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

Abstract

To provide an image inspection system, an image inspection device, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program with which it is possible to prevent or reduce a situation where inspection of an inspection image is executed before preparations are made for the inspection due to an abnormal state in a reference image creation step.SOLUTION: An image inspection system comprises a reference image creation unit 380, an image inspection unit 350, and a control unit 310. The reference image creation unit 380 creates a reference image used for inspection of an image formed on a recording medium. The image inspection unit 350 conducts, on the basis of the reference image, inspection of an image to be inspected created by reading the image formed on the recording medium. The control unit 30 controls the image inspection unit 350 not to conduct the inspection on the basis of a predetermined state occurring in a reference image creation step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image inspection system, 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 the quality of a printed matter by comparing a read image obtained by reading a print sheet (printed matter) on which a test image has been printed with a reference image (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). In Patent Document 1, a user inspects several printed matters on which a test image has been printed, and the read image of the printed matter that is determined to be free of abnormalities is used as the reference image.

[0003] There is also known a method of inspecting the quality of a printed matter by using an original image as a reference image and comparing the original image with a scanned image of the printed matter (for example, see Patent Document 2 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-146514 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-53561 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the image forming device of Patent Document 1, a user inspection is required to generate a reference image to be used in the actual printing. Furthermore, the reference image must be prepared before the actual printing begins, and then the actual printing is performed. Furthermore, in the print inspection device of Patent Document 2, the generation of the reference image (steps S101 to S115 in FIG. 6) must be completed before the generation of the inspection image (step S117 in FIG. 6 of the same document) begins. Therefore, there is a problem in 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.

[0006] In contrast, no technology has been proposed to date that simultaneously performs the generation process of a reference image and the inspection process of an inspection image. In order to shorten the time required for the processes from the generation of a reference image to the image inspection, the present inventor has been developing a technology that simultaneously performs the generation process of a reference image and the inspection process of an inspection image, and sequentially performs image inspection using the generated reference image. However, for example, an abnormal condition may occur during the generation process of the reference image, such as an inability to secure a storage area for storing the reference image. In other words, an abnormal condition during the generation process of the reference image may be a factor that prevents image inspection from being performed normally.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an image inspection system, an image inspection device, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program that can prevent or suppress a situation in which an inspection is performed before preparations for inspection of an inspection image are complete due to an abnormal state in the reference image generation process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following means.

[0009] (1) An image inspection system comprising: a reference image generation unit that generates a reference image to be used for inspecting an image formed on a recording medium; an image inspection unit that inspects an image to be inspected that is generated by reading the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and a control unit that controls the image inspection unit not to perform inspection based on a predetermined state that occurs during the reference image generation process.

[0010] (2) further comprising an image forming unit that forms the image on the recording medium; The control unit generates the reference image; Image formation by the image forming unit The image inspection system according to (1) above, which controls the processes so that they are performed in parallel.

[0011] (3) An image inspection system as described in (1) or (2) above, further comprising a first memory unit for storing a reference image generated by the reference image generation unit, wherein the reference image generation process includes a process for reserving the first memory unit in a storage device, and wherein the control unit does not perform inspection by the image inspection unit when the first memory unit cannot be reserved as the specified state.

[0012] (4) An image inspection system as described in (1) or (2) above, wherein the reference image generation process includes a process of determining whether the generation status of the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and the control unit does not perform inspection by the image inspection unit when the generation status of the reference image does not satisfy the predetermined condition as the predetermined state.

[0013] (5) An image inspection system as described in (1) or (2) above, further comprising a first memory unit for storing a reference image generated by the reference image generation unit, wherein the reference image generation process includes a step of determining whether the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit is stored in the first memory unit, and the control unit does not perform inspection by the image inspection unit when the reference image is not stored in the first memory unit as the specified state.

[0014] (6) An image inspection system as described in (1) or (2) above, further comprising a first memory unit that stores a reference image generated by the reference image generation unit, and a job acquisition unit that acquires a job for forming the image on the recording medium, wherein the reference image generation process includes a process of sending a page image based on the job to the first memory unit, and the control unit does not perform inspection by the image inspection unit when the specified state is that a page image based on the job is not sent to the first memory unit.

[0015] (7) An image inspection system as described in (1) or (2) above, further comprising a first memory unit that stores a reference image generated by the reference image generation unit, and an erasure unit that erases the reference image stored in the first memory unit, wherein the reference image generation process includes a process of erasing the reference image stored in the first memory unit, and the control unit does not perform inspection by the image inspection unit when, as the specified state, before the inspection of the first page by the image inspection unit, a reference image of a second page that was inspected by the image inspection unit before the first page has not been erased from the first memory unit.

[0016] (8) An image inspection device comprising: an image acquisition unit that acquires a reference image used for inspecting an image formed on a recording medium, the reference image being generated by a reference image generation unit, and an inspection target image generated by reading the image formed on the recording medium; an image inspection unit that inspects the inspection target image based on the reference image; and a control unit that controls the image inspection unit not to perform inspection based on a predetermined state that occurs in the reference image generation process.

[0017] (9) An image inspection method including the steps of: (a) generating a reference image to be used in inspecting an image formed on a recording medium; and (b) inspecting an image to be inspected by reading the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; wherein inspection in step (b) is not performed based on a predetermined state that occurs in the step of generating the reference image. (10) An image inspection method as described in (9) above, further comprising a step (c) of forming the image on the recording medium, and controlling the reference image generation process and the image formation process in step (c) to be performed in parallel. (11) An image inspection method as described in (9) or (10) above, further comprising a step (d) of storing the reference image generated in step (a) in a first memory unit, wherein the step of generating the reference image includes a step of reserving the first memory unit in a storage device, and when the first memory unit cannot be reserved as the predetermined state, the inspection in step (b) is not performed. (12) An image inspection method as described in (9) or (10) above, wherein the reference image generation step includes a step of determining whether the generation status of the reference image generated in step (a) satisfies a predetermined condition, and if the generation status of the reference image does not satisfy the predetermined condition as the predetermined condition, inspection in step (b) is not performed. (13) An image inspection method as described in (9) or (10) above, further comprising a step (d) of storing the reference image generated in step (a) in a first memory unit, wherein the reference image generating step includes a step of determining whether the reference image generated in step (a) is stored in the first memory unit, and when the reference image is not stored in the first memory unit as the predetermined state, the inspection in step (b) is not performed. (14) An image inspection method as described in (9) or (10) above, further comprising a step (d) of storing the reference image generated in step (a) in a first storage unit, and a step (e) of acquiring a job for forming the image on the recording medium, wherein the step of generating the reference image includes a step of sending a page image based on the job to the first storage unit, and when the specified state is that the page image based on the job is not sent to the first storage unit, the inspection in step (b) is not performed. (15) An image inspection method as described in (9) or (10) above, further comprising a step (d) of storing the reference image generated in step (a) in a first memory unit, and a step (e) of erasing the reference image stored in the first memory unit, wherein the step of generating the reference image includes a step of erasing the reference image stored in the first memory unit, and the predetermined state is such that in step (b), before inspecting the first page, no inspection is performed if the reference image of a second page inspected before the first page has not been erased from the first memory unit. (16) An image inspection method including: a step (a) of acquiring a reference image used for inspecting an image formed on a recording medium, the reference image being generated by a reference image generation unit; and an image to be inspected being generated by reading the image formed on the recording medium; and a step (b) of inspecting the image to be inspected based on the reference image; and controlling so as not to perform the inspection in step (b) based on a predetermined state that occurs in the process of generating the reference image.

[0018] ( 17 ) An image inspection program for causing a computer to execute processing including the steps of: (a) generating a reference image to be used in inspecting an image formed on a recording medium; and (b) inspecting an image to be inspected that is generated by reading the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; wherein the inspection in step (b) is not performed based on a predetermined state that occurs in the step of generating the reference image. (18) An image inspection program as described in (17) above, further comprising a step (c) of forming the image on the recording medium, and controlling the reference image generation process and the image formation process in step (c) to be performed in parallel. (19) An image inspection program as described in (17) or (18) above, further comprising a step (d) of storing the reference image generated in step (a) in a first memory unit, wherein the step of generating the reference image includes a step of reserving the first memory unit in a storage device, and when the first memory unit cannot be reserved as the specified state, the inspection in step (b) is not performed. (20) An image inspection program as described in (17) or (18) above, wherein the reference image generation process includes a process of determining whether the generation status of the reference image generated in step (a) satisfies a predetermined condition, and if the generation status of the reference image does not satisfy the predetermined condition as the predetermined condition, the inspection in step (b) is not performed. (21) An image inspection program as described in (17) or (18) above, further comprising a step (d) of storing the reference image generated in step (a) in a first memory unit, wherein the step of generating the reference image comprises a step of determining whether the reference image generated in step (a) is stored in the first memory unit, and when the reference image is not stored in the first memory unit as the predetermined state, the inspection in step (b) is not performed. (22) An image inspection program as described in (17) or (18) above, further comprising a step (d) of storing the reference image generated in step (a) in a first memory unit, and a step (e) of acquiring a job for forming the image on the recording medium, wherein the step of generating the reference image includes a step of sending a page image based on the job to the first memory unit, and when the specified state is that the page image based on the job is not sent to the first memory unit, the inspection in step (b) is not performed. (23) An image inspection program as described in (17) or (18) above, further comprising a step (d) of storing the reference image generated in step (a) in a first memory unit, and a step (e) of erasing the reference image stored in the first memory unit, wherein the step of generating the reference image includes a step of erasing the reference image stored in the first memory unit, and the predetermined state is such that, in step (b), before inspecting the first page, no inspection is performed if the reference image of a second page inspected before the first page has not been erased from the first memory unit. (24) An image inspection program including: a step (a) of acquiring a reference image used for inspecting an image formed on a recording medium, the reference image being generated by a reference image generation unit; and an image to be inspected being generated by reading the image formed on the recording medium; and a step (b) of inspecting the image to be inspected based on the reference image; and controlling so that the inspection in step (b) is not performed based on a predetermined state that occurs in the process of generating the reference image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, the control unit controls the image inspection unit not to perform inspection based on a predetermined condition that occurs during the reference image generation process. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for processing from reference image generation to image inspection, and to prevent or suppress the occurrence of a situation in which inspection is performed before preparation for inspection of the inspection image is complete due to an abnormal condition during the reference image generation process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] Advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to define the limits of the invention. [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] 3 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of the control operations of the control unit and the print controller unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an image inspection method performed by the image forming system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 5 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the details of the inspection image formation process and inspection process (step S102) shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 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, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given 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] (Embodiment) <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] A print job includes, for example, print data in PDL (Page Description Language) format and job information. The print data includes, for example, print 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, and inspection setting (on / off). By turning on the inspection setting, the user can issue an instruction to the image forming system 300 to inspect the image.

[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, image forming system (image inspection system) 300 has a control unit 310, a print controller unit 320, an image forming unit 330, an image reading unit 340, an image inspection unit (image inspection device) 350, an operation display unit 360, a paper feed unit 370, and a reference image generation unit 380. Image forming system 300 functions as an image inspection system.

[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] Image memory 314 is configured with DRAM, has areas for compression memory and page memory, and temporarily stores compressed image data, decompressed image data, etc. Control unit 310 controls the page memory to allocate a first memory unit and a second memory unit before inspection by image inspection unit 350. The memory address spaces of the first memory unit and the second memory unit in image memory 314 are managed by image control CPU 311. Control unit 310 can be configured to estimate the data sizes of the reference image and the scanned image based on the print data, and to allocate the first memory unit and the second memory unit to image memory 314, each having a size corresponding to the estimated data sizes of the reference image and the scanned image. The reference image and the scanned image are stored in the allocated first memory unit and second memory unit, respectively. Image memory 314 functions as a storage device.

[0033] The first storage unit is an area for storing the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380. In particular, in this embodiment, the first storage unit stores the reference image being generated by the reference image generation unit 380 while the inspection target image is being generated. The inspection target image is a read image obtained by reading an inspection image formed on paper by the image reading unit 340. In this embodiment, the period during which the inspection target image is being generated includes not only the generation of the read image by the image reading unit 340 but also the formation of the inspection image on paper by the image forming unit 330. The inspection target image is stored in the second storage unit.

[0034] For example, when a reference image is stored in the first storage unit, control unit 310 associates information about the page of the corresponding test image (e.g., a page number) with the reference image and stores it in the first storage unit. Control unit 310 has a function of determining, for each page, whether a reference image corresponding to the test image is stored in the first storage unit by referring to the information about the page in the first storage unit. For example, control unit 310 may determine whether a reference image corresponding to the test image is stored in the first storage unit immediately before inspecting the test image and output the determination result. Control unit 310 may also determine whether the test image is stored in the second storage unit immediately before inspecting the test image and output the determination result. Control unit 310 may also be configured to determine whether the test image and the reference image corresponding to the test image have been stored not only immediately before inspection but also at any determination timing during the image formation process from the start of image formation to the completion of image formation or during the reading process from the start of reading the test image to the completion of reading.

[0035] The control unit 310 also functions as a first erasing unit and can erase the reference image stored in the first storage unit page by page based on the completion of inspection for each page by the image inspection unit 350. The control unit 310 also functions as a second erasing unit and can erase the inspection target image stored in the second storage unit page by page based on the completion of inspection for each page by the image inspection unit 350.

[0036] <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 a job acquisition unit.

[0037] The print controller unit 320 is configured with a controller control unit 321, a DRAM control IC 323, an image memory (DRAM) 324, a communication control unit 325, a communication I / F 326, 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 the communication I / F 326. The communication control unit 325 controls the communication I / F 326.

[0038] 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 324. The RIP image in image memory 324 is temporarily stored in a compressed memory area within image memory 314 via compression / decompression IC 315 under the control of DRAM control IC 323 of print controller unit 320 and DRAM control IC 312 of 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.

[0039] The write processing unit 317 outputs the decompressed digital image data to an exposure unit 332 of the image forming unit 330 .

[0040] In this embodiment, control unit 310 can perform control to allocate a first storage unit and a second storage unit in image memory 314, for example, based on acquisition of a print job. More specifically, control unit 310 allocates areas for the first storage unit and the second storage unit in image memory 314 at the timing when controller control unit 321 acquires the print job. Alternatively, the process of generating the reference image may be configured to include a process of allocating a first storage unit in image memory 314.

[0041] The control unit 310 outputs a reference image generation instruction to the reference image generation unit 380 (described later) to generate a reference image based on the document image at a predetermined generation timing. The predetermined generation timing may be, for example, when the inspection setting is on and the job acquisition unit acquires the document image. The reference image generation unit 380 generates the reference image based on the reference image generation instruction.

[0042] 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.

[0043] <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 .

[0044] 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.

[0045] <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.

[0046] <Configuration of image inspection unit 350> The image inspection unit 350 inspects a read image (image to be inspected) generated by reading an image formed on paper based on a reference image. More specifically, the image inspection unit 350 acquires the reference image and the read image, and inspects the inspection image formed on paper by comparing the reference image and the read image for each page.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] <Configuration of operation display unit 360> The operation display unit 360 includes a touch screen 361, an operation control unit 362, a numeric keypad as hard keys, a start button, a stop button, and the like. The touch screen 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.

[0050] <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.

[0051] <Configuration of Reference Image Generator 380> Reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image to be used in inspecting an image formed on paper based on the document image acquired by the job 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. This allows the generation of a reference image and the formation and inspection of an inspection image to be 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 the processing of forming and inspecting an inspection image, and the generation of a reference image and the formation and inspection of an inspection image may be performed in parallel by separate cores.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] <Outline of Control Operations of Control Unit 310 and Print Controller Unit 320> 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 shown in FIG.

[0055] First, the control unit 310 receives an original image and job information from the job acquisition unit (print controller unit 320) ((1) Image Input). The original image is an RIP image obtained by rasterizing print data. The control unit 310 stores the original image in the image memory 314. The control unit 310 also allocates a first storage unit and a second storage unit in the image memory 314.

[0056] When the reference image generating unit 380 receives an instruction to generate a reference image from the control unit 310 ((2)-1 instruction to generate a reference image), the reference image generating unit 380 generates a reference image based on the document image acquired by the job acquisition unit and outputs the generated reference image to the control unit 310.

[0057] As described above, the reference image generation unit 380 generates a reference image by performing various processes on the document image regarding position, resolution, color, etc. For example, the reference image generation unit 380 can extract position information of content portions from the document 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 document 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 .

[0058] Furthermore, when the control unit 310 receives an original image from the job acquisition unit, it instructs the image forming unit 330 to form an image and outputs the original image stored in the image memory 314 to the image forming unit 330 ((2)-2 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 performed in parallel.

[0059] When the reference image generation unit 380 completes the generation of the reference image, it notifies the control unit 310 of the completion of reference image generation ((3)-1 Reference image generation completed). Furthermore, when the image forming unit 330 completes image formation on the paper, it notifies the control unit 310 of the completion of output ((3)-2 Output completed). In this embodiment, the first storage unit stores the reference image being generated by the reference image generation unit 380 while the inspection image is being generated. The generated reference image is stored in the storage area for the reference image in the first storage unit ((4)-1 Save reference image).

[0060] Furthermore, upon receiving notification of output completion, the control unit 310 immediately outputs an image reading instruction to the image reading unit 340 ((4)-2 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 second storage unit. Upon completion of reading the paper, the image reading unit 340 notifies the completion of image reading ((5)-2 Image reading completion).

[0061] Upon receiving notification that image reading is complete, the control unit 310 outputs an image inspection instruction to the image inspection unit 350 ((6)-2 Image Inspection Instruction). The control unit 310 determines for each page whether a reference image corresponding to the inspection image is stored in the first storage unit. The image inspection unit 350 obtains the reference image and the scanned image from the first storage unit and the second storage unit, respectively, and inspects the inspection image by comparing the reference image with the scanned image. The image inspection unit 350 then outputs the inspection results of the inspection image to the control unit 310 ((7)-2 Image Inspection Results).

[0062] The control unit 310 also receives the inspection results of the inspection image as a notification of the completion of inspection by the image inspection unit 350. When the control unit 310 receives the notification of the completion of inspection, it erases the reference image stored in the first storage unit and the scanned image stored in the second storage unit page by page. Note that the image data in the first storage unit and the second storage unit is erased by the control unit 310 performing a memory management operation to free the storage areas corresponding to the first storage unit and the second storage unit. When freeing the storage areas, the image data stored in the storage areas may be overwritten with "0" or the like, or the original data may remain stored without being overwritten with "0" or the like.

[0063] 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.

[0064] <Image Inspection Method Using Image Forming System 300> Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of an image inspection method using the image forming system shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the details of the processing procedure for forming and inspecting the inspection image (step S102) shown in Fig. 4. The processes shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are realized by image control CPU 311 executing an image inspection program. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the time series of processes for obtaining an original image, generating a reference image, forming an inspection image, and inspecting the inspection image.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, first, in step S101, control unit 310 acquires an original image. Control unit 310 receives original images (RIP images) one page at a time from the job acquisition unit, starting with the first page and ending with the nth page. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a case in which original images are received one page at a time from the first page to the eighth page. When a print job starts, control unit 310 saves the original images acquired from the job acquisition unit one page at a time in image memory 314. Control unit 310 also allocates a first storage unit and a second storage unit for each page in image memory 314. Note that if control unit 310 cannot allocate either the first storage unit or the second storage unit for a page of an acquired original image, it releases the other storage unit and redoes the acquisition of the original image and the allocation of the first storage unit and the second storage unit.

[0066] Next, in step S102, control unit 310 generates a reference image and performs processing to form and inspect an inspection image. The reference image generated by reference image generation unit 380 is stored in a first storage unit. The inspection image printed on paper by image formation unit 330 is read by image reading unit 340, and the read image is stored in a second storage unit. Image inspection unit 350 inspects the inspection image based on the reference image generated by reference image generation unit 380 and the read image. Details of the processing in step S102 will be described later.

[0067] Next, in step S103, the control unit 310 determines whether or not the inspection of all pages has been completed. If the inspection of all pages has been completed (step S103: YES), the control unit 310 ends the process (END). On the other hand, if the inspection of all pages has not been completed (step S103: NO), the control unit 310 returns to the process of step S101.

[0068] <Generation of Reference Image, and Inspection Image Formation and Inspection Processing (Step S102)> As shown in FIG. 5, reference image generating unit 380 generates a reference image to be used for inspecting the inspection image (step S201). Control unit 310 controls the generation of the reference image. Reference image generating unit 380 generates the reference image in accordance with an instruction from control unit 310. For example, when the first page of the document image is acquired and stored in image memory 314, control unit 310 controls reference image generating unit 380 to generate a reference image based on the first page of the document image. 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.

[0069] Next, the first storage unit stores the reference images generated by the reference image generating unit 380 (step S202). For example, the first storage unit stores the reference images corresponding to the first and second pages of the document image.

[0070] In parallel with the processing of steps S201 and S202, control unit 310 controls image forming unit 330 to form an inspection image on paper based on the original image and job information received from the job acquisition unit. In step S203, control unit 310, for example, 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 the instructions of control unit 310. After the inspection image of the original image of the first page is formed, an inspection image is similarly formed on paper for the original image of the second page. After the paper has been ejected, image forming unit 330 notifies control unit 310 that the paper has been ejected.

[0071] Next, in step S204, the control unit 310 instructs the image reading unit 340 to read an image. The image reading unit 340 reads the test image formed on the paper.

[0072] Next, in step S205, the image reading unit 340 stores the read image of the inspection image in the read image storage area in the second storage unit 310. The image reading unit 340 notifies the control unit 310 that reading of the inspection image has been completed.

[0073] Next, in step S206, the control unit 310 determines whether each page of the acquired document image is in a predetermined state in the reference image generation process. That is, after reading the image formed on the paper based on the test image, the control unit 310 determines whether the page is in a predetermined state in the reference image generation process. If the page is in a predetermined state in the reference image generation process, the control unit 310 cannot issue an image inspection instruction to the image inspection unit 350 because the test image inspection is not yet ready. Therefore, the image inspection unit 350 does not (cannot) inspect the test image when the page is in a predetermined state in the reference image generation process. If the page is in a predetermined state in the reference image generation process (step S206: YES), the control unit 310 ends the process (return). Specific examples of the predetermined state in the reference image generation process will be described later.

[0074] On the other hand, if the control unit 310 determines that the state is not a predetermined state in the reference image generation process (step S206: NO), the image inspection unit 350 compares the reference image with the scanned image to inspect the inspection image (step S207). The image inspection unit 350 notifies the control unit 310 of the inspection result.

[0075] 6, 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 enables 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.

[0076] [Parallel generation of reference image and formation of test image on paper] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, 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) 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) are performed in parallel. Note that in the same figure, the generation of the reference image for the third page (3P) and the formation of the inspection image for the first page (1P) are shown to start simultaneously, but this is not limited to this. 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 the same for subsequent pages.

[0077] [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.

[0078] 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 then an inspection image is formed on paper when printing preparations are complete, and the inspection image is inspected. Furthermore, because the generation of the reference image and the formation and inspection of the inspection image are performed in parallel, the time required for the process from the generation of the reference image to the image inspection can be shortened. As a result, the productivity of printed matter is improved.

[0079] Furthermore, control is performed so that inspection by the image inspection unit is not performed based on a predetermined condition that occurs in the reference image generation process, such as an inability to secure a storage area for storing the reference image, etc. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for processing from reference image generation to image inspection, while preventing or suppressing the occurrence of a situation in which inspection is performed before preparations for inspection of the inspection image are complete due to an abnormal condition in the reference image generation process.

[0080] <Specific examples of predetermined conditions in the reference image generation process> [Securing the first and second storage units] For example, a predetermined state in the reference image generation process may be a state in which a first storage unit cannot be allocated in image memory 314. Control unit 310 may be configured to not perform inspection by image inspection unit 350 when a first storage unit cannot be allocated in image memory 314. This prevents or suppresses a situation in which inspection is performed before the generated reference image can be saved in image memory 314. Control unit 310, for example, compares the remaining capacity of image memory 314 that can be used to save the reference image with the size of the expected reference image. Control unit 310 determines that a first storage unit can be allocated in image memory 314 when the remaining capacity of image memory 314 is equal to or greater than the size of the expected reference image. On the other hand, control unit 310 determines that a first storage unit cannot be allocated in image memory 314 when the remaining capacity of image memory 314 is less than the size of the reference image.

[0081] Another example of a predetermined state in the reference image generation process is when a second storage unit cannot be allocated in image memory 314. Control unit 310 can be configured to not perform inspection by image inspection unit 350 if a second storage unit cannot be allocated in image memory 314. This can prevent or suppress situations in which inspection is performed without being able to save the generated scanned image. Control unit 310, for example, compares the remaining capacity of image memory 314 that can be used to save scanned images with the size of the expected scanned image. Control unit 310 determines that a second storage unit can be allocated in image memory 314 if the remaining capacity of image memory 314 is equal to or greater than the size of the expected scanned image. On the other hand, control unit 310 determines that a second storage unit cannot be allocated in image memory 314 if the remaining capacity of image memory 314 is less than the size of the reference image.

[0082] [Generate reference image] Furthermore, a predetermined state in the reference image generation process may be a state in which the generation status of the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined condition. The reference image generation process may include a step of determining whether the generation status of the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit 380 satisfies a predetermined condition. The control unit 310 may be configured to not perform inspection by the image inspection unit 350 when the generation status of the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined condition. Examples of a state in which the generation status of the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined condition include a state in which no reference image has been generated, a state in which the percentage of reference images generated at a certain point in the reference image generation process is less than a predetermined percentage, or a state in which the generation speed of the reference images is less than a predetermined speed. In a state in which the percentage of reference images generated is less than a predetermined percentage or a state in which the generation speed of the reference images is less than a predetermined speed, if the generation of the reference images continues, it is expected that the generation of the reference images will not be in time for the inspection of the inspection images. If it is expected that the generation of the reference images will not be in time for the inspection of the inspection images, the control unit 310 may control the image inspection unit 350 not to perform inspection.

[0083] [Storage of reference image in first storage unit] Furthermore, a predetermined state in the reference image generating step may be a state in which the reference image is not stored in the first storage unit. The reference image generating step may include a step of determining whether the reference image generated by the reference image generating unit 380 is stored in the first storage unit. The control unit 310 may be configured not to perform inspection by the image inspection unit 350 when the reference image is not stored in the first storage unit.

[0084] [Transmission of reference image to first storage unit] Furthermore, a predetermined state in the reference image generation step is a state in which a document image (page image) for each page based on the print job is not sent to the first storage unit. The reference image generation step may include a step of sending a page image based on the print job to the first storage unit. The control unit 310 may be configured not to perform inspection by the image inspection unit 350 when a page image based on the print job is not sent to the first storage unit.

[0085] [Delete the reference image and scanned image] Furthermore, a predetermined state in the reference image generating step may be a state in which a reference image corresponding to a previously inspected inspection image has not been erased. The reference image generating step may include a step of erasing the reference image stored in the first storage unit. For example, the control unit 310 may be configured to prevent the image inspection unit 350 from inspecting the kth page (first page) if the reference image of the jth page (second page) has not been erased from the first storage unit before the kth page (first page) is inspected by the image inspection unit 350. The jth page is a page inspected by the image inspection unit 350 before the kth page. The jth page may be the page immediately before the kth page. Alternatively, the jth page may be the page stored earliest among the pages stored in the first storage unit.

[0086] Furthermore, an example of a predetermined state in the reference image generation step is a state in which the scanned image of a previously inspected inspection image has not been erased. The reference image generation step may include a step of erasing the scanned image stored in the second storage unit. For example, the control unit 310 may be configured to prevent the image inspection unit 350 from inspecting the kth page (first page) if the scanned image of the jth page (second page) has not been erased from the second storage unit before the kth page (first page) is inspected by the image inspection unit 350. The jth page is a page inspected by the image inspection unit 350 before the kth page. The jth page may be the page one page before the kth page. Alternatively, the jth page may be the page stored earliest among the pages stored in the second storage unit.

[0087] <print job> As described above, when image forming system 300 receives a print job and the inspection setting in the job information is on, it generates a reference image and forms an inspection image in parallel. Control unit 310 and print controller unit 320 control the generation of a reference image by reference image generation unit 380 and the formation of an inspection image by image formation unit 330 to be executed in parallel for one (same) print job.

[0088] Alternatively, the image forming system 300 may generate a reference image and form and inspect an inspection image using separate print jobs. The control unit 310 and the print controller unit 320 control the reference image generation process (reference image generation job) and the inspection process (inspection job) to be executed in parallel. Here, the reference image generation process includes the generation of a reference image by the reference image generation unit 380. The inspection process includes the formation of an inspection image on paper by the image forming unit 330 and the image inspection unit 350 inspecting the scanned image generated by scanning the paper on which the inspection image is formed. For example, the reference image generation process may be executed by a CPU other than the image control CPU 311, and the inspection process may be executed by the image control CPU 311. Alternatively, if the control unit 310 has a multi-core CPU, the reference image generation process and the inspection process may be assigned to separate cores, and these cores may execute the reference image generation process and the inspection process in parallel.

[0089] As described above, the image forming system, 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.

[0090] For example, in the above embodiment, the control unit 310 is responsible for instructing the reference image generation unit 380 to generate a reference image, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the scanner control unit 342 or the image inspection control unit 351 may be configured to instruct the reference image generation unit 380 to generate a reference image. Furthermore, the reference image generation unit 380 may be mounted on the image reading unit 340 or the image inspection unit 350.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first and second storage units are stored in the image memory 314 of the control unit 310. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first and second storage units may be configured to be stored in memory within the scanner control unit 342 or the image inspection control unit 351. For example, the image inspection unit 350 may be configured such that the image inspection control unit 351 functions as an image acquisition unit that acquires the reference image and the read image, and stores the reference image and the read image in the first and second storage units stored within the image inspection control unit 351, respectively. The image inspection unit 350 can also function independently as an image inspection device by inspecting the read image stored in the second storage unit based on the reference image stored in the first storage unit.

[0092] Furthermore, 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. For example, the image reading device 333 uses a scanner to read an original transported to a predetermined reading position by an automatic document feeder, and generates image data.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] While embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are made for purposes of illustration and example only and are not intended to be limiting, and the scope of the present invention should be construed by the language of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 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, 323 DRAM control IC, 324 image memory (DRAM), 325 Communications Control Section, 326 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, 400 communication lines.

Claims

1. a reference image generating unit that generates a reference image used for inspecting an image formed on a recording medium; an image inspection unit that inspects an inspection target image generated by reading the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; a control unit that controls the image inspection unit not to perform inspection based on a predetermined state that occurs in the reference image generation step; An image inspection system comprising:

2. further comprising an image forming unit that forms the image on the recording medium, The image inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the reference image generation step and the image formation step by the image formation unit so as to be performed in parallel.

3. a first storage unit that stores the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit; the generating step of the reference image includes a step of reserving the first storage unit in a storage device; The image inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit does not perform inspection by the image inspection unit when the first storage unit cannot be secured as the predetermined state.

4. the reference image generating step includes a step of determining whether a generation condition of the reference image generated by the reference image generating unit satisfies a predetermined condition; The image inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit does not perform inspection by the image inspection unit when the generation status of the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined status as the predetermined state.

5. a first storage unit that stores the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit; the generating step of the reference image includes a step of determining whether the reference image generated by the reference image generating unit is stored in the first storage unit; The image inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit does not perform inspection by the image inspection unit when the reference image is not stored in the first storage unit as the predetermined state.

6. a first storage unit that stores the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit; a job acquisition unit that acquires a job for forming the image on the recording medium, the generating step of the reference image includes a step of transmitting a page image based on the job to the first storage unit; The image inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit does not perform inspection by the image inspection unit when the predetermined state is that a page image based on the job is not transmitted to the first storage unit.

7. a first storage unit that stores the reference image generated by the reference image generation unit; a deletion unit that deletes the reference image stored in the first storage unit, the generating step of the reference image includes a step of deleting the reference image stored in the first storage unit, The image inspection system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit does not perform inspection by the image inspection unit when, as the specified state, a reference image of a second page that was inspected by the image inspection unit before the inspection of the first page by the image inspection unit has not been erased from the first memory unit before the inspection of the first page by the image inspection unit.

8. an image acquisition unit that acquires a reference image used for inspecting an image formed on a recording medium, the reference image being generated by a reference image generation unit, and an inspection target image generated by reading the image formed on the recording medium; an image inspection unit that inspects the inspection target image based on the reference image; and a control unit that controls the image inspection unit not to perform inspection based on a predetermined state that occurs in the reference image generation process.

9. (a) generating a reference image to be used for inspecting an image formed on a recording medium; and (b) inspecting an inspection target image generated by reading the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, An image inspection method, wherein the inspection in step (b) is not performed based on a predetermined state that occurs in the step of generating the reference image.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step (c) of forming the image on the recording medium; 10. The image inspection method according to claim 9, wherein the reference image generating step and the image forming step in step (c) are controlled to be performed in parallel.

11. The method further includes a step (d) of storing the reference image generated in the step (a) in a first storage unit; the generating step of the reference image includes a step of reserving the first storage unit in a storage device; 11. The image inspection method according to claim 9, wherein when the first storage unit cannot be secured as the predetermined state, the inspection in step (b) is not performed.

12. The step of generating the reference image includes a step of determining whether or not the generation status of the reference image generated in step (a) satisfies a predetermined status; 11. The image inspection method according to claim 9, wherein the inspection in step (b) is not performed if the generation status of the reference image does not satisfy the predetermined status as the predetermined status.

13. The method further includes a step (d) of storing the reference image generated in the step (a) in a first storage unit; the generating step of the reference image includes a step of determining whether the reference image generated in the step (a) is stored in the first storage unit; 11. The image inspection method according to claim 9, wherein when the reference image is not stored in the first storage unit as the predetermined state, the inspection in step (b) is not performed.

14. A step (d) of storing the reference image generated in the step (a) in a first storage unit; and (e) acquiring a job for forming the image on the recording medium, the generating step of the reference image includes a step of transmitting a page image based on the job to the first storage unit; 11. The image inspection method according to claim 9, wherein the inspection in step (b) is not performed when the predetermined state is that no page image based on the job is transmitted to the first storage unit.

15. A step (d) of storing the reference image generated in the step (a) in a first storage unit; and (e) deleting the reference image stored in the first storage unit, the generating step of the reference image includes a step of deleting the reference image stored in the first storage unit, 11. The image inspection method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the predetermined state in step (b) is such that no inspection is performed if a reference image of a second page that was inspected before the first page has not been erased from the first memory unit before the inspection of the first page.

16. A step (a) of acquiring a reference image used for inspecting an image formed on a recording medium, the reference image being generated by a reference image generating unit, and an image to be inspected being generated by reading the image formed on the recording medium; and (b) inspecting the inspection target image based on the reference image, An image inspection method, wherein control is performed so that the inspection in step (b) is not performed based on a predetermined state that occurs in the reference image generation process.

17. a step (a) of generating a reference image to be used for inspecting an image formed on a recording medium; and (b) inspecting an inspection target image generated by reading the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image, An image inspection program for causing a computer to execute a process in which the inspection in step (b) is not performed based on a predetermined state that occurs in the reference image generation process.

18. The method further comprises the step (c) of forming the image on the recording medium, 18. The image inspection program according to claim 17, wherein the reference image generating step and the image forming step in the procedure (c) are controlled to be performed in parallel.

19. The method further includes a step (d) of storing the reference image generated in the step (a) in a first storage unit, the generating step of the reference image includes a step of reserving the first storage unit in a storage device; 19. The image inspection program according to claim 17, wherein when the first storage unit cannot be secured as the predetermined state, the inspection in the step (b) is not performed.

20. The step of generating the reference image includes a step of determining whether or not the generation status of the reference image generated in the step (a) satisfies a predetermined status; 19. The image inspection program according to claim 17, wherein the inspection in step (b) is not performed when the generation status of the reference image does not satisfy a predetermined status as the predetermined status.

21. The method further includes a step (d) of storing the reference image generated in the step (a) in a first storage unit, the generating step of the reference image includes a step of determining whether the reference image generated in the step (a) is stored in the first storage unit; 19. The image inspection program according to claim 17, wherein when the reference image is not stored in the first storage unit as the predetermined state, the inspection in the step (b) is not performed.

22. A step (d) of storing the reference image generated in the step (a) in a first storage unit; and (e) acquiring a job for forming the image on the recording medium, the generating step of the reference image includes a step of transmitting a page image based on the job to the first storage unit; 19. The image inspection program according to claim 17, wherein the inspection in step (b) is not performed when a page image based on the job is not transmitted to the first storage unit as the predetermined state.

23. A step (d) of storing the reference image generated in the step (a) in a first storage unit; and (e) deleting the reference image stored in the first storage unit, the generating step of the reference image includes a step of deleting the reference image stored in the first storage unit, 19. The image inspection program of claim 17 or 18, wherein the predetermined state is such that in step (b), inspection is not performed if a reference image of a second page that was inspected before the first page has not been erased from the first memory unit before inspection of the first page.

24. A step (a) of obtaining a reference image used for inspecting an image formed on a recording medium, the reference image being generated by a reference image generating unit, and an image to be inspected being generated by reading the image formed on the recording medium; and (b) inspecting the inspection target image based on the reference image, an image inspection program that controls so as not to perform the inspection in step (b) based on a predetermined state that occurs in the reference image generation process;

Images