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

Abstract

To provide an image inspection device, an image inspection method and an image inspection program which can properly inspect a printed matter by printing requiring a reference image to be pre-registered, while improving productivity in inspecting a printed matter by printing not requiring the reference image to be pre-registered.SOLUTION: An image inspection device 300 comprises an image formation part 330, a reference image generation part 380, and an image inspection part 350. The image formation part 330 forms an image on a recording medium on the basis of obtained image data. The reference image generation part 380 generates a reference image that is used in inspecting the image formed on the recording medium. The image inspection part 350 inspects the image formed on the recording medium, on the basis of the reference image. The image inspection device 300 has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, at a predetermined timing in a step in which the image formation part 330 forms the image that is inspected by the image inspection part 350.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a method for inspecting a printed matter by comparing an original image as a reference image with a read image obtained by reading a print sheet (printed matter) on which an inspection image is printed. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a printed matter inspection device that inspects the quality of a printed matter by comparing an original image as a reference image with a read image of the printed matter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-53561 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the print inspection device of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to complete the generation of the reference image (steps S101 to S115 in FIG. 6) before starting the generation of the inspection image (step S117 in FIG. 6). Therefore, there is a problem that the process from the generation of the reference image (steps S101 to S115 in FIG. 6) to the image inspection (steps S117 to S119 in FIG. 6) still requires a considerable amount of time.

[0005] Furthermore, when overprinting is performed by printing an original image on top of the printing surface of a sheet of paper that already has an image printed on it, if the original image is used as a reference image and the overprinted print is inspected, an error may occur even if there are no problems with the quality of the print. Therefore, when inspecting overprinted prints, it is necessary to register in advance, as a reference image, a print that the user has confirmed to be of good quality from among the overprinted prints.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an image inspection device, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program that can improve the productivity of inspection of printed matter by printing that does not require the advance registration of a reference image, while also being able to appropriately inspect printed matter by printing that does require the advance registration of a reference image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following means.

[0008] (1) An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on acquired image data, a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image used in inspecting the image formed on the recording medium, and an image inspecting unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, and at a predetermined timing in an image forming process by the image forming unit of the image inspected by the image inspecting unit, the apparatus has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered. The predetermined timing includes the timing when the image forming unit starts forming an image. , imaging inspection equipment.

[0009] (2) The above Image formation begins in the image forming unit The timing is image formation instruction to the image forming unit The image inspection device according to (1) above, including timing.

[0011] ( 3 ) The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on acquired image data, a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium, and an image inspecting unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, and at a predetermined timing in an image forming process by the image forming unit of the image inspected by the image inspecting unit, the apparatus has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, The predetermined timing includes timing during image formation by the image forming unit. , painting Image inspection equipment.

[0012] ( 4 ) the image data is image data for forming an image of multiple pages on a recording medium, The predetermined timing includes at least the timing during image formation of the first page. 3 ) An image inspection device according to the present invention.

[0013] ( 5 ) The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on acquired image data, a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium, and an image inspecting unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, and at a predetermined timing in an image forming process by the image forming unit of the image inspected by the image inspecting unit, the apparatus has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, In the second inspection mode, the generation of the reference image and the formation of the image on the recording medium are performed in parallel. , painting Image inspection equipment.

[0014] ( 6 ) The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on acquired image data, a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium, and an image inspecting unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, and at a predetermined timing in an image forming process by the image forming unit of the image inspected by the image inspecting unit, the apparatus has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit that controls the image forming unit, the reference image generating unit, and the image inspecting unit, and when the second inspection mode is designated, the control unit executes, in parallel, a reference image generating step including generating a reference image by the reference image generating unit, and an inspection step including forming the image on a recording medium by the image forming unit, and inspecting, by the image inspecting unit, a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed. , painting Image inspection equipment.

[0015] ( 7 ) The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on acquired image data, a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium, and an image inspecting unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, and at a predetermined timing in an image forming process by the image forming unit of the image inspected by the image inspecting unit, the apparatus has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, The reference image registered in the first inspection mode is a read image generated by reading a recording medium. 、 Image inspection equipment.

[0016] ( 8 ) The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on acquired image data, a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium, and an image inspecting unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, and at a predetermined timing in an image forming process by the image forming unit of the image inspected by the image inspecting unit, the apparatus has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, In the case of inspection of overprinted print, the first inspection mode is selected. , painting Image inspection equipment.

[0017] ( 9) An image inspection method using an image inspection device, wherein the image inspection device forms an image on a recording medium based on acquired image data, generates a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium, inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, and has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered at a predetermined timing in the image formation process of the image to be inspected. The predetermined timing includes the timing to start forming the image. , imaging examination methods. (10) The image inspection method according to (9) above, wherein the timing of starting the formation of the image includes the timing of instructing the formation of the image. (11) An image inspection method using an image inspection device, the image inspection device comprising: An image inspection method comprising: forming an image on a recording medium based on acquired image data; generating a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and at a predetermined timing in an image formation process of the image to be inspected, having a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, wherein the predetermined timing includes a timing during the formation of the image. (12) The image data is image data for forming an image of a plurality of pages on a recording medium, The image inspection method according to (11) above, wherein the predetermined timing includes timing during image formation of at least the first page. (13) An image inspection method using an image inspection device, wherein the image inspection device forms an image on a recording medium based on acquired image data, generates a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium, inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, and at a predetermined timing in the image formation process of the image to be inspected, has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, and the second inspection mode generates the reference image and forms the image on the recording medium in parallel. (14) An image inspection method using an image inspection device, wherein the image inspection device forms an image on a recording medium based on acquired image data, generates a reference image to be used in inspecting the image formed on the recording medium, inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, and at a predetermined timing in the image formation process of the image to be inspected, has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, and when the second inspection mode is designated, executes in parallel a reference image generation process including generation of the reference image and an inspection process including formation of the image on the recording medium and inspection of a read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed. Imaging methods. (15) An image inspection method using an image inspection device, wherein the image inspection device forms an image on a recording medium based on acquired image data, generates a reference image to be used in inspecting the image formed on the recording medium, inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, and at a predetermined timing in the image formation process of the image in which inspection is performed, has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, and the reference image registered in the first inspection mode is a read image generated by reading the recording medium. (16) An image inspection method using an image inspection device, wherein the image inspection device forms an image on a recording medium based on acquired image data, generates a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium, inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, and at a predetermined timing in the image formation process of the image in which inspection is performed, has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, and when inspecting an overprint, the first inspection mode is selected.

[0018] (17) Choose one of the above (9) to (16) An image inspection program for causing a computer to execute the image inspection method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the productivity of inspecting printed materials by printing that does not require the prior registration of a reference image, while also appropriately inspecting printed materials by printing that requires the prior registration of a reference image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of the control operations of the control unit and the print controller unit in the process of generating a reference image in the first inspection mode. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining an overview of the control operations of the control unit and the print controller unit in the process of inspecting an inspection image in the first inspection mode. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of the control operations of the control unit and the print controller unit in the second inspection mode. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an image inspection method in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the execution of a first inspection mode (step S102) in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a subroutine flowchart following FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams showing, in time sequence, each process of obtaining an original image and generating a reference image in a reference image generating step. [Figure 10] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the time series of processes in an image forming process, including acquisition of an original image, formation of an inspection image, and inspection of the inspection image. FIG. [Figure 11] 7 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the execution of a second inspection mode (step S103) in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the time series of processes of acquiring an original image, generating a reference image, forming an inspection image, and inspecting the inspection image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation, and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0022] <Printing system configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG.

[0023] 1, the printing system 100 includes a client terminal 200 and an image forming system 300. The client terminal 200 and the image forming system 300 are connected to each other via a communication line 400 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0024] The client terminal 200 may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. A printer driver for converting manuscript data into a print job is installed in the client terminal 200. The printer driver generates a print job in a format compatible with the print controller unit 320 (see FIG. 2) of the image forming system 300, and transmits the print job to the image forming system 300 via a communication line 400. The client terminal 200 also has a display that can display the inspection results of the printed matter (good / defective), images of defective printed matter, etc.

[0025] The print job includes a reference image generation job and an inspection job. The inspection job includes, for example, print data and job information in PDL (Page Description Language) format. The print data includes, for example, data consisting of pages 1 to n. The job information includes, for example, print settings such as the number of pages, number of copies, paper (recording medium) type, size, basis weight, single-sided printing / double-sided printing, inspection setting (on / off), and print mode. The print mode includes, for example, normal print mode and overprint print mode. By turning on the inspection setting, the user can issue an image inspection instruction to the image forming system 300.

[0026] The communication line 400 may be a LAN (Local Area Network) that connects computers or network devices together according to a predetermined standard, or a WAN (Wide Area Network) that connects LANs together via a dedicated line, etc. Examples of predetermined standards include Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity).

[0027] The number of the above components connected to the communication line 400 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0028] <Configuration of Image Forming System 300> 1 and 2, the image forming system 300 includes a control unit 310, a print controller unit 320, an image forming unit 330, an image reading unit 340, an image inspection unit 350, an operation display unit 360, a paper feed unit 370, a reference image generation unit 380, and a storage device 390. The image forming system 300 functions as an image inspection device.

[0029] <Configuration of control unit 310> The control unit 310 includes an image control CPU (Central Processing Unit) 311, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control IC 312, a memory 313, an image memory (DRAM) 314, a compression / decompression IC 315, a read processing unit 316, a write processing unit 317, a memory unit 318, etc.

[0030] Image control CPU 311 loads various programs stored in storage unit 318 into memory 313, and controls the overall operation of image forming system 300 in cooperation with the loaded programs.

[0031] The reading processing unit 316 performs various processes, such as analog processing, A / D conversion processing, and shading processing, on the analog image signal output from the scanner 341 of the image reading unit 340 to generate digital image (read image) data. The generated digital image data is output to the compression / decompression IC 315 by the DRAM control IC 312. The compression / decompression IC 315 performs compression processing on the digital image data and decompression processing on the compressed digital image data under the control of the DRAM control IC 312. The DRAM control IC 312 also controls input / output to and from the image memory (DRAM) 314 for the compressed / decompressed digital image data.

[0032] The image memory 314 is made up of DRAM and has an internal compression memory and page memory area, and temporarily stores compressed image data, decompressed image data, and the like.

[0033] The write processing unit 317 outputs the decompressed digital image data to an exposure unit 332 of the image forming unit 330 .

[0034] <Configuration of print controller unit 320> The print controller unit 320 analyzes the print job received from the client terminal 200 via the communication line 400, and performs processes such as color conversion, screening, and rasterization to generate an original image in bitmap format. The generated original image is sent to the control unit 310. The print controller unit 320 functions as an original image acquisition unit.

[0035] The print controller unit 320 is configured with a controller control unit 321, a DRAM control IC 322, an image memory (DRAM) 323, a communication control unit 324, a communication I / F 325, etc. The controller control unit 321 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the print controller unit 320. The controller control unit 321 also receives print jobs from the client terminal 200, etc. via a communication I / F 326. The communication control unit 324 controls the communication I / F 325.

[0036] The received print job includes print data (mainly in PDL format) that is the source of the original image, and job information that describes print settings such as the type of paper to be used. The print controller unit 320 performs rasterization (RIP) processing, which converts the print data into bitmap data on a page-by-page basis based on the print settings. The RIP image after rasterization is temporarily stored in image memory 323. The RIP image in image memory 323 is temporarily stored in a compressed memory area in image memory 314 via compression / decompression IC 315 under the control of DRAM control IC 322 in print controller unit 320 and DRAM control IC 312 in control unit 310. During normal printing, the RIP image stored in the compressed memory area is decompressed by compression / decompression IC 315 and sent as an original image (image data) to image forming unit 330 via write processing unit 317, where it is printed.

[0037] The control unit 310 outputs a reference image generation instruction to the reference image generation unit 380, which will be described later, to generate a reference image based on the document image at a predetermined generation timing. The reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image based on the reference image generation instruction.

[0038] Ideally, a scanned image generated by scanning an inspection image formed on paper would match the original image in terms of content. However, when scanning an inspection image formed on paper using a scanner, errors can occur in the scanned image compared to the original image due to various factors, such as variations in the paper transport path, misalignment of the scanner's reading position, color reproducibility, and differences in paper type. Furthermore, errors can also occur in the scanned image compared to the original image depending on the resolution of the scanner. Therefore, simply comparing the scanned image with the original image is likely to result in errors, and it is not realistic to inspect the inspection image by simply comparing the scanned image with the original image. Therefore, in this embodiment, various processes are performed on the original image regarding position, resolution, color, etc. to generate a reference image that can be compared with the scanned image, and the scanned image is then compared with the reference image. This allows for appropriate comparison with the scanned image, enabling accurate inspection of printed materials. Details of the reference image generation process will be described later.

[0039] <Configuration of Image Forming Unit 330> The image forming unit 330 forms (prints) an image on paper using an electrophotographic process, including charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing processes, in accordance with instructions from the control unit 310. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 330 forms an inspection image, which is inspected by the image inspection unit 350, on paper using image formation conditions set based on print settings. The image forming unit 330 includes a printer control unit 331 and an exposure unit 332. The printer control unit 331 is connected to the image control CPU 311 via serial communication and receives control from the image control CPU 311. The printer control unit 331 drives the LD (laser diode) of the exposure unit 332 in response to a signal from the write processing unit 317, forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original image on a photoconductor (not shown). The toner image formed on the photoconductor is developed through a development process and transferred onto paper supplied from the paper feed unit 370. The unfixed toner image on the paper is then fixed by applying heat and pressure. The paper on which the toner image has been fixed is transported to the image reading unit 340 .

[0040] The image forming unit 330 also includes a print sheet discharge device that separates and discharges (purges) paper (waste paper) on which an inspection image detected as abnormal by the image inspection unit 350 has been formed, from paper on which a normal inspection image has been formed.

[0041] <Configuration of image reading unit 340> The image reading unit 340 has a scanner 341 and a scanner control unit 342. The scanner 341 reads the paper (printed material) being transported along the transport path, for example, using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The scanner control unit 342 controls the scanner to read the inspection image formed on the paper transported from the image forming unit 330 in accordance with a reading instruction from the control unit 310. The scanner control unit 342 outputs the read image obtained by reading the inspection image formed on the paper to the control unit 310.

[0042] <Configuration of image inspection unit 350> The image inspection unit 350 performs an image inspection based on the reference image. More specifically, the image inspection unit 350 acquires the reference image and the read image, and compares the reference image and the read image for each page, thereby inspecting the inspection image formed on the paper.

[0043] The image inspection unit 350 includes an image inspection control unit 351. The image inspection control unit 351 includes an image control CPU 311 or a CPU, RAM, ROM, and auxiliary storage device (not shown). The inspection function of the inspection image is realized by the CPU executing an image inspection program. The image inspection control unit 351, for example, calculates the difference (error) in pixel values ​​between the reference image and the scanned image for each page and determines the pass / fail of the inspection image based on the magnitude of the difference. The calculation of the difference can be performed for each page, each object, or each region. For example, when calculating the difference for each page, if the total value of the pixel differences within a page is less than a specified value, a "pass" inspection result is output; if the total value of the differences is equal to or greater than the specified value, a "fail" inspection result is output. Furthermore, when calculating the difference for each object or region, the system can be configured to output a "pass" or "fail" inspection result based on the total value of the pixel differences within the selected object or region.

[0044] If the inspection result of the inspection image is "good", the control unit 310 determines that the printed matter is a good product, and if the inspection result of the inspection image is "bad", the control unit 310 determines that the printed matter is a defective product.

[0045] <Configuration of operation display unit 360> The operation display unit 360 includes a touch panel display 361, an operation control unit 362, a numeric keypad as hard keys, a start button, a stop button, and the like. The touch panel display includes, for example, a touch sensor and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) located behind the touch sensor. The operation control unit 362 accepts input from the touch sensor and hard keys and transmits the input data to the control unit 310. The operation control unit 362 also receives output data from the control unit 310 and displays it on the LCD. The operation display unit 360 is used by the user to input various settings (e.g., turning the inspection setting on / off) and instructions (e.g., an instruction to start printing). The operation display unit 360 is also used to output (display) the status of the image forming system 300, the inspection results of printed materials (good / bad), images of defective printed materials, etc.

[0046] <Configuration of Paper Feed Unit 370> The paper feed unit 370 includes at least one large-capacity paper tray, and supplies paper to the image forming unit 330 one sheet at a time.

[0047] <Configuration of Reference Image Generator 380> Reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image based on the original image acquired by the original image acquisition unit and outputs the generated reference image to control unit 310. Reference image generation unit 380 can be realized by a CPU (not shown) separate from image control CPU 311 executing an image inspection program. As a result, in a second inspection mode described below, reference image generation and inspection and formation of an inspection image are performed in parallel. Alternatively, if image control CPU 311 is a multi-core CPU, reference image generation unit 380 may be assigned to a core separate from inspection image formation and inspection processing, and the generation of the reference image and inspection and formation of the inspection image may be performed in parallel by separate cores.

[0048] In the past, the same CPU was configured to generate the reference image and form and inspect the inspection image. Therefore, the CPU would form and inspect the inspection image after completing the generation of the reference image for each page, so it was not possible to generate the reference image and form and inspect the inspection image in parallel. In this embodiment, the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of the inspection image are configured to be performed by separate CPUs, so the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of the inspection image can be performed in parallel.

[0049] Furthermore, if the original image is a complex image, the computational load for generating the reference image may increase significantly. By having a CPU other than image control CPU 311 take charge of generating the reference image, the computational load on image control CPU 311 can be reduced.

[0050] <Configuration of storage device 390> The storage device 390 stores the reference image generated by the reference image generating unit 380. When reprinting an original image, the control unit 310 uses the reference image stored in the storage device 390, eliminating the need to generate the reference image again. This eliminates the need to generate the reference image again.

[0051] <Outline of Control Operations of Control Unit 310 and Print Controller Unit 320> [Generating and registering reference images] As described above, the reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image for each page based on the document image. The control unit 310 registers the reference image whose quality has been confirmed by the user as the reference image to be used for inspecting the inspection image. Note that the confirmation of the quality of the reference image can be omitted as appropriate in response to a user instruction, and the generated reference image can be immediately registered.

[0052] In this case, the generation of the reference image only needs to be completed before the inspection of the printed matter to be inspected is started. For example, when generating a reference image based on an original image of an overprinted printed matter, the control unit 310 controls the reference image generating unit 380 to generate a reference image during the period from when the reference image generation job is acquired until the image of the printed matter to be inspected is formed on the printed paper.

[0053] When generating a reference image based on an original image, generation of the reference image is started in response to acquisition of a reference image generation job. In addition, the timing for starting generation of the reference image may be adjusted by receiving a user instruction via the operation display unit 360.

[0054] Also, instead of generating a reference image by the reference image generating unit 380, an image may be stored in advance in the storage device 390 and registered as a reference image in response to a user instruction.

[0055] [Inspection Mode] The image forming system 300 has multiple inspection modes, including a first inspection mode and a second inspection mode. The first inspection mode is an inspection mode in which a reference image is registered at a predetermined timing in the image formation process by the image forming unit 330 for an inspection image to be inspected by the image inspection unit 350. On the other hand, the second inspection mode is an inspection mode in which a reference image is not registered at a predetermined timing. The control unit 310 is configured to be able to execute one of multiple inspection modes, including the first inspection mode and the second inspection mode. For example, a user can set the printing mode to an overprinting printing mode or a normal mode through the print settings of the job information. The control unit 310 specifies (selects) the first inspection mode when the overprinting printing mode is set, and specifies the second inspection mode when the normal mode is set.

[0056] The image forming process is a process that is executed from the acquisition of a print job (inspection job) until an inspection image based on an original image is formed on paper by the image forming unit 330. The predetermined timing may include the acquisition timing of the inspection job. The predetermined timing may also include the timing of the start of image formation by the image forming unit 330 or the timing during image formation. If the original image includes images of multiple pages, the predetermined timing may include the timing during image formation for at least the inspection image of the first page (see, for example, FIGS. 10 and 12).

[0057] In the first inspection mode, the image inspection unit 350 inspects the printed matter to be inspected using, for example, a reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380, whose quality has been confirmed by the user and registered. Alternatively, the control unit 310 registers an image stored in the storage device 390 whose quality has been confirmed by the user as a reference image, and the image inspection unit 350 inspects the printed matter to be inspected using the registered reference image. For example, the control unit 310 registers, as a reference image, a read image whose quality has been confirmed by the user from among multiple read images generated by scanning a printed matter overprinted on a previously printed sheet. The image inspection unit 350 inspects the overprinted printed matter to be inspected using the registered reference image. This prevents errors from occurring when inspecting overprinted printed matter, even when there is no problem with the quality of the printed matter, if the original image is used as the reference image as is.

[0058] On the other hand, in the second inspection mode, the reference image is not registered at the predetermined timing. The reference image is registered before the inspection of the inspection image begins. In the second inspection mode, the control unit 310 controls the reference image generation unit 380 and the image forming unit 330 to generate the reference image and form the inspection image on paper in parallel. More specifically, the control unit 310 executes the reference image generation process and the inspection process in parallel. The reference image generation process includes the generation of a reference image by the reference image generation unit 380 when the second inspection mode is specified as the inspection mode. Furthermore, the inspection process includes the formation of an inspection image on paper by the image forming unit 330 and the inspection by the image inspection unit 350 of the read image generated by reading the paper on which the inspection image has been formed. This reduces the time required for the processes from the generation of the reference image to the image inspection. As a result, the productivity of printed matter is improved.

[0059] As described above, in this embodiment, the first inspection mode or the second inspection mode can be determined at the predetermined timing depending on whether a reference image has been registered. As described above, printing modes include normal printing mode and overprinting printing mode. In overprinting printing mode, a reference image is registered. For example, the control unit 310 executes either the first inspection mode or the second inspection mode depending on whether the printing requires pre-registration of a reference image, i.e., registration of a reference image before execution of the image forming process, as in overprinting printing. For example, the first inspection mode can be executed when the printing mode is overprinting printing mode, while the second inspection mode can be executed when the printing mode is not overprinting printing mode.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a reference image of a quality desired by the user is registered in advance, the first inspection mode can be executed by the control unit 310. This allows the quality of the reference image to reliably reflect the user's desire.

[0061] Below, an overview of the control operations of the control unit 310 and the print controller unit 320 in each of the first inspection mode and the second inspection mode will be described.

[0062] [First inspection mode] Inspection in the first inspection mode consists of two steps: a step of generating a reference image, and a step of inspecting the inspection image. Each of these steps will be described in detail below.

[0063] (Step of generating a reference image) FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of the control operations of the control unit 310 and the print controller unit 320 in the process of generating a reference image in the first inspection mode.

[0064] First, the control unit 310 receives the original image and job information from the original image acquisition unit (print controller unit 320) ((1)-1 image input). The original image is an RIP image obtained by rasterizing print data. The control unit 310 stores the original image input by the original image acquisition unit in the page memory 1.

[0065] Next, the control unit 310 outputs the original image from the page memory 1 to the image forming unit 330 ((2)-1 Image output), and the image forming unit 330 forms an image on paper (printed paper) based on the original image. After the paper has been ejected, the image forming unit 330 notifies the control unit 310 that the paper has been ejected ((3)-1 Output completion).

[0066] Next, the control unit 310 instructs the image reading unit 340 to read the image formed by the image forming unit 330 ((4)-1 Image reading instruction). The image reading unit 340 reads the image formed by the image forming unit 330, stores the read image in the page memory 2, and notifies the control unit 310 that reading is complete ((5)-1 Image reading completion).

[0067] When reference image generating unit 380 receives an instruction to generate a reference image from control unit 310 ((6)-1 Reference image generation instruction), it generates a reference image based on the scanned image stored in page memory 2 and outputs it to control unit 310. Control unit 310 stores the reference image in page memory 1. After generating the reference image, reference image generating unit 380 notifies control unit 310 that generation of the reference image is complete ((7)-1 Reference image generation complete). Control unit 310 also stores the reference image stored in page memory 1 in storage device 390 ((8)-1 Reference image storage).

[0068] The control unit 310 repeats the above processes (1)-1 to (8)-1 until the generation of reference images is completed for all pages of the printed material to be inspected.

[0069] As described above, the reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image by performing various processes on the reference image regarding position, resolution, color, etc. For example, the reference image generation unit 380 can extract position information of content portions from the original image and add or embed the position information in the reference image so that the content portions (contents) of the reference image and the scanned image can be compared. That is, the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380 includes alignment information for aligning the reference image and the scanned image when performing image inspection based on the reference image. The alignment information includes image contour information and edge information. The reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380 also includes area information regarding the inspection area and the non-inspection area used when performing image inspection based on the reference image. Furthermore, the reference image generation unit 380 can generate a reference image by adjusting the resolution of the original image to match the resolution of the scanner of the image reading unit 340. Furthermore, the reference image generating unit 380 can generate a reference image by converting the color space of the original image so that it matches the color space (for example, RGB) used by the scanner of the image reading unit 340 .

[0070] (Step of inspecting the inspection image) FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of the control operations of the control unit 310 and the print controller unit 320 in the process of inspecting the inspection image in the first inspection mode.

[0071] First, the control unit 310 receives the original image and job information from the original image acquisition unit ((1)-2 Image Input). The original image is an RIP image obtained by rasterizing print data. The control unit 310 stores the original image input by the original image acquisition unit in the page memory 1.

[0072] Next, the control unit 310 outputs the original image from the page memory 1 to the image forming unit 330 ((2)-2 Image output), and the image forming unit 330 forms an image on paper (printed paper) based on the original image. After the paper has been ejected, the image forming unit 330 notifies the control unit 310 that the paper has been ejected ((3)-2 Output completion).

[0073] Next, the control unit 310 instructs the image reading unit 340 to read the image formed by the image forming unit 330 ((4)-2 Reading instruction). The image reading unit 340 reads the image formed by the image forming unit 330, stores the read image in the page memory 2, and notifies the control unit 310 that reading is complete ((5)-2 Reading completed).

[0074] Next, the control unit 310 instructs the storage device 390 to read out the reference image ((6)-2 Read out reference image), and the reference image is read out from the storage device 390 into the page memory 1.

[0075] Next, the control unit 310 instructs the image inspection unit 350 to perform an image inspection ((7)-2 Image inspection instruction). The image inspection unit 350 obtains a reference image and a read image from page memory 1 and page memory 2, respectively, and inspects the inspection image by comparing the reference image with the read image. Then, the image inspection unit 350 notifies the control unit 310 of the inspection result of the inspection image ((8)-2 Image inspection result).

[0076] The control unit 310 repeats the above steps (1)-2 to (8)-2 until inspection is completed for all pages of the printed material to be inspected.

[0077] In response to an instruction from the user, the control unit 310 controls the operation display unit 360 or the display of the client terminal 200 to display the inspection result (good / bad) of the printed matter based on the inspection result of the inspection image.

[0078] [Second inspection mode] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of the control operations of the control unit 310 and the print controller unit 320 in the second inspection mode.

[0079] First, the control unit 310 receives the original image and job information from the original image acquisition unit ((1)-3 Image Input). The original image is a RIP image obtained by rasterizing print data. The control unit 310 stores the original image input by the original image acquisition unit in the page memory 1.

[0080] When the reference image generating unit 380 receives an instruction to generate a reference image from the control unit 310 ((2)-3 instruction to generate a reference image), it generates a reference image based on the original image acquired by the original image acquiring unit and outputs it to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 stores the reference image in the page memory 1. As described above, the reference image generating unit 380 generates the reference image by performing various processes on the original image regarding the position, resolution, color, etc.

[0081] Furthermore, when the control unit 310 receives an original image from the original image acquisition unit, it instructs the image forming unit 330 to form an image and outputs the original image stored in the page memory 1 to the image forming unit 330 ((2)-3 Image output). In this embodiment, the image forming unit 330 forms an inspection image on paper based on the original image. The generation of the reference image by the reference image generation unit 380 and the formation of the inspection image by the image forming unit 330 are carried out in parallel.

[0082] When the reference image generation unit 380 completes the generation of the reference image, it notifies the control unit 310 that the reference image generation is complete ((3)-3 Reference image generation complete). Furthermore, when the image forming unit 330 completes the image formation on the paper, it notifies the control unit 310 that the output is complete ((3)-3 Output complete). The storage device 390 saves the generated reference image ((4)-3 Save reference image).

[0083] Furthermore, upon receiving notification of output completion, the control unit 310 immediately outputs an image reading instruction to the image reading unit 340 ((4)-3 Image reading instruction). The image reading unit 340 reads the paper on which the inspection image is formed, and outputs the read image of the paper to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 stores the read image in the page memory 2. Upon completion of reading the paper, the image reading unit 340 notifies the completion of image reading ((5)-3 Image reading completion).

[0084] Upon receiving notification that image reading is complete, the control unit 310 outputs an image inspection instruction to the image inspection unit 350 ((6)-3 Image inspection instruction). The image inspection unit 350 obtains the reference image and the read image from the page memory 1 and the page memory 2, respectively, and inspects the inspection image by comparing the reference image with the read image. The image inspection unit 350 then outputs the inspection result of the inspection image to the control unit 310 ((7)-3 Image inspection result).

[0085] The control unit 310 repeats the above steps (1)-3 to (7)-3 until inspection is completed for all pages of the printout to be inspected.

[0086] In response to an instruction from the user, the control unit 310 controls the operation display unit 360 or the display of the client terminal 200 to display the inspection result (good / bad) of the printed matter based on the inspection result of the inspection image.

[0087] <Image Inspection Method Using Image Forming System 300> Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of an image inspection method by image forming system 300 shown in Fig. 1. The processing shown in Fig. 6 is realized by image control CPU 311 executing an image inspection program. Below, an example will be described in which pre-registration of a reference image is required and the printing mode is an overprinting printing mode.

[0088] First, when a print job is started, the control unit 310 determines whether the print mode is the overprint print mode (step S101). If the print mode is the overprint print mode (step S101: YES), the control unit 310 executes the first inspection mode. On the other hand, if the print mode is not the overprint print mode (step S101: NO), the control unit 310 executes the second inspection mode.

[0089] In the above, a determination is made as to whether the inspection mode to be executed is the first inspection mode or the second inspection mode based on the selected printing mode, but it is also possible to accept a user specification of the inspection mode and determine whether the accepted inspection mode is the first inspection mode or the second inspection mode.

[0090] [First inspection mode] FIG. 7 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating details of the process (step S102) for executing the first inspection mode in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a subroutine flowchart following FIG. 7. The processes shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are realized by image control CPU 311 executing an image inspection program. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram chronologically illustrating each process of acquiring an original image and generating a reference image in the reference image generating process. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram chronologically illustrating each process of acquiring an original image, forming an inspection image, and inspecting the inspection image in the image forming process.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 7, first, the control unit 310 acquires an original image (step S201). The control unit 310 receives the original image (RIP image) from the original image acquisition unit, one page at a time, from the first page to the final nth page. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which the original images are received in order from the first page to the eighth page. Note that in FIGS. 9, 10, and 12, "1P" represents the first page (the same applies to "2P," etc.). Note that the time required to generate a reference image may differ for each page depending on the number of inspection areas and / or non-inspection areas, the inspection settings, etc. One factor that may cause the time required to generate a reference image to differ for each page is the complexity of the content. FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which the time required to generate a reference image for the second page is required.

[0092] Next, the control unit 310 stores the document images (step S202). When a print job is started, the control unit 310 stores the document images acquired from the document image acquisition unit in the page memory 1 page by page.

[0093] Next, the control unit 310 prints an image based on the original image (step S203). The control unit 310 controls the image forming unit 330 to form an image on paper (printed paper) based on the original image and job information received from the original image acquisition unit. For example, the control unit 310 performs "print preparation" and controls the image forming unit 330 to form an inspection image on paper for the first page of the original image. The image forming unit 330 forms an image of the first page of the original image on paper in accordance with the instructions of the control unit 310. After the image of the first page of the original image is formed on paper, an image of the second page of the original image is similarly formed on paper. Note that "print preparation" includes initial settings and preparations of each unit (for example, warming up the fixing unit) according to the image formation conditions in the image forming unit 330.

[0094] Next, the image reading unit 340 reads the image formed on the printing paper (step S204) and transmits the read image to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 stores the read image received from the image reading unit 340 in the page memory 2.

[0095] Next, the reference image generating unit 380 generates a reference image (step S205). The reference image to be used for inspecting the inspection image is generated in accordance with instructions from the control unit 310. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, when the first page of the document image is acquired and stored in the page memory 1, the control unit 310 controls the reference image generating unit 380 to generate a reference image based on the first page of the document image. The reference image generating unit 380 generates a reference image based on the first page of the document image. A reference image is similarly generated for the second page of the document image.

[0096] Next, the storage device 390 stores the reference image generated by the reference image generating unit 380 (step S206). For example, the storage device 390 stores the first and second pages of the document image.

[0097] Next, the control unit 310 determines whether all pages have been acquired (step S207). If the control unit 310 determines that the document images of all pages of the printout to be inspected have not been acquired (step S207: NO), the control unit 310 proceeds to the process of step S201.

[0098] On the other hand, if control unit 310 has acquired the document images for all pages (step S207: YES), the process proceeds to step S208 in FIG.

[0099] 8, the control unit 310 acquires an original image (step S208). The original image is an image to be formed on a printed sheet for overprinting.

[0100] Next, the control unit 310 stores the document images (step S209). The control unit 310 stores the document images acquired from the document image acquisition unit in the page memory 1 page by page.

[0101] Next, the control unit 310 reads out the reference image (step S210). The control unit 310 reads out the reference image stored in the page memory 1 and outputs it to the image inspection unit 350.

[0102] Next, image forming unit 330 prints an image based on the original image (step S211). Control unit 310 controls image forming unit 330 to form an inspection image on paper (printed paper) based on the original image and job information received from the original image acquisition unit. For example, control unit 310 performs printing preparation and controls image forming unit 330 to form an inspection image on paper for the original image of the first page. Image forming unit 330 forms an inspection image on paper for the first page of the original image in accordance with instructions from control unit 310. After the inspection image is formed based on the original image of the first page, an inspection image is similarly formed on paper for the original image of the second page.

[0103] Next, the image reading unit 340 reads the inspection image formed on the paper (step S212) and transmits the read image to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 stores the read image received from the image reading unit 340 in the page memory 2.

[0104] Next, the image inspection unit 350 compares the reference image stored in the page memory 1 with the read image stored in the page memory 2 to inspect the inspection image (step S213).

[0105] Next, the control unit 310 determines whether or not all pages of the document image have been acquired for the printed matter to be inspected (step S214). If all pages have not been acquired (step S214: NO), the control unit 310 proceeds to the process of step S208. On the other hand, if all pages have been acquired (step S214: YES), the control unit 310 ends the process (return).

[0106] As described above, in the first inspection mode, the reference image is registered at the predetermined timing. As shown in FIG. 10, the predetermined timing may include the timing of acquiring the inspection job. The predetermined timing may also include the timing of starting image formation of the inspection job by the image forming unit 330 or the timing during image formation of the inspection job. If the document image includes images of multiple pages, the predetermined timing may include the timing during image formation of at least the inspection image of the first page.

[0107] In the above example, the case where a reference image is generated based on an original image and registered has been mainly described, but the present invention is not limited to such a case. For example, an image previously stored in the storage device 390 can be registered as a reference image based on a user's instructions.

[0108] [Second inspection mode] Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the image inspection method by image forming system 300 in the second inspection mode. The processing shown in Fig. 11 is realized by image control CPU 311 executing an image inspection program. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the time series of processes for acquiring an original image, generating a reference image, forming an inspection image, and inspecting the inspection image.

[0109] As shown in Fig. 11, first, the control unit 310 acquires an original image (step S301). The control unit 310 receives the original images (RIP images) one page at a time from the original image acquisition unit, from the first page to the final nth page. For example, Fig. 12 illustrates a case where the original images are received in order from the first page to the eighth page.

[0110] Next, the control unit 310 stores the document images (step S302). When a print job is started, the control unit 310 stores the document images acquired from the document image acquisition unit in the page memory 1 page by page.

[0111] Next, control unit 310 controls the generation of a reference image to be used in inspecting the inspection image. Reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image in accordance with an instruction from control unit 310 (step S303). For example, when the first page of the document image is acquired and stored in page memory 1, control unit 310 controls reference image generation unit 380 to generate a reference image based on the first page of the document image. Reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image based on the first page of the document image. A reference image is similarly generated for the second page of the document image.

[0112] Next, the storage device 390 stores the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380 (step S304). For example, the storage device 390 stores the first and second pages of the document image. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 , the control unit 310 controls the image forming unit 330 to form an inspection image on paper based on the document image and job information received from the document image acquisition unit, in parallel with the processing of steps S303 and S304. For example, the control unit 310 performs printing preparation and controls the image forming unit 330 to form an inspection image on paper for the first page of the document image. The image forming unit 330 forms an inspection image on paper for the first page of the document image in accordance with the instruction of the control unit 310 (step S305). After the inspection image for the first page of the document image is formed, an inspection image for the second page of the document image is similarly formed on paper.

[0113] Next, the inspection image formed on the paper is read (step S306).

[0114] Next, the image inspection unit 350 determines whether a reference image has been generated for each page of the acquired document image (step S307). If the reference image has been generated (step S307: YES), the image reading unit 340 compares the reference image with the read image to inspect the inspection image (step S308).

[0115] The control unit 310 repeats the processes of steps S301 to S308 until inspection of the inspection images for all pages (from the first page to the final n-th page) is completed (step S309).

[0116] On the other hand, if a reference image has not been generated (step S307: NO), the image inspection unit 350 waits until a reference image is generated. For example, if a reference image of the same document image (first page) as the document image (first page) that is the basis of the inspection image inspected in step S308 has not been generated, the image inspection unit 350 waits until a reference image of this document image (first page) is generated.

[0117] As described above, in the second inspection mode, the reference image is not registered at the predetermined timing. As shown in FIG. 12, the predetermined timing may include the timing of acquiring the print job. The predetermined timing may also include the timing of starting image formation of the print job by the image forming unit 330 or the timing during image formation of the print job. In the second inspection mode, the reference image may not be registered at the predetermined timing.

[0118] 11, the generation of a reference image by reference image generation unit 380 and the formation and inspection of an inspection image by image formation unit 330 are performed in parallel. This allows image formation system 300 to further reduce the time required for processing from the generation of a reference image to image inspection compared to conventional techniques.

[0119] [Parallel generation of reference image and formation of test image on paper] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the generation of reference images for the first page (1P) and the second page (2P) and printing preparation are performed in parallel, and the generation of the reference image for the third page (3P) and the formation of the inspection image for the first page (1P) (first half) are performed in parallel. Then, the generation of the reference image for the fourth page (4P) and the formation of the inspection image for the first page (1P) (second half) are performed in parallel. While the figure shows the generation of the reference image for the third page (3P) and the formation of the inspection image for the first page (1P) starting simultaneously, this is not a limitation. The formation of the inspection image for the first page (1P) can start at an appropriate time after the completion of printing preparation, and the generation of the reference image for the third page (3P) can start at an appropriate time after the generation of the reference image for the second page (2P). The start timing of the generation of the reference image and the generation of the inspection image is similar for subsequent pages.

[0120] [Generating a reference image, forming a test image on paper, and inspecting the test image in parallel] After that, the generation of the reference image of the fifth page (5P), the formation of the inspection image of the second page (2P), and the inspection of the inspection image of the first page are executed in parallel.

[0121] In this manner, in this embodiment, a reference image is generated based on the reception of an original image (starting from the reception of the original image), and an inspection image is formed on paper when printing preparations are complete, and the inspection image is then inspected. In this embodiment, the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of the inspection image are performed in parallel, thereby reducing the time required for processing from the generation of the reference image to the image inspection. As a result, productivity of printed matter is improved.

[0122] The image inspection device of this embodiment described above provides the following effects.

[0123] This makes it possible to improve the productivity of inspection of printed matter obtained by printing that does not require the advance registration of a reference image, while also appropriately inspecting printed matter obtained by printing that requires the advance registration of a reference image.

[0124] As described above, the image inspection device, the image inspection method, and the image inspection program have been described in the embodiments. However, it goes without saying that those skilled in the art can appropriately add, modify, and omit the present invention within the scope of the technical concept thereof.

[0125] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case where an original image is generated based on a print job has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such a case. The image forming unit 330 may be configured to have an image reading device 333 (see FIG. 1) that reads an original prepared by a user, and to generate an original image based on an image generated by reading the original using the image reading device 333. The image reading device 333, for example, uses a scanner to read an original transported to a predetermined reading position by an automatic document feeder, and generates image data.

[0126] The image inspection program may be provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, flexible disk, or CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is typically transferred and stored in memory or storage. The inspection program may be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device as a function of the server.

[0127] In addition, in the embodiment, part or all of the processing executed by the inspection program may be replaced with hardware such as a circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 100 printing systems, 200 client terminals, 300 Image forming system, 310 control section, 311 Image control CPU, 312 DRAM control IC, 313 Memory, 314 image memory (DRAM), 315 Compression / Expansion IC, 316 reading processing section, 317 write processing unit, 318 Memory section, 320 Print controller section, 321 Controller control section, 322 DRAM control IC, 323 image memory (DRAM), 324 Communications Control Unit, 325 communication I / F, 330 Image forming unit, 331 Printer control unit, 332 Exposure section, 333 Image reading device, 340 Image reading unit, 341 scanner, 342 scanner control unit, 350 Imaging Department, 351 Image inspection control unit, 360 operation display section, 361 LCD / touch sensor, 362 Operation control section, 370 Paper feed section, 380 Reference image generation unit, 390 storage device, 400 communication lines.

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the acquired image data; a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; an image inspection unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered at a predetermined timing in an image formation process by the image forming unit of the image to be inspected by the image inspection unit; The predetermined timing includes a timing at which the image forming unit starts forming an image.

2. An image inspection device as described in Claim 1, wherein the timing at which image formation by the image forming unit starts includes the timing at which an image formation instruction is given to the image forming unit.

3. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the acquired image data; a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; an image inspection unit that inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered at a predetermined timing in an image formation process by the image forming unit of the image to be inspected by the image inspection unit; The predetermined timing includes timing during image formation by the image forming unit.

4. The image data is image data for forming an image of a plurality of pages on a recording medium, The image inspection device according to claim 3 , wherein the predetermined timing includes a timing during image formation of at least a first page.

5. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the acquired image data; a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; an image inspection unit that inspects an image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered at a predetermined timing in an image formation process by the image forming unit of the image to be inspected by the image inspection unit; In the second inspection mode, the generation of the reference image and the formation of the image on the recording medium are performed in parallel.

6. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the acquired image data; a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; an image inspection unit that inspects an image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered at a predetermined timing in an image formation process by the image forming unit of the image to be inspected by the image inspection unit; a control unit that controls the image forming unit, the reference image generating unit, and the image inspecting unit; The control unit An image inspection device that, when the second inspection mode is specified, executes in parallel a reference image generation process including generation of a reference image by the reference image generation unit, and an inspection process including formation of the image on a recording medium by the image formation unit, and inspection by the image inspection unit of the read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed.

7. 3. The image inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the reference image registered in the first inspection mode is a scanned image generated by scanning a recording medium.

8. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the acquired image data; a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; an image inspection unit that inspects an image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered at a predetermined timing in an image formation process by the image forming unit of the image to be inspected by the image inspection unit; In the case of inspection of an overprinted image, the first inspection mode is selected.

9. An image inspection method using an image inspection device, The image inspection device is forming an image on a recording medium based on the acquired image data; generating a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; At a predetermined timing in the image forming process of the image to be inspected, the inspection method has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, The image inspection method, wherein the predetermined timing includes a timing at which formation of the image starts.

10. An image inspection method as described in Claim 9, wherein the start timing of forming the image includes the timing of instructing the formation of the image.

11. An image inspection method using an image inspection device, comprising: The image inspection device is forming an image on a recording medium based on the acquired image data; generating a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; At a predetermined timing in the image forming process of the image to be inspected, the inspection method has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, An image inspection method, wherein the predetermined timing includes timing during formation of the image.

12. The image data is image data for forming an image of a plurality of pages on a recording medium, The image inspection method according to claim 11 , wherein the predetermined timing includes timing during image formation of at least a first page.

13. An image inspection method using an image inspection device, comprising: The image inspection device is forming an image on a recording medium based on the acquired image data; generating a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; At a predetermined timing in the image forming process of the image to be inspected, the inspection method has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, In the second inspection mode, the generation of the reference image and the formation of the image on the recording medium are performed in parallel.

14. An image inspection method using an image inspection device, comprising: The image inspection device is forming an image on a recording medium based on the acquired image data; generating a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; At a predetermined timing in the image forming process of the image to be inspected, the inspection method has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, An image inspection method in which, when the second inspection mode is specified, a reference image generation process including generating the reference image and an inspection process including forming the image on the recording medium and inspecting the read image generated by reading the recording medium on which the image has been formed are executed in parallel.

15. An image inspection method as described in Claim 9, wherein the reference image registered in the first inspection mode is a read image generated by reading a recording medium.

16. An image inspection method using an image inspection device, comprising: The image inspection device is forming an image on a recording medium based on the acquired image data; generating a reference image to be used for inspecting the image formed on the recording medium; inspecting the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; At a predetermined timing in the image forming process of the image to be inspected, the inspection method has a first inspection mode in which the reference image is registered and a second inspection mode in which the reference image is not registered, In the image inspection method, the first inspection mode is selected in the case of inspection of an overprinted image.

17. An image inspection program for causing a computer to execute the image inspection method according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

Images