Inspection device, inspection method, and inspection system

Abstract

To solve a problem that inspection cannot be performed on a blank page with no printing data or corresponding reference image.SOLUTION: An inspection system is configured by connecting at least an inspection apparatus and a printer so as to communicate with each other, the printer including: printing means (100) for printing an image on a recording sheet; and generation means (216) for generating a scan image by reading a printed matter printed on the recording sheet by the printing means. The inspection apparatus includes: registration means (S503) for registering a reference image; and inspection means (S704) for inspecting the printed matter on the basis of the scan image and the reference image corresponding to the scan image. The inspection means is configured to inspect a scan image of a blank page for which a corresponding reference image has not been registered on the registration means, using reference data (S506).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device, an inspection method, and an inspection system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, inspection (quality inspection) to check whether a printed matter is printed correctly has been performed manually, but in recent years, devices that perform inspection automatically as post-processing for printing machines have been used. In such an inspection device (quality inspection device), first, reference image data is registered. The process for this registration is called a job for registering a reference image. Next, the user performs inspection settings to set the area and threshold value for detecting defects in the actual print job for the reference image. Next, the actual print job is executed, and the input image data is printed out on paper by the image forming device, and the printed matter printed out on the paper is read by an inspection sensor configured inside the inspection device. Defects in the printed matter are detected by comparing the image data read by the inspection sensor with the reference image data that was initially registered. The inspection to detect defects in the image portion of the printed matter is called print image inspection.

[0003] In the reference image registration job, a RIP image obtained by expanding print data into a raster image is registered as a reference image. Patent Document 1 proposes a method for performing an inspection by acquiring information indicating the reference image from an information processing device and comparing it with an image obtained by scanning a printed matter printed by a printing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-196310 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the method of Patent Document 1, a reference image is not generated for pages that are not included in the print data. For example, when performing single-sided printing, the reference image registration job generates only a reference image for the side with print data, so a reference image is not generated for blank pages (blank sides) on which no printing is performed, and inspection cannot be performed. Even when performing double-sided printing, when printing odd-numbered pages, a reference image is not generated for blank sides that do not have print data, and inspection cannot be performed.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and one object of this embodiment is to provide an inspection system that can perform inspection on surfaces for which no reference image is generated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides an inspection device communicably connected to at least a printing device that prints an image on a recording sheet, RIP processed image data The image forming apparatus includes a receiving means for receiving a reference image and print setting information, a generating means for generating a predetermined reference image different from the reference image based on the print setting information and the number of pages of the reference image, a registering means for registering the reference image and the predetermined reference image, a receiving means for receiving a scanned image generated by reading a printed matter on which an image is printed on the recording sheet, and an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on the reference image corresponding to the scanned image, the predetermined reference image, and the scanned image, wherein the inspection means inspects the predetermined image using the predetermined reference image when the scanned image includes a predetermined image that does not correspond to the reference image. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inspection system that is capable of performing inspection even on surfaces for which no reference image is generated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration including an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is an example of an internal configuration diagram of a system configuration according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] An example of a job property screen in this embodiment [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of an inspection process for an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a reference image registration process for an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] An example of a RIP image and a sheet information list in this embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of an inspection process performed by the inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] An example of a UI screen for an inspection in this embodiment [Figure 9] An example of a job property screen in the second embodiment [Figure 10] An example of a flowchart for registering a reference image of an inspection apparatus according to the second embodiment [Figure 11] An example of a sheet information list in the second embodiment [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of an inspection process performed by the inspection device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0011] In the following description, the image forming apparatus may also be called a multifunction device, a multifunction peripheral, or an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral).

[0012] (Embodiment 1) 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inspection system including an inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which 100 denotes an image forming apparatus, 110 denotes an inspection unit, 120 denotes a finisher, 130 denotes a client PC, 140 denotes an information processing apparatus, 150 denotes the inspection device, 160 denotes a network, and 170 denotes a communication cable.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a UI unit 101, a paper feed deck 102, and a paper feed deck 103. In addition, an option deck 104 consisting of three paper feed decks is connected. Recording sheets such as printing paper can be set on each deck. The image forming apparatus 100 prints out based on various input data, for example, print data sent from a client PC 130 or an information processing apparatus 140. The image forming apparatus 100 also includes an inspection unit 110 and a finisher 120, and is connected to the inspection unit 110 and the finisher 120 via a communication cable, which is an internal bus.

[0014] The inspection unit 110 receives a printed matter output from the image forming apparatus 100, and acquires image data for inspecting whether or not the received printed matter has an abnormal image. Here, an abnormal image is an image that reduces the quality of the printed matter. For example, it refers to a round abnormal image (dot) that occurs when coloring material adheres to an unintended place during printing, a color loss that occurs when sufficient coloring material does not adhere to an intended place, or a linear abnormal image (streak). The acquired image data is then transferred to an inspection device 150 (described later) via a communication cable 170, and the inspection device 150 inspects whether or not the printed matter has an abnormal image, and acquires the inspection result from the inspection device 150.

[0015] The finisher 120 receives the output paper inspected by the inspection unit 110, and switches the paper discharge destination based on the inspection result of the inspection unit 110, and performs post-processing (such as bookbinding) as necessary.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 100 is communicably connected to a client PC 130, an information processing apparatus 140, and an inspection apparatus 150 via a network 160. In this embodiment, inspection is performed by the inspection apparatus 150, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and may be configured as an in-line inspection machine that performs image formation, inspection, post-processing, and paper discharge in an integrated manner.

[0017] A print job is generated by client PC 130, transmitted to information processing device 140 via network 160, and managed by information processing device 140. The print job is then transmitted from information processing device 140 to image forming device 100 via network 160, and image forming device 100 performs processing to print on paper. Note that the print job may also be generated and managed by information processing device 140, transmitted to image forming device 100 via network 160, and managed by image forming device 100.

[0018] The client PC 130, the information processing device 140, and the inspection device 150 may be connected to a communication cable to communicate with the image forming device 100. That is, the connection form of the image forming device 100, the information processing device 140, and the client PC 130 shown in this embodiment is one example, and it goes without saying that there are various other connection forms in addition to the one shown in this embodiment. Also, the image forming device 100 may be connected to a large-capacity stacker, a folder, a bookbinder, etc. in addition to the inspection unit 110 and the finisher 120.

[0019] [Control block diagram] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the image forming apparatus 100, the inspection unit 110, the finisher 120, the client PC 130, the information processing apparatus 140, and the inspection apparatus 150 of this embodiment.

[0020] The client PC 130 is a PC for generating a print job and transmitting it to the information processing device 140 via the network 160. The client PC 130 includes a control unit 230 and a UI unit 235. The control unit 230 includes a CPU 231, a RAM 232, a ROM 233, and a network I / F unit 234.

[0021] The CPU 231 controls the entire client PC 130. The RAM 232 is a work area when the CPU 231 executes various commands, and the ROM 233 stores program data executed by the CPU 231 at startup, setting data for the control unit 230, etc. The network I / F unit 234 transmits and receives data to and from the information processing device 140 via the network 160. 273 is an internal bus (system bus). The UI unit 235 is a device that is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and other input / output devices, and can input various setting values ​​or designated values.

[0022] The information processing device 140 performs RIP processing on print data and document data, and generates a bitmap image for printing by the image forming device 100. It also controls printing by the image forming device 100 and manages print jobs. The information processing device 140 includes a control unit 240 and a UI unit 246. The control unit 240 includes a CPU 241, a RAM 242, a ROM 243, a network I / F unit 234, and an image processing unit 245.

[0023] The CPU 241 controls the entire information processing device 140. The RAM 242 is a work area when the CPU 241 executes various commands, and the ROM 243 stores program data executed by the CPU 241 at startup, setting data for the control unit 240, etc. The network I / F unit 244 transmits and receives data to and from the client PC 130, the image forming apparatus 100, and the inspection device 150 via the network 160. Reference numeral 274 denotes an internal bus (system bus).

[0024] The image processing unit 245 performs RIP processing to convert print data or document data sent from the client PC 130 into bitmap image data according to the use of the RIP processing and print settings. Specifically, in the case of RIP processing for registering a reference image, for example, a resolution of 600 dpi is converted to 300 dpi to generate an image. On the other hand, in the case of RIP processing for print data, an image of 600 dpi is generated without lowering the resolution. In the RIP processing for registering a reference image, the RIP-processed image data is transferred to the inspection device 150 via the network 160 and used as a reference image for inspection. On the other hand, in the RIP processing of print data during inspection, the RIP-processed image data is transferred to the image forming device 100 via the network 160 and printed.

[0025] The UI unit 246 is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and other input / output devices, and is a device that can input various setting values ​​or designated values.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 100 performs print output based on various input data, for example, print data sent from a client PC 130 or an information processing apparatus 140.

[0027] Image forming apparatus 100 is connected to UI unit 101 and paper feed deck 260. Image forming apparatus 100 also includes a control unit 200 and a printer unit 209. Control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, RAM 202, ROM 203, accessory I / F unit 204, engine I / F unit 205, paper feed deck I / F unit 206, network I / F unit 207, and image processing unit 208. Also, control unit 200 is connected to printer unit 209 via engine I / F unit 205.

[0028] The CPU 201 performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 202 is a work area when the CPU 201 executes various commands, and the ROM 203 stores program data executed by the CPU 201 at startup, setting data for the control unit 200, and the like.

[0029] The accessory I / F unit 204 is connected to the accessory I / F unit 215 and the I / F unit 224 via a cable 280. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 communicates with the inspection unit 110 and the finisher 120 via the accessory I / F units 204, 215, and 224. The engine I / F unit 205 transmits print data to the printer unit 209. The paper feed deck I / F unit 206 controls communication with and control of the paper feed deck 260. The paper feed deck 260 collectively refers to the paper feed decks 102 and 103 and the option deck 104 as a hardware configuration. The network I / F unit 207 transmits and receives data to and from the client PC 130, the image forming apparatus 100, and the inspection apparatus 150 via the network 160. Reference numeral 270 denotes an internal bus (system bus).

[0030] An image processing unit 208 performs processing for converting image and document data received from a network 250 into print data.

[0031] Images and documents created on the client PC 130 or the information processing device 140 on the network 160 are transmitted as PDL data to the image forming device 100 via a network (e.g., a local area network). The transmitted PDL data is stored in the RAM 202 via the network I / F unit 207. A print instruction from the user of the UI unit 101 is also stored in the RAM 202 via the internal bus 270. An example of a print instruction from the user is a selection of a paper type.

[0032] The image processing unit 208 acquires the PDL data stored in the RAM 202 and performs image processing to convert it into print data. The image processing to convert it into print data means, for example, rasterizing the PDL data, converting it into multi-value bitmap data, and converting it into binary bitmap data by performing screen processing or the like. The binary bitmap data obtained by the image processing unit 205 is transmitted to the printer unit 209 via the engine I / F unit 204.

[0033] The printer unit 209 prints the received binary bitmap data on a recording sheet using color materials. The CPU 201 issues instructions to the printer unit 209 based on a print instruction from a user stored in the RAM 202. For example, if a user instructs to print on coated paper, the CPU 201 issues an instruction to the printer unit 209 to output paper from a paper feed deck in which coated paper is stored in the image forming apparatus 100. Various processes from receiving the above-mentioned PDL data to printing on paper are controlled by the CPU 201, and a full-color toner image is formed on the paper.

[0034] The inspection unit 110 performs control for transferring image data acquired by an image reading unit 216 to an inspection device 150 (described later) via a communication cable 170. Then, the inspection unit 110 acquires inspection results from the inspection device 150 and transmits them to the image forming apparatus 100 and the finisher 120. The inspection unit 110 includes a control unit 210. The control unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a RAM 212, a ROM 213, a communication I / F unit 214, an accessory I / F unit 215, and an image reading unit 216.

[0035] The CPU 211 controls the entire inspection unit 110. The RAM 212 is a work area when the CPU 211 executes various commands, and the ROM 213 stores program data executed by the CPU 211 at startup, setting data for the control unit 210, and the like. The communication I / F unit 214 communicates with the inspection device 150 via the communication cable 170, and communicates data such as a scanned image read by the image reading unit 216 and an inspection result. The accessory I / F unit 215 is connected to the accessory I / F unit 204 and the I / F unit 224 via a cable 280. The image reading unit 216 is an image reading unit that reads a printed material conveyed from the image forming device 100. The image reading unit 216 generates a scanned image by reading the printed material. 271 is an internal bus (system bus).

[0036] The finisher 120 includes a control unit 220. The control unit 220 includes a CPU 221, a RAM 222, a ROM 223, and an accessory I / F unit 224.

[0037] The CPU 221 performs overall control of the finisher 120. The RAM 222 is a work area when the CPU 221 executes various commands, and the ROM 223 stores program data executed by the CPU 221 at startup, setting data for the control unit 220, etc. The accessory I / F unit 224 is connected to the accessory I / F unit 204 and the I / F unit 215 via a cable 280.

[0038] The finisher 120 is a device for switching post-processing (e.g., bookbinding) according to print settings for the printed matter conveyed from the inspection unit 110, and for switching the paper discharge destination based on the inspection results. For example, when switching the paper discharge destination based on the inspection results for whether the printed matter has any abnormalities, sheets without any abnormalities are discharged to a normal output tray, and sheets with any abnormalities are discharged to a tray other than the normal output tray. 272 ​​is an internal bus (system bus).

[0039] The inspection device 150 is a device for inspecting a scanned image of a printed material obtained by the inspection unit 110. The inspection device 150 includes a control unit 250 and a UI unit 257. The control unit 250 includes a CPU 251, a RAM 252, a ROM 253, a communication I / F unit 254, a network I / F unit 255, and an inspection processing unit 256.

[0040] The CPU 251 controls the entire inspection device 150. The RAM 252 is a work area when the CPU 251 executes various commands, and the ROM 253 stores program data executed by the CPU 251 at startup, setting data for the control unit 250, and the like. The communication I / F unit 254 communicates with the inspection unit 110 via the communication cable 170, and communicates data such as the scanned image read by the image reading unit 216 and the inspection results. The network I / F unit 255 transmits and receives data to and from the client PC 130, the image forming device 100, and the inspection device 150 via the network 160. The inspection processing unit 256 inspects whether or not there is a defect in the printed matter. The internal bus 275 is a system bus. The UI unit 257 is a UI unit for the user to display the settings of the inspection device 150 and the inspection results. The settings of the inspection device 150 performed by the user here refer to, for example, round defects (dots) and linear defects (streaks).

[0041] Next, an overview of the print image inspection performed by the inspection device 150 will be described. The inspection device 150 acquires a scan image (read sheet) of the inspection target read by the inspection unit 110. The acquired scan image of the inspection target is stored in the RAM 252.

[0042] Next, the inspection device 150 performs an inspection by using the inspection processing unit 256 to compare the scanned image to be inspected with a reference image previously stored in the RAM 252 as a reference image. Specifically, feature points are extracted from each of the reference image and the scanned image, and the reference image and the scanned image are aligned based on the extracted feature points. If the difference between the pixel value (brightness value) of the pixel to be inspected in the aligned scanned image and the pixel value (brightness value) of the pixel to be compared in the reference image is equal to or less than a threshold value, the inspection processing unit 256 determines that the pixel to be inspected passes. Note that the threshold value differs for each inspection level. This inspection proceeds for each reference image corresponding to each scanned image.

[0043] When the inspection of all pixels is completed, it is determined whether the total number of pixels determined to be unsuccessful is equal to or less than the pass threshold, and whether the scanned image is normal or not is judged. If the total number of pixels determined to be unsuccessful is equal to or less than the pass threshold, the inspection processing unit 256 judges the scanned image to be normal. If the total number of pixels determined to be unsuccessful exceeds the pass threshold, the inspection processing unit 256 judges the scanned image to be abnormal. The results of the inspection are stored in the RAM 252, and include, for example, information on whether there are defects in the printed matter, the type of defect detected (such as a dent or a streak), and position information of the defect when displayed on the UI unit 320.

[0044] Next, the inspection device 150 instructs the UI section 257 to display the inspection results stored in the RAM 252 by the CPU 251. The inspection results are displayed on the UI section 257, so that the user can recognize the inspection results. Furthermore, when a certain number of defective printed materials are continuously generated, the inspection device 150 causes the CPU 251 to transmit the above information to the inspection unit 110 via the communication I / F section 254.

[0045] The control unit 210 receives information that defective printed matter has occurred consecutively via the communication I / F unit 214. When the control unit 210 receives the information, the CPU 211 transmits the information to the image forming apparatus 100 via the accessory I / F unit 215. The control unit 200 further receives the information via the accessory I / F unit 204. When the control unit 200 receives the information, the CPU 201 instructs the printer unit 209 to stop printing. The image forming apparatus 100 stops the printing operation when the printer unit 209 is instructed to stop printing. Furthermore, the inspection unit 110 also transmits information to the finisher 120 via the accessory I / F unit 215 by the CPU 211. The information transmitted to the finisher 120 is information on whether or not the printed matter has a defect. Using the received information, the finisher 120 discharges printed matter without a defect to a normal paper discharge tray and discharges printed matter with a defect to a tray other than the normal paper discharge tray.

[0046] <Job Settings> Next, selection of an inspection method for an inspection job in the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows an example of a job property screen displayed on the UI unit 235 of the client PC 130.

[0047] The inspection method selection section 300 is a screen for accepting print job settings from the user on the client PC 130, and the print job generated by the client PC 130 is transmitted to the information processing device 140 and managed there.

[0048] If the user selects inspection "ON" in the inspection mode setting section 302, the following property settings are made. Here, a print job with inspection set "ON" is called an "inspection job." If inspection "OFF" is selected, the print job is treated as a normal print job that does not undergo inspection. In the inspection setting section 303, the user selects the area to be inspected and the method for setting the level. If "Default" is selected, the inspection device 150 inspects the entire surface of the image at a standard level. If "Preset1" to "Preset10" are selected, the inspection device 150 performs inspection based on the area and level specified in advance. If "New registration" is selected, the user creates new inspection settings, and the inspection device 150 performs inspection based on those settings.

[0049] In the inspection operation setting section 304, the user selects the combination of the registration of the reference image and the printing operation of the print job. When "Registration only" is selected, the inspection device 150 only registers the reference image and sets the inspection thereof. When "Print only" is selected, the image forming device 100 prints using the reference image registered in advance, and the inspection device 150 inspects it. When "Registration & Print" is selected, the above-mentioned "Registration only" operation and "Print only" operation are performed consecutively. The generation and storage process of the reference image will be described later. Finally, when the print button 305 is pressed, the printing and inspection operations are performed based on the settings entered in 302 to 304. When the close button 301 is pressed, the screen is closed without saving the settings of this screen.

[0050] <Job execution flow> Next, the flow of job execution in the information processing device 140 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 4. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 241 expanding the program code stored in the ROM 243 into the RAM 242, and reading and executing the program code expanded into the RAM.

[0051] In step S401, the CPU 241 determines whether or not the setting value set in the inspection operation setting unit 304 shown in Fig. 3 is "print only". If it is set to "print only", the process proceeds to step S405. If a value other than "print only" is set, the process proceeds to step S402.

[0052] In step S402, the CPU 241 transmits a reference image registration job to the inspection device 150. Here, a RIP image and various print setting information are transmitted.

[0053] In step S403, CPU 241 determines whether or not a notification of completion of registration has been received from inspection device 150. If a notification of completion of registration has been received, the process proceeds to step S404. If a notification of completion of registration has not been received, the process waits.

[0054] In step S404, the CPU 241 determines whether the setting value set in the inspection operation setting unit 304 shown in Fig. 3 is "registration & printing". If "registration & printing" is set (YES in step S404), the process proceeds to step S405. If "registration only" is set (NO in step S404), the process ends.

[0055] In step S405, the CPU 241 transmits a print job for inspection, which includes a RIP image and various print setting information to the image forming apparatus 100, and then the process ends.

[0056] <Reference image registration flow> Next, the flow of the registration work before starting the inspection in the inspection device 150 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 251 expanding the program code stored in the ROM 253 into the RAM 252, and reading and executing the program code expanded into the RAM.

[0057] In the RIP inspection, the RIP image generated by the information processing device 140 is transmitted to the inspection device 150 .

[0058] In step S501, the CPU 251 receives a notification of the start of a reference image registration job from the information processing device 140.

[0059] In step S502, the CPU 251 receives the RIP image and the print setting information from the information processing device 140. Here, it is assumed that the RIP image of the five pages shown in FIG. 6A is received. Here, it is assumed that an ID that allows the page order to be determined is given to the image file name. In this embodiment, for example, the "*" part is identified as the page ID, such as "RefImage_*.tif". The page ID is expressed, for example, by a number or a character string. In addition, the method of giving the page ID is not limited to this, and information such as an ID list may be received separately from the information processing device 140. In addition, the print setting information is setting information such as single-sided printing, double-sided printing, etc. In this embodiment, the single-sided / double-sided setting will be described, but setting information such as face-up / face-down, normal order / reverse order, etc. may be received. In addition, although the print setting information is obtained from the information processing device 140 here, the print setting may be performed from the UI unit 257 of the inspection device 150, and the setting value may be obtained.

[0060] In step S503, the CPU 251 stores the image received in step S502 in a storage device such as the RAM 252. Also, a sheet information list is created and stored in the RAM 252. FIG. 6(b) is a sheet information list in the case where the image data of five pages in FIG. 6(a) is registered as a reference image in a double-sided setting. When the image data of odd pages is registered as a reference image in a double-sided setting as in FIG. 6(b), the last page is a blank page without a corresponding reference image. In this embodiment, the sheet information list is generated by the inspection device 150, but it may be generated by the information processing device 140 and transmitted to the inspection device 150. The sheet information list is a list consisting of elements indicating the correspondence of page IDs to print sheets and their print surfaces. An element 601 is an element indicating the front side of the first sheet. Here, it is assumed that the first page is printed on the front side of the first sheet. In this case, the page ID corresponding to this element is 1. Next, an element 602 is an element indicating the back side of the first sheet. Since this is a double-sided printing job, the second page is printed on this side. Therefore, the page ID corresponding to element 602 is 2. The same applies to elements 603 to 605. Element 606 is an element indicating the back side of the third sheet, and since the print job is page 5, there is no print data, and image data is not transmitted from the information processing device 140. Therefore, the inspection device 150 stores the sheet information list with the page ID corresponding to element 606 as "blank". The page ID "blank" is an example, and is not limited to this as long as it indicates a blank page. In addition, when notifying from the image processing device 140, any method can be used as long as it can notify the inspection device 150 that there is no print data and that image data will not be transmitted from the image processing device 140, and is not limited to this.

[0061] In step S504, the CPU 251 determines whether or not the reading of all pages has been completed. If the image reception of all pages has been completed, the process proceeds to step S505. If there is a subsequent page, the process returns to step S502, and the image reception of the next page is performed.

[0062] In step S505, the CPU 251 refers to the sheet information list saved in step S503 and determines whether or not there is a page whose page ID is "blank." If there is a page whose page ID is "blank," the process proceeds to step S506. If there is no page whose page ID is "blank," the process proceeds to step S507. In step S506, CPU 251 generates blank reference image data corresponding to a page with a page ID of "blank" and stores it in RAM 252. By generating reference image data for a page for which there is no print data and for which a RIP image is not generated, it becomes possible to perform inspection on blank pages (blank surfaces) for which a reference image is not generated. Here, a reference image corresponding to a blank page is generated, but this is not limited to this. For example, reference image data registered in advance may be referenced and stored in RAM 252. Also, a reference image corresponding to the page ID "blank" may not be stored in RAM 252, and reference data to be used during subsequent inspection may be specified in S506.

[0063] In step S507, CPU 251 transmits a registration completion notification to information processing device 140.

[0064] <Test flow> Next, the flow of inspection in inspection device 150 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7. This flowchart is realized by CPU 251 expanding program code stored in ROM 253 into RAM 252, and reading and executing the program code expanded in the RAM.

[0065] In step S701, the CPU 251 receives a command to start a regular print job from the information processing device 140 and starts reading an inspection image.

[0066] In step S702, the CPU 251 receives a scanned image. Here, the scanned image is a scanned image generated by the inspection unit 110 reading a printed material.

[0067] In step S703, the CPU 251 acquires the reference image registered in the reference image registration flow shown in Fig. 5. Here, the inspection device 150 determines the page ID from the sheet number and surface information to be printed, and acquires the reference image corresponding to the page ID. For example, if the image read in step S702 is an image of the front surface of the first sheet, the sheet information list is referenced and the corresponding page ID is detected to be 1. The reference image associated with page ID=1 is detected to be "RefImage_1.tif". If page ID=Blank, the white image data generated in step S507 is acquired.

[0068] In step S704, the CPU 251 performs an inspection by comparing the scanned image acquired in step S702 with the reference image acquired in step S703. In this embodiment, when the reference image is not generated, a blank image file is generated and the inspection is performed. This has the advantage that image defects can be detected by comparing the two images in the same way as when the reference image is generated, and the processing can be shared, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a method of performing an inspection using a blank image file recorded in advance may be used. Also, a method of comparing reference data representing white with all pixels of the scanned image may be used. Specifically, pixel data representing white is compared with pixels of the scanned image. This method does not require the generation of blank image data. Also, the scanned image itself may be regarded as an image difference to detect image defects.

[0069] In step S705, the CPU 251 notifies the inspection unit 110 of the inspection result. The inspection result is also notified to the image forming apparatus 100. The notified inspection result is used, for example, as described below. If the notified inspection result is NG, printing is stopped. The inspection result is also notified to the finisher 120, and sheets with an NG inspection result are discharged to a tray different from the normal paper discharge tray. The inspection result is also displayed on the UI section 257 of the inspection device 150.

[0070] FIG. 8 is an example of a screen displayed on the UI unit 257 of the inspection device 150 during inspection.

[0071] Reference numeral 801 denotes a button for clearing the display of the screen 800. When the button 801 is pressed, the screen 800 is closed. An area 802 denotes an area showing the inspection status. An area 803 denotes an area showing an image of the loaded print sheet. An area 804 displays the inspection result. An area 805 displays the inspection result for each side of the inspection sheet, and in the case of an inspection NG, detailed results of the cause of the NG are also displayed. The display of detailed results may be configured to display an image of the selected inspection sheet in the area 803 by selecting the inspection sheet displayed in the area 805. In this embodiment, the number of inspections, the number of OKs, and the number of NGs are displayed, but this is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient that items that make the inspection result easy for the user to understand are displayed. A button 806 is a button for saving the inspection result and ending the inspection. When the button 806 is pressed, the screen 800 is closed.

[0072] In step S706, the CPU 251 determines whether or not reading of all sheets has been completed. If reading of all sheets has not been completed, the process returns to step S702 to read the next sheet. If reading of all sheets has been completed, the process proceeds to step S707.

[0073] In step S707, the CPU 251 stores the inspection result in the RAM 252, and ends the process.

[0074] The above is a description of the inspection execution flow. As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if there is no print data and no RIP image is generated, it is possible to provide an inspection system that can perform inspection on pages for which no RIP image is generated.

[0075] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, a method was described that enables inspection by generating a blank image even when there is no print data and no RIP image is generated. However, for example, in the case of a printed matter printed on one side, there are cases where inspection of stains on the back side is not necessary. In this way, when the need to inspect the blank surface varies depending on the deliverable, it is necessary to set and delete an inspection area for each inspection page according to the deliverable. In this embodiment, a method is described that allows easy operation to switch whether or not to inspect a page for which there is no print data and no RIP image is generated.

[0076] The following describes this embodiment in terms of the differences from the above-described embodiment 1. Note that the parts not described in detail are the same as embodiment 1.

[0077] A selection screen for selecting an inspection method for an inspection job in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an example of a job property screen displayed on the UI unit 235 of the client PC 130. 301 to 305 are the same as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] Setting item 901 is a setting item for setting whether or not blank surfaces are to be inspected. When checked = ON, blank surfaces not present in the print data are inspected. When checked = OFF, inspection of blank surfaces not present in the print data is skipped. In this embodiment, the setting is performed on the UI of client PC 130, but this is not limited. For example, the setting may be possible on UI unit 257 of inspection device 150 or UI unit 246 of information processing device 140, and the setting location is not limited as long as the setting value can be transmitted to inspection device 150. This setting is transmitted to information processing device 140 and managed. The setting value of this setting item is also transmitted to inspection device 150 when a reference image registration job is transmitted in step S402 shown in FIG. 4.

[0079] Next, the flow of the registration work before starting the inspection of the inspection device 150 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 10. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 251 expanding the program code stored in the ROM 253 into the RAM 252, and reading and executing the program code expanded into the RAM.

[0080] The processes in steps S501 to S507 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] 9, and determines whether or not Inspect Blank Side=ON. If Inspect Blank Side=ON (YES in step S1001), the process proceeds to step S1002. If Inspect Blank Side=OFF (NO in step S1001), the process proceeds to step S505.

[0082] In step S1002, CPU 251 changes the page ID of the blank side. Fig. 11 shows an example of changing the page ID. Fig. 11(a) shows the sheet information list generated in step S503 when the image data of the five pages shown in Fig. 6(a) is printed on one side. Fig. 11(b) shows an example in which a page ID set to "Blank" is changed to "Skip" when inspect blank sides=OFF is set in step S1001. By changing the page ID to "Skip", the inspection is controlled to be skipped in the inspection described below.

[0083] Next, the flow of inspection by the inspection device 150 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 12. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 251 expanding the program code stored in the ROM 253 into the RAM 252, and reading and executing the program code expanded into the RAM.

[0084] The processes in steps S701 to S707 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] In step S1201, CPU 251 refers to the sheet information list and obtains the page ID. Here, CPU 251 determines the page ID from the sheet number to be printed and the surface information. If the page ID is "Skip" (YES in step S1202), proceed to step S706. If the page ID is other than "Skip" (NO in step S1202), proceed to step S703. In this manner, if the page ID is set to "Skip," the processes of steps S703 to S705 are skipped, and control is exercised so that inspection is not performed. Also, in this embodiment, control is exercised so that inspection is not performed, but the inspection result may be notified as "OK."

[0086] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to switch between inspection and non-inspection with a simple operation for a printing surface for which there is no print data and for which a RIP image is not to be generated.

[0087] (Other embodiments) Although various examples and embodiments of the present embodiment have been described above, the spirit and scope of the present embodiment are not limited to the specific descriptions in this specification. The present embodiment can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-mentioned embodiment to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Claims

1. An inspection device communicably connected to at least a printing device that prints an image on a recording sheet, a receiving means for receiving a reference image, which is image data that has been RIP-processed, and print setting information; a generating unit that generates a predetermined reference image different from the reference image based on the print setting information and the number of pages of the reference image; a registration means for registering the reference image and the predetermined reference image; a receiving means for receiving a scanned image generated by reading a printed matter having an image printed on the recording sheet; an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on the reference image corresponding to the scanned image, the predetermined reference image, and the scanned image; having When the scanned image includes a predetermined image that does not correspond to the reference image, the inspection means inspects the predetermined image using the predetermined reference image. An inspection device characterized by:

2. The registration means registers the reference image in association with each page of the printed matter based on the print setting information, and registers an instruction to use the specified reference image in the inspection for the specified image that does not correspond to the reference image.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The registration means registers an image corresponding to the reference image among the scanned images in association with the reference image based on the print setting information, and registers the predetermined reference image in association with the predetermined image.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. A setting means for setting a setting for inspecting the predetermined image is provided, When the setting is valid, the inspection means inspects a predetermined image that does not correspond to the reference image when the scanned image includes the predetermined image, using the predetermined reference image; When the setting is invalid, the inspection means skips inspection of a predetermined image in which the scanned image does not correspond to the reference image.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. The inspection device is further connected to an image processing device so as to be capable of communicating with the image processing device. The reference image is a raster image received from the image processing device.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 .

6. 2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference image received by the receiving means corresponds to an image printed by the printing device.

7. 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the print setting information is setting information for single-sided printing or double-sided printing.

8. 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined image is an image obtained by scanning an unprinted page of a printed matter in which images of odd-numbered pages are printed on both sides by the printing device.

9. 2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined image is an unprinted side of a printed matter printed on one side by the printing device.

10. the predetermined image is a blank image, The predetermined reference image is a reference image corresponding to the blank image.

10. The inspection device according to claim 1,

11. 11. The inspection apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the blank image is pixel data representing white.

12. An inspection system having at least a printing device that prints an image on a recording sheet and an inspection device that is communicably connected to the printing device, a generating means for generating a predetermined reference image different from the reference image based on print setting information and the number of pages of the reference image which is image data subjected to RIP processing; a registration means for registering the reference image and the predetermined reference image; a receiving means for receiving a scanned image generated by reading a printed matter having an image printed on the recording sheet; an inspection means for inspecting the printed matter based on the reference image corresponding to the scanned image, the predetermined reference image, and the scanned image; having When the scanned image includes a predetermined image that does not correspond to the reference image, the inspection means inspects the predetermined image using the predetermined reference image.

1. An inspection system comprising:

13. The registration means registers the reference image in association with each page of the printed matter based on the print setting information, and registers an instruction to use the specified reference image in the inspection for the specified image that does not correspond to the reference image.

13. The inspection system of claim 12.

14. The registration means registers an image corresponding to the reference image among the scanned images in association with the reference image based on the print setting information, and registers the predetermined reference image in association with the predetermined image.

13. The inspection system of claim 12.

15. A setting means for setting a setting for inspecting the predetermined image is provided, When the setting is valid, the inspection means inspects a predetermined image that does not correspond to the reference image when the scanned image includes the predetermined image, using the predetermined reference image; When the setting is invalid, the inspection means skips inspection of a predetermined image in which the scanned image does not correspond to the reference image.

13. The inspection system of claim 12.

16. The inspection system further includes an image processing device; The reference image is a raster image received from the image processing device.

13. The inspection system of claim 12.

17. The inspection system of claim 12 , wherein the reference image corresponds to an image printed by the printing device.

18. 13. The inspection system according to claim 12, wherein the print setting information is setting information for single-sided printing or double-sided printing.

19. The inspection system according to claim 12 , wherein the predetermined image is an image obtained by scanning an unprinted page of a printed matter in which odd-numbered pages of images are printed on both sides by the printing device.

20. 13. The inspection device according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined image is an unprinted side of a printed matter printed on one side by the printing device.

21. the predetermined image is a blank image, The predetermined reference image is a reference image corresponding to the blank image.

21. The inspection device according to claim 12,

22. 22. The inspection apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the blank image is pixel data representing white.

Images