Printing abnormality detection system and printing abnormality detection method

Abstract

To provide a printing abnormality detection system or the like capable of more efficiently detecting and coping with a printing failure in the case of performing printing having a huge job.SOLUTION: A printing abnormality detection system 1 includes a printer 100 for printing an image on a printing medium W on the basis of image data 420, a read part 200 for reading the image printed on the printing medium W, a processing part 300 for detecting a printing abnormal place EA on the basis of read image data 440 from the read part 200, a storage part 400 for storing information of display necessity criterion 460, and a display part 500. The processing part 300 determines display necessity to the display part 500 of the printing abnormal place EA on the basis of the image data 420, the read image data 440 and the display necessity criterion 460, and performs processing for displaying printing abnormal place information 580 including images 582, 586 of the printing abnormal place EA in the display part 500 in the case of determining that the display is necessary.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a print abnormality detection system and a print abnormality detection method. [Background technology]

[0002] It takes a lot of time for a printing machine user to visually screen all print results and judge the print quality, and problems such as oversights are likely to occur. In addition, some print quality judgment items, such as color difference, are difficult to judge by visual inspection. Therefore, it is desirable to use it in combination with a machine-based print abnormality detection system. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of reading the image of a single or multiple printed items after each print and reprinting abnormal printed items while sequentially comparing them with the original image data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-160284 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in some printing fields, printing jobs can be long. For example, in fields such as textile printing, print jobs with print lengths of several hundred meters may be handled, and a method for detecting and dealing with print defects more efficiently is desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a print abnormality detection system including a printing machine that prints an image on a print medium based on image data, a reading unit that reads the image printed on the print medium, a processing unit that detects print abnormality areas based on read image data from the reading unit, a memory unit that stores information on display necessity determination criteria, and a display unit, wherein the processing unit determines whether or not the print abnormality areas need to be displayed on the display unit based on the image data, the read image data, and the display necessity determination criteria, and if it is determined that the print abnormality areas should be displayed, performs processing to display information about the print abnormality areas including an image of the print abnormality areas on the display unit.

[0006] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a printing abnormality detection method characterized by printing an image on a printing medium based on image data, reading the image printed on the printing medium, acquiring read image data, detecting printing abnormalities based on the read image data, determining whether or not the printing abnormalities need to be displayed on a display unit based on the image data, the read image data, and a display necessity determination criterion, and if it is determined that the printing abnormalities should be displayed, performing a process of displaying information about the printing abnormalities including an image of the printing abnormalities on the display unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a print abnormality detection system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a printing abnormality detection system. [Diagram 3] 6A and 6B are explanatory views of an image of print job information and an image of read information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a printing abnormality portion. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a system execution process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a print quality determination process. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration example of the print abnormality detection system. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a mechanical mechanism of the print abnormality detection system. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reading unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory diagram of another configuration example of the reading unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory diagram of another configuration example of the reading unit. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a job data registration process. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a method for determining a criterion for judging whether or not display is required. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a method for determining a criterion for judging whether or not display is required. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a method for determining a criterion for judging whether or not display is required. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a more detailed configuration example of display necessity determination criteria. [Figure 17] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for print quality inspection. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a printing abnormality that is acceptable upon visual inspection. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the system execution process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential configurations.

[0009] 1. Method of the Present Invention Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a print abnormality detection system 1 in this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the print abnormality detection system 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the print abnormality detection system 1 includes a printing press 100, a reading unit 200, a processing unit 300, a storage unit 400, and a display unit 500. The print abnormality detection system 1 can also be called a printing system. In the following description, the print abnormality detection system 1 may be simply referred to as a system.

[0010] The printer 100 prints an image on a print medium W. The image is based on image data 420 stored in a storage unit 400. The printer 100 includes a conveying unit 120 and a printing unit 140. The print medium W is, for example, a fabric made of natural or synthetic fibers if the printer 100 is used for textile printing, but may be other media such as paper depending on the application. In the following description, the print medium before printing may be designated by the symbol W1, and the print medium after printing may be designated by the symbol W2, or the symbol may simply be designated W.

[0011] The transport unit 120 transports the print medium W in a predetermined direction. As described later in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the transport unit 120 includes a payout unit 122, a winding unit 124, a roller control unit 126, and the like, and is therefore capable of printing on a long print medium W, such as for textile printing. Note that the predetermined direction is, for example, the direction D1 from the payout unit 122 to the winding unit 124 in Fig. 8. These will be described later.

[0012] For example, in the case of textile printing applications, the printing unit 140 includes a carriage 142 that uses a predetermined guide to scan back and forth along a direction D2 as shown in FIG. 2. The direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to the direction D1, which is the transport direction described above. The carriage 142 includes, for example, a print head and an ink cartridge. The predetermined guide is provided along the direction D2. This makes it possible to print a print image on the print medium W by combining the operation of the transport unit 120 described above with the operation of the printing unit 140. The print image is formed based on image data 420 stored in the storage unit 400, for example.

[0013] The reading unit 200 reads an image printed on the print medium W. The reading unit 200 can be realized by, for example, a scanner, but may also be realized by a camera or a colorimeter, or a combination of these. The colorimeter will be described later. The reading unit 200 is realized, for example, by being fixed at a predetermined location, but may also be realized by moving along a predetermined guide, similar to the printing unit 140, and details will be described later. The reading unit 200 reads an image of the print medium W2 at a predetermined timing in response to a command from the processing unit 300, which will be described later, and the obtained read image data 440 is sequentially transmitted to the processing unit 300 and the storage unit 400.

[0014] The processing unit 300 controls each of the printing machine 100, the reading unit 200, the storage unit 400, and the display unit 500. The processing unit 300 detects the print abnormality EA based on the read image data 440 from the reading unit 200, and the specific processing will be described later. The processing unit 300 of this embodiment can be configured by the following hardware. The hardware can include at least one of a circuit for processing digital signals and a circuit for processing analog signals. The hardware can be configured by, for example, one or more circuit devices or one or more circuit elements mounted on a circuit board. The circuit device is, for example, an integrated circuit device. The circuit element is, for example, a resistor or a capacitor.

[0015] The processing unit 300 can be realized by the following processor. The processing unit 300 of this embodiment includes a memory that stores information and a processor that operates based on the information stored in the memory. The information is, for example, a program and various data. The processor includes hardware. The processor can be various processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a digital signal processor (DSP). The memory may be a semiconductor memory such as a static random access memory (SRAM) or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a register, a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk device, or an optical storage device such as an optical disk device. The memory stores, for example, computer-readable instructions, and the processor executes the instructions to realize the function of the processing unit 300 as processing. The instructions may be instructions of an instruction set constituting a program, or instructions that instruct the hardware circuit of the processor to operate. Furthermore, all or a part of the processing unit 300 may be realized by cloud computing.

[0016] The storage unit 400 can temporarily store the program executed by the processing unit 300, the calculation contents related to the operation of the processing unit 300, and data related to the print abnormality detection system 1. The data related to the print abnormality detection system 1 includes, for example, the above-mentioned image data 420, the read image data 440, and the display necessity judgment criterion 460. The storage unit 400 can be realized by a register, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, or the like. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a DRAM or an SRAM. The magnetic storage device is, for example, a HDD. The optical storage device is, for example, a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. The storage unit 400 has a storage area for storing the program executed by the processor and the data processed by the processor. For example, the storage unit 400 stores the control program executed by the processor and setting data including various setting values ​​related to the operation of the processing unit 300. The storage unit 400 has a nonvolatile storage area for nonvolatilely storing the program and the data.

[0017] The display unit 500 displays images related to the printing status and printing abnormality detection in accordance with the processing of the processing unit 300. The display unit 500 can be realized, for example, by a liquid crystal display, but may also be realized by an organic EL display or the like. The display unit 500 may also function as an operation unit by including hardware such as a touch panel. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 500 displays an image 520 of print job information and an image 540 of read information.

[0018] The print job information image 520 shown in FIG. 3 is a display image showing information about the print job, and includes, for example, an ID that identifies the contents of the job, the length of the job, or an image displaying the printing conditions, but may also include images related to other items.

[0019] The image 540 of the read information includes, for example, a status bar image 560 and print abnormality location information 580. The status bar image 560 includes, for example, a progress bar image 562 and abnormality location identification images 564A and 564B as shown in FIG. 3. In the following description, the symbol of the abnormality location identification image may be simply written as 564. In this way, the progress of the read status and the presence of abnormal printing in the entire job can be intuitively grasped. In addition, various modifications can be made to the display contents of the image 540 of the read information. For example, the read progress status is not limited to being displayed as a bar image, and may be displayed as a graph image.

[0020] The printing abnormality location information 580 is information about a location determined to have a printing abnormality in the processing of the processing unit 300 described later, and is realized, for example, by displaying an image as shown in FIG. 3. The printing abnormality location information 580 includes an image of the printing abnormality location EA. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, it can be realized by displaying an image 582 of the printing abnormality location EA1 and an image 586 of the printing abnormality location EA2. The image 582 of the printing abnormality location EA1 corresponds to the abnormality location identification image 564A shown in FIG. 3, and the image 586 of the printing abnormality location EA2 corresponds to the abnormality location identification image 564B shown in FIG. 3. In the following description, the image 582 of the printing abnormality location EA1 and the image 586 of the printing abnormality location EA2 may be distinguished from each other, may be referred to as images 582 and 586 showing the printing abnormality location EA, or may simply be referred to as an image of the printing abnormality location EA.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, the image of the print abnormality area EA includes information on the reason for determining the abnormality and the position information of the abnormality, but other information may be displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the image 582 of the print abnormality area EA1 is displayed to indicate that an abnormal part image 584 caused by ink dripping has been detected, and the image 586 of the print abnormality area EA2 is displayed to indicate that an abnormal part image 588 caused by rubbing has been detected. The method of displaying the image of the print abnormality area EA is not limited to the method shown in FIG. 4, and various modifications are possible. For example, the image 582 of the print abnormality area EA1 and the image 586 of the print abnormality area EA2 shown in FIG. 4 may be displayed together with the image 540 of the read information shown in FIG. 3.

[0022] Next, a system execution process (step S10) executed by the processing unit 300 to display the print abnormality location information 580 and the like on the display unit 500 will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the system execution process (step S10). The system execution process (step S10) constitutes a part of the print quality inspection described later.

[0023] In the system execution process, the processing unit 300 first performs a job data registration process (step S100). The job data registration process is a process for determining the contents of a job, and the contents of the job include a display necessity determination criterion 460, which will be described later, and the details of which will be described later. After that, the processing unit 300 executes a job start process (step S200), thereby starting the operation of the printing press 100. After that, the printing process (step S220) is executed, whereby the conveying unit 120 conveys the print medium W and the printing unit 140 prints.

[0024] Thereafter, the processing unit 300 executes the print result reading process (step S300). As a result, the above-mentioned conveyance and printing are executed, and the printed print medium W2 is read by the reading unit 200, and the read image data 440 is transmitted to the processing unit 300. The processing unit 300 then compares the image data 420 with the transmitted read image data 440, and if there is no abnormality in the read image (NO in step S400), executes an update process of the image of the read information (step S500) without going through the print quality judgment process (step S600) described in detail later. Specifically, the processing unit 300 executes a process of controlling the display unit 500 to update the progress status bar image 562 in FIG. 3, etc.

[0025] Then, the processing unit 300 determines whether the job is complete, and if the job is not complete (NO in step S700), continues the print process (step S220). That is, the processes of S300 to S600 related to reading the print result are executed in real time while the transport unit 120 and the printing unit 140 are operating. On the other hand, if the processing unit 300 determines that there is an abnormality in the transmitted read image data 440 (YES in step S400), it executes the print quality determination process (step S600).

[0026] Here, the print quality judgment process (step S600) will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the print quality judgment process. The processing unit 300 compares the image data 420 with the read image data 440 to identify an abnormal portion (step S610). An abnormal portion is, for example, an abnormal portion such as the abnormal portion images 584, 588 shown in FIG. 4 above. Identification of the abnormal portion can be realized, for example, by pattern matching between the image data 420 and the read image data 440. If the abnormal portion image is close to a circle, it can be classified as an ink drip type, and if the abnormal portion image is close to a line, it can be classified as a rub type.

[0027] Next, the processing unit 300 judges whether the abnormal portion is within the tolerance of the display necessity judgment standard 460 (step S620). The tolerance is also called a standard value. The display necessity judgment standard 460 is a judgment standard regarding whether or not confirmation by a user through visual inspection is required, and includes a predetermined tolerance, which will be described in detail later. An abnormality that is within the tolerance of the display necessity judgment standard 460 is an abnormality that has an extremely small effect on the print quality of the print medium W2 and can be judged to be within the range of pass-quality without the need for a visual inspection by the user.

[0028] Then, if the abnormal portion is within the tolerance of the display necessity determination criterion 460 (YES in step S620), processing unit 300 executes a process of deleting information about the abnormal portion (step S630). The information about the abnormal portion is, for example, an abnormal image and position information about the abnormal portion. Therefore, the information about the abnormal portion will not remain in memory unit 400, for example, as error log 470 in FIG. 7 described below. This makes it possible to ensure sufficient memory area in memory unit 400.

[0029] On the other hand, if the abnormality exceeds the allowable value of the display necessity determination standard 460 (NO in step S620), position information and image data, etc., related to the abnormality are stored (step S640). Specifically, for example, information related to the abnormality is stored in the storage unit 400 as the error log 470 shown in FIG.

[0030] Then, returning to the flowchart of Fig. 5, an update process of the image of the read information is executed (step S500). Specifically, for example, in Fig. 3, an update process of adding a new abnormality part identification image 564 is executed together with an update process of the progress bar image 562. Furthermore, an update process of adding an image of the printing abnormality part EA in Fig. 4 is executed together with an update process of the number of printing abnormality parts in the printing abnormality part information 580 in Fig. 3.

[0031] In this way, the print abnormality detection system 1 of the present embodiment includes a printing machine 100 that prints an image on a print medium based on image data, a reading unit 200 that reads the image printed on the print medium, and a processing unit 300 that detects the print abnormality area EA based on the read image data from the reading unit 200, so that it is possible to find the area where the print abnormality occurs. This allows repairs to be performed before shipping, so that the outflow of defective print products can be prevented. In addition, since the print abnormality detection system 1 includes a storage unit 400 that stores information on the display necessity determination criterion 460, it is possible to efficiently perform the confirmation work of the print abnormality since it does not detect minor print abnormalities that do not require display. In addition, since the print abnormality detection system 1 includes a display unit 500, it is possible to intuitively and clearly grasp information related to the print abnormality detection. Information related to the print abnormality detection is, for example, position information of the print abnormality area EA, image information, and information on the reason for determining that it is abnormal, etc. Further, the processing unit 300 judges whether or not the print abnormality area EA needs to be displayed on the display unit 500 based on the image data 420, the read image data 440, and the display necessity judgment criterion 460, and when it is judged that the print abnormality area EA needs to be displayed, it performs processing to display the print abnormality area information 580 including the images 582, 586 of the print abnormality area on the display unit 500. This allows the user to confirm the position and image of the print abnormality area EA, so that the abnormal print area can be easily identified even in a long job such as textile printing. That is, it is possible to provide a print abnormality detection system 1 etc. that can detect and deal with print defects more efficiently when a long job is printed. Furthermore, the display necessity judgment criterion 460 minimizes the areas that require visual inspection by the user and displays them on the display unit 500, so that the burden of visual inspection on the user can be reduced.

[0032] In addition, when a print job is long, as in Patent Document 1, in order to perform printing while successively comparing image data read from a printed matter with the original image data, it is necessary to quickly determine abnormalities in print quality. Here, if abnormalities in print quality are quickly determined, there is a problem that a print result determined to be abnormal may have an acceptable print quality in an actual visual inspection, resulting in discrepancies. According to the print abnormality detection system 1 of the present embodiment described above, the display necessity determination criterion 460 is used to select whether or not the discrepancy may occur, and then the print abnormality location information 580 is displayed on the display unit 500, so that the display necessity determination criterion 460 can be updated to an appropriate allowable value at any time.

[0033] 2. Configuration and processing examples when the printing machine category is textile printing The print abnormality detection system 1 of this embodiment is not limited to the one described above, and various modifications are possible, such as adding other functions depending on the category of the printing machine. Below, a detailed configuration example when the category of the printing machine 100 is textile printing will be described. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the print abnormality detection system 1, and Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the mechanical mechanism of the print abnormality detection system 1. Note that a description of the same configuration as that described above will be omitted.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 8, the print medium W1 before printing is formed into a long shape wound into a roll and paid out from the pay-out unit 122. Thereafter, an image is printed on the print medium W1 by the printing unit 140 while the print medium W1 is transported by the transport rollers 128A. The ink of the printed image on the print medium W2 after printing is dried by the drying unit 170 while the print medium W2 is transported by the transport rollers 128B. Thereafter, the print medium W2 is transported by the transport path of the transport unit 120 (not shown) so as to pass through the location of the reading unit 200, and the printed image is read. The print medium W2 is then taken up by the winding unit 124.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 8, a predetermined place A1 may be provided before the sheet is wound by the winding unit 124. The predetermined place A1 is used, for example, when a user performs visual inspection. A display unit 500 may be provided in a location close to the predetermined place A1. This allows the user to easily compare the visual inspection result of the user with the image displayed on the display unit 500 in a quality confirmation inspection described later. Although not shown, an input / output unit may be provided near the predetermined place A1. The input / output unit is, for example, an interface for the user to input a tolerance value of the display necessity determination criterion 460, or an interface for inputting and outputting data between the print abnormality detection system 1 and a predetermined external device. The predetermined external device is, for example, a storage medium or a server. This allows the display necessity determination criterion 460 described later to be easily updated.

[0036] The unwinding unit 122 is a mechanism that unwinds a long print medium W1, which is the print medium W wound into a roll before printing. The winding unit 124 is a mechanism that winds up the print medium W2, which is the print medium W after printing. The unwinding unit 122 and the winding unit 124 are realized by driving a motor or the like (not shown). The unwinding unit 122 is located at the most upstream position in the transport path of the print medium W, and the winding unit 124 is located at the most downstream position. The roller control unit 126 controls rollers necessary to transport the print medium W from the unwinding unit 122 to the winding unit 124. The necessary rollers include, for example, a pair of transport rollers 128A, 128B that drive an endless transport belt as shown in FIG. 8, but may also include a tension roller or the like (not shown).

[0037] More specifically, the printing unit 140 includes a carriage control unit 150 and a print control unit 160, as shown in Fig. 7. The carriage control unit 150 controls a drive mechanism portion (not shown) of the carriage 142, and causes the carriage 142 to scan back and forth along the direction D2 at an appropriate speed. The print control unit 160 controls the ejection state and remaining ink amount of the print head (not shown). If there is an abnormality in the ejection state or remaining ink amount, a signal to that effect is output to the processing unit 300, and the printing machine 100 issues an alarm, etc.

[0038] The drying unit 170 dries the ink on the print medium W2 printed by the printing unit 140. Specifically, this can be achieved by a known method such as a mechanism for blowing hot air. Note that an ultraviolet ray irradiation unit or the like may be used instead of the drying unit 170, or these may be used in combination.

[0039] The reading unit 200 reads an image of the print medium W2 where the ink has been dried by the drying unit 170. The reading unit 200 can be realized, for example, as shown in Fig. 9, by arranging readers 210A-210E, which are readers 210, side by side on a predetermined guide unit. Note that the number of readers 210 is not limited to five as shown in Fig. 9. The reading unit 210 can also be realized by a scanner, a camera, a colorimeter, or a combination of these.

[0040] 10, the reading unit 200 may be realized by causing the reader 220 to reciprocate along a predetermined guide unit in the direction D2 described above using a drive mechanism (not shown). In this way, the number of readers 220 can be reduced. The reader 220 can be realized by a scanner, a camera, a colorimeter, or a combination of these.

[0041] 11, the reading unit 200 may be realized by installing the reader 230 in the housing 600 so as to read from a high position. In this way, it is possible to reduce the space required for installing the reading unit 200. The reader 230 may be realized by a wide-angle camera.

[0042] 7, storage unit 400 stores, in addition to a control program (not shown), job data 410, image data 420, scanned image data 440, display necessity determination criteria 460, printer category information 462, printer use information 464, error log 470, etc. Optional information 466 may also be stored as necessary.

[0043] Job data 410 includes data such as product name, lot number, job length, and printing conditions, which can be identified by an ID or the like. The ID is also associated with image data 420, scanned image data 440, display necessity determination criteria 460, printer category information 462, and printer use information 464, and these data can be referenced, changed, etc. by selecting a registered ID. A specific method for reference, change, etc. of display necessity determination criteria 460 will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 12.

[0044] The printing press category information 462 is associated with the display necessity judgment criteria 460. That is, the storage unit 400 stores information on the display necessity judgment criteria 460 including different judgment criteria according to the category of the printing press 100. For example, the storage unit 400 stores the display necessity judgment criteria 460 in the form of table data in FIG. 16 described later for each printing press category information 462. FIG. 16 shows an example of the display necessity judgment criteria 460 when the printing press category information 462 is textile printing, but the storage unit 400 stores similarly for other printing press categories. The other printing press categories are, for example, signs, dye-sublimation transfer, and labels. In addition, the printing press category selection screen 592 in FIGS. 13 to 15 described later is displayed based on the printing press category information 462. In this way, by making the display necessity judgment criteria 460 different for each category of the printing press 100, the printing abnormality detection system 1 can be applied to a plurality of types of printing presses 100. Furthermore, even if the category of the printing press 100 is changed, the printing abnormality detection system 1 can be continuously applied.

[0045] The information 464 of the printing press use is stored in the storage unit 400 in correspondence with each of the information 462 of the printing press category. In other words, the storage unit 400 stores information of the display necessity determination criteria 460 including different determination criteria according to the use of the printing press 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, if the category of the printing press is textile printing, luxury clothes, ordinary clothes, and fabrics are stored in the storage unit 400 as the information 464 of the printing press use. The display necessity determination criteria 460 are stored so as to be different for each use. This allows the display necessity determination criteria 460 to be set in a variety of ways for each use of the printing press 100, so that the user can easily manage the display necessity determination criteria 460.

[0046] If the printing press category information 462 is signs, then banners or posters, etc. are listed as the printing press use information 464. If the printing press category information 462 is sublimation transfer, then sportswear, T-shirts, fabrics, etc. are listed as the printing press use information 464. A selection screen 594 for selecting the printing press use in Figs. 13 to 15, which will be described later, is displayed based on the printing press use information 464.

[0047] The error log 470 is history information of abnormalities judged to be occurring in the print abnormality detection system 1, and includes, for example, the print abnormality location information 580 described above, but may also include history information relating to mechanical abnormalities in the printing press 100, etc.

[0048] Next, a specific method for determining the job data 410 will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a more detailed processing example of the job data registration process (step S100). The processing unit 300 judges whether the job data to be registered is the same as the registered data, and if it is the same as the registered data (YES in step S110), performs a copy process from the registered job data (step S120), and ends the job data registration process.

[0049] If the job data to be registered is not the same as the registered data (NO in step S110), a registration process for the print target data (step S130) is executed. Specifically, the user inputs data such as a new ID, product name, lot number, job length, and printing conditions, and executes a process to register the data.

[0050] Next, a process (step S140) is executed to register the image data 420. Specifically, a process is executed to associate the image data 420, which is the source for printing an image on the print medium W, with the job data 410.

[0051] Thereafter, the processing unit 300 executes a process for determining the category of the printing press (step S150). Specifically, based on the printing press category information 462, a display necessity determination criterion setting screen 590 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display unit 500. First, the user selects the category of the printing press 100 on a printing press category selection screen 592. In this embodiment, the categories of the printing press 100 include at least two or more of sign, textile printing, dye-sublimation transfer, and label. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, this can be realized by allowing the user to select one of sign, textile printing, dye-sublimation transfer, and label on the printing press category selection screen 592. In this way, the printing abnormality detection system 1 can be applied to multiple types of printing presses 100. Furthermore, even if the category of the printing press 100 is changed, the printing abnormality detection system 1 can be continuously applied.

[0052] Then, the processing unit 300 executes processing for determining the category of the printing press 100 by accepting an input operation selected by the user. While the category of the printing press 100 is not determined, the display necessity determination criterion 460 is also not determined. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, the contents of an edit screen 596 for the display necessity determination criterion display the contents last edited by the user, but can be locked so that the user cannot edit them. Alternatively, the contents of the edit screen 596 for the display necessity determination criterion may not be displayed to the user.

[0053] As described above, the display necessity determination criteria 460 are stored in the storage unit 400 for each printing press category information 462, so when the category of the selected printing press 100 is changed on the printing press category selection screen 592, the contents of the display necessity determination criteria editing screen 596 are also changed. That is, the display necessity determination criteria 460 are changed for each category of the printing press 100. Therefore, the display necessity determination criteria 460 in FIG. 17 is also updated for each category of the printing press 100, as will be described in detail later.

[0054] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 12, next, the processing unit 300 executes a process for determining the use of the printing press (step S160). Specifically, based on the information 464 on the use of the printing press, a selection screen 594 for selecting the use of the printing press as shown in Fig. 14 is displayed, and the user selects the use of the printing press 100.

[0055] Then, the processing unit 300 executes processing to determine the use of the printing press 100 by accepting an input operation selected by the user. While the use of the printing press 100 has not been determined, the display necessity determination criterion 460 has not been determined either, but this can be realized by a method similar to that used to determine the category of the printing press 100 described above.

[0056] As described above, the storage unit 400 stores information on the display necessity determination criteria 460 including different determination criteria depending on the use of the printing press 100, so when the use of the selected printing press 100 is changed on the printing press use selection screen 594 in Fig. 14, the contents of the display necessity determination criteria editing screen 596 are also changed. That is, the display necessity determination criteria 460 are changed for each use of the printing press 100. Therefore, the display necessity determination criteria 460 in Fig. 17 is also updated for each use of the printing press 100, as will be described in detail later.

[0057] Returning to FIG. 12, the description will be continued. Thereafter, the processing unit 300 executes a process for setting the display necessity determination criteria 460 (step S170). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, when the use of the printing press 100 is determined, an edit screen 596 for the display necessity determination criteria corresponding to the category of the printing press 100 and the use of the printing press 100 opens, and the user can set an allowable value for the display necessity determination criteria 460. Then, the job data registration process ends when the user sets a predetermined allowable value. Note that, in the edit screen 596 for the display necessity determination criteria in FIGS. 13 to 15, the allowable value is set and displayed as a condition outside the allowable range, but it may be set and displayed as a condition within the allowable range.

[0058] In this embodiment, the display necessity determination criterion 460 cannot be set unless both the category of the printing press 100 and the use of the printing press 100 are set, but in certain cases, at least one of them may be omitted. An example of a certain case is when there is only one category of the printing press 100 or one use of the printing press 100 used by the user.

[0059] In addition, in this embodiment, the display necessity determination criterion 460 is determined by a combination of the category of the printing press 100 and the use of the printing press 100, but it is also possible to determine the display necessity determination criterion 460 by further combining other items. Other items include, for example, the print pattern, the media color, etc. Furthermore, the print pattern item may be further subdivided by size or density.

[0060] In addition, the display necessity judgment criteria editing screen 596 in this embodiment is displayed for each print abnormality judgment item, for example. Print abnormality judgment items include, for example, ink dripping, rubbing, missing dots, ink scattering, unevenness, streaks, bleeding, distortion, etc., but the user may be free to set or change other items.

[0061] Moreover, the display necessity judgment criteria 460 of this embodiment includes judgment criteria for size, number, and color for each printing abnormality judgment item. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16, the display necessity judgment criteria 460 has tolerance values ​​set for size, number, and color for each of the printing abnormality judgment items of ink dripping, rubbing, missing dots, ink scattering, unevenness, streaks, bleeding, and distortion. As shown in Fig. 15, the display necessity judgment criteria 460 is realized by displaying the tolerance value for each printing abnormality judgment item on an editing screen 596 for the display necessity judgment criteria. In this way, printing abnormalities can be judged more precisely.

[0062] In addition, in the display necessity judgment criterion editing screen 596, the tolerance value for color is expressed as ΔE, which is the color difference. That is, the color abnormality judgment criterion is a judgment criterion for the color difference of the print abnormality part EA of the read image data 440 with respect to the image data 420. Specifically, for example, the print medium W2 is measured with a colorimeter included in the reading unit 200 to obtain a measurement value conforming to a predetermined color system, and the difference between the measurement value and a predetermined reference value is calculated as the color difference, but it may be realized by other methods. This makes it possible to quantitatively judge color abnormalities, which is difficult to do by visual inspection. In addition, the tolerance value for color difference can be set for each job data, so that color management can be made more diverse.

[0063] In addition, in FIG. 15, the display necessity judgment criteria 460 are displayed for each print abnormality judgment item, but it is also possible to display the display necessity judgment criteria 460 for two or more print abnormality judgment items at the same time. In addition, in FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, the user is allowed to input data for each item one by one, but as shown in FIG. 16, table data of the display necessity judgment criteria 460 that combines the category of the printing press 100, the use of the printing press 100, and the print abnormality judgment items may be created, and the processing unit 300 may import the table data. In this way, it is possible to increase the work efficiency at the printing site and prevent work errors. Note that the table data in FIG. 16 shows only the case where the category of the printing press 100 is textile printing, but similar table data may be created for other categories.

[0064] In this embodiment, the display necessity determination criterion 460 is displayed as a number, and the display necessity determination criterion 460 described later can be updated by changing the setting of the number, but it may also be updated by adding an image. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, an optional specification may be added to add an image that is treated as a non-defective product and not questioned even if the image is detected as an abnormality according to the judgment criterion number. Similarly, an optional specification may be added to add an image that is treated as an abnormality even if the image is determined as a non-defective product according to the judgment criterion number.

[0065] 3. Example of updating the criteria for determining whether or not to display Next, an example of the process for updating the display necessity determination criteria 460 will be described together with an example of the procedure for print quality inspection using the print abnormality detection system 1. Fig. 17 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the procedure for print quality inspection performed by a user. First, the user uses the print abnormality detection system 1 to execute the above-mentioned system execution process (step S10 or step S1010 described later).

[0066] If no image of the print abnormality area EA is displayed (NO in step S20), the display necessity determination criterion 460 is maintained (step S30), and the print quality inspection ends. Even in such a case, a visual inspection may be performed periodically for the purpose of system maintenance, etc.

[0067] On the other hand, if one or more images of the printing abnormality area EA are displayed (YES in step S20), the user visually checks the location of the abnormality area (step S40). Specifically, for example, when the abnormality area identification image 564 of the read information image 540 in Fig. 3 is selected, the transport unit 120 transports the print medium W so that the position of the abnormality area is aligned with the location A1 in Fig. 8 described above.

[0068] If the abnormal part is also judged to be abnormal by the user's visual inspection (YES in step S50), a measure is taken for the abnormal part (step S70). Note that the measure taken here means to partially repair or remove the abnormal part.

[0069] On the other hand, if the part of the image is not abnormal through visual inspection, that is, if the part determined to be abnormal from the printing abnormality part information 580 is not determined to be abnormal through the user's visual inspection (NO in step S50), the processing unit 300 updates the display necessity determination criterion 460 (step S60). In other words, the processing unit 300 accepts a user input for the printing abnormality part information 580, and performs an update process of the display necessity determination criterion 460 based on the user input. Specifically, the user performs an operation to change the value of the display necessity abnormality determination criterion 460 on the editing screen 596 of the display necessity determination criterion in FIG. 15. Then, the processing unit 300 accepts the change operation, and executes a process of storing the change contents in the storage unit 400 again. Also, if the part of the image is determined to be abnormal through visual inspection, that is, if the part determined to be abnormal from the printing abnormality part information 580 is also determined to be abnormal through the user's visual inspection (YES in step S50), the display necessity determination criterion 460 is updated in a predetermined case (step S60). The predetermined case is, for example, a case where, even though there is an abnormality in both size and color, only information regarding the reason for the abnormality remains regarding size, etc. This adds a user's judgment, and therefore the accuracy of the display necessity determination criterion 460 can be improved.

[0070] Furthermore, the processing unit 300 accepts a user input regarding the display of the print abnormality location information 580, and updates the display necessity determination criteria 460 for each category based on the category of the printing press 100 and the user's determination result of whether or not to display. Specifically, as described above with reference to FIG. 13, the category of the printing press 100 selected on the printing press category selection screen 592 and the display content of the display necessity determination criteria 460 displayed on the display necessity determination criteria editing screen 596 are linked. Therefore, the display necessity determination criteria 460 on the display necessity determination criteria editing screen 596 is updated for each category of the printing press 100. Therefore, for example, even if the display necessity determination criteria 460 is updated when the category of the printing press 100 is textile printing, the display necessity determination criteria 460 when the category of the printing press 100 is signature is not updated. In this way, the display necessity judgment criteria 460 can be updated separately for each category of printing press 100, so that the user can easily manage the display necessity judgment criteria 460 even in situations where the printing press 100 of the printing abnormality detection system 1 is changed.

[0071] Furthermore, the processing unit 300 accepts user input regarding the display of the print abnormality location information 580, and updates the display necessity determination criteria for each application based on the application of the printing press 100 and the user's determination result of whether or not to display. Specifically, as described above in FIG. 14, the application of the printing press 100 selected on the selection screen 594 for the application of the printing press and the display content of the display necessity determination criteria 460 displayed on the editing screen 596 for the display necessity determination criteria are linked. Therefore, the display necessity determination criteria 460 on the editing screen 596 for the display necessity determination criteria is updated for each application of the printing press 100. Therefore, for example, even if the display necessity determination criteria 460 is updated when the category of the printing press 100 is textile printing and the application of the printing press 100 is luxury clothing, the display necessity determination criteria 460 when the application of the printing press 100 is ordinary clothing and fabric is not updated. In this way, the display necessity determination criterion 460 can be updated separately for each use of the printing press 100. Therefore, even when a single printing press 100 is used to mass-produce a number of different product varieties with different uses, the display necessity determination criterion 460 can be managed for each use, thereby reducing the management burden on the user.

[0072] 17 to continue the explanation. The user determines whether there are any other locations to be visually inspected with respect to the abnormal location displayed on display unit 500, and if there are any other locations to be visually inspected (YES in step S80), performs the visual inspection again (step S40), and if there are no other locations to be visually inspected, ends the print quality inspection.

[0073] The display necessity judgment criterion 460 may be updated by adding an image, etc. For example, if the judgment criteria for ink dripping abnormality are set to display an abnormality when the size is 1.0 mm or more and the number is 1 or more, the print abnormality detection system 1 will detect an abnormality that exceeds a circle with a diameter of 1.0 mm, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 18. However, the shape of an ink dripping abnormality is not always a circle. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, there are cases where two thin elliptical abnormal parts 700A and 700B overlap and exceed the dotted circle. In this case, the print abnormality detection system 1 detects it as an abnormality in the system. However, the area of ​​such an abnormal part is very small compared to the circle shown by the dotted line in FIG. 18, and it may happen that it is not necessary to treat it as an abnormality.

[0074] Therefore, by storing such images separately in the storage unit 400 as the aforementioned optional information 466, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the display necessity determination criterion 460. Conversely, although not shown, even if the abnormality is within the reference value of the display necessity determination criterion, the abnormal part may be treated as a print abnormal part EA by registering a specified image. The specified image is, for example, an image of a part where no abnormality should occur.

[0076] 4. Other Modifications As described above with reference to Fig. 8 etc., the reading unit 200 is disposed in a location separate from the printing unit 140, but it may be disposed in the same location as the printing unit 140. For example, although not shown in the drawings, a reading device may be provided in the carriage 142 of the printing unit 140. In this way, it is not necessary to secure a separate location for the reading unit 200, and therefore the space required for the configuration of the printing abnormality detection system 1 can be reduced.

[0077] As described above, the print result reading process (step S300) in Fig. 5 is a process that is performed in real time with the execution of the print process, but it may be performed after printing is completed. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the system execution process in Fig. 5 described above, where the system execution process is shown as step S1010. In the following explanation, explanations of processes similar to those in Fig. 5 will be omitted.

[0078] The processing unit 300 executes a job data registration process (step S1100) similar to the above-mentioned step S100. Next, the processing unit 300 executes a job start process (step S1200) similar to the above-mentioned step S200, executes a print process (step S1220) similar to the above-mentioned step S220 until the job ends (YES in step S1240), and then executes a job end process (step S1250). Specifically, for example, the processing unit 300 executes a process of leaving a log indicating that the print job has been completed, a process of stopping the printing operation of the printing machine 100, and the like.

[0079] Then, after executing the job end process (step S1250), the processing unit 300 executes the print result reading process (step S1300) in the same manner as the above-mentioned step S300. Specifically, this can be realized by having the reading unit 200 read the print medium W2 wound around the winding unit 124 while transporting it in the direction opposite to the above-mentioned direction D1. Note that the print medium W2 that has been read may be wound again around the feeding unit 122, or may be wound around a location other than the feeding unit 122.

[0080] Next, similar to step S400 described above, if the read image does not contain an abnormality (NO in step S1400), the processor 300 executes the read information image update process (step S1500) similar to step S500 described above. On the other hand, if the read image contains an abnormality (YES in step S1400), the processor 300 executes the print quality determination process (step S1600) similar to step S600 described above, and then executes the read information image update process (step S1500) described above.

[0081] Then, after executing the image update process of the read information (step S1500), the processing unit 300 determines whether the target reading position is the last, and if the target reading position is not the last (NO in step S1800), continues the print result reading process (step S1300), and if the target reading position is the last (YES in step S1800), terminates the system execution process (step S1010).

[0082] By doing this, the processing load on the print abnormality detection system 1 is distributed compared to when print result reading processing and the like is performed in real time, so the print abnormality detection system 1 can operate stably.

[0083] As described above, the print abnormality detection system of this embodiment includes a printing machine that prints an image on a print medium based on image data, a reading unit that reads the image printed on the print medium, a processing unit that detects print abnormality locations based on read image data from the reading unit, a storage unit that stores information on the display necessity determination criterion, and a display unit. The processing unit also determines whether or not the print abnormality locations need to be displayed on the display unit based on the image data, the read image data, and the display necessity determination criterion, and if it is determined that the print abnormality locations should be displayed, performs processing to display print abnormality location information including images of the print abnormality locations on the display unit.

[0084] In this way, the user can check the location of the print abnormality and the print abnormality image, so that the print abnormality can be easily identified even for a long job such as textile printing. In other words, it is possible to provide a print abnormality detection system that can detect and deal with print defects more efficiently when a long job is printed.

[0085] The storage unit may also store information on display necessity criteria that includes different criteria according to the category of the printing press. In this way, the printing abnormality detection system can be applied to a plurality of types of printing presses. Furthermore, even if the category of the printing press is changed, the printing abnormality detection system can be continuously applied.

[0086] The category of the printing machine may include at least two of signage, textile printing, dye-sublimation, and labels. In this way, the printing abnormality detection system can be applied to a plurality of types of printing machines. Even if the category of the printing machine is changed, the printing abnormality detection system can be continuously applied.

[0087] The processing unit may also receive user input regarding the display of printing abnormality location information, and update the display necessity judgment criteria for each category based on the printing press category and the user's judgment result regarding whether or not to display. In this way, the display necessity judgment criteria can be updated separately for each printing press category, so that the user can easily manage the display necessity judgment criteria even in a situation where the printing press of the printing abnormality detection system is changed.

[0088] The storage unit may also store information on the display necessity determination criteria, including different determination criteria depending on the use of the printing machine. In this way, the display necessity determination criteria can be set for each use of the printing machine, so that the user can easily manage the display necessity determination criteria.

[0089] The processing unit may also receive user input regarding the display of the print abnormality location information, and update the display necessity judgment criteria for each application based on the application of the printing press and the user's judgment result on whether or not to display. In this way, the display necessity judgment criteria can be updated separately for each application of the printing press, so that even when a single printing press is used to mass-produce a plurality of types of products with different applications, the display necessity judgment criteria can be managed for each application, thereby reducing the management burden on the user.

[0090] The display necessity determination criteria may include a determination criterion for at least one of the size, number, and color of the print abnormality, thereby making it possible to more accurately determine the print abnormality.

[0091] The color judgment criteria may be a judgment criterion regarding the color difference of the print abnormality portion of the read image data with respect to the image data. In this way, it becomes possible to quantitatively judge color abnormalities, which is difficult to do by visual inspection. In addition, since the allowable color difference value can be set for each job data, it is possible to provide diversity in color management.

[0092] The processing unit may also receive user input regarding the display of the print abnormality location information and perform processing to update the criteria for determining whether or not to display the information based on the user input. In this way, the accuracy of the criteria for determining whether or not to display the information can be improved by adding a user's judgment.

[0093] The processing unit may also receive and learn the results of visually inspecting the displayed printing abnormalities, and update the display necessity criteria based on the learning results. In this way, the user does not need to change the values ​​of the display necessity criteria, reducing the burden on the user.

[0094] In addition, the print abnormality detection method of this embodiment relates to a print abnormality detection method that determines whether or not the print abnormality needs to be displayed on the display unit based on image data, scanned image data, and display necessity determination criteria, and if it is determined that the print abnormality needs to be displayed, performs processing to display information about the print abnormality including an image of the print abnormality on the display unit.

[0095] Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel matters and effects of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a term described at least once in the specification or drawings together with a different term having a broader meaning or synonymy may be replaced with that different term anywhere in the specification or drawings. All combinations of the present embodiment and modifications are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the configurations and operations of the print abnormality detection system and print abnormality detection method are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1...printing abnormality detection system, 100...printing machine, 120...transportation unit, 122...feed-out unit, 124...winding unit, 126...roller control unit, 128A, 128B...transport roller, 140...printing unit, 142...carriage, 150...carriage control unit, 160...printing control unit, 170...drying unit, 200...reading unit, 210, 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E, 220, 230...reading device, 300...processing unit, 400...storage unit, 410...job data, 420...image data, 440...read image data, 460...criteria for determining whether to display, 462...information on the category of the printing machine, 464...printing Information on the use of the printer, 466...option information, 470...error log, 500...display, 520...image of print job information, 540...image of read information, 560...status bar image, 562...progress bar image, 564A, 564B...image of abnormal part identification, 580...information on print abnormal part, EA...print abnormal part, 582, 586...image of print abnormal part, 584, 588...image of abnormal part, 590...screen for setting criteria for determining whether or not to display, 592...screen for selecting the category of the printer, 594...screen for selecting the use of the printer, 596...screen for editing criteria for whether or not to display, 600...casing, 700A, 700B...thin oval-shaped abnormal part

Claims

1. a printing machine that prints an image on a print medium based on image data; A reading unit that reads the image printed on the print medium; a processing unit that detects printing abnormalities based on the read image data from the reading unit while the printing machine is printing or after the printing machine has finished printing; A storage unit that stores information on display necessity determination criteria; A display unit; Including, The processing unit includes: determining whether or not the printing abnormality location needs to be displayed on the display unit based on the image data, the scanned image data, and the display necessity determination criterion, and determining whether or not information regarding the printing abnormality location needs to be stored; when it is determined that the printing abnormality should be displayed on the display unit, information about the printing abnormality including an image of the printing abnormality is displayed on the display unit, and a process of transporting the print medium based on the stored information about the printing abnormality is performed so that a user can visually inspect the printing abnormality. A printing abnormality detection system characterized by accepting user input based on a user's visual inspection regarding the display of the printing abnormality area information at least one of the timing after printing by the printing press has started or the timing after detection of the printing abnormality area has started, and performing an update process for the criteria for determining whether or not to display the information based on the user input.

2. In claim 1, The storage unit is A printing abnormality detection system characterized in that information on the display necessity determination criteria, which includes different determination criteria depending on the category of the printing press, is stored.

3. In claim 2, The printing machine categories include at least two of signage, textile printing, dye-sublimation, and labels.

4. In claim 2 or 3, The processing unit includes: A printing abnormality detection system characterized in that the display necessity determination criterion is updated for each category based on the category of the printing machine and the user's determination of whether or not display is possible.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The storage unit is A printing abnormality detection system characterized in that information on the display necessity determination criteria is stored, the display necessity determination criteria including different determination criteria depending on the use of the printing press.

6. In claim 5, The processing unit includes: A printing abnormality detection system characterized in that the display necessity determination criteria are updated for each use based on the use of the printing press and the user's determination of whether or not display is possible.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, The criteria for determining whether or not the display is required are as follows: A print anomaly detection system, comprising criteria for determining at least one of the size, number, and color of the print anomaly locations.

8. In claim 7, The color criteria are: Regarding the color difference of the print abnormality portion of the read image data with respect to the image data A printing abnormality detection system characterized by being a judgment criterion.

9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, Further including an input / output unit; The display unit is A print abnormality detection system, characterized in that the print abnormality location information is arranged, together with the input / output unit, in close proximity to a position where the user visually inspects the print abnormality location so as to be visibly confirmed.

10. Printing an image on a print medium based on the image data; Reading the image printed on the print medium to obtain read image data; Detecting a printing abnormality based on the read image data during a period in which printing is being performed by the printing press or after printing by the printing press has been completed; determining whether or not the location of the printing abnormality needs to be displayed on a display unit and whether or not information about the location of the printing abnormality needs to be stored based on the image data, the scanned image data, and a display necessity determination criterion; when it is determined that the printing abnormality should be displayed on the display unit, information about the printing abnormality including an image of the printing abnormality is displayed on the display unit, and a process of transporting the print medium based on the stored information about the printing abnormality is performed so that a user can visually inspect the printing abnormality. A printing abnormality detection method characterized by accepting user input based on a user's visual inspection regarding the display of the printing abnormality area information at least one of the timing after printing by the printing press has started or the timing after detection of the printing abnormality area has started, and performing an update process for the display necessity determination criteria based on the user input.

Images