Image processing device and image processing system

Abstract

To solve the fear that there are cases that image data in a printing job is not always image data corresponding to a paper size, which include a case that there are constitutions not including image data on margins in consideration of the margins of a printing device and a case that printing is performed on a paper sheet with a size different from a size of the image data, for instances, and under those cases, when the image data in the printing job is registered as a reference image in an inspection device, an image read out by the inspection device during printing becomes an image corresponding to the size of the paper sheet, thus making the image different in size from the reference image and making inspection positions different, so that an inspected result may become abnormal.SOLUTION: An image processing device comprises printing means that prints image data on a printing medium on the basis of print settings, and comparing means that compares an image printed on the printing medium with reference image data, and further comprises executing means that executes layout processing for the image data on the basis of the printing settings, and storing means that stores the image data subjected to the layout processing by the executing means, as the reference image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device and an image processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, printing systems have become known that allow inspection of paper printed by a printing device using an inspection device while it is being transported. In inspecting printed paper, the inspection device first reads an image of the transported printed paper and registers the read image as a reference image. The output (printed paper) of the executed print job is then subjected to image analysis and compared with the reference image to determine whether the printed paper is normal. Inspection by the inspection device can detect, for example, missing barcodes or ruled lines, missing images, print stains, missing pages, and color misalignment.

[0003] Some inspection systems are configured to print the image to be inspected in advance and register the image scanned by the inspection device as a reference image in the inspection device. However, because an inspection system with this configuration scans the printed paper to register the reference image, an operator must visually check whether the printed output paper or the scanned image is appropriate as the reference image. The larger the number of pages, the greater the operator's workload, which can be time-consuming and lead to operational errors. For this reason, an inspection system is known that performs a process to offset the tonality adjustments made in image processing performed on raster data during RIP image inspection, thereby obtaining image data of the reference image and setting it as the reference image in the inspection device (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-95476 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the image data of a print job is not necessarily image data for the paper size. For example, there are jobs that do not include image data for the margins of the printing device, taking into account the margins of the printing device, or jobs that print on paper of a different size than the image data. In such cases, if the image data of the print job is registered as a reference image in the inspection device, the image read by the inspection device during printing will be an image of the paper size, which will be different in size from the reference image, and the inspection position may not be aligned, resulting in an abnormal inspection result. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] a receiving means for receiving print settings and image data; Paper and a printing unit for printing an image based on the print setting. To paper size an execution unit that generates corresponding white image data and combines the image data with the white image data to execute layout processing in accordance with the print settings; a storage unit that stores the image data that has been subjected to the layout processing by the execution unit as reference image data; and Paper a determination means for determining whether the image printed on the sheet is normal; The image processing device is characterized by having the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing system including an inspection device that can perform correct inspection even in the case of a print job in which the input image size and the paper size to be printed are different. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Overall diagram of the printing system hardware configuration [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the system configuration of the printing system [Figure 3] Schematic cross-sectional view of the mechanism of an image forming device [Figure 4]Flowchart showing the conventional reference image registration process [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the flow of reference image registration in this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows the margins of paper printed by an image forming apparatus. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the relationship between the input image with margins removed and the paper size [Figure 8] A diagram showing the relationship between the input image and paper size when a paper size different from the input image size is specified [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the creation and registration of reference images [Figure 10] Diagram showing different orientations of image data and paper DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 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 scope of the invention as claimed, and not all of the combinations of features described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. The external controller may also be called an image processing controller, digital front end, print server, DFE, etc. The image forming device may also be called a multifunction device, multifunction peripheral, or MFP.

[0010] Example 1 1 is an overall diagram of the hardware configuration of an image processing system according to this embodiment. The image processing system includes an image forming apparatus 101 and an external controller 102. The image forming apparatus 101 and the external controller 102 are communicatively connected via an internal LAN 105 and a video cable 106. The external controller 102 is communicatively connected to a PC 103 via an external LAN 104, and a print instruction is sent from the PC 103 to the external controller 102.

[0011] A printer driver is installed in the PC 103 that has the function of converting print data into a print description language that can be processed by the external controller 102. A user who wants to print can issue a print instruction from various applications via the printer driver. The printer driver sends print data to the external controller 102 based on the print instruction from the user. When the external controller 102 receives a print instruction from the PC 103, it performs data analysis and rasterization processing, and inputs the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 to issue a print instruction. The external controller 102 inputs the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105 and inputs the rasterized image data via the video cable 106.

[0012] Next, a description will be given of the image forming apparatus 101. The image forming apparatus 101 is connected to a plurality of devices with different functions, and is configured to be capable of complex printing processes such as bookbinding.

[0013] The printing device 107 forms an image using toner on paper conveyed from a paper feed unit located below the printing device 107. Although paper is used as an example here, other printing media may be used.

[0014] The configuration and operating principle of this printing device 107 are as follows: A beam of light such as a laser beam modulated in accordance with image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror such as a polygon mirror and irradiated onto a photosensitive drum as scanning light.

[0015] The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by this laser beam is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to paper attached to the transfer drum. This series of image formation processes is performed sequentially for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners to form a full-color image on the paper. The paper on the transfer drum with the full-color image formed is transported to the fuser. The fuser includes rollers, belts, etc., and has a heat source such as a halogen heater built into the roller. The toner on the paper with the transferred toner image is melted and fixed to the paper by heat and pressure. The inserter 108 is a device for inserting sheets. Paper can be inserted from 108 at any position among the group of sheets printed and transported by the printing device 107.

[0016] The inspection device 109 is a device for reading an image of the conveyed paper (printed matter) and determining whether the printed image is normal by comparing the generated image data with pre-registered reference image data. Note that the printed matter determined to be normal or not is sorted into, for example, normal printed matter and printed matter with an error and then discharged.

[0017] The large-capacity stacker 110 is a device capable of stacking a large amount of paper. The finisher 111 is a device that performs finishing processes on the transported paper. The finisher 111 can perform finishing processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle-stitching depending on the settings, and discharges the paper to a paper discharge tray.

[0018] 1 is configured such that the external controller 102 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101, but the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which the external controller 102 is connected. That is, the image forming apparatus 101 may be connected to an external LAN 104, and print data that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 101 may be transmitted from a PC 103. In this case, data analysis and rasterization processing are performed in the image forming apparatus 101, and print processing is executed.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the image forming apparatus 101, the external controller 102, and the PC 103. As shown in FIG.

[0020] First, the configuration of the printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I / F 217, a LAN I / F 218, a video I / F 220, a HDD 221, a CPU 222, a memory 223, an operation unit 224, and a display 225. The printing device 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 further includes a document exposure unit 226, a laser exposure unit 227, an image creation unit 228, a fixing unit 229, and a paper feed unit 230. Each of these components is connected via a system bus 231.

[0021] The communication I / F 217 is connected to the inserter 108, the inspection device 109, the large-capacity stacker 110, and the finisher 111 via a communication cable 254, and performs communication for controlling each device.

[0022] The LAN I / F 218 is connected to the external controller 102 via the internal LAN 105, and performs communication of print data and the like.

[0023] The video I / F 220 is connected to the external controller 102 via the video cable 106, and performs communication of rasterized image data and the like.

[0024] The HDD 221 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The CPU 222 comprehensively controls image processing and printing based on the programs and the like stored in the HDD 221. The memory 223 stores programs and image data required when the CPU 222 performs various processes, and operates as a work area.

[0025] An operation unit 224 accepts various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user. A display 225 displays setting information for the image processing device, the processing status of a print job, and the like. An original exposure unit 226 performs a process for reading an original when using the copy function or scan function. Original data is read by shining an exposure lamp onto paper placed by the user and capturing an image with a CCD camera.

[0026] The laser exposure unit 227 is a device that performs primary charging and laser exposure to irradiate the photosensitive drum with laser light in order to transfer a toner image. In the laser exposure unit 227, primary charging is first performed to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum to a uniform negative potential. Next, a laser driver irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light, adjusting the reflection angle with a polygon mirror. This neutralizes the negative charge in the irradiated area, forming an electrostatic latent image. The image creation unit 228 is a device that transfers toner to paper and is composed of a development unit, transfer unit, toner supply unit, etc., and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum to paper.

[0027] In the developing unit, negatively charged toner from a developing cylinder is attached to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum surface, creating a visible image. In the transfer unit, a positive potential is applied to the primary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the photosensitive drum surface to the transfer belt (primary transfer), and a positive potential is applied to the secondary transfer outer roller to transfer the toner on the transfer belt to paper (secondary transfer). The fixing unit 229 is a device that melts and fixes the toner on the paper to the paper using heat and pressure, and is composed of a heater, fixing belt, pressure belt, etc. The paper feed unit 230 is a device that feeds paper, and the paper feed and transport operations are controlled by rollers and various sensors.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I / F 232, a CPU 233, a memory 234, and a paper feed control unit 235, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 236. The communication I / F 232 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 234, and communication required for control is performed. The CPU 233 performs various controls required for paper feeding in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 234. The memory 234 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper feed control unit 235 controls the rollers and sensors based on instructions from the CPU 222, and controls the feeding and transport of paper sheets transported from the inserter's paper feed unit and the printing device 107.

[0029] Next, we will explain the configuration of the inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101. The inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I / F 237, a CPU 238, a memory 239, an imaging unit 240, a display unit 241, an operation unit 242, and an HDD 272, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 243. The communication I / F 237 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254, and communication required for control is performed.

[0030] Furthermore, the reference image used for inspection is also received from the printing device 107 via the communication cable 254 and the communication I / F 237 and stored in the HDD 272. The CPU 238 performs various controls required for inspection according to a control program stored in the memory 239. The memory 239 is a storage device in which the control program is stored.

[0031] The photographing unit 240 photographs the transported paper based on instructions from the CPU 238. The CPU 238 compares the image photographed by the photographing unit 240 with a reference image stored in the HDD 272 to determine whether the printed image is normal. The display unit 241 displays inspection results, setting screens, etc. The operation unit 242 is operated by the user and accepts instructions such as changing the settings of the inspection device 109 and registering a reference image. The HDD 272 stores the reference image. Note that if the HDD 272 is not provided, the reference image may be stored in the HDD 221, and the reference image may be read from the HDD 221 into the memory 239 and used when performing processing to determine whether the printed image is normal.

[0032] Next, the configuration of the large-capacity stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The large-capacity stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I / F 244, a CPU 245, a memory 246, and a paper discharge control unit 247, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 248. The communication I / F 244 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254, and communication required for control is performed. The CPU 245 performs various controls required for paper discharge in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 246. The memory 246 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 247 controls the transport of transported paper to a stack tray, an escape tray, or the subsequent finisher 111 based on instructions from the CPU 245.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the finisher 111 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The finisher 111 of the image forming apparatus 101 is composed of a communication I / F 249, a CPU 250, a memory 251, a paper discharge control unit 252, and a finishing processing unit 253. These components are connected via a system bus 255. The communication I / F 249 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254, and communication necessary for control is performed. The CPU 250 performs various controls necessary for finishing and paper discharge in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 251. The memory 251 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 252 controls paper transport and paper discharge based on instructions from the CPU 250. The finishing processing unit 253 controls finishing processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching based on instructions from the CPU 250.

[0034] Next, we will explain the configuration of the external controller 102. The external controller 102 is composed of a CPU 208, memory 209, HDD 210, keyboard 211, display 212, LAN I / F 213, LAN I / F 214, and video I / F 215, and is connected via a system bus 216. The CPU 208 comprehensively executes processes such as receiving print data from the PC 103, RIP processing, and sending print data to the image forming apparatus 101 based on the programs and data stored in the HDD 210.

[0035] The memory 209 stores programs and data required for the CPU 208 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area. The HDD 210 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing. The keyboard 211 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the external controller 102. The display 212 displays information such as the application executed by the external controller 102 using video signals of still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 213 is connected to the PC 103 via the external LAN 104, and performs communication such as print instructions. The LAN I / F 214 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105, and performs communication such as print data as print instructions. The video I / F 215 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video cable 106, and performs communication such as rasterized image data.

[0036] Next, we will explain the configuration of the PC 103. The PC 103 is composed of a CPU 201, memory 202, HDD 203, keyboard 204, display 205, and LAN I / F 206, which are connected via a system bus 207. The CPU 201 creates print data and issues print instructions based on a document processing program stored in the HDD 203, etc.

[0037] The CPU 201 also comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus. The memory 202 stores programs and data required for the CPU 201 to perform various processes and operates as a work area. The HDD 203 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing. The keyboard 204 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the PC 103. The display 205 displays information such as applications executed by the PC 103 using video signals for still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 206 is connected to the external LAN 104 and performs communication such as printing instructions.

[0038] In the above description, the external controller 102 and the image forming apparatus 101 are connected via the internal LAN 105 and the video cable 106. However, any other configuration may be used as long as the data necessary for printing can be transmitted and received; for example, a connection using only a video cable may be used. Furthermore, the memory 202, the memory 209, the memory 223, the memory 234, the memory 239, the memory 246, and the memory 251 may be any storage device for storing data and programs. For example, they may be replaced with volatile RAM, non-volatile ROM, an internal HDD, an external HDD, a USB memory, or the like.

[0039] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism of the image forming apparatus 101. Reference numeral 107 denotes a printing device that forms an image to be printed on paper. Paper feed deck 301 and paper feed deck 302 can store various types of paper. Information about the paper stored in each paper feed deck (paper size, paper type) can be set from the operation unit 224 of the printing device 107.

[0040] Each paper feed deck can separate only the topmost sheet of paper stored therein and transport it to paper transport path 303. Developing stations 304 to 307 form toner images using color toners of Y, M, C, and K, respectively, to form color images. The toner images formed here are primarily transferred to intermediate transfer belt 308, which rotates clockwise in the drawing, and the toner image is transferred to paper transported from paper transport path 303 at secondary transfer position 309.

[0041] Display 225 displays information for the printing status and settings of image forming apparatus 101. Fixing unit 311 fixes the toner image to paper. Fixing unit 311 is equipped with a pressure roller and a heating roller, and as paper passes between these rollers, the toner is melted and pressed, thereby fixing the toner image to the paper. After passing through fixing unit 311, the paper is transported to paper transport path 315 via paper transport path 312.

[0042] If further fusing and pressing are required for fixing depending on the type of paper, the paper passes through fixing unit 311 and is then transported to second fixing unit 313 using the upper paper transport path. After additional fusing and pressing are performed in second fixing unit 313, the paper is transported to paper transport path 315 via paper transport path 314. If the image formation mode is double-sided, the paper is transported to paper inversion path 316, and after being inverted by paper inversion path 316, the paper is transported to double-sided transport path 317, where the image on the second side is transferred at secondary transfer position 309.

[0043] The inserter 108 inserts sheets. The inserter 108 has an inserter tray 321, and merges sheets fed to the inserter tray 321 into the transport path via a paper transport path 322. This makes it possible to insert a sheet at any position in a series of sheets transported from the printing device 107 and transport it to a subsequent device.

[0044] The paper that has passed through the inserter 108 is transported to the inspection device 109. Cameras 331 and 332 are arranged facing each other inside the inspection device 109. Camera 331 is a camera for reading the top surface of the paper, and camera 332 is a camera for reading the bottom surface of the paper. When the paper transported to paper transport path 333 reaches a predetermined position, the inspection device 109 reads the image of the paper using cameras 331 and 332, and can determine whether the image from the device is normal. The display unit 241 displays the inspection results performed by the inspection device 109, etc.

[0045] Large-capacity stacker 110 is a large-capacity stacker that can hold a large amount of paper. Large-capacity stacker 110 has a stack tray 341 as a tray for holding paper that has been determined to be normal paper (printed matter) by inspection device 109. Paper that has passed through inspection device 109 is input into large-capacity stacker 110 through paper transport path 344. The paper travels from paper transport path 344 through paper transport path 345 and is then stacked on stack tray 341.

[0046] The stacker 340 further has an escape tray 346 as a paper output tray. The escape tray 346 is a paper output tray used to output paper that has been determined by the inspection device 109 to be paper (printed material) with an error. When outputting to the escape tray 346, the paper is transported from paper transport path 344 to the escape tray 346 via paper transport path 347. When transporting paper to a post-processing device downstream of the large-capacity stacker 110, the paper is transported via paper transport path 348. The inverting unit 349 inverts the paper. This inverting unit 349 is used when loading paper onto the stack tray 341. When loading paper onto the stack tray 341, the inverting unit 349 inverts the paper once so that the orientation of the input paper is the same as the orientation of the paper at the time of output. When transporting paper to the escape tray 346 or a downstream post-processing device, the paper is discharged as is without being flipped when loaded, and therefore no inversion operation is performed by the inverting unit 349.

[0047] The finisher 111 is a device that performs finishing processing on transported sheets according to functions specified by the user. Specifically, the finisher 111 has finishing functions such as stapling (one-point or two-point binding), punching (two-hole or three-hole), and saddle stitching. The finisher 111 is equipped with a paper output tray 351 and a paper output tray 352. Paper is output to the paper output tray 351 via a paper transport path 353. However, finishing processing such as stapling cannot be performed on the paper transport path 353.

[0048] When performing finishing processing such as stapling, the sheets are sent via paper transport path 354, whereupon a finishing function designated by the user is executed in processing section 355, and the sheets are output to output tray 352. Output trays 351 and 352 can each be raised and lowered, and output tray 351 can also be lowered so that sheets that have been finished in processing section 355 are loaded onto output tray 351. When saddle stitching is designated, the sheets are stapled in the center in saddle stitching processing section 356, then folded in half, and output to saddle stitching tray 358 via paper transport path 357. Saddle stitching tray 358 is configured as a belt conveyor, and the saddle stitched bundle loaded on saddle stitching tray 358 is configured to be transported to the left.

[0049] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of conventional reference image registration, in which S401 to S404 represent the individual steps.

[0050] Inspection of printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus 101 is performed using the system configuration shown in Fig. 2. For the inspection, a reference image is registered in advance in the HDD 272 of the inspection device 109, and during printing, the image of the paper is read using cameras 331 and 332 and compared with the reference image to determine whether the image on the paper is normal. Conventionally, the reference image was also registered by actually printing, and the image of the paper read using cameras 331 and 332 was registered in the HDD 272 as the reference image.

[0051] In S401, the setting mode of the inspection device 109 by the operator is accepted from the operation unit 242. This places the inspection device 109 in a reference image registration mode. In the conventional registration mode, the image of the paper read by the cameras 331 and 332 is used as the reference image, so the inspection device 109 enters a standby state, waiting for paper to be transported to the paper transport path 333.

[0052] In S402, a print instruction is received from the PC 103. The print instruction received here is to print one copy of the print job that the operator wants to inspect.

[0053] In S403, a print job is executed and the image data is printed on paper. Furthermore, the printed paper is read by cameras 331 and 332, and the read image is saved in HDD 272. The operator visually checks the printed paper and the image preview displayed on display unit 241 to confirm whether it is appropriate as a reference image.

[0054] In S404, if registration of the reference image is accepted, the flow ends. On the other hand, if registration of the reference image is not accepted, the flow returns to S401. At this time, the operator cleans the image forming apparatus 101 or changes the print job settings so that the printed paper or the image preview displayed on the display unit 241 can be registered as the reference image. In this way, S401 to S404 are repeated until the apparatus accepts registration of the reference image.

[0055] In this conventional registration of a reference image, an actual print is made and the reference image is input using the same input method as the test image, so there is no need to consider the size or orientation of the image, and the test can be performed by simple image comparison. However, for print jobs with a large number of pages, the operator must visually determine whether all pages are suitable as reference images, which can lead to errors and is time-consuming.

[0056] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of reference image registration in this embodiment, where S501 to S504 represent the individual steps.

[0057] In this embodiment, the reference image is registered not by reading printing paper as in Fig. 4, but by registering image data created from rasterized image data. Note that in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the rasterized image data is received from the external controller 102 via the video cable 106, but this is not limiting. For example, the image forming apparatus 101 may receive a print job (including, for example, PDL data) from the PC 103 and rasterize it.

[0058] In S501, an instruction to set reference image data in the inspection device 109 is received from the operator via the operation unit 242. This puts the inspection device 109 into a reference image registration mode, and the device waits for rasterized image data to be input from the external controller 102 via the video cable 106.

[0059] In S502, a print instruction is received from the PC 103. The print instruction includes print settings, such as at least the paper size to be printed, resolution, image orientation, and image size for each page, as well as image data. The instruction received here is to print one copy of the print job that the operator wishes to inspect. In this embodiment, a print instruction is received to match the operability with conventional methods, but an instruction to register the print job as a reference image registration job may also be received from the PC 103.

[0060] In S503, the image data input from the external controller 102 via the video cable 106 is subjected to layout processing suited to printing, and then transmitted to the inspection device 109 via the communication cable 254. The inspection device 109 stores the image data in the HDD 272 as a reference image.

[0061] Details of the process of S503 are shown in Fig. 9. If registration of a reference image is accepted in S504, the flow ends with the reference image stored in HDD 272 in S503 remaining.

[0062] On the other hand, if registration of the reference image is not accepted, the reference image stored in HDD 272 is deleted and the process returns to S501. At this time, the operator cleans image forming apparatus 101 or changes print job settings so that the printed paper or the image preview displayed on display unit 241 can be registered as the reference image. In this way, S501 to S504 are repeated until the apparatus accepts registration of the reference image.

[0063] Although the reference image is stored in HDD 272 in S503, it may also be stored in memory 239. In this case, if registration of the reference image is accepted in S504, the reference image stored in memory 239 is stored in HDD 272. Furthermore, if registration of the reference image is not accepted in S504, the reference image stored in memory 239 is not stored in HDD 272.

[0064] Next, the reference image creation and transfer process performed in S503 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 6 to 10. First, the relationship between the image data printed on the paper and the margins will be described with reference to Figure 6.

[0065] 6 is a diagram showing the margins of paper printed by the image forming apparatus 101. Paper 601 is paper on which image data is printed, and is transported in the direction of the arrow. The area inside dashed line 602 is the area where the image is actually printed by the image forming apparatus 101, and the area outside dashed line 602 is the area that is not printed. Therefore, when image data for the paper size of paper 601 is received from the external controller 102, even if there is an image in the area outside dashed line 602, it will not be printed in that area.

[0066] In this embodiment, the margins are the same width on all sides, but depending on the configuration of the image forming device, if the printable areas at the front and rear ends or the back and front ends are different in the transport direction, it is possible that the margins will be of different widths on the top, bottom, left, and right.

[0067] FIG. 7 shows the relationship between an input image with margins removed and paper size. The image forming apparatus 101 receives rasterized image data from the external controller 102 via the video cable 106. Many image forming apparatuses used in printing systems configured to connect to an external controller are high-speed machines, and the input speed of image data also affects the throughput of the printing system. Therefore, in order to reduce the data size of the image data even as much as possible, there is also a configuration in which the external controller 102 deletes the image corresponding to the margins that will not be printed by the image forming apparatus 101 and then transmits the image data to the image forming apparatus 101. In other words, only the image inside the dashed line 602 in FIG. 6 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 as image data.

[0068] FIG. 7(a) shows an example of image data when the image corresponding to the margins has been deleted. The actual paper size for printing is A4 paper size, as indicated by paper size 702 in FIG. 7(b). However, the image data received from the external controller 102 is image 701, which is the image inside dashed line 602 in FIG. 6 and is smaller than the A4 paper size. The CPU 222 allocates memory for the A4 paper size in the memory 223 and generates an image for the A4 paper size by centering and laying out the image data corresponding to image 701. The image forming apparatus 101 prints the laid-out A4-size image, resulting in the printout shown in FIG. 7(c). The printed matter 703 is A4 paper, and the image data of image 701 is centered and printed in area 704. In this embodiment, the top, bottom, left, and right margins are the same width, so the image is centered when printed. However, if the margins are not uniform, the image may be shifted to fit the margins when printed.

[0069] Fig. 8 shows the relationship between an input image and paper size when a paper size different from the input image size is specified. As with Fig. 7, Fig. 8(a) shows the image data received from the external controller 102, Fig. 8(b) shows the paper size to be printed, and Fig. 8(c) shows the printout. In Fig. 8, it is assumed that the image data received from the external controller 102 has not had any image data corresponding to the margins deleted.

[0070] Figure 8 shows an example of printing image data whose aspect ratio differs from the paper size to be printed. The print job allows you to specify the paper size to print on for each image, and it is also possible to specify a paper size different from the image size. Paper size 802 is A3 size paper, and image 801, which has an aspect ratio different from A3 size, is printed on this paper.

[0071] The CPU 222 allocates memory for A3 paper size in the memory 223 and generates an image for A3 paper size by centering and laying out image data corresponding to the image 801. Since the image forming apparatus 101 can only feed A3 paper from the short edge, when printing, the paper orientation becomes printout 803, and the paper is fed in the direction of the arrow, which is the short edge.

[0072] Therefore, the CPU 222 rotates the laid-out A3 size image by -90 degrees and prints it, and the data of image 801 is printed on a landscape A3 sheet of paper as shown in Fig. 8(c) with the image rotated and centered as shown in image 804. Of course, the image may be laid out by being shifted to one of the sides instead of being centered.

[0073] 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of creating and registering a reference image. Note that S901 to S911 in the diagram represent each step. The program of the image forming apparatus 101 related to this flowchart is stored in the HDD 221, loaded into the memory 223, and executed by the CPU 222.

[0074] In step S901, page data for the print job is read. The page data includes information such as image data, the image size of the page, the paper size to be printed, the resolution, and the image orientation.

[0075] In S902, the image size of the page data read in S901 is compared with the long side and short side of the paper size to determine whether they are the same size.

[0076] If the sizes are the same, proceed to S907, and if the sizes are different, proceed to S903. In S903, for portrait paper, it is determined whether to rotate the image to fit the paper depending on whether the image data is portrait or landscape. If the paper is portrait, image rotation is necessary if the image data is landscape.

[0077] For example, if the image data is shown in Fig. 10(a) and the paper size is shown in Fig. 10(b), then 1001 is a landscape image, so it is rotated 90 degrees to fit the paper size of 1002. If it is determined in S903 that image rotation is necessary, the process proceeds to S904, and if it is determined that image rotation is not necessary, the process proceeds to S905.

[0078] In S904, the image is rotated to fit the paper. In S905, white image data for the paper size is created in memory 223. Note that while white image data is used here assuming a configuration in which blank paper is used, any image corresponding to the paper will suffice. Specifically, if paper on which a base image is printed is used as the printing medium, base image data is used, and if color paper is used, color image data corresponding to the paper is used.

[0079] In S906, the image data is combined with the white image data created in the memory 223. In this embodiment, the image data is laid out by centering it on the paper, as described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Of course, instead of centering it, the image data may be laid out by being positioned to one of the sides of the paper.

[0080] In S907, the image orientation when image data for the paper size is actually printed is determined. Paper size is based on portrait paper, but as shown in Figure 8, for example, A3 paper can only be fed short edge-wise, so image rotation is necessary. Furthermore, when performing finishing such as stapling or punching holes, finishing can only be performed in a certain direction due to the mechanical configuration, so finishing is performed by aligning the orientation of the paper and the image to be printed. Taking these finishing methods into consideration, the final image orientation to be printed on the paper is determined, and the final rotation angle of the image data is also determined.

[0081] In S908, it is determined whether image rotation is necessary for the final rotation angle, and if image rotation is necessary, the process proceeds to S909, and if not, the process proceeds to S910. In S909, the image data is rotated according to the final rotation angle. In S910, the image data is transmitted to the inspection device 109 via the communication cable 254, and the inspection device 109 registers the image as a reference image in the memory 239. In S911, it is determined whether the page processed in S901 to S910 is the final page, and if it is not the final page, the process proceeds to S901, and if it is the final page, the process ends.

[0082] Fig. 10 shows an example of the difference in orientation between image data and paper. Fig. 10(a) shows the image data, Fig. 10(b) shows the paper size, 1001 shows a landscape image, and 1002 shows a portrait paper, showing an example where the orientations are different by 90 degrees.

[0083] By performing the processing described above, even if the image size of the print job differs from the paper size, an image for the paper size to be printed by the image forming device 101 can be laid out in accordance with the print direction and registered as a reference image in the inspection device 109. With the configuration of this embodiment, accurate inspection is possible without the user having to output a printed material and then scan the output printed material.

[0084] In this embodiment, the case where the image size is smaller than the paper size has been described, but it goes without saying that even if the image size is larger than the paper size, it is possible to perform correct inspection by creating a reference image with the same layout as when printing.

[0085] (Other embodiments) While various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific descriptions within this specification.

[0086] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 101 Image forming device 107 Printing device 109 Inspection equipment 222 CPU

Claims

1. a receiving means for receiving print settings and image data; a printing means for printing an image on a sheet based on the image data, an execution unit that generates white image data corresponding to a paper size based on the print settings and combines the image data with the white image data to execute layout processing according to the print settings; a storage means for storing the image data on which the layout process has been performed by the execution means as reference image data; a determining means for determining whether the image printed on the paper is normal based on the reference image data; 1. An image processing device comprising:

2. a receiving means for receiving an instruction to set the reference image data; The storage means, based on the reception of the setting instruction by the reception means, 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data on which the layout process has been performed is stored as the reference image data.

3. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout processing includes a process of rotating the image data in accordance with the orientation of the paper used in the printing means.

4. 4. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the layout processing includes a process of combining the white image data and image data based on the paper size setting set in the print settings to generate image data corresponding to the paper.

5. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout processing is executed for each page of data.

6. the determining means determines that the paper is an error when it is determined that the reference image data and the image printed on the paper are different; 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper is determined to be normal when it is determined that the reference image data and the image printed on the paper are the same.

7. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data used in the layout processing is raster data.

8. a receiving means for receiving print settings and image data; a printing means for printing an image on a sheet based on the image data; a storage means for storing data; at least one control means, the at least one control unit generates white image data corresponding to a paper size based on the print settings; Executing a layout process according to the print settings by combining the image data with the white image data; storing the layout-processed image data as reference image data in the storage means; An image processing system that determines whether the image printed on the paper is normal or not based on the reference image data.

9. the printing means receives an instruction to set the reference image data; 9. The image processing system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one control means stores the image data on which the layout processing has been performed as the reference image data based on the printing means receiving the setting instruction.

10. 10. The image processing system according to claim 8, wherein the layout processing includes a process of rotating the image data in accordance with the orientation of the paper used by the printing means.

11. The image processing system according to claim 10, characterized in that the layout processing includes a process of combining the white image data and image data based on the paper size setting set in the print settings to generate image data corresponding to the paper.

12. 12. The image processing system according to claim 8, wherein the layout process is executed for each page of data.

13. The at least one control means By determining that the reference image data and the image printed on the paper are different, The paper is determined to be an error; By determining that the reference image data and the image printed on the paper are the same, 13. The image processing system according to claim 8, wherein the paper is determined to be normal.

14. 14. The image processing system according to claim 8, wherein the image data used in the layout processing is raster data.

Images