Image inspection device, image inspection method, and image inspection program

Abstract

To allow a user to confirm an actual inspection region when the user confirms a result of scanning in automatic inspection.SOLUTION: An image inspection device comprises: optical sensors 141 and 142 for reading a sheet having an image formed thereon; an abnormality detection unit 106 for determining whether a result of printing is normal or not, from images read by the optical sensors 141 and 142; a storage unit 18 for storing information of a region to be inspected by the abnormality detection unit 106; and a display processing unit 105 which informs a display operation unit 11 of the region to be inspected by the abnormality detection unit 106 in the images read by the optical sensors 141 and 142.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The automatic inspection function in printing is a function that compares the scanned results of the output to be inspected with a pre-linked correct image, identifies defective printed material with stains, bent corners, wrinkles, paper skew, etc., and automatically discharges the paper as waste paper (wasted paper) to a separate tray. At this time, the correct image is generated from the scanned results of the original data or the job output to create the correct image.

[0003] If inspection is always performed on the entire image during image inspection, there is a problem in that even if there are no abnormalities in the inspection area, the print may be identified as defective due to abnormalities in areas other than the inspection area. For this reason, the inspection area is generally specified and control is implemented so that abnormal images in areas other than the inspection area are not inspected.

[0004] Also, as shown in Patent Document 1, a configuration is known in which the scanned image of the inspection object is saved as an image file such as a PDF file, and the user can refer to it to directly check the inspection results. According to Patent Document 1, the user can check the results of anomaly detection and the image of the inspection object that was actually read, and by checking and inputting any false positives or missed detections, it is possible to provide feedback to the anomaly detection conditions during automatic inspection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-191979 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when a user checks an image to be inspected, the user is unable to confirm the area that the device has designated as the inspection target, which presents the following problems (a) to (e). (a) When inspection is performed on a printed matter, it is not possible to confirm whether the area to be inspected is the area intended by the user. (b) If areas of the printed material that should be inspected are not inspected, there is a possibility that the final product will be shipped with abnormal images remaining. (c) Furthermore, when an image defect that is visually detected by the user is not detected by the device, it is not possible to determine whether it is not detected because it is outside the inspection area of the image, or because it does not meet the conditions (threshold) for determining that the image is abnormal.

[0007] (d) It is not possible to determine whether the inspection area of the printed image needs to be corrected or whether the inspection conditions need to be corrected. (e) When users visually check the read results, it is difficult to accurately identify the inspection area, making it difficult to determine whether an image defect near the border of the cutting area will affect the final output. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the distance from the edge of the image and compare it with the cutting amount.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable a user to check the actual inspection area when checking the scan results of automatic inspection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] That is, the above-mentioned problems of the present invention are solved by the following configuration.

[0010] (1) A control unit is provided that checks whether a print result is normal by comparing an image formed on a recording medium that is read in advance by a reading unit with an image that is read by the reading unit when a job to be checked is executed; The control unit an image formed on the recording medium, which has been previously read by a reading unit, and a boundary line between an inspection target area and a non-inspection target area are displayed on a display unit; In an image obtained by reading an image formed on the recording medium in advance by a reading unit, an area that is not an area to be inspected is the non-inspection area, The inspection target area and the non-inspection target area are not filled in. At least one of the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area is an area set by a user in the image read in advance. Image inspection equipment. Contents of the correction

[0011] (2) The image inspection device according to (1), wherein the control unit stores information about the inspection target area. (3) The boundary line is a first boundary line or a second boundary line, the non-inspection region is a first non-inspection region or a second non-inspection region, the control unit displays an image formed on the recording medium, the first boundary line, and the second boundary line, which are previously read by a reading unit, on the display unit; the first boundary line is a boundary line between the inspection target region and the first non-inspection target region, the second boundary line is a boundary line between the inspection target region and the second non-inspection target region, The inspection target area, the first non-inspection target area, and the second non-inspection target area are not filled in. An image inspection device as described in (1).

[0012] ( 4 The first and second non-inspection regions are set by an operation on a graphical user interface screen. 1 ) An image inspection device according to the present invention.

[0013] ( 5 The first and second non-inspection regions are set by inputting numerical values. 1 ) An image inspection device according to the present invention. ( 6 The display unit is capable of switching between displaying the read image and an image in which the region of the read image is displayed. The image inspection device according to (1) is characterized in that:

[0014] ( 7 The non-inspection area includes an area where the recording medium on which the image is printed is to be cut. The image inspection device according to (1) is characterized in that:

[0015] ( 8 The non-inspection area includes an area where the print content differs for each recording medium. The image inspection device according to (1) is characterized in that:

[0016] ( 9 ) the non-inspection region is rectangular; The image inspection device according to (1) is characterized in that:

[0017] ( 10 The non-inspection area is an area that is not inspected to determine whether the printing is normal by comparing an image of an image formed on a recording medium that is read in advance by the reading unit with an image of an image printed during execution of the inspection target job that is read by the reading unit. The image inspection device according to (1) is characterized in that:

[0018] ( 11 the display unit displays the area on the image read by the reading unit when the inspection target job is executed. The image inspection device according to (1) is characterized in that:

[0019] (12) the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area are areas in the image read in advance that are set by a user based on information of the image read in advance. An image inspection device as described in (1). ( 13 ) Non-testing elephant territory setting a region; a step of reading an image formed on a recording medium in advance by a reading unit; reading an image printed when a job to be inspected is executed by the reading unit; a step of comparing an image formed on the recording medium read in advance by the reading unit with an image read from an image printed during execution of the job to be inspected, to inspect whether the printing is normal; a step of displaying, on a display unit, an image of the image formed on the recording medium that has been read in advance by a reading unit and a boundary line between the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area; An image inspection method comprising: In an image obtained by reading an image formed on the recording medium in advance by a reading unit, an area that is not the inspection target area is the non-inspection target area, The inspection target area and the non-inspection target area are not filled in. 、 At least one of the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area is an area set by a user in the image read in advance. An image inspection method characterized by:

[0020] (1 4 ) on your computer, Non-testing elephant territory Steps to set up a region, a step of reading an image formed on a recording medium in advance by a reading unit; a step of reading an image printed when a job to be inspected is executed by the reading unit; a step of comparing an image formed on the recording medium read in advance by the reading unit with an image read from an image printed during execution of the job to be inspected, to inspect whether the printing is normal; a step of displaying, on a display unit, an image of the image formed on the recording medium previously read by a reading unit and a boundary line between the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area; An image inspection program for executing In an image obtained by reading an image formed on the recording medium in advance by a reading unit, an area that is not the inspection target area is the non-inspection target area, The inspection target area and the non-inspection target area are not filled in. 、 At least one of the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area is an area set by a user in the image read in advance. An image inspection program characterized by:

[0021] (1 5) a control unit that checks whether the print result is normal by comparing an image formed on a recording medium that is read in advance by a reading unit with an image that is read by the reading unit when the job to be checked is executed, The control unit An image formed on the recording medium is read in advance by a reading unit, and an inspection target area is and inspection The boundary line between the area not to be inspected and the area not to be inspected is displayed on the display. In an image obtained by reading an image formed on the recording medium in advance by a reading unit, an area that is not the inspection target area is the non-inspection target area, The inspection target area and the non-inspection target area are not filled in. 、 At least one of the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area is an area set by a user in the image read in advance. An image inspection system characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention ,fruit This makes it possible to check the actual inspection area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for switching whether or not to display a graphic indicating a non-inspection region superimposed on an image obtained by scanning a recording medium. [Figure 5] 1 is an example of an image obtained by scanning a printed recording medium. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing layers of regions not to be inspected; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image obtained by combining an image obtained by scanning a recording medium with an area not to be inspected. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure of a file in which non-inspection target areas are registered as separate layers of an image obtained by scanning a printed recording medium. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for switching whether or not to display a graphic indicating an inspection target area by superimposing it on an image obtained by scanning a recording medium. [Figure 10] 1 is an example of an image obtained by scanning a printed recording medium. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an inspection target area. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a file in which an inspection target area is registered as a separate layer of an image obtained by scanning a printed recording medium. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for displaying a boundary line between an area to be inspected and an area not to be inspected by superimposing the boundary line on an image obtained by scanning a recording medium. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a file in which the boundary line between the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area is registered as a separate layer of an image obtained by scanning a recording medium. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image obtained by combining an image obtained by scanning a recording medium with a boundary line between an inspection target area and a non-inspection target area. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of displaying the boundary line of a variable area by superimposing it on an image obtained by scanning a recording medium, and further displaying the cutting area by filling it in. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen of an inspection target area. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen for resetting the non-inspection region. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for trimming a non-inspection area from an image obtained by scanning a printed recording medium. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image obtained by scanning a printed recording medium. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a file obtained by trimming an area not to be inspected from an image obtained by scanning a printed recording medium. [Figure 22]10 is a flowchart showing a process for displaying coordinate information of a non-inspection region together with an image obtained by scanning a recording medium. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen of coordinate information of a non-inspection region. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG.

[0025] 1, image forming system 1 includes display operation unit 11, paper feed unit 12, image forming device 13, image inspection device 14, cutting device 15, and purging device 16. Paper feed unit 12, image forming device 13, image inspection device 14, cutting device 15, and purging device 16 are connected in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of paper transport.

[0026] 2, the image forming system 1 includes a control unit 10, a display operation unit 11, a paper feed unit 12, a printing unit 130, an image reading unit 140, a cutting unit 150, a purging unit 160, a storage unit 18, and a communication unit 19. These are interconnected via buses and interfaces for exchanging signals.

[0027] The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101 controls the above-mentioned components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with a program. The ROM 102 is a non-volatile memory that stores various programs and data for controlling the devices that make up the image forming system 1. The RAM 103 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area for the CPU 101.

[0028] The storage unit 18 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk, and stores various programs and various data. The CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 are a computer that executes each processing step by executing the programs stored in the storage unit 18. The communication unit 19 is an interface for communicating with other devices.

[0029] The display operation unit 11 is an operation panel that includes a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, and the like, and is used to display various information and input various instructions.

[0030] <Paper feed unit> Paper feed unit 12 includes multiple large-capacity paper feed trays 121 to 123. These large-capacity paper feed trays 121 to 123 store sheets of paper 9 used for image formation. Paper feed unit 12 sends out sheets of paper 9 stored in these large-capacity paper feed trays 121 to 123 to image forming device 13 one sheet at a time.

[0031] <<Image forming device>> The image forming apparatus 13 includes the main body paper feed trays 131 and 132, a conveying roller 133, a transfer roller 134, a fixing roller 135, and reversing paths 136 and 137 shown in Fig. 1, and constitutes the printing unit 130 shown in Fig. 2. The main body paper feed trays 131 and 132 store sheets of paper 9 used for image formation. The conveying roller 133 conveys the sheets of paper 9 conveyed from the main body paper feed trays 131 and 132 or the paper feed unit 12 downstream one sheet at a time.

[0032] The transfer roller 134 is disposed downstream of the conveying roller 133 and transfers each of the CMYK toner images onto the paper 9. The fixing roller 135 applies heat and pressure to the paper 9, thereby fixing the toner images transferred onto the paper 9 to the paper 9. The reversing paths 136 and 137 are paths for reversing the paper 9 discharged from the fixing roller 135 and sending it again to the conveying roller 133. This allows the image forming device 13 to print on both sides of the paper 9.

[0033] The printing unit 130 forms an image based on image data on the paper 9 using a well-known imaging process such as an electrophotographic process including the steps of charging, exposing, developing, transferring, and fixing. The paper 9 on which the image has been formed by the printing unit 130 is transported to the image inspection device 14 installed downstream.

[0034] <Image inspection device> The image inspection device 14 includes optical sensors 141 and 142 and a roller 143. These optical sensors 141 and 142 constitute an image reading unit 140 shown in FIG.

[0035] The image reading unit 140 reads an image formed on the paper 9 to obtain read image data. The optical sensors 141 and 142 constituting the image reading unit 140 are imaging devices such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensors. The optical sensor 141 images the front side of the paper 9. The optical sensor 142 images the back side of the paper 9.

[0036] The image reading unit 140 shines light from a light source such as a fluorescent lamp onto the paper 9, and photoelectrically converts the reflected light with optical sensors 141 and 142 to generate read image data from the electrical signal. The paper 9 from which the image has been read by the image reading unit 140 is conveyed in order to the cutting device 15 installed downstream.

[0037] <Cutting device> The cutting device 15 includes cutting cutters 151 to 153 and a waste container 154, and constitutes a cutting section 150 shown in FIG. The cutting unit 150 performs a cutting process on the paper 9 on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 13. The cutting unit 150 has a cutting cutter 151 for cutting the paper 9 in a direction along the conveyance direction, and cutting cutters 152 and 153 for cutting the paper 9 in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, and cuts the paper 9 in two directions. The cutting unit 150 performs a cutting process on the paper 9 based on the cutting process information of the job, cuts off the edges of the paper 9, and places the cut pieces in a waste bin 154. The paper obtained by cutting the paper 9 by the cutting unit 150 is transported in order to the purging device 16 installed downstream.

[0038] Purge Device The purging device 16 includes a main paper discharge tray 161 provided on the side of the device body, and a sub-paper discharge tray 162 provided on the top of the device body, forming a purging section 160 shown in FIG. The purge unit 160 discharges the paper obtained by cutting by the cutting device 15. The purge unit 160 of this embodiment has a main paper output tray 161 provided on the side of the device body, and a sub-paper output tray 162 provided on the top of the device body.

[0039] The transport path switching unit 163 switches the transport path for the cut paper between a first transport path leading to the main paper output tray 161 and a second transport path leading to the sub-paper output tray 162. If no abnormality is found in the paper 9 before being cut, the transport path switching unit 163 transports the cut paper to the first transport path and discharges it to the main paper output tray 161. If an abnormality is found in the paper 9 before being cut, the transport path switching unit 163 transports the cut paper to the second transport path and discharges it to the sub-paper output tray 162 (purging).

[0040] The control unit 10 of the image forming system 1 functions as a purge unit 160 that cooperates with a control unit (not shown) of the purging device 16 to discharge sheets 9 without defects to a main paper output tray 161 and discharges divided sheets with defects to a sub-paper output tray 162. The control unit 10 of the image forming system 1 also cooperates with control units (not shown) of the image inspection device 14, the cutting device 15, and the purging device 16 to function as an operation control unit 107 (see FIG. 3) that controls the operation of the image forming system 1.

[0041] Furthermore, the control unit 10 of the image forming system 1 functions as the image processing unit 104, display processing unit 105, abnormality detection unit 106, operation control unit 107, correction unit 108, and trimming unit 109 shown in Figure 3 by executing the program stored in the memory unit 18. Here, the image processing unit 104 processes the image data on the paper 9 read by the image reading unit 140. The image processing unit 104 combines a graphic representing an area to be inspected or an area not to be inspected with the original image read by the image reading unit 140. This allows the user to confirm the actual inspection area. The image processing unit 104 may register a figure indicating an area to be inspected or an area not to be inspected as a layer in the original image. The image processing unit may also manage the original image and an image in which a figure indicating an area to be inspected or an area not to be inspected is drawn in the original image in association with each other.

[0042] The display processing unit 105 displays the image data on the paper 9 obtained by the image reading unit 140 on the display operation unit 11 or the like. The display processing unit 105 may further mechanically switch and display at a predetermined interval a graphic indicating an area to be inspected or an area not to be inspected, superimposed on the original image read by the image reading unit 140. In this way, the display processing unit 105 functions as a notification unit that notifies the image data on the paper 9 obtained by the image reading unit 140.

[0043] The abnormality detection unit 106 detects abnormalities from the image data on the paper 9 obtained by the image reading unit 140, and thereby determines whether the print result is normal. The operation control unit 107 controls a series of image forming operations in cooperation with each device of the image forming system 1. The correction unit 108 cooperates with the display processing unit 105 to enable the user to correct the inspection target area or the non-inspection target area. The trimming unit 109 trims the non-inspection target area from the image read by the image processing unit 104. The specific processing content of each unit will be described later.

[0044] The image forming system 1, the cutting device 15, the image inspection device 14, and the purging device 16 may each include components other than those described above, or may not include some of the components described above.

[0045] In the image forming system 1 configured as above, a plurality of sheets of paper 9 on which images have been formed by the printing unit 130 are inspected in order by the image inspection device 14, and the images on these sheets of paper 9 are inspected. The operation of the image inspection device 14 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 23.

[0046] First Embodiment FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process for switching whether or not to display a graphic indicating a non-inspection region superimposed on an image obtained by scanning a recording medium. First, the control unit 10 causes the printing unit 130 to output the job to be inspected onto the paper 9 (S10), and causes the image reading unit 140 to read the image output onto the paper 9 (S11). Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an area not to be inspected is set in this job to be inspected (S12).

[0047] If no non-inspection area is set for this inspection job (No), the control unit 10 performs image analysis and inspection on the entire image using the abnormality detection unit 106 (S15), and stores the read image in the memory unit 18 (S16).

[0048] If a non-inspection area is set for this inspection job (Yes), the control unit 10 causes the abnormality detection unit 106 to perform image analysis and inspection of the inspection area (S13), and registers a figure indicating the non-inspection area in a separate layer of the image read by the image processing unit 104 (S14). Furthermore, the control unit 10 stores the read image in the storage unit 18 (S16).

[0049] The control unit 10 then determines, via the display processing unit 105, whether or not a layer of the non-inspection area is registered in the saved image (S17). If a layer of the non-inspection area is registered in the saved image (Yes), the control unit 10 mechanically switches between displaying and hiding the layer of the non-inspection area in the image saved in the storage unit 18 at a predetermined cycle (S18), and ends the processing of FIG. 4. In other words, the control unit 10 switches between displaying an image obtained by scanning the printed paper 9 and an image in which a graphic indicating the non-inspection area is superimposed on this image at a predetermined cycle. This allows the user to confirm the actual inspection area when checking the image obtained by scanning the printed paper 9.

[0050] If the figure of the non-inspection region is not registered as a layer in the saved image (No), the control unit 10 displays the saved image using the display processing unit 105 (S19), and ends the processing of FIG.

[0051] FIG. 5 is an example of an image 2 obtained by scanning a printed recording medium. Image 2 includes a text area 21, a photo area 22, and a variable area 23 in which the addressee's name and other information are written. The text area 21 is an area in which text is printed. The photo area 22 is an area in which a photo is printed. The variable area 23 is a variable area in which different content is printed for each sheet of paper 9. In contrast, the text area 21 and the photo area 22 are invariant areas in which the content does not change even if the sheet of paper 9 is different, and therefore are areas to be inspected.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing layer 3 of the non-inspection region. Here, Layer 3 is a layer added to Image 2. Layer 3 includes a cutting area 31 on the left edge, a cutting area 32 on the right edge, and a variable area 33 in the lower center. Of Layer 3, the cutting areas 31 and 32 and the variable area 33, which are indicated by hatching, are opaque. The other areas, which are not indicated by hatching, are transparent.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an image 2A obtained by combining an image 2 obtained by scanning a recording medium with a region not to be inspected. Image 2A includes text area 21, photo area 22, cutting areas 31 and 32, and variable area 33. Cutting areas 31 and 32 and variable area 33 are not areas subject to inspection. In other words, image 2A is image 2 shown in FIG. 5 combined with areas not subject to inspection.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the structure of a file in which non-inspection target areas are registered as a separate layer of an image obtained by scanning a printed recording medium. Layer 3 is placed on top of image 2, which is a scanned image of a printed recording medium. By displaying layer 3 on top of image 2, it is possible to display image 2A (see FIG. 7), which is the scanned image 2 combined with a graphic of the area to be inspected. Furthermore, by hiding layer 3, it is possible to display the scanned image 2 (see FIG. 5) itself. By mechanically switching between image 2A and image 2 at a predetermined interval in this way, the user can visually recognize the area to be inspected in the scanned image, and can also visually recognize the area not to be inspected.

[0055] By enabling the user to visually recognize the inspection target area in the scanned image, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection or overlooking of abnormal images due to inconsistencies in non-inspection target areas. Furthermore, when the user checks the scanned result of the inspection target image, the user can recognize the non-inspection target areas, improving the convenience of checking.

[0056] It is also possible to configure the system so that the scanned image, an image showing the area to be inspected, and an image in which the scanned image is combined with a graphic of the area to be inspected are all linked and saved, allowing the user to refer to, compare, and combine the images depending on the purpose.

[0057] Second Embodiment To allow the user to confirm the actual inspection area, the image of the scanned recording medium and the image showing the non-inspection area may be displayed alternately. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for switching whether or not to display a graphic indicating an inspection target area by superimposing it on an image obtained by scanning a recording medium. First, the control unit 10 causes the printing unit 130 to output the job to be inspected onto the paper 9 (S20), and causes the image reading unit 140 to read the image output onto the paper 9 (S21). Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an area not to be inspected is set in this job to be inspected (S22).

[0058] If no non-inspection target area is set for this inspection target job (No), the control unit 10 causes the abnormality detection unit 106 to perform image analysis and inspection on the entire image (S25), and proceeds to the processing of step S26.

[0059] If a non-inspection area is set for this inspection job (Yes), the control unit 10 causes the abnormality detection unit 106 to perform image analysis and inspection of the inspection area using the image processing unit 104 (S23), registers a figure indicating the inspection area on a separate layer of the read image (S24), and proceeds to processing in step S26.

[0060] In step S26, the control unit 10 stores the image in the storage unit 18. The control unit 10 then determines, via the display processing unit 105, whether or not a graphic of the inspection target area is registered as a layer in the stored image (S27). If a graphic of the inspection target area is registered in the stored image (Yes), the control unit 10 displays the graphic (rectangle) indicating the inspection target area in the image stored in the storage unit 18, mechanically switching between display and non-display at a predetermined interval (S28), and ends the processing of FIG. 9. This makes it possible to visually display the image obtained by reading the printed paper 9 and its inspection target area. If the figure of the inspection target area is not registered in the saved image (No), the control unit 10 displays the saved image (S29) and ends the processing of FIG.

[0061] Fig. 10 is an example of image 2 obtained by scanning a printed recording medium, and Fig. 11 is image 2C in which the inspection target area is superimposed. Image 2 includes a text area 21, a photo area 22, and a variable area 23 in which the addressee's name and other information are written. In contrast, image 2C displays an inverted U-shaped inspection target area 41 and the variable area 23 in the lower center.

[0062] FIG. 12 shows a file in which an inspection target area is registered as a separate layer of an image obtained by scanning a printed recording medium. Layer 4 is placed on top of image 2, which is a scan of a printed recording medium. Layer 4 includes an inverted U-shaped inspection target area 41. In layer 4, the inspection target area 41, indicated by hatching, is opaque. The other areas without hatching are transparent.

[0063] By displaying layer 4 on top of image 2, it is possible to display image 2C (see FIG. 11) in which the graphic of inspection target area 41 is superimposed on the scanned image 2. Moreover, by hiding layer 4, it is possible to display the scanned image 2 (see FIG. 10) itself. By mechanically switching between image 2C and image 2 at a predetermined cycle in this way, the user can visually recognize the inspection target area in the scanned image, and also the non-inspection target area.

[0064] Third Embodiment To allow the user to confirm the actual inspection area, the boundary line of the inspection target area may be displayed on the scanned image of the recording medium.

[0065] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for displaying the boundary line between the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area by superimposing it on the image obtained by scanning the recording medium. First, the control unit 10 causes the printing unit 130 to output the job to be inspected onto the paper 9 (S40), and causes the image reading unit 140 to read the image output onto the paper 9 (S41). Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an area not to be inspected is set in this job to be inspected (S42).

[0066] If no non-inspection target area is set for this inspection target job (No), the control unit 10 causes the abnormality detection unit 106 to perform image analysis and inspection on the entire image (S45), and proceeds to the processing of step S46.

[0067] If a non-inspection area is set for this inspection job (Yes), the control unit 10 performs image analysis and inspection of the inspection area using the abnormality detection unit 106 (S43), registers the boundary between the inspection area and the non-inspection area on a separate layer of the image read by the image processing unit 104 (S44), and proceeds to processing in step S46.

[0068] In step S46, the control unit 10 stores the image in the storage unit 18. The control unit 10 then determines, via the display processing unit 105, whether or not the boundary line between the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area is registered as a layer in the stored image (S47). If the boundary line of the inspection target area is registered as a layer in the stored image (Yes), the control unit 10 displays the boundary line of the inspection target area in the image stored in the storage unit 18 (S48), and ends the processing of FIG. 13. This makes it possible to visibly display the image read from the printed paper 9 and its inspection target area. If the figure of the inspection target area is not registered in the saved image (No), the control unit 10 displays the saved image (S49) and ends the processing of FIG.

[0069] FIG. 14 shows a file in which the boundary line between the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area is registered as a separate layer of an image obtained by scanning a recording medium. A boundary layer 5 is arranged on top of the image 2 obtained by scanning a printed recording medium. The boundary layer 5 includes boundaries 51 to 53. The boundary 51 indicates the boundary between the cutting area on the left edge and the area to be inspected. The boundary 52 indicates the boundary between the cutting area on the right edge and the area to be inspected. The boundary 53 indicates the boundary between the variable area at the bottom center and the area to be inspected.

[0070] By displaying boundary line layer 5 on top of image 2, it is possible to display image 2B (see FIG. 15) in which boundary lines 51 to 53 are combined with the scanned image 2. Furthermore, by hiding boundary line layer 5, it is possible to display the scanned image 2 itself. By displaying image 2B in this way, the user can visually recognize the boundary between the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area in the scanned image.

[0071] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an image obtained by combining image 2 obtained by scanning a recording medium with boundary lines 51 to 53 between an area to be inspected and an area not to be inspected. Image 2B includes a text area 21, a photo area 22, and a variable area 23 in which the addressee's name and the like are written. A boundary line 53 is displayed around the variable area 23. A boundary line 51 indicating the boundary of the cutting area is displayed on the left edge of image 2B. A boundary line 52 indicating the boundary of the cutting area is displayed on the right edge of image 2B.

[0072] Fourth Embodiment The most desirable notification method among the above will depend on the actual application. Therefore, a configuration may be considered in which the notification method to the user is switched depending on the cause or condition of the non-test target.

[0073] The factors that cause an area to be excluded from inspection include the attribute of whether the area is a variable area, a cutting area, an area invisible to the user, etc. Other factors include the attribute of whether the area is specified by the user or whether it is an area automatically set by the device. The conditions that cause an area to be excluded from inspection include whether it is an area that is subject to inspection common to all pages, or an area that is not subject to inspection specific to the target page.

[0074] Specifically, for users who do not need to check the cutting area but would like to visually check the variable area, it is desirable to have a configuration in which the cutting area is displayed as a solid color and the variable area is displayed with a boundary line to notify them of the areas not to be inspected.

[0075] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a process for displaying the boundary line of a variable area by superimposing it on an image obtained by scanning a recording medium, and further displaying the cutting area by filling it in. First, the control unit 10 causes the printing unit 130 to output the job to be inspected onto the paper 9 (S50), and causes the image reading unit 140 to read the image output onto the paper 9 (S51). Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an area not to be inspected is set in this job to be inspected (S52).

[0076] If an inspection target area is not set for this inspection target job (No), the control unit 10 causes the abnormality detection unit 106 to perform image analysis and inspection on the entire image (S56), and proceeds to the processing of step S57.

[0077] If a non-inspection area is set for this inspection job (Yes), the control unit 10 performs image analysis and inspection of the inspection area using the abnormality detection unit 106 (S53), adds a boundary line for the barrier area to the image read by the image processing unit 104 (S54), adds a fill for the cutting area (S55), and proceeds to processing in step S57.

[0078] In step S57, the control unit 10 stores the image in the storage unit 18. Then, the control unit 10 displays the stored image using the display processing unit 105 (S58), and proceeds to the processing of step S58. This makes it possible to visually display the image read from the printed paper 9 and its inspection target area. Here, the control unit 10 displays the inspection target area screen 7 shown in FIG.

[0079] In step S59, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the region reset button 71 shown in Fig. 17 has been pressed. If the region reset button 71 has been pressed (Yes), the control unit 10 resets the non-inspection region by the correction unit 108 shown in Fig. 3 (S60), and ends the processing of Fig. 16. If the region reset button 71 has not been pressed (No), the control unit 10 ends the processing of Fig. 16.

[0080] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the inspection target area screen 7. As shown in FIG. On this inspection area screen 7, "Inspection Area" is displayed in the title bar 70, an image pane 73 is displayed to the lower left of that, and an area reset button 71 is displayed to the lower right of that. An image 2D is displayed in the image pane 73. In this image 2D, the boundary line 53 of the variable area 23 and the fill of the cutting areas 31 and 32 are displayed. When the area reset button 71 is pressed on this inspection target area screen 7, the screen transitions to an inspection target area reset screen 7B shown in FIG.

[0081] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a non-examination region reset screen 7B. On this reset screen 7B, "Reset Area" is displayed in the title bar 70, an image pane 73 is displayed to the lower left of the image pane 73, and an area information input pane 74 is displayed to the lower right of the image pane 73. This reset screen 7B is displayed by the modifying unit 108 shown in FIG. 3. On the area information input pane 74, an X-axis coordinate text box 741 and a Y-axis coordinate text box 742 for editing the cutting area, an X-axis coordinate text box 743 and a Y-axis coordinate text box 744, and an Add button 745 for adding a cutting area are displayed. On the area information input pane 74, an X-axis coordinate text box 746 and a Y-axis coordinate text box 747 for editing the variable area, and an Add button 748 for adding a variable area are further displayed.

[0082] The user resets the non-inspection regions by editing the values in the text boxes of the region information input pane 74. As a result, subsequent non-inspection regions are changed to those based on the set values. The setting of the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area is not limited to numerical input, but may be set by operation on a graphical user interface (GUI) screen.

[0083] Fifth Embodiment Only the inspection target area may be extracted and saved as an image file, thereby reducing the total file size of the inspection results.

[0084] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a process for trimming a non-inspection area from an image obtained by scanning a printed recording medium. First, the control unit 10 causes the printing unit 130 to output the job to be inspected onto the paper 9 (S70), and causes the image reading unit 140 to read the image output onto the paper 9 (S71). Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an area not to be inspected is set in this job to be inspected (S72).

[0085] If no non-inspection area is set for this inspection job (No), the control unit 10 causes the abnormality detection unit 106 to perform image analysis and inspection on the entire image (S75), and proceeds to the processing of step S76.

[0086] If a non-inspection area is set for this inspection job (Yes), the control unit 10 performs image analysis and inspection of the inspection area using the abnormality detection unit 106 (S73). Next, the control unit 10 trims the non-inspection area from the image read by the image processing unit 104 (S74), and proceeds to the processing of step S76. Here, the control unit 10 functions as a trimming unit 109 (see FIG. 3) that trims the non-inspection area from the image read by the image processing unit 104.

[0087] In step S76, the control unit 10 stores the image of the inspection target region in the storage unit 18, and ends the processing of Fig. 9. The image stored here is shown in Fig. 20, which will be described later.

[0088] FIG. 20 shows an image 2E obtained by scanning the printed recording medium. Image 2E includes a text area 21 and a photo area 22. The left and right ends indicated by dashed dotted lines are boundary lines 51 and 52 of the cutting area, respectively. The inspection target area of image 2E is the area excluding the cutting area.

[0089] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a trimmed image 8 obtained by trimming the non-inspection area from an image 2 obtained by scanning a printed recording medium. The trimmed image 8 is the saved area of the image 2E excluding the cutting area, which is the area not to be inspected. By excluding the area not to be inspected in this way, the file size of the saved image can be reduced.

[0090] Sixth Embodiment When information on the non-inspection area is added as information such as coordinates or distance from the edge of the paper, it is possible to configure the information to be notified to the user as a numerical value. In this embodiment, the coordinate information of the non-inspection area is displayed so that the user can confirm the actual inspection area.

[0091] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a process for displaying coordinate information of regions not to be inspected together with an image obtained by scanning a recording medium. First, the control unit 10 causes the printing unit 130 to output the job to be inspected onto the paper 9 (S80), and causes the image reading unit 140 to read the image output onto the paper 9 (S81). Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an area not to be inspected is set in this job to be inspected (S82).

[0092] If no non-inspection area is set for this inspection job (No), the control unit 10 performs image analysis and inspection on the entire image using the abnormality detection unit 106 (S87), stores the read image in the memory unit 18 (S88), and then proceeds to processing in step S89.

[0093] If a non-inspection area is set for this inspection job (Yes), the control unit 10 causes the anomaly detection unit 106 to perform image analysis and inspection of the inspection area (S83), and generates text information for the non-inspection area using the image processing unit 104 (S84). Next, the control unit 10 stores the read image in the storage unit 18 (S85), and stores the text information for the non-inspection area linked to the stored image (S86), and then proceeds to the processing of step S89. One possible method for storing the text information linked to the image here is to use the same file name for the image file and the text information file, but different file extensions.

[0094] In step S89, the control unit 10 displays the saved image using the display processing unit 105. The control unit 10 then determines whether the saved image contains (is linked to) text information about the non-inspection area (S90). If the saved image contains text information about the non-inspection area (Yes), the control unit 10 displays the text information about the non-inspection area in the image saved in the storage unit 18 (S91), and ends the processing of FIG. 22. This allows the image read from the printed paper 9 and the information about the inspection area to be displayed in a visibly recognizable manner. If the stored image does not contain text information about the non-inspection region (No), the control unit 10 ends the processing of FIG.

[0095] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of coordinate information of the non-inspection region. On this area information display screen 7C, "Area Information Display" is displayed in the title bar 70, an image pane 73 is displayed to the lower left of that, and an area information pane 75 is displayed to the lower right of that. Cutting area coordinate information 751, 752 and variable area coordinate information 753 are displayed in the area information pane 75.

[0096] Cutting area coordinate information 751 displays "X 0-2000" and "Y 0-14000". Cutting area coordinate information 752 displays "X 23000-25000" and "Y 0-14000". Variable area coordinate information 753 displays "X 6000-19000" and "Y 8000-14000". In this way, information on areas not to be inspected may be displayed using coordinate values (numeric values).

[0097] (Variation) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, for example, the following (a) to (f).

[0098] (a) The cutting area not to be inspected may be displayed as, for example, 10 mm from the leading edge of the paper and 7 mm from the trailing edge of the paper, and is not limited thereto. (b) Information about the areas to be inspected and the areas not to be inspected may be registered in a separate layer of the image, saved in a text file and linked to the image file, or may be registered in the tag information of the image file. Furthermore, information about the areas to be inspected and the areas not to be inspected may be combined and saved as text on the scanned image. (c) The method of linking an image file and a non-inspection area is not limited to making the file name the same. (d) When saving only the inspection target area of the image, you can trim only the cutting area and leave the variable area. This allows you to remove the parts that will not remain in the product after cutting, and save the variable area that remains as part of the product as the inspection result. (e) The method of switching between the original image read by the image reading unit and the image obtained by combining the original image with a graphic representing the area to be inspected or the area not to be inspected is not limited to mechanical switching at a predetermined cycle. For example, the display may be switched by pressing a switching button. (f) The image processing unit may combine figures indicating areas that are subject to inspection or areas that are not subject to inspection on the same layer as the image read by the image reading unit, and may manage the combined image by linking it to the original image read by the image reading unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1. Image forming system 10 Control Unit 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 Image processing unit (image processing means) 105 Display processing unit (notification means) 106 Abnormality detection unit (abnormality detection means) 107 Motion control section 108 Correction section (correction means) 109 Trimming section (trimming means) 11 Display operation section 12 Paper feed unit 121~123 Large capacity paper feed stage 13 Image forming device 130 Printing Department 131,132 Main unit paper feed tray 133 Conveyor roller 134 Transfer roller 135 Fuser roller 136,137 Reversal path 14 Image inspection equipment 140 Image reading unit 141,142 Optical sensor (image reading means) 143 Laura 15 Cutting device 150 Cutting section 151~153 Cutting cutter 154 trash can 16 Purging device 160 Purge section 161 Main output tray 162 Sub-output tray 163 Conveyor path switching unit 18 Memory section 19 Communications Department 2, 2A~2E Images 21 Text Area 22 Photography 23 Variable Area 3 Layer 31,32 Cutting area 33 Variable Area 4 Layers 41 Inspection Area 5 Boundary Layer 51~53 Borderline 7 Inspection area screen 7B Reset screen 7C Area information display screen 70 Title Bar 71 Area reset button 72 Save button 73 Image Pane 74 Area information input pane 741,743,746 X-axis coordinate text box 742,744,747 Y-axis coordinate text box 745,748 Add button 75 Region Information Pane 751,752 Cutting area coordinate information 753 Variable area coordinate information 8 Cropped images 9 Paper

Claims

1. a control unit that checks whether a print result is normal by comparing an image formed on a recording medium that is read in advance by a reading unit with an image that is read by the reading unit when a job to be checked is executed; The control unit an image formed on the recording medium, which has been previously read by a reading unit, and a boundary line between an inspection target area and a non-inspection target area are displayed on a display unit; In an image obtained by reading an image formed on the recording medium in advance by a reading unit, an area that is not an area to be inspected is the non-inspection area, The inspection target area and the non-inspection target area are not filled in. At least one of the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area is an area set by a user in the image read in advance. Image inspection equipment.

2. The image inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit stores information about the inspection target area.

3. the boundary line is a first boundary line or a second boundary line, the non-inspection region is a first non-inspection region or a second non-inspection region, the control unit displays an image formed on the recording medium, the first boundary line, and the second boundary line, which are previously read by a reading unit, on the display unit; the first boundary line is a boundary line between the inspection target region and the first non-inspection target region, the second boundary line is a boundary line between the inspection target region and the second non-inspection target region, The inspection target area, the first non-inspection target area, and the second non-inspection target area are not filled in. The image inspection device according to claim 1 .

4. 2. The image inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-inspection region is set by an operation on a graphical user interface screen.

5. 2. The image inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the non-inspection region is set by inputting a numerical value.

6. the display unit is capable of switching between displaying the read image and an image in which the region of the read image is displayed, 2. The image inspection device according to claim 1.

7. The non-inspection area includes an area where the recording medium on which the image is printed is to be cut.

2. The image inspection device according to claim 1.

8. The non-inspection area includes an area where print content differs for each recording medium.

2. The image inspection device according to claim 1.

9. the non-inspection region is rectangular; 2. The image inspection device according to claim 1.

10. The non-inspection area is an area in which an inspection is not performed to determine whether the printing is normal by comparing an image formed on a recording medium that is read in advance by the reading unit with an image printed at the time of execution of the inspection target job that is read by the reading unit.

2. The image inspection device according to claim 1.

11. the display unit displays the area on the image read by the reading unit when the inspection target job is executed.

2. The image inspection device according to claim 1.

12. The inspection target area and the non-inspection target area are areas in the pre-read image that are set by a user based on information of the read image. The image inspection device according to claim 1 .

13. A step of setting a non-inspection region; a step of reading an image formed on a recording medium in advance by a reading unit; reading an image printed when a job to be inspected is executed by the reading unit; a step of comparing an image formed on the recording medium read in advance by the reading unit with an image read from an image printed during execution of the job to be inspected, to inspect whether the printing is normal; a step of displaying, on a display unit, an image of the image formed on the recording medium that has been read in advance by a reading unit and a boundary line between the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area; An image inspection method comprising: In an image obtained by reading an image formed on the recording medium in advance by a reading unit, an area that is not the inspection target area is the non-inspection target area, The inspection target area and the non-inspection target area are not filled in. An image inspection method, characterized in that at least one of the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area is an area set by a user in the image read in advance.

14. On the computer, a procedure for setting a non-inspection region; a step of reading an image formed on a recording medium in advance by a reading unit; a step of reading an image printed when a job to be inspected is executed by the reading unit; a step of comparing an image formed on the recording medium read in advance by the reading unit with an image read from an image printed during execution of the job to be inspected, to inspect whether the printing is normal; The image formed on the recording medium is read in advance by a reading unit, and an inspection a step of displaying a boundary line between the target region and the non-target region on a display unit; An image inspection program for executing In an image obtained by reading an image formed on the recording medium in advance by a reading unit, an area that is not the inspection target area is the non-inspection target area, The inspection target area and the non-inspection target area are not filled in. An image inspection program, wherein at least one of the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area is an area set by a user in the image read in advance.

15. a control unit that checks whether a print result is normal by comparing an image formed on a recording medium that is read in advance by a reading unit with an image that is read by the reading unit when a job to be checked is executed; The control unit an image formed on the recording medium, which has been previously read by a reading unit, and a boundary line between an inspection target area and a non-inspection target area are displayed on a display unit; In an image obtained by reading an image formed on the recording medium in advance by a reading unit, an area that is not the inspection target area is the non-inspection target area, The inspection target area and the non-inspection target area are not filled in. An image inspection system, characterized in that at least one of the inspection target area and the non-inspection target area is an area set by a user in the image read in advance.

Images