user's command to stop printing and a button 1013 that accepts a user's command to continue printing.

[0098] Comparison image 1011 may visually alter the display of pixels where differences have been detected so that users can easily recognize those pixels. For example, comparison image 1011 may visually alter the display of pixels where differences have been detected by changing their color, or by surrounding them with a frame.

[0099] According to the inspection results screen 1000 in Figure 15, the user can easily recognize the file name 1006 that caused the discrepancy, the reference location 1009 corresponding to the pixel where the discrepancy was detected, and the command content 1010 corresponding to the pixel where the discrepancy was detected. Therefore, the user can easily determine the necessary actions to resolve the discrepancy.

[0100] The inspection result screen 1100 in Figure 16 is an example of a screen displayed when a difference is detected at coordinates not present in the analysis data. If neither the first nor the second file of the comparison data from the comparison unit 50 requires analysis data, the display of the file name that caused the difference, the reference location corresponding to the pixel where the difference was detected, and the command content corresponding to the pixel where the difference was detected becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the inspection result screen 1100 either does not display these details or displays "No target found," etc.

[0101] The test results screen 1200 in Figure 17(A) is an example of a screen where the comparison image 1011 in Figure 15 is omitted. Furthermore, the test results screen 1200 in Figure 17(B) is an example of the test results screen 1200 in Figure 17(A) displayed in a pop-up format.

[0102] In the inspection system according to the first embodiment, by comprehensively comparing not only the print result but also image data generated from various data generated during the printing process, the user can easily identify which process caused the discrepancy. Furthermore, in the inspection system according to the first embodiment, the reference location of the print data or application-specific data corresponding to the pixel where the discrepancy occurred can be easily identified.

[0103] Thus, according to the inspection system of the first embodiment, it is possible to identify the printing process step where the cause of the abnormal print result occurred. Furthermore, according to the inspection system of the first embodiment, it is possible to identify the reference location of the print data or application-specific data that caused the abnormal print result. Therefore, the user can easily identify the cause of the abnormal print result and resolve the cause of the abnormality more quickly and easily.

[0104] The inspection system according to the first embodiment may perform all of the above inspections, or it may perform some of them.

[0105] [Other embodiments] The inspection device 10 in Figure 4 may have the functional configuration shown in Figure 18. Figure 18 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the inspection device 10. The inspection device 10 in Figure 18 has an inspection unit 56 added to the functional configuration of the inspection device 10 in Figure 4. The inspection unit 56 compares the master image with the printed image and inspects the quality of the printed result based on the comparison result.

[0106] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of an inspection system including the inspection device 10 with the functional configuration shown in Figure 18.

[0107] In step S100, the inspection unit 56 compares the master image data with the printed image (the fifth image data) and inspects the quality of the printed result based on the comparison. If there is a difference between the master image data and the printed image (the fifth image data), the inspection unit 56 determines that the quality of the printed result is poor. If there is no difference between the master image data and the printed image (the fifth image data), the inspection unit 56 determines that the quality of the printed result is good.

[0108] If the print quality inspection is successful, the inspection system terminates the process shown in Figure 19. If the print quality inspection is unsuccessful, the inspection system proceeds through steps S104 to S110. Since the processes in steps S104 to S110 are the same as those in steps S10 to S16 in Figure 5, their explanation is omitted.

[0109] Thus, according to the inspection device 10 with the functional configuration shown in Figure 18, the inspection method according to the first embodiment can be performed when there is a difference between the master image data and the printed image (fifth image data).

[0110] Furthermore, the inspection device 10 with the functional configuration shown in Figure 4 or Figure 18 may be mounted on, for example, the printing device shown in Figure 20.

[0111] Figure 20 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the printing device 14A. The printing device 14A in Figure 20 comprises a printer body 101, an inspection device 103, and a stacker 104.

[0112] The printer unit 101 receives print data from the user terminal 12. The printer unit 101 then prints the received print data. The printer unit 11 has a configuration in which yellow, magenta, cyan, and black (hereinafter referred to as YMCK, respectively) photoreceptor drums 116, 115, 114, and 113 are arranged along an endless moving intermediate transfer belt 111. The images of each color developed by toner on the surface of each color photoreceptor drum 113 to 116 are superimposed by the intermediate transfer belt 111 to form a full-color image.

[0113] The formed full-color image is transferred onto the surface of the paper, which is being transported by the transport rollers, by the transfer roller 112. The paper transported by the transport rollers is fed from the paper tray 105. The paper on which the full-color image has been transferred is then further fixed with toner by the fuser roller 117.

[0114] In the case of single-sided printing, the paper on which the toner has been fixed by the fuser roller 117 is discharged directly to the inspection device 103. In the case of double-sided printing, the paper on which the toner has been fixed by the fuser roller 117 is transported to the reversal path 118 in the transport path, where it is reversed, and then transported again to the position of the transfer roller 112. The paper on which the full-color image has been transferred and fixed to the back side is then discharged to the inspection device 103.

[0115] The inspection device 103 is a device for inspecting printed paper (printed material) output by the printer body 101. The inspection device 103 comprises a first inline sensor 131, a second inline sensor 132, and an operation panel 133. The operation panel 133 may be implemented, for example, by a computer 500 configured as shown in Figure 2.

[0116] The first inline sensor 131 and the second inline sensor 132 read the print result from both sides of the printed material produced by the printer body 101. The inspection device 103 shown in Figure 20 captures an image of the print result and generates PDF data, replacing the imaging device 16 in Figure 3.

[0117] The first inline sensor 131 and the second inline sensor 132 each have a light source and a line image sensor. The line image sensor has multiple image sensors arranged in a one-dimensional manner in the paper width direction. The multiple image sensors read each pixel by converting the reflected light obtained by irradiating the paper passing through the reading position with light from the light source into photoelectric data.

[0118] The first inline sensor 131 and the second inline sensor 132 read the printed image on the front and back of the paper by repeatedly performing an image reading operation for one line extending in the paper width direction in accordance with the paper feeding operation of the paper passing through the reading position.

[0119] Furthermore, the computer 500, which implements the operation panel 133 of the inspection device 103, has the same functional configuration as the inspection device 10 described above and inspects the print results of the printing process on paper by the printer body 101. The stacker 104 is equipped with a tray 141 and stacks the printed materials discharged from the printer body 101 via the inspection device 103 onto the tray 141.

[0120] As described above, the printing device 14A shown in Figure 20 allows the user to easily identify which stage of the process caused a difference by comprehensively comparing not only the print result but also the image data generated from various data generated during the printing process. Furthermore, the printing device 14A shown in Figure 20 allows for easy identification of the reference location of the print data or application-specific data corresponding to the pixel where the difference occurred.

[0121] Each of the functions of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0122] Although the present invention has been described above based on various embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. These points can be modified as long as they do not impair the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to their application.

[0123] Examples of the present invention are as follows:

[0124] <1> An inspection device for inspecting print results, A comparison unit that compares image data generated from data obtained in each of the three or more printing processes, Based on the results of the comparison, a quality determination unit determines whether the image data is of good or bad quality, An output unit that outputs the result of the above determination, It has, The good / bad judgment unit identifies the process in which a difference occurred in the image data, and determines that a cause for a "bad" result has occurred in the identified process. Inspection device.

[0125] <2> The comparison unit performs the comparison for each of the multiple combinations of the image data of two of the three or more processes included in the process. The quality determination unit determines that a cause for a negative result has occurred in either of the two steps of the combination in which a difference occurred in the image data. The aforementioned <1> The inspection device described.

[0126] <3> The comparison unit compares a plurality of image data generated by multiple methods from one of the data obtained in the two steps with the image data generated by one method from the other data. The pass / fail determination unit identifies the process among the two processes in which the cause for the judgment result being "fail" occurred, based on the result of comparing a plurality of image data generated in multiple ways from the data obtained in either of the two processes with the image data generated in one way from the other data. The aforementioned <1> or <2> The inspection device described.

[0127] <4> An inspection unit that compares the master image with the printed image and inspects the quality of the printed result based on the results of the comparison. It further possesses, If the result of the inspection is negative, the comparison unit starts comparing the image data generated from the data obtained in each of the three or more steps of the printing process. The aforementioned <1> ~ <3> An inspection device as described in any one of the following items.

[0128] <5> If the inspection result is negative, the pass / fail determination unit identifies the coordinates of the pixels where a difference occurs between the master image and the printed image, and uses analysis data describing the correspondence between the coordinates and the reference location information of the command being drawn on those coordinates to determine the reference location information for each pixel where a difference occurs between the master image and the printed image. The output unit outputs the reference location information for each pixel where a difference occurs between the master image and the printed image. The aforementioned <1> ~ <4> An inspection device as described in any one of the following items.

[0129] <6> The image data includes at least three of the following: a first image data generated from data in the format of an application that creates print data; a second image data generated from the print data; a third image data generated by conversion from the print data; a fourth image data generated by processing by a raster image processor inside the printing device; and a fifth image data generated by capturing the print result. The aforementioned <1> ~ <5> An inspection device as described in any one of the following items.

[0130] <7> A printing apparatus that performs printing on paper and inspection processing to inspect the printing results obtained from the printing process, A comparison unit that compares image data generated from data obtained in each of the three or more steps of the aforementioned printing process, Based on the results of the comparison, a quality determination unit determines whether the image data is of good or bad quality, An output unit that outputs the result of the above determination, It has, The good / bad judgment unit identifies the process in which a difference occurred in the image data, and determines that a cause for a "bad" result has occurred in the identified process. Printing device.

[0131] <8> The computer that checks the print results, A comparison procedure for comparing image data generated from data obtained in each of three or more stages of the printing process. A quality determination procedure for determining the quality of the image data based on the results of the comparison, Output procedure for outputting the result of the above determination, Make it run, The above-mentioned pass / fail determination procedure identifies the process in which a difference occurred in the image data, and determines that a cause for a failing result has occurred in the identified process. program.

[0132] <9> An inspection method performed by an inspection device for inspecting printed results, A comparison procedure for comparing image data generated from data obtained in each of three or more stages of the printing process, A procedure for determining the quality of the image data based on the results of the comparison, Output procedure for outputting the result of the above determination, It has, The above-mentioned pass / fail determination procedure identifies the process in which a difference occurred in the image data, and determines that a cause for a failing result has occurred in the identified process. Testing method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 10 Inspection equipment 12 User terminals 14 Printing device 16 Imaging device 22 PDF Data Output Section 24 PDL Data Output Section 26 Image data output unit 28 Application-specific data output section 40. First PDF data image conversion unit 42 PDL Data Imaging Unit 44 Proprietary Data Image Processing Unit 46 Analysis Department 48. Second PDF data image conversion unit 50 Comparison Section 52. Quality Determination Unit 54 Output section [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0134] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-33247

Claims

1. An inspection device for inspecting print results, A comparison unit that compares image data generated from data obtained in each of the three or more printing processes, Based on the results of the comparison, a quality determination unit determines whether the image data is of good or bad quality, An output unit that outputs the result of the above determination, It has, The good / bad judgment unit identifies the process in which a difference occurred in the image data, and determines that a cause for a "bad" result has occurred in the identified process. Inspection device.

2. The comparison unit performs the comparison for each of the multiple combinations of the image data of two of the three or more processes included in the process. The quality determination unit determines that a cause for a negative result has occurred in either of the two steps of the combination in which a difference occurred in the image data. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The comparison unit compares a plurality of image data generated by multiple methods from one of the data obtained in the two steps with the image data generated by one method from the other data. The pass / fail determination unit identifies the process among the two processes in which the cause for the judgment result being "fail" occurred, based on the result of comparing a plurality of image data generated in multiple ways from the data obtained in either of the two processes with the image data generated in one way from the other data. The inspection apparatus according to claim 2.

4. An inspection unit that compares the master image with the printed image and inspects the quality of the printed result based on the results of the comparison. It further possesses, If the result of the inspection is negative, the comparison unit starts comparing the image data generated from the data obtained in each of the three or more steps of the printing process. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

5. If the inspection result is negative, the pass / fail determination unit identifies the coordinates of the pixels where a difference occurs between the master image and the printed image, and uses analysis data describing the correspondence between the coordinates and the reference location information of the command being drawn on those coordinates to determine the reference location information for each pixel where a difference occurs between the master image and the printed image. The output unit outputs the reference location information for each pixel where a difference occurs between the master image and the printed image. The inspection apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The image data includes at least three of the following: a first image data generated from data in the format of an application that creates print data; a second image data generated from the print data; a third image data generated by conversion from the print data; a fourth image data generated by processing by a raster image processor inside the printing device; and a fifth image data generated by capturing the print result. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A printing apparatus that performs printing on paper and inspection processing to inspect the printing results obtained from the printing process, A comparison unit that compares image data generated from data obtained in each of the three or more steps of the aforementioned printing process, Based on the results of the comparison, a quality determination unit determines whether the image data is of good or bad quality, An output unit that outputs the result of the above determination, It has, The good / bad judgment unit identifies the process in which a difference occurred in the image data, and determines that a cause for a "bad" result has occurred in the identified process. Printing device.

8. The computer that checks the print results, A comparison procedure for comparing image data generated from data obtained in each of three or more stages of the printing process. A quality determination procedure for determining the quality of the image data based on the results of the comparison, Output procedure for outputting the result of the above determination, Make it run, The above-mentioned pass / fail determination procedure identifies the process in which a difference occurred in the image data, and determines that a cause for a failing result has occurred in the identified process. program.

9. An inspection method performed by an inspection device for inspecting printed results, A comparison procedure for comparing image data generated from data obtained in each of three or more stages of the printing process, A procedure for determining the quality of the image data based on the results of the comparison, Output procedure for outputting the result of the above determination, It has, The above-mentioned pass / fail determination procedure identifies the process in which a difference occurred in the image data, and determines that a cause for a failing result has occurred in the identified process. Testing method.

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