Inspection device and inspection method

Abstract

To solve a problem in which, conventionally, when an inspection area where a bar code or the like is to be printed is blank, the inspection result is always NG.SOLUTION: When an image of an inspection area is blank and the image of the inspection area is subjected to collation inspection with correct data, it is determined whether the correct data is blank, and when the correct data is determined to be blank, the inspection result of the inspection area is output as OK, and when it is determined that the correct data is not blank, the inspection result of the inspection area is output as NG.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device that inspects the print quality of printed matter. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, printing systems have become known that allow inspection devices to inspect sheets printed by a printing device while they are being transported. Inspecting printed sheets involves scanning images of the transported printed sheets and analyzing the scanned images to determine whether the printed sheets are normal. The inspection device can detect, for example, missing barcodes or ruled lines, missing images, printing defects, missing pages, and color misalignment.

[0003] In such a printing system, there are two types of inspections for print data:

[0004] (1) An inspection that outputs an inspection result report if the code image (barcode or 2D code) cannot be read (decoded) and is considered a failure (hereafter referred to as a reading inspection). This is used when you want to use only the report for a subsequent machine or when the correct data is not available.

[0005] (2) An inspection in which correct data is prepared in advance and compared with the results of reading the code image (barcode or 2D code), and if the comparison result is different, the inspection is rejected (hereafter referred to as a verification inspection). In a verification inspection, if the code image turns out to be a different code, a reject is issued, so printed materials that do not meet a certain standard can be treated as rejects.

[0006] Furthermore, among the deliverables of variable printing, there are some for which it is correct to leave nothing in the barcode area (hereafter referred to as blank). When a blank is found when scanning the barcode area, possible causes include missing data or the correct answer being blank. For blank printed materials, it is necessary to distinguish between cases where the correct answer is blank and cases where the blank is due to missing data. Patent Document 1 discloses that if the inspection area is blank, the inspection is always deemed NG, and subsequent printing is halted, prompting the user to check the print data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-53819 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In Patent Document 1, if the inspection area is blank, the inspection result is always NG. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, even if the user intentionally leaves the area blank when printing, the inspection is judged to be NG. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the inspection device of the present invention is Decryption and a notification means for notifying the result of the comparison test of the inspection area as a success when the result of the comparison test matches the result of the comparison test with the correct data, and the notification means for notifying the result of the comparison test of the inspection area as a failure when the result of the decoded image of the inspection area that is the target of the comparison test is blank and the correct data is not blank. Decryption If the result of the verification is blank and the correct data is blank, the result of the verification of the verification area is notified as a success. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, instead of always determining that the inspection result is NG if the inspection area is blank, the inspection result can be treated as OK if it can be determined that the blank is correct by referring to the correct answer data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [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] 10 is a flowchart of the entire inspection process. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an inspection process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an examination setting screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an inspection process according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0013] [First embodiment] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device, an inspection device, and an image forming device in this embodiment. Note that, although the image forming device in this embodiment will be described using an electrophotographic image forming device, the image forming device in this embodiment may be an image forming device of a different image forming method, such as an inkjet method or an offset method.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 0101 is connected to an information processing apparatus 0109 via a communication cable 0112. The information processing apparatus 0109 is connected to a client computer 0110 and an inspection apparatus 0108 via a network 0113. The image forming apparatus 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 image forming apparatus 0101 is, for example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The UI panel 0102 is, for example, a user interface equipped with a capacitive touch panel.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 0101 further includes an inspection unit 0106 and a large-capacity stacker 0107. The inspection unit is connected to an inspection device 0108 via a communication 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 image forming device 0101 via the communication cable 0112, and the image forming device 0101 performs processing to print on paper based on the received print job. Note that the print job may also be generated and managed by the information processing device 0109, transmitted to the image forming device 0101 via the network 0112, and managed by the image forming device 0101.

[0017] It should be noted that the client computer 0110, the information processing device 0109, and the inspection device 0108 may all be configured to be able to communicate with the image forming device 0101 via communication cables. That is, the connection configuration of the image forming device 0101, the information processing device 0109, and the client computer 0110 shown in this embodiment is just an 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 image forming apparatus 0101, the inspection apparatus 0108, the large-capacity stacker 0107, the information processing apparatus 0109, and the client computer 0110 in this embodiment.

[0019] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 0201 controls and performs calculations for each component within the image forming apparatus 0101 via a system bus 0212. The CPU 0201 functions as a processing unit that executes each process described below by executing programs stored in a computer-readable storage unit 0205 and loaded into a RAM (Random Access Memory) 0202. The RAM 0202 is a type of general volatile storage device directly accessible by the CPU 0201 and is used as a work area for the CPU 0201 or other temporary data storage area. The storage unit 0205 also functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during operation of the image forming apparatus. The engine I / F 0209 communicates with the printer engine 0210. The paper feed deck I / F 0204 communicates with the paper feed deck 0211. The paper feed deck 0211 functions as a processing unit that executes each process described below by collectively referring to the paper feed decks 0103, 0104, and optional 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 image forming apparatus 0101. In this embodiment, the UI panel 0203 is equipped with a capacitive touch panel.

[0020] The network interface (hereinafter, NW I / F) 0207 is connected to the NW I / F 0238 of the information processing device 0109 via a communication cable 0213 and is used for communication between the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101. Note that in this example, the interfaces (0207, 0238) connected to the system bus (0212, 0239) are directly connected to each other, but this is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101 may be connected via a network such as a LAN, and the connection type is not limited to this. The video I / F 0206 is connected to the video I / F 0233 via a video cable 0241 and is used for communication of image data between the information processing device 0109 and the image forming device 0101. Note that the connection interface between the information processing device 0109 and the image forming 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 image forming apparatus 0101 and the information processing apparatus 0109 may be a combination of the functions of the NW I / F 0207 and the video I / F 0206 .

[0021] The accessory I / F 0208 is connected to the accessory I / F 0214 and the accessory I / F 0220 via a communication cable 0225. That is, the image forming apparatus 0101 can communicate with the inspection unit 0106 and the large-capacity stacker 0107 via the accessory I / Fs 0208, 0214, and 0220.

[0022] The CPU 0216 controls and performs calculations for each component within the inspection unit 0106 via a system bus 0219. The CPU 0216 functions as a processing unit that executes each process described below by executing programs stored in a computer-readable storage unit 0247 and loaded into a 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 or other temporary data storage area for the CPU 0216. The storage unit 0247 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during inspection device operation. The inspection device I / F 0215 is connected to the inspection device unit I / F 0231 via a communication 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. The photographing unit 0218 has a photographing function (scanning function) equipped with, for example, a contact image sensor (hereinafter, CIS), and transmits an image generated by photographing (reading and scanning) a sheet of paper passing through the inspection unit to the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215. Note that the CIS equipped in 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 (scanning method) is not limited thereto.

[0023] The CPU 0220 controls and performs calculations for each unit in the large-capacity stacker 0107 via the system bus 0224. The CPU 0220 functions as a processing unit that executes each process described below by executing programs stored in the computer-readable storage 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 as a temporary data storage area. The paper discharge unit 0223 monitors and controls the paper discharge operation to the main tray and top tray, and the loading status of each of the main tray and top tray.

[0024] The CPU 0226 of the inspection device 0108 controls and performs calculations for each component within the inspection device 0108 via the system bus 0230. The CPU 0226 functions as a processing unit that executes each process described below by executing programs stored in the computer-readable storage unit 0228 and loaded into the RAM 0227. The RAM 0227 is a type of general volatile storage device directly accessible by the CPU 0226 and is used as a work area or other temporary data storage area for the CPU 0226. The storage unit 0228 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during inspection device operation. The PDL analysis unit 0229 reads PDL data, such as PDF, PostScript, or PCL, received from the client computer 0110 or the information processing device 0109 and performs interpretation processing. The display unit 0245 is, for example, a liquid crystal display connected to the inspection device, and accepts user inputs to the inspection device and displays the status of the inspection device.

[0025] The CPU 0234 of the information processing device 0109 controls and performs calculations for each unit within the information processing device 0109 via a system bus 0239. The CPU 0234 functions as a processing unit that executes each process described below by executing programs stored in a computer-readable storage unit 0236 and loaded into a RAM 0235. 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 storage 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 / Fs 0237 and 0232. The information processing device 0109 also communicates with the client computer 0110 via the NW I / F 0237 and the NW I / F 0240 .

[0026] The CPU 0243 of the client computer 0110 controls each unit in the client computer 0110 and performs calculations via the system bus 0246. The CPU 0243 functions as a processing unit that executes each process described below by executing programs stored in the computer-readable storage 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 area. The storage unit 0244 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the client computer is operating.

[0027] 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.

[0028] CISs 0315 and 0316 are arranged facing each other within the inspection unit 0106. 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 the paper using CISs 0315 and 0316 when the paper transported on the paper transport path 0317 reaches a predetermined position. The image generated by the scan is sent to the inspection device 0108 via the inspection device I / F 0215 and the inspection unit I / F 0231. The CPU 0226 of the inspection device 0108 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 the inspection device I / F 0215. The inspection unit CPU 0216 notifies the received determination result to the large-capacity stacker 0107 via the accessory I / Fs 0214 and 0220.

[0029] The large-capacity stacker 0107 can hold 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. Paper that is determined to be properly printed by the inspection device 0108 is transported from the paper transport path 0319 to a paper transport path 0322 and 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 controls the ejection of 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 paper. 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 paper to the top tray 0320, the paper is discharged as is without being flipped when it is loaded, so the inverting unit 0323 does not perform the inverting operation.

[0030] The following describes the processing that characterizes the present invention using flowcharts and screen examples. The image forming apparatus program associated with this flow is stored in the storage unit 0205 of the image forming apparatus 0101, read into the RAM 0202, and executed by the CPU 0201. The inspection apparatus program associated with this flow is stored in the storage unit 0228 of the inspection apparatus 0108, read into the RAM 0227, and executed by the CPU 0226. The information processing apparatus program associated with this flow is stored in the storage unit 0236 of the information processing apparatus 0109, read into the RAM 0235, and executed by the CPU 0234. The client computer program associated with 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.

[0031] The overall flow from the reference registration work before the start of the inspection to the execution of the inspection will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0032] First, in step S401, the user registers a reference image that will serve as a reference for inspection. First, a print job for registering the reference image is executed on the client computer 0110 to generate the reference image. Then, the inspection device 0108 reads and registers the generated reference image.

[0033] Next, in step S402, the user sets the inspection parameters, inspection area, and inspection level, as will be described in detail later.

[0034] Next, in step S403, the printout printed by the image forming apparatus 0101 is inspected by the inspection device 0108. That is, a print job for generating the printout to be inspected is generated by the client computer 0110 and transmitted to the information processing device 0109 for management. When the image forming apparatus 101 executes this print job and outputs the printout, the inspection unit 0106 detects the conveyance of the printed paper, scans the paper using the CIS 0315 and 0316, and stores the scanned image in the RAM 303 of the inspection device 0108. The inspection device compares the stored scanned image with a reference image to inspect whether the printout is correct and outputs the inspection results. The inspection is performed based on the settings specified by the user in the inspection settings. Based on the inspection results, the large-capacity stacker 0107 can discharge printouts determined to be defective to a separate tray.

[0035] Next, the details of the inspection setting in S402 will be explained using Fig. 5. The inspection setting starts by selecting the reference image registered in the reference registration.

[0036] Reference numeral 0501 denotes a preview display area where a reference image is displayed. If the reference image is generated based on a print job of multiple pages, the reference image of each page can be displayed in sequence in response to an operation to switch the reference image displayed in preview.

[0037] Reference numeral 0502 denotes a frame indicating an inspection area placed on the preview. The inspection area is placed using an inspection area placement button 0503. For example, after the user presses the inspection area placement button 0503, the user selects the type of inspection area from the displayed pull-down menu, and then selects the area on the preview display screen 0501 that they wish to specify as the inspection area by dragging the mouse, thereby accepting an operation to place the inspection area. In addition, an operation to select an inspection area is accepted by a mouse click operation by the user, and the size and position can be changed by a mouse drag operation by the user. Reference numeral 0502 shows an example of the placement of an inspection area for inspecting a QR code (registered trademark).

[0038] 0504 is a setting item for selecting data for a verification test using the file selection method. Data for a verification test is a reference CSV file that stores the correct data when performing a data verification test. The reference CSV file is a file that the user must prepare in advance when performing a verification test, and is a file that lists the correct strings for string tests and the correct strings when decoded for 2D code (or barcode) tests. When a data test is performed, the OCR results of a string image and the decoded results of a code image (2D code or barcode) are compared with the correct strings listed in the reference CSV file.

[0039] Reference numeral 0505 denotes setting items for the selected area, and individual setting values ​​for the inspection area selected by clicking on the preview display area 0501 are displayed.

[0040] 0506 is a setting item for the page range. When the user presses each button, the range of pages to be inspected by the selected inspection area is accepted. If nothing is selected, the selected inspection area is placed only on the page currently displayed on the preview display screen. If "Same side as current page" is selected, the selected inspection area is also placed on other pages on the same side (front or back) depending on whether the selected inspection area is placed on the front or back of the sheet. If "All pages" is selected, the selected inspection area is placed on all pages, regardless of whether they are on the front or back.

[0041] 0507 in Fig. 5 is a setting item for barcode inspection that is displayed when the inspection area 0502 is selected. For each inspection area, the angle of the inspection area, the type of code image (2D code or barcode), and the inspection number are set. The angle of the inspection area can be set in 90-degree increments. The inspection number is a serial number that uniquely identifies the inspection area, and is automatically assigned when an inspection area is created using the inspection area placement button 0503 so that it does not overlap with other inspection areas.

[0042] 0508 is a setting item for whether to perform a comparison test. Checking the checkbox allows the test setting to be a comparison test, which means that the decoded results and character recognition results of the test area will be compared with the data stored in the reference CSV. If the checkbox is not checked, it will automatically be set to a read test. 0509 is an item for setting which column of the reference CSV to compare with in the comparison test. This item is only enabled if the comparison test checkbox is checked in checkbox 0508, and is used to identify the correct data for the test area when testing the test area. For example, if 1 is entered, the correct data for the area selected in test area 0502 will be written in the first column of the reference CSV file.

[0043] Reference numeral 0510 denotes a completion button for the inspection settings. When the user presses this button, the inspection settings are completed, the inspection settings are saved in the storage unit 0228, and the inspection setting process ends. In the case of a reading inspection, the inspection settings are saved in the RAM 0217 by setting the inspection area 0502, the area setting item 0505, and the page range setting item 0506 and then pressing the completion button 0510. In the case of a verification inspection, the inspection settings are saved in the RAM 0217 by setting the inspection area 0502, the area setting item 0505, and the page range setting item 0506 and then pressing the completion button 0510, and then entering the reference CSV file 0504, the check box 0508, and the verification column 0509. If there is an inconsistency in the inspection settings, the completion button 0510 for the inspection settings may be disabled so that it cannot be pressed. For example, an inconsistency in the inspection settings may occur when an inspection area for performing a verification inspection exists, but the setting item 0504 for the verification inspection data is not set. Reference numeral 0511 denotes a cancel button for the inspection settings. When the user presses the cancel button, the test settings are discarded and the test setting process ends.

[0044] Next, the details of the inspection process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 6 and 7. The inspection process starts when the inspection settings stored in the RAM 0217 are selected and the inspection device 0108 enters an inspection standby state.

[0045] 6 is a test start / stop button that changes the state of the CPU 0226. When the CPU 0226 is in a non-test state, pressing this button by the user causes the state of the CPU 0226 to transition to a test standby state and the test starts. When the CPU 0226 is in a test standby state, pressing this button by the user causes the state of the CPU 0226 to transition to a non-test state and the test stops.

[0046] Reference numeral 0602 denotes an inspection area display that allows a preview of the inspection area of ​​the currently selected inspection setting.

[0047] 0603 is an inspection result list that displays the inspection results. It can identify the area where an NG occurred during the inspection. The inspection result list displays the "inspection number" that indicates which inspection area within the page, the "page number" that indicates which page it is, the "copy number" that indicates which copy it is, and the "side number" that indicates whether it is the back or front. Furthermore, for the inspection area where an NG occurred, the decode result (recognition result) and the matching result that indicates whether the matching was successful are displayed. Note that in the reading inspection, the results are not displayed in the matching result column.

[0048] Reference numeral 0604 denotes an inspection process completion button. When the user presses this button, the inspection process is completed, the inspection results are stored in the storage unit 0228, and the inspection process ends. When the CPU 0226 is performing an inspection, the inspection process completion button 0604 may be disabled so that it cannot be pressed.

[0049] 7 is a diagram showing the processing in the inspection device 0108 when inspection processing is started for the inspection device 0108. When the inspection start / stop button 0601 is operated on the inspection screen displayed on the UI panel 0203, the CPU 0226 enters an inspection standby state and executes various processes for performing the inspection.

[0050] In S0701, the CPU 0226 acquires inspection job information from the RAM 0227 and expands it in the storage unit 0228. The inspection job information indicates a data set including the inspection settings, the reference image, and the reference CSV file.

[0051] In step S0702 , the CPU 0226 receives the inspection image from the inspection unit via the inspection unit I / F 0231 .

[0052] In S0703, the CPU 0226 extracts all inspection areas from the inspection image received in S0702 based on the inspection settings read out in S0701, and writes the extracted inspection area images into the storage unit 0228.

[0053] In S0704, the CPU 0226 performs a blank determination on the extracted inspection area to determine whether it is blank. The CPU 0226 divides the inspection area into multiple blocks and calculates a pixel value histogram for each block. If there is a block where this pixel value histogram stands out, it is determined that an object exists, and if there is no block, it is determined that it is blank. The method of blank determination is one example, and there are various other methods besides the one shown in this embodiment. If it is blank, proceed to S0708, and if it is not blank, proceed to S0705.

[0054] In S0705, the CPU 0226 decodes (recognizes) the object printed in the inspection area and writes the decoding result to the storage unit 0228. Furthermore, if the inspection setting is a comparison inspection, the decoded result is compared with the reference CSV file (correct answer data).

[0055] In S0706, the CPU 0226 branches the process depending on the decoding result and comparison result of S0705. If the decoding result matches the correct data, the process proceeds to S0707. On the other hand, if the comparison result does not match or if the decoding itself has failed, the process proceeds to S0710.

[0056] In step S0707, the CPU 0226 writes the decoding result, the collation result, the inspection number, the page number, the copy number, and the side number to the RAM 0226 as an inspection OK.

[0057] In S0708, the CPU 0226 determines whether the inspection area is subject to a verification inspection or a reading inspection from the inspection job information acquired in S0701. If it is a reading inspection, the reading result is blank, so the process proceeds to S0707, and if it is a verification inspection, the process proceeds to S0709.

[0058] In S0709, the CPU 0226 reads out the correct data for the inspection area from the inspection job information acquired in S0701. If the corresponding section of the read out correct data is empty, the correct data is blank, which matches the "blank" determined in S0704, so the process proceeds to S0707. On the other hand, if the corresponding section of the read out correct data has information, the correct data is not blank, which does not match the "blank" determined in S0704, so the process proceeds to S0710.

[0059] In S0710, if the decoding result or the comparison result is NG, the CPU 0226 writes the inspection number, page number, copy number, and side number of the inspection area as an inspection NG in the RAM 0226. Furthermore, the CPU 0226 displays the inspection number, page number, copy number, side number, decoding result, and comparison inspection result of the area where the inspection NG occurred in the inspection result display table 0603.

[0060] In step S0711, the CPU 0226 notifies the inspection unit via the inspection unit I / F 0231 whether the inspection results written in steps S0707 and S0710 were OK or NG.

[0061] In S0712, if the CPU 0226 receives a press of the inspection process completion button 0604 and completes the inspection process, the inspection ends. If the inspection process completion button 0604 is not received, the process proceeds to S0702 and the above inspection is repeated. Note that the decision to continue the inspection is not limited to the press of the inspection process completion button, and may take the form of setting the number of inspections in advance and determining whether the set number has been reached.

[0062] In this way, in the inspection area of ​​a code image (barcode or 2D code), rather than always giving a NG inspection result if the inspection area is blank, the correct answer data can be referenced and the inspection result can be OK if it can be determined that the blank is correct.

[0063] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described using the flowcharts of Figures 8 and 9. In the second embodiment, when setting up the inspection, the user can select whether to judge the inspection as OK or NG when a blank is read during the reading inspection. Note that a description of parts common to the previous embodiment will be omitted.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a diagram of the display unit 0245 of the second embodiment when setting up an inspection for the inspection device 0108.

[0065] If the checkbox for 0801 is checked, turn on the "Flag to always treat as inspection NG when the inspection area of ​​the code image is blank during reading inspection" and add it to the inspection settings, then save it in RAM0227.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a flowchart according to the second embodiment showing the processing in the inspection device 0108 when inspection processing is started for the inspection device 0108.

[0067] In S0901, the CPU 0226 determines whether the inspection area is a verification inspection or a reading inspection from the inspection job information acquired in S0701. If it is a reading inspection, the process proceeds to S0902, and if it is a verification inspection, the process proceeds to S0709.

[0068] In S0902, the CPU 0226 determines whether the flag is ON in the test settings acquired in S0701. If the flag is OFF, the process proceeds to S0707, and if the flag is ON, the process proceeds to S0710.

[0069] According to the second embodiment, in the inspection area of ​​a code image (barcode or two-dimensional code), if the inspection area is the subject of reading inspection and is blank, the user can set in advance whether to treat the inspection result as NG or OK.

[0070] Other Examples The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process: software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a computer-readable storage medium, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device executes the program.

Claims

1. An inspection device having an execution means for performing a comparison inspection by comparing the result of decoding an image of an inspection area with correct data, and a notification means for notifying the inspection result as a success when the comparison inspection results in a match, The notification means If the result of decoding the image of the inspection area that is the target of the verification inspection is blank and the correct data is not blank, notify the result of the verification inspection of the inspection area as defective; An inspection device characterized in that, when the result of decoding the image of the inspection area that is the subject of the matching inspection is blank and the correct data is blank, the result of the matching inspection of the inspection area is notified as successful.

2. If the result of decoding the image of the inspection area that is the target of the verification inspection is not blank and matches the correct answer data, notify the result of the verification inspection of the inspection area as successful; The inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that if the result of decoding the image of the inspection area to be subjected to the comparison inspection is not blank and does not match the correct data, the result of the comparison inspection of the inspection area is notified as being defective.

3. the execution means is capable of executing a reading inspection to confirm whether the image in the inspection area is readable; The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the result of decoding the image of the inspection area is blank and the reading inspection of the image of the inspection area is performed, the notification means notifies the inspection result of the inspection area as successful.

4. The method further includes a setting unit for setting whether to notify the inspection result as a failure when the result of decoding the image of the inspection area is blank and the reading inspection of the image of the inspection area is performed, When the result of decoding the image of the inspection area is blank, and the setting means is set to notify the inspection result as a failure, and the reading inspection is performed on the image of the inspection area, the notifying means notifies the inspection result of the inspection area as a failure, The inspection device described in claim 3, characterized in that when the result of decoding the image of the inspection area is blank, and the setting means has not been set to notify the inspection result as defective, and the reading inspection is performed on the image of the inspection area, the notification means notifies the inspection result of the inspection area as successful.

5. 5. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection area is an area within a scanned image obtained by reading a printed matter.

6. 6. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies a list of a plurality of inspection results of the verification inspection.

7. the image of the inspection area is a two-dimensional code or a blank space; 7. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the correct data is a result of reading the two-dimensional code or a blank.

8. An inspection system having an execution means for performing a comparison inspection by comparing a result of decoding an image of an inspection area with correct data, and a notification means for notifying a result of the inspection as a success when the comparison inspection results in a match, The notification means If the result of decoding the image of the inspection area that is the target of the verification inspection is blank and the correct data is not blank, notify the result of the verification inspection of the inspection area as defective; An inspection system characterized in that, when the result of decoding the image of the inspection area that is the subject of the matching inspection is blank and the correct data is blank, the result of the matching inspection of the inspection area is notified as successful.

9. The notification means If the result of decoding the image of the inspection area that is the target of the verification inspection is not blank and matches the correct answer data, notify the result of the verification inspection of the inspection area as successful; The inspection system described in claim 8, characterized in that if the result of decrypting the image of the inspection area that is the target of the comparison inspection is not blank and does not match the correct data, the result of the comparison inspection of the inspection area is notified as defective.

10. the execution means is capable of executing a reading inspection to confirm whether the image in the inspection area is readable; The inspection system described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that when the result of decoding the image of the inspection area is blank and the reading inspection of the image of the inspection area is performed, the notification means notifies the inspection result of the inspection area as successful.

11. The method further includes a setting unit for setting whether to notify the inspection result as a failure when the result of decoding the image of the inspection area is blank and the reading inspection of the image of the inspection area is performed, When the result of decoding the image of the inspection area is blank, and the setting means is set to notify the inspection result as a failure, and the reading inspection is performed on the image of the inspection area, the notifying means notifies the inspection result of the inspection area as a failure, The inspection system of claim 10, characterized in that when the result of decoding the image of the inspection area is blank, and the setting means is not set to notify the inspection result as defective, and the reading inspection is performed on the image of the inspection area, the notification means notifies the inspection result of the inspection area as successful.

12. A reading means for reading a printed matter is provided, 12. The inspection system according to claim 8, wherein the inspection area is an area within a scanned image obtained by reading a printed material.

13. a printing means for generating the printed matter by printing an image on a printing medium; 13. The inspection system according to claim 12, wherein the reading means reads the printed matter produced by the printing means.

14. 14. The inspection system according to claim 8, wherein the notification means notifies a plurality of inspection results of the verification inspection in a list.

15. the image of the inspection area is a two-dimensional code or a blank space; 15. The inspection system according to claim 8, wherein the correct data is a result of reading the two-dimensional code or a blank.

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