Information processing device and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide a technique of presenting which inspection standard is applied to a pixel for a user to grasp it easily when inspection regions in which different inspection standards are applied are overlapped with each other.SOLUTION: An information processor, in setting an inspection level for determining the appearance quality of an image of a surface to be inspected of printed matter on the basis of comparison of a picked-up image obtained by picking up the surface to be inspected to a reference image, determines a plurality of inspection regions different in inspection levels from the reference image and when an overlapping region exists against a plurality of inspection regions, specifies an inspection level of the overlapping region on the basis of a prescribed priority level and displays the specified inspection level of the overlapping region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for inspecting the quality of printed matter produced by a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Inspection devices are known that read and inspect printouts produced by printing devices to check their quality, and are capable of detecting image defects such as stains and missing prints, character errors, and barcode quality issues.

[0003] Because the required quality differs depending on the user's business type and the printed materials, it is important to conduct inspections that are necessary and sufficient to meet the inspection requirements. If the inspection standards are too lenient, printed materials containing defects will be shipped, but if the inspection standards are too strict, printed materials that should not have been deemed defective will be deemed defective, increasing the number of discarded sheets and requiring the user to take the time to visually check for defects among the defective ones.

[0004] To solve this problem, a technique has been disclosed in which different inspection standards are applied to fixed areas and variable areas in variable data printing (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-217931 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the prior art , Yu However, there is a problem in that it is difficult to confirm whether the inspection criteria desired by the user are applied to the desired area of ​​the print data desired by the user and whether the inspection is being performed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a method for displaying a reference image before an inspection, and then performing the following on the displayed reference image: Have inspection standards The first inspection area is displayed in a first color, and the second inspection area is displayed in a different inspection standard from the first inspection area. have a display control unit that displays the second inspection area in a second color different from the first color; and an inspection unit that performs the inspection by comparing a reference image with a read image of a printout formed on paper based on the first inspection area and the second inspection area. The first setting is the inspection accuracy when the inspection is performed. Inspection standards and , the inspection accuracy is higher than the first inspection standard gentle No. 2 Inspection Standards and a third inspection standard that does not perform the inspection, in an inspection area; and a change unit that can change the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard and the second inspection standard, wherein the third inspection standard is a standard that takes precedence over the first inspection standard and the second inspection standard, and the first inspection standard is a standard that takes precedence over the second inspection standard, and when the change unit accepts a change of at least one of the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection standard, it accepts the change so that the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard becomes stricter than the inspection accuracy of the second inspection standard. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when inspection areas to which different inspection standards are applied overlap each other, the user can easily understand which inspection standard is applied to the pixel in question. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device, an inspection device, and a printing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configurations of an information processing device, an inspection device, and a printing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of an information processing device, an inspection unit, a printing device, and a large-capacity stacker. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the inspection device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the inspection unit when an inspection is performed. [Figure 6] Inspection settings screen. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of setting an inspection area of ​​the inspection device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of an inspection operation of the inspection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to an inspection device consisting of a single device or multiple devices, as long as the functions of the present invention are realized, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the present invention can also be applied to an inspection device that is connected and performs processing via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), as long as the functions of the present invention are realized. In other words, the system configuration in which various terminals are connected, as described in the following embodiments, is merely an example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

[0012] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device, an inspection device, and a printing device in an inspection system according to this embodiment. Note that although the printing device according to this embodiment is an electrophotographic printing device, the printing device according to this embodiment may be a printing device using a different image forming method, such as an inkjet method or an offset method.

[0013] The printing device 0101 is connected to an information processing device 0109 via a cable 0112. The information processing device 0109 is connected to a client computer 0110 and an inspection device 0108 via a network 0113.

[0014] The printing device 0101 includes a UI panel 0102, a paper feed deck 0103, and a paper feed deck 0104. An optional deck 0105 consisting of three paper feed decks is also connected. The printing device 0101 is, for example, an electrophotographic printing device. The UI panel 0102 is, for example, a user interface equipped with a capacitive touch panel.

[0015] The printing device 0101 also includes an inspection unit 0106 and a large-capacity stacker 0107. The inspection unit is connected to an inspection device 0108 via a cable 0114. The large-capacity stacker 0107 includes a main tray and a top tray, and the main tray can hold several thousand sheets of paper at a time.

[0016] A print job is generated by the client computer 0110, transmitted to the information processing device 0109 via the network 0113, and managed by the information processing device 0109. The print job is then transmitted from the information processing device 0109 to the printing device 0101 via the cable 0112, and the printing device 0101 performs processing to print on paper. Note that the print job may also be generated and managed by the information processing device 0109, transmitted to the printing device 0101 via the network 0112, and managed by the printing device 0101.

[0017] The client computer 0110, information processing device 0109, and inspection device 0108 may be connected to a cable 0112 to communicate with the printing device 0101. In other words, the connection configuration of the printing device 0101, information processing device 0109, and client computer 0110 shown in this embodiment is just one example, and it goes without saying that there are various other connection configurations besides that shown in this embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the printing apparatus 0101, the inspection apparatus 0108, the large-capacity stacker 0107, the information processing apparatus 0109, and the client computer 0110 of this embodiment.

[0019] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 0201 controls and performs calculations in each section of the printing device 0101 via a system bus 0212. The CPU 0201 executes programs stored in a storage unit 0205 and loaded into a RAM (Random Access Memory) 0202. The RAM 0202 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0201, and is used as a work area for the CPU 0201 or as other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 0205 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the printing device is operating.

[0020] The engine I / F 0209 controls communication with and control of the printer engine 02010. The paper feed deck I / F 0204 controls communication with and control of the paper feed deck 0211. The paper feed deck 0211 is a collective term for the paper feed decks 0103 and 0104 and the option deck 0105 as a hardware configuration. The UI panel 0203 is a hardware configuration of the UI panel 0102, and is a user interface for performing overall operations of the printing apparatus 0101. In this embodiment, the UI panel 0203 is equipped with a capacitive touch panel.

[0021] The network interface (hereinafter referred to as NW I / F) 0207 is connected to the NW I / F 0238 of the information processing device 0109 via a cable 0213, and controls communication between the information processing device 0109 and the printing device 0101. Note that in this example, the interfaces connected to the system buses 0212 and 0239 are directly connected to each other, but the information processing device 0109 and the printing device 0101 may also be connected via a network or the like, and the connection method is not limited thereto. The video I / F 0206 is connected to the video I / F 0233 via a video cable 0241, and controls communication of image data between the information processing device 0109 and the printing device 0101.

[0022] The connection interface between the information processing device 0109 and the printing device 0101 may be a combination of the functions of the NW I / F 0238 and the video I / F 0233. The connection interface between the printing device 0101 and the information processing device 0109 may be a combination of the functions of the NW I / F 0207 and the video I / F 0206.

[0023] The accessory I / F 0208 is connected to the accessory I / F 0214 and the accessory I / F 0220 via a cable 0225. That is, the printing apparatus 0101 communicates with the inspection unit 0106 and the large-capacity stacker 0107 via the accessory I / Fs 0208, 0214, and 0220.

[0024] The CPU 0216 controls and calculates each part of the inspection unit 0106 via the system bus 0219, and executes programs stored in the memory unit 0247 and loaded into the RAM 0217. The RAM 0217 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0216 and is used as a work area for the CPU 0216 or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 0247 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the inspection device is operating. The inspection device I / F 0215 is connected to the inspection device unit I / F 0231 via a cable 0248. That is, the inspection unit 0106 communicates with the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection device unit I / F 0231.

[0025] The photographing unit 0218 has a photographing function equipped with, for example, a conduct image sensor (hereinafter, CIS), photographs the paper passing through the inspection unit, and transmits the photographed image to the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215. Note that the CIS for the photographing unit 0218 is an example of a sensor, and may be another type of sensor such as a CCD image sensor, and the photographing method is not limited.

[0026] The CPU 02220 controls and calculates each part of the large-capacity stacker 0107 via the system bus 0224, and executes programs stored in the memory unit 0248 and loaded into the RAM 0222. The RAM 0222 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0221, and is used as a work area for the CPU 0221 or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 0248 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the inspection device is operating. The paper discharge unit 0223 controls the paper discharge operation to the main tray and top tray, and monitors and controls the loading status of each of the main tray and top tray.

[0027] The CPU 0226 controls and executes programs stored in the memory unit 0228 and loaded into the RAM 0227 via the system bus 0230. The RAM 0227 is a type of general volatile storage device directly accessible by the CPU 0226 and serves as the CPU's work area or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 0228 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during inspection device operation. The PDL analysis unit 0229 reads and interprets PDL data, such as PDF, PostScript, and PCL, received from the client computer 0110 or the information processing device 0109. The display unit 0245, for example, is an LCD display connected to the inspection device. It accepts user inputs to the inspection device, displays the status of the inspection device, and controls the display. The CPU 0234 controls and executes programs stored in the memory unit 0236 and loaded into the RAM 0235 via the system bus 0239. The RAM 0235 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0234 and is used as a work area for the CPU 0234 or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 0236 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the information processing device is operating. The network interface (hereinafter referred to as NW I / F) 0237 is connected to the NW I / Fs 0232 and 0240 via a network. The information processing device 0109 communicates with the inspection device 0108 via the NW I / F 0237 and NW I / F 0232. The information processing device 0109 also communicates with the client computer 0110 via the NW I / F 0237 and NW I / F 0240.

[0028] The CPU 0243 controls and performs calculations in each section of the client computer 0110 via the system bus 0246, and executes programs stored in the memory unit 0245 and loaded into the RAM 0242. The RAM 0242 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0243, and is used as a work area for the CPU 0243 or other temporary data storage areas. The memory unit 0244 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the client computer is operating.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the printing device 0101, inspection unit 0106, and large-capacity stacker 0107. The printing device 0101 accepts user input and displays printing and device status via a UI panel 0102. Various types of paper can be stored in the paper feed decks 0103 and 0104. Each paper feed deck can separate only the topmost sheet of paper from the stack and transport it to a paper transport path 0305. Development stations 0301 to 0304 form color images by using Y, M, C, and K color toners, respectively. The toner images formed here are primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 0306. The intermediate transfer belt 0306 rotates clockwise in the figure, and the toner image is transferred to paper transported from the paper transport path 0305 at a secondary transfer position 0307. The fusing unit 0308 is equipped with a pressure roller and a heating roller, and as the paper passes between these rollers, the toner is melted and pressed to fix the toner image to the paper. After passing through the fusing unit 0308, the paper is transported to 0312 via paper transport path 0309. If further fusing and pressing is required for fusing depending on the type of paper, after passing through the fusing unit 0308, the paper is transported to the second fusing unit 0310 via the upper paper transport path, where additional fusing and pressing is performed, and then transported to 0312 via paper transport path 0311. If the image formation mode is double-sided, the paper is transported to the paper reversal path 0313, and after being reversed at 0313, is transported to the double-sided transport path 0314, where the image on the second side is transferred to the secondary transfer position 0307.

[0030] The inspection unit 0106 has CISs 0315 and 0316 arranged facing each other. CIS 0315 is a sensor for reading the top surface of the paper, and CIS 0316 is a sensor for reading the bottom surface of the paper. The inspection unit 0106 scans (captures) the paper using the CISs 0315 and 0316 when the paper transported on the paper transport path 0317 reaches a predetermined position. The scanned image (captured image) is sent to the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and inspection unit I / F 0231. The CPU 0226 determines whether the received image contains defects and notifies the inspection unit 0106 of the determination result via the inspection unit I / F 0231 and inspection device I / F 0215 again. The CPU 0216 notifies the received determination result to the large-capacity stacker 0107 via the accessory I / Fs 0214 and 0220.

[0031] Reference numeral 0107 denotes a large-capacity stacker capable of stacking a large volume of paper. The large-capacity stacker 0107 has a main tray 0324 as a tray for stacking paper. Paper that has passed through the inspection unit 0106 enters the large-capacity stacker 0107 via a paper transport path 0319. The paper travels from the paper transport path 0319 to a sheet transport path 0322 and is then stacked on the main tray 0324. The large-capacity stacker 0107 also has a top tray 0320 as a paper output tray. The CPU 0221 ejects paper that has been detected as defective by the inspection device 0108 to the top tray 0320. When outputting to the top tray 0320, the paper is transported from the paper transport path 0319 to the top tray 0320 via a paper transport path 0321. Reference numeral 0323 denotes an inverting unit for inverting sheets. This inverting unit 0323 is used when stacking paper on the main tray 0324. To ensure that the orientation of the incoming paper is the same as the orientation of the paper when it is loaded onto the main tray 0324, the paper is inverted once by the inverting unit 0323. When transporting to the top tray 0320, the sheet is discharged as is without being flipped when it is loaded, so the inverting unit 0323 does not perform the inverting operation.

[0032] FIG. 4 is an operational flowchart showing the basic operation of the inspection device 0108 during inspection.

[0033] In S0401, the CPU 0226 accepts an image reading start instruction from the user via the display unit 0245. Next, the process proceeds to S0402, and if there is a sheet to be inspected, the process proceeds to S0403.

[0034] In S0403, the inspection unit I / F 0231 receives the images scanned by the CIS 0315 and CIS 0316 from the inspection device I / F 0215. Next, in S0404, the CPU 0226 compares the reference image stored in the RAM 0227 with the scanned image of the inspection target received in S0403. In the case of single-sided inspection, the comparison process is performed on the image of one side (the captured image of the surface to be inspected), and in the case of double-sided inspection, the comparison process is performed on the images of both sides. This reference image is assumed to be scanned by the CIS 0315 and 0316 from a sheet printed by the printing device 0101 before the start of this flow, transmitted from the inspection device I / F 0215 to the inspection unit I / F 0231, and stored in the RAM 0227. In this comparison operation, first, the image positions of the reference image and the scanned image of the inspection target are aligned using characteristic points of the images as alignment reference points. Next, in the scanned image of the object to be inspected, the four corners of the paper and the alignment reference points of the scanned image are analyzed to detect whether there is any misalignment of the image relative to the paper. Next, the density values ​​of the reference image and the scanned image of the object to be inspected are compared pixel by pixel. If no defects are detected as a result of the above, the inspection result is deemed OK. In the case of double-sided inspection, if no defects are detected in either of the images on both sides, the inspection result is deemed OK, but if a defect is detected in either of the images on both sides, the inspection result is deemed NG.

[0035] Next, in S0405, if the inspection result is OK, the process proceeds to S0406, where the inspection unit I / F 0231 instructs the inspection device I / F 0215 that the inspection result is OK, i.e., to eject the sheets to the main tray 0324 of the large-capacity stacker 0107. The process then proceeds to S0407, where S0402 to S0407 are repeated until inspection of all sheets is complete. Once inspection of all sheets is complete, the process proceeds to S0408, where the CPU 0226 receives an instruction from the user on the display unit 0245 to end image reading.

[0036] If the inspection result is NG in S0405, the process proceeds to S0408. In S0408, the inspection unit I / F 0231 instructs the inspection device I / F 0215 that the inspection result is NG, i.e., to eject the paper to the top tray 0320 of the large-capacity stacker 0107. Then, the process proceeds to S0407, and thereafter the process can be terminated in the same manner as in the case where the inspection result is OK as described above.

[0037] Note that the example shown here is merely an example, and for example, an instruction from the user on the display unit 0245 to start image reading may be automatically executed in conjunction with an instruction to start printing in the printing device 0101, the information processing device 0109, or the client computer 0110. Also, an instruction from the user on the display unit 0245 to end image reading may be automatically executed in conjunction with the end of printing in the printing device 0101, and the form is not limited thereto.

[0038] FIG. 5 is an operational flowchart showing the basic operation of the inspection unit 0106 during inspection.

[0039] In step S0501, the CPU 0201 starts printing. Next, the process proceeds to step S0502, and if there is a sheet to be inspected, the process proceeds to step S0503.

[0040] In S0503, the CIS0315 and CIS0316 scan the image printed on the conveyed paper. Next, the process proceeds to S0504, where the inspection device I / F 0215 transmits the image scanned in S0503 to the inspection unit I / F 0231.

[0041] Next, the process proceeds to S0505, and if the inspection device I / F 0215 receives the inspection results from the inspection unit I / F 0231, the process proceeds to S0506. If the inspection results are OK, the process proceeds to S0507, and the accessory I / F 0214 instructs the accessory I / F 0220 to eject the paper on which the image scanned in S0503 is printed to the main tray 0324 of the large capacity stacker 0107. The process then proceeds to S0508, and S0502 to S0508 are repeated until inspection of all sheets has been completed. When inspection of all sheets has been completed, which means printing has also been completed, the flow ends.

[0042] If the inspection result is NG in S0506, the process proceeds to S0509, where the accessory I / F 0214 instructs the accessory I / F 0220 to eject the paper on which the image scanned in S0503 is printed to the top tray 0320 of the large capacity stacker 0107. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S0508, where the process can be terminated in the same way as if the inspection result was OK as described above.

[0043] If the inspection results are not received in S0505 for some reason, such as the inspection device 0108 not being in an inspection state or the inspection device 0108 not being able to complete its calculations in time, the process proceeds to S0509. At this time, the CPU 0216 notifies the accessory I / F 0214 to eject the paper to the top tray 0320 so that products with a pass inspection result are not mixed with products that could not be inspected. The accessory I / F 0214 then instructs the accessory I / F 0220 to eject the paper directly to the paper ejection destination specified in the print job, and the process proceeds to S0508. From this point on, the process can be terminated in the same way as when the inspection results described above are received.

[0044] 6(a), (b), and (c) show an inspection setting screen displayed on the display unit 0245 of the inspection device 0108. The inspection setting screen 0601 includes a menu bar 0602 and an inspection parameter setting section 0604. The inspection setting screen 0601 displays a reference image that has already been registered in the inspection job to which the inspection settings are applied.

[0045] The menu bar 0602 includes buttons 0603 and 0608 to 0619. It also includes an inspection criterion confirmation button 0603 and a button 0608 for replacing an already registered reference image. The inspection criterion confirmation button 0603 is also a display switching button for switching between two display screens, which will be described later. It also includes a button 0609 for switching the mouse pointer (not shown), whose coordinates the display unit 0245 uses to receive user instructions, between a grab and a pointer, and buttons 0610 and 0611 for specifying an inspection area, which will be described later, as a rectangle and an oval, respectively. It also includes a button 0612 for undoing an executed process, a redo button 0613, a button 0614 for duplicating the inspection area, a cut button 0615, a paste button 0616, and a delete button 0617. It also includes a button 0618 for changing the zoom factor, and a button 0619 for fitting the displayed image to the screen. By specifying a button included in the menu bar 0620, the inspection area for each inspection criterion can be set on the image. For example, by selecting 0605 with the mouse, the inspection criterion "important" can be specified, and further by selecting button 0610 with the mouse, a rectangular inspection area can be specified. After that, for example, area 0622 in FIG. 6(b) is specified on the image.

[0046] The inspection parameter setting unit 0604 accepts misalignment settings and inspection parameter settings from the user. The misalignment in the misalignment setting is the misalignment tolerance, which can be set by the user. Figure 6(a) shows a setting that allows misalignment in the paper transport direction to be up to 1 mm as "misalignment (vertical)" and misalignment in the main scanning direction to be up to 2 mm as "misalignment (horizontal)." The printing device 0101 may experience misalignment during paper transport, or slight misalignment in the printing position of the image on each sheet of paper. To prevent such misalignment from causing a decrease in inspection accuracy, a misalignment tolerance is defined.

[0047] Furthermore, in the inspection parameter settings, it is possible to view the inspection levels for circular defects and streak defects for each inspection standard ("critical" and "standard") and change the inspection level using a combo box. In this embodiment, the inspection levels are defined as 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 in order of strictness, so the "critical" and "standard" inspection levels are set so that the inspection levels are not reversed. This can be achieved, for example, by changing the display so that if inspection level 5 is selected for "standard," only inspection levels 7 and 6 can be selected for "critical." Note that in this embodiment, a combo box for selecting the inspection level is not provided for areas specified with the inspection standard "exclusion" (inspection exclusion area), because these are areas that are not inspected.

[0048] Furthermore, the color of the frame of the inspection area to which the corresponding inspection standard is applied can be changed by specifying 0605. When 0605 is clicked, for example, a color selection menu (not shown) opens, and the display unit 0245 accepts the user's change of color according to the presented options.

[0049] FIG. 6(b) shows the state in which the user has drawn the inspection area, and the display unit 0245 accepts the user's selection and various settings. In FIG. 6(b), the "important" inspection criterion has been selected, as indicated by highlighting the "important" option. In FIG. 6(b), the inspection criterion "important" is specified for inspection areas 0622, 0623, and 0625. The inspection criterion "standard" is specified for inspection area 0624. The inspection criterion "exclusion" is specified for inspection area 0626. Note that in this embodiment, when inspection areas overlap as shown in FIG. 6(b), the inspection criterion is applied in the following order of priority: inspection exclusion, inspection levels 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. This can be achieved, for example, by determining the inspection criterion for each pixel based on the image coordinates during inspection and then performing the inspection. Alternatively, all pixels may be inspected at each inspection level once, and if the same pixel is inspected at multiple inspection levels, the inspection results may be determined based on the priority order described above. As the inspection level becomes higher, the inspection criteria become stricter. Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that the area that is specified to be excluded from inspection is a case where a different number is printed on each sheet. Therefore, the area excluded from inspection is set to the highest priority, so that this area is never inspected. However, for example, if it is desired that a specified area be inspected without fail, the area excluded from inspection may be set to the lowest priority. In either case, information indicating the priority is stored, and the inspection criteria are applied based on that priority. Note that the priority is set for the inspection level so that a higher inspection level is given priority.

[0050] When the inspection standard confirmation button 0603 is pressed, the state shown in FIG. 6(c) is displayed. This indicates, based on the above-mentioned priority order, which inspection standard the pixel will be inspected by filling in the areas. Areas 0627 and 0628 indicate that the inspection standard is "important." Area 0629 indicates that the inspection standard is "standard." Area 0630 indicates that the pixel will be "excluded" from inspection. In this embodiment, the colors of areas 0627 and 0628 and 0605 are the same, the colors of areas 0629 and 0620 are the same, and the colors of areas 0630 and 0621 are the same. This makes it easy for the user to confirm which inspection standard each area corresponds to. Note that, although an example in which the colors are the same is shown, colors are not required, and patterns are also acceptable, as long as multiple standards and the areas corresponding to those standards can be distinguished. 6(b), the border colors of areas 0622, 0623, and 0625 may be the same as the colors of areas 0627 and 0628 and 0605. The border color of area 0624 may be the same as the colors of areas 0629 and 0620, and the border color of area 0626 may be the same as the colors of areas 0630 and 0621.

[0051] Furthermore, when the inspection criteria confirmation button 0603 is pressed again, the state shown in FIG. 6(b) is displayed. In FIG. 6(b), it can be seen that area 0624 and area 0625 overlap, and that area 0625 and area 0626 overlap. In FIG. 6(c), it can be seen that the overlapping area between area 0624 and area 0625 in FIG. 6(b) is area 0628, which is the inspection criteria "important." In addition, it can be seen that the overlapping area between area 0625 and area 0626 in FIG. 6(b) is area 0630, which is the inspection criteria "exclusion."

[0052] 6(b) and 6(c) may be performed not by pressing the inspection criteria confirmation button 0603, but by, for example, placing the mouse pointer on the inspection criteria confirmation button 0603, so that the state shown in FIG. 6(c) is displayed. At this time, when the mouse pointer is removed from the inspection criteria confirmation button 0603, the state shown in FIG. 6(b) is displayed.

[0053] The examination setting screen 0601 further includes a "Cancel" button 0607 for canceling the setting and a "Done" button 0606 for completing the setting.

[0054] The processing that characterizes this embodiment will be described below using a flowchart.

[0055] The printing device program according to this flow is stored in the storage unit 0205 of the printing device 0101, read into the RAM 0202, and executed by the CPU 0201. The inspection device program according to this flow is stored in the storage unit 0228 of the inspection device 0108, read into the RAM 0227, and executed by the CPU 0226. The information processing device program according to this flow is stored in the storage unit 0236 of the information processing device 0109, read into the RAM 0235, and executed by the CPU 0234. The client computer program according to this flow is stored in the storage unit 0245 of the client computer 0110, read into the RAM 0242, and executed by the CPU 0243.

[0056] First, in S0701, the CPU 0226 creates an inspection job. An inspection job is a unit of record that holds information related to the inspection, such as the reference image, the number of inspection sheets, and the inspection settings. The inspection job also includes information indicating whether the inspection target is double-sided or single-sided. If double-sided is indicated, the subsequent processing is performed on both images, respectively, and if single-sided is indicated, the subsequent processing is performed on only the single-sided image. Next, the process proceeds to S0702, where the CPU 0226 starts reading the reference image. At this time, the inspection unit I / F 0231 notifies the inspection device I / F 0215 to start reading the reference image. Then, the CPU 0216 notifies the imaging unit 0218 to prepare for reading the reference image, and when preparation is complete, notifies the CPU 0226 of this fact via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231. The inspection unit I / F 0231 then receives from the inspection device I / F 0215 the image printed by the printing device 0101 and scanned by the CIS 0315 and CIS 0316. If the inspection target is single-sided, the image scanned by the CIS 0315 and CIS 0316 is received (acquired), and only the image scanned from the printed side is used in S703 and thereafter.

[0057] Next, the process proceeds to S0703, where the CPU 0226 creates a reference image. If the reference image is created using only a scanned image of a single printed sheet, this is the scanned image received in S702. If the reference image is created by combining multiple images, the multiple scanned images are received in S702 and the multiple images are combined to create the reference image. Next, the process proceeds to S0704, where the CPU 0226 displays the reference image created in S0703 on the display unit 0245.

[0058] Next, the process proceeds to S0705, and in S0706 to S0708, the display unit 0245 accepts the setting of a desired inspection area by the user via the buttons included in the menu bar 0602 and the inspection parameter setting unit 0604. In S0706, the display unit 0245 accepts the selection of an inspection criterion by the user via the inspection parameter setting unit 0604. Next, in S0707, the display unit 0245 selects an inspection level to be applied to the inspection criterion selected in S0706 via the inspection parameter setting unit 0604. Note that the flow may proceed in the order in which the inspection level is set for the inspection criterion and then the user selects the inspection criterion, and the order is not limited.

[0059] Next, the process proceeds to S0708, where the display unit 0245 accepts the user's drawing of the inspection area after accepting the selection of either a rectangle or an ellipse from the menu bar 0602. Next, in S0709, the display unit 0245 displays the reference image including the drawn inspection area on the inspection setting screen 0601.

[0060] Next, the process proceeds to S0710, and if the color of the inspection parameter is to be changed, the process proceeds to S0711. In S0711, the display unit 0245 changes the color of the frame of the inspection area to which the corresponding inspection standard is applied. Then, the process proceeds to S0712, and S0705 to S0712 are repeated until all inspection areas have been drawn and the colors for the inspection areas have been determined. If the color of the inspection parameter is not to be changed in S0710, the process also proceeds to S0712, and the process can proceed in the same manner as described above.

[0061] In this embodiment, the flow has been described in which the area is drawn and then the color of the inspection area frame is changed, but the flow may also proceed in the order of changing the color corresponding to the inspection criterion and then drawing the inspection area frame to which the inspection criterion is applied. In other words, the timing and order of drawing the inspection area and changing the color of the inspection area frame are not limited.

[0062] Next, in S0713, if the display unit 0245 receives an instruction from the user via the inspection standard confirmation button 0603 to check overlap between inspection areas, the process proceeds to S0714. In S0714, the CPU 0226 checks the inspection level applied to the target pixel. If the inspection level is determined to be "exclusion" in S0715, the process proceeds to S0716, where the inspection level "exclusion" is set for the pixel, and the process proceeds to S0722. If the inspection level is not determined to be "exclusion" in S0715, the process proceeds to S0719. If the inspection level is determined to be "critical" in S0719, the process proceeds to S0720, where the inspection level "critical" is set for the pixel, and the process proceeds to S0722. If the inspection level is not determined to be "critical" in S0719, the process proceeds to S0721, where the inspection level "standard" is applied to the pixel, and the process proceeds to S0722.

[0063] Thereafter, steps S0714 to S0722 are repeated until the inspection level is applied to all pixels. Next, in step S0723, the display unit 0245 displays an image (corresponding to FIG. 6(c)) in which overlapping areas between inspection regions are represented by filling in the inspection levels for each pixel applied up to step S0722. FIG. 6(c) is a screen displaying the inspection levels identified for overlapping areas based on the priority order. In step S0724, if the display unit 0245 receives an instruction from the user via the inspection standard confirmation button 0603 to stop checking for overlapping between inspection regions, the process proceeds to step S0725. In step S0725, the display unit 0245 displays a reference image (corresponding to FIG. 6(b)) in which inspection region frames are drawn, and the process proceeds to step S0726. FIG. 6(b) is a screen displaying the frames of multiple inspection regions. In step S0724, if an instruction from the user to stop checking for overlapping between inspection regions is not received, the process proceeds to step S0726.

[0064] Next, in S0726, if all inspection parameter settings have been completed, the display unit 0245 accepts the user's completion of inspection parameter settings via the complete button 0606. Next, the process proceeds to S0727, where the inspection parameters are set to the reference image and saved in the RAM 0227 so that they can be used for inspection. In S0726, if the display unit 0245 does not accept the user's completion of inspection parameter settings via the complete button 0606, the process returns to S0705, and the process is repeated until the inspection parameter settings are completed.

[0065] In S0713, if the display unit 0245 does not receive an instruction from the user via the inspection criteria confirmation button 0603 to check overlap between the inspection areas, the process proceeds to S0726, and thereafter the flow can be terminated in the same manner as in the above case.

[0066] Next, the operation of the inspection device 0108 when an inspection is carried out by applying the inspection settings set by the above-described procedure will be described.

[0067] First, in S0801, the CPU 0226 starts reading an image to be inspected. At this time, the inspection unit I / F 0231 notifies the inspection device I / F 0215 of the start of reading the image to be inspected. The CPU 0216 then notifies the imaging unit 0218 to prepare for reading the image to be inspected, and once preparation is complete, notifies the CPU 0226 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231. In S0802, the client computer 0110 transmits PDF data to the information processing device 0109 via the NW I / F 0240 and NW I / F 0237. Furthermore, the CPU 0234 transmits the PDF data to the printing device 0101 via the NW I / F 0238, NW I / F 0207, video I / F 0233 and video I / F 0206. The CPU 0201 prints this PDF data. Then, the CISs 0315 and 0316 scan the printed image as it passes through the paper transport path 0317. The CPU 0226 receives the scanned image from the inspection unit 0106 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231. The PDF data may be imported into the information processing device 0109 in advance, and the CPU 0234 may read it from the storage unit 0236 in S0702. Alternatively, the PDF data may be stored in the storage unit 0205 of the printing device 0101, and the CPU 0201 may read it from the storage unit 0205. In other words, the format is not limited as long as the PDF data is printed by the printing device 0101.

[0068] Next, the process proceeds to S0803, where the CPU 0226 reads the reference image created in S0703 from the storage unit 0228 and compares it with the inspection target image received in S0802. The CPU 0226 compares the positional relationship between the paper and the printed image in the reference image with the positional relationship between the paper and the printed image in the inspection target image received in S0802. The comparison of the positional relationship is calculated, for example, using the affine transformation values ​​of the four corners of the paper and feature points of the image extracted by edge detection of the printed image. If the position of the printed image relative to the paper in the inspection target image is shifted by more than the preset positional deviation tolerance, the process proceeds to S0814. In S0814, the CPU 0226 notifies the CPU 0216 via the inspection unit I / F 0231 and the inspection device I / F 0215 that the inspection result is NG. The CPU 0216 then notifies the CPU 0221 via the accessory I / Fs 0214 and 0220 that the inspection result is NG. Then, the CPU 0221 instructs the paper discharge unit 0223 to discharge the paper onto the top tray 0320, and the flow ends.

[0069] In S0803, if the misalignment of the printed image relative to the paper in the image to be inspected is within the tolerance for misalignment, the process proceeds to S0804. In S0804, inspection of the pixels in the image to be inspected begins pixel by pixel. In S0805, the CPU 0226 refers to the inspection settings set in S0727 and checks whether the inspection criterion "exclusion" is set for the pixel. If the inspection criterion "exclusion" is set, the pixel is not inspected and the process proceeds to S8711.

[0070] If the inspection criterion "exclusion" has not been set for the pixel, the process proceeds to S0808. If the inspection criterion "important" has been set in S0808, the process proceeds to S0809, where the CPU 0226 inspects the pixel using the inspection criterion "important" and then proceeds to S0811. If the inspection criterion "important" has not been set in S0808, the process proceeds to S0810, where the CPU 0226 inspects the pixel using the inspection criterion "standard" and then proceeds to S0711.

[0071] If inspection of all pixels has not been completed in S0811, the process returns to S0804, and inspection is continued until inspection of all pixels is completed. Once inspection of all pixels has been completed, the process proceeds to S0816, where it is confirmed whether the inspection result notification from the inspection unit I / F 0231 to the inspection device I / F 0215 will be completed in time. This is a measure to prevent the paper from being transported and the switch from being completed in time if an instruction to switch the paper output destination between the main tray 0324 and the top tray 0320 of the large-capacity stacker is not issued within a certain period of time. If the inspection result cannot be notified to the inspection device I / F 0215 in S0816, the process proceeds to S0814, and the inspection unit I / F 0231 instructs the inspection device I / F 0215 to output the paper to the top tray 0320. If the inspection result can be notified in S0816, the process proceeds to S0812, and the CPU 0226 checks whether there are any pixels with an NG inspection result in S0807, 0809, and 0810. If there are any pixels for which the inspection result is NG, proceed to S0814, and thereafter the flow ends in the same manner as in the case of NG misalignment. If there are no pixels for which the inspection result is NG in S0812, proceed to S0813, and then proceed to S0815 with the instruction to eject the paper to the main tray 0324. Thereafter, S0801 to S0815 are repeated until all images to be inspected have been inspected, and then the flow ends.

[0072] In this embodiment, the inspection for misalignment is performed first, and then the inspection for circular defects and line defects is performed. However, parallel processing may be performed, or the inspection for circular defects or line defects may be performed first, and the form is not limited to this.

[0073] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the printing device 0101 and the inspection device 0108 are separate devices, but the printing device may have a means equivalent to the inspection device.

[0074] According to the present embodiment, the above-described procedure allows the user to easily grasp the inspection criteria to be applied to each pixel even when the inspection areas of the inspection device overlap. This makes it easy for the user to apply the desired inspection criteria to the desired inspection target, enabling the inspection requested by the user to be carried out without operational errors.

[0075] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process: software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the programs.

Claims

1. a display control unit that displays a reference image before the inspection, and that displays a first inspection area having an inspection criterion in a first color in the displayed reference image, and that displays a second inspection area having an inspection criterion different from that of the first inspection area in a second color different from the first color; an inspection unit that performs the inspection by comparing a reference image with a read image of a print formed on a sheet based on the first inspection area and the second inspection area; a setting unit that can set, in the inspection area, one of a first inspection standard in which the inspection accuracy when the inspection is performed is set, a second inspection standard in which the inspection accuracy is less stringent than the first inspection standard, and a third inspection standard in which the inspection is not performed; a change unit that can change the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard and the second inspection standard, the third inspection criterion has priority over the first inspection criterion and the second inspection criterion, and the first inspection criterion has priority over the second inspection criterion; The image inspection device is characterized in that when accepting a change to at least one of the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection standard, the change unit accepts the change so that the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard is stricter than the inspection accuracy of the second inspection standard.

2. When the first inspection area and the second inspection area are displayed in different colors, the first inspection area and the second inspection area are displayed on the reference image. The image inspection device according to claim 1 .

3. When the first inspection area and the second inspection area are displayed in different colors, the correspondence between the inspection standard and the color is displayed at the same time.

3. The image inspection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the display control unit causes the first inspection area to be displayed by being filled with the first color, and the second inspection area to be displayed by being filled with the second color; The image inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The inspection criteria are selected from a plurality of inspection criteria. The image inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When accepting a change in the inspection accuracy of at least one of the first inspection standard and the second inspection standard, the change unit accepts the change so that the inspection accuracy of the second inspection standard becomes less severe than the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard. The image inspection device according to claim 5.

7. The user can set inspection criteria for the displayed reference image. The image inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The image inspection device is The image on the printed matter transported from the printing device that generated the printed matter via the transport path is read by the reading unit, and the read image obtained is inspected. The image inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. a display control unit that displays a reference image before the inspection, and that displays a first inspection area having an inspection criterion in a first color in the displayed reference image, and that displays a second inspection area having an inspection criterion different from that of the first inspection area in a second color different from the first color; an inspection unit that performs the inspection by comparing a reference image with a read image of a print formed on a recording medium based on the first inspection area and the second inspection area; a setting unit that can set, in the inspection area, one of a first inspection standard in which the inspection accuracy when the inspection is performed is set, a second inspection standard in which the inspection accuracy is less stringent than the first inspection standard, and a third inspection standard in which the inspection is not performed; a change unit that can change the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard and the second inspection standard, the third inspection criterion has priority over the first inspection criterion and the second inspection criterion, and the first inspection criterion has priority over the second inspection criterion; An image inspection system characterized in that, when accepting a change to at least one of the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection standard, the change unit accepts the change so that the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard is stricter than the inspection accuracy of the second inspection standard.

10. When the first inspection area and the second inspection area are displayed in different colors, the first inspection area and the second inspection area are displayed on the reference image. The image inspection system of claim 9.

11. When the first inspection area and the second inspection area are displayed in different colors, the correspondence between the inspection standard and the color is displayed at the same time.

11. An image inspection system according to claim 9 or 10.

12. the display control unit causes the first inspection area to be displayed by being filled with the first color, and the second inspection area to be displayed by being filled with the second color; 12. An image inspection system according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. The inspection criteria are selected from a plurality of inspection criteria.

13. An image inspection system according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. When accepting a change in the inspection accuracy of at least one of the first inspection standard and the second inspection standard, the change unit accepts the change so that the inspection accuracy of the second inspection standard becomes less severe than the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard. The image inspection system of claim 13.

15. The user can set inspection criteria for the displayed reference image.

15. An image inspection system according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

16. An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material; a conveying section that conveys a recording material on which the image has been formed by the image forming section; a reading unit that reads the image on the recording material conveyed by the conveying unit; 16. An image inspection system according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

17. displaying a reference image before the inspection, and displaying a first inspection area having an inspection criterion in a first color and a second inspection area having a different inspection criterion from the first inspection area in a second color different from the first color in the displayed reference image; performing the inspection by comparing a reference image with a read image of a print formed on a recording medium based on the first inspection area and the second inspection area; a step of setting, in the inspection area, one of a first inspection standard in which an inspection accuracy when the inspection is performed is set, a second inspection standard in which the inspection accuracy is less stringent than the first inspection standard, and a third inspection standard in which the inspection is not performed; changing the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard and the second inspection standard; the third inspection criterion has priority over the first inspection criterion and the second inspection criterion, and the first inspection criterion has priority over the second inspection criterion; An image inspection method characterized in that, in the step of changing the inspection accuracy, when accepting a change to at least one of the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection standard, the change is accepted so that the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard is stricter than the inspection accuracy of the second inspection standard.

18. When the first inspection area and the second inspection area are displayed in different colors, the first inspection area and the second inspection area are displayed on the reference image. The image inspection method according to claim 17.

19. When the first inspection area and the second inspection area are displayed in different colors, the correspondence between the inspection standard and the color is displayed at the same time.

19. The image inspection method according to claim 17 or 18.

20. In the displaying step, the first inspection area is displayed by being filled with the first color, and the second inspection area is displayed by being filled with the second color.

20. The image inspection method according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

21. The inspection criteria are selected from a plurality of inspection criteria. The image inspection method according to any one of claims 17 to 20.

22. In the step of changing the inspection accuracy, when accepting a change in the inspection accuracy of at least one of the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection standard, the change is accepted so that the inspection accuracy of the second inspection standard becomes less severe than the inspection accuracy of the first inspection standard. The image inspection method according to claim 21.

23. The user can set inspection criteria for the displayed reference image.

22. The image inspection method according to any one of claims 17 to 21.

24. A step of forming an image on a recording material; a conveying step of conveying the recording material on which the image is formed; a reading step of reading the image on the conveyed recording material.

24. The image inspection method according to any one of claims 17 to 23.

Images